The Vampire and the Virgin (Love at Stake, Book 8) [Mass Market Paperback]

Kerrelyn Sparks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 9, 2010

Olivia's packing list:

1. Sunscreen
2. Bathing suit
3. Flip-flops

FBI psychologist Olivia Sotiris was looking for a cool ocean breeze, sand between her toes, and a break from her crazy, chaotic, and sometimes all-too-dangerous life. But when she escaped to the small Greek island of Patmos, all she got were meddling grandmothers trying to marry her off. Can't they see that none of the men around interests her—except Robby MacKay?

Robby's packing list:

1. Synthetic blood
2. More synthetic blood
3. Jogging clothes
(even vamps have to stay in shape!)

Robby needs to cool off, too, since all he can think about is revenge on the Malcontent bloodsuckers who once held him captive—but then he meets Olivia, the beauty with wild curls and a tempting smile. When a deadly criminal from a case back home tracks her down, Robby will have to save her life—along with giving her a first time she'll never forget . . .

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kerrelyn Sparks is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Love at Stake series. Each book in the series has landed on the USA Today bestseller list, but when the fourth book, The Undead Next Door, jumped onto the New York Times list at #14, even the Undead sat up and took notice. That same book was nominated (not by the Undead) for the RITA^® Award for best paranormal romance of 2008.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon; First Edition edition (March 9, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061667862
• ISBN-13: 978-0061667862
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #262,657 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kerrelyn Sparks is the New York Times bestselling author of the Love at Stake series. Her heroes are generally fanged or furry, but never suffer from cavities or fur balls. And in spite of a tendency to nibble or howl at the moon, they're still wonderfully romantic. Please feel free to visit www.kerrelynsparks.com where you can read excerpts, play vampire games, join the forum, or send Kerrelyn an e-mail. She loves hearing from readers!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ignore the cover., March 15, 2010

By 

Oliva (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Vampire and the Virgin (Love at Stake, Book 8) (Mass Market Paperback)

Robby is suffering from post-traumatic stress after being captured and tortured by the Malcontents. Although most of his physical wounds have healed he is so full of anger and vengeance that he has become a liability to himself and others. He refuses to talk to a shrink so he is forced by his boss, who is also his great-great-grandfather, to take 4 months off to heal physically and mentally before retuning back to work. He spends this time at one of Roman and Shanna's homes in Greece.

Olivia works for the FBI and is somehow being stalked by a serial killer that is in prison. Olivia is also taking some forced time off from work at her grandmothers house in Greece. She arrives 3 weeks before Robby is ready to return to New York. Both her and her grandmother have the ability to read peoples emotions and can tell when someone is lying. Neither one of them can read Robby. Although Olivia's attraction to Robby is immediate, not being able to read his emotions both thrill and frighten her.

This book was not as humorous as the prior books in the Love at Stake series however I still found myself giggling and grinning often. As always, the support characters are a treat and add immensely to the story. Carlos was a hoot. Personally, I loved all the "catty" comments! I also enjoy the way the vampires tease each other relentlessly.

The mystery/suspense part was a little dark with the serial killer. Kind of creepy actually. Not having Casmir as the main focus was a relief. I mean really, how many times can this Casmir guy continue to get away before the readers give up hope? The romance was on the back-burner for too much of the story. I would have enjoyed more Robby & Olivia time. Overall I enjoyed the book and absolutely LOVE this series.

Side note: I understand the author has no say in the cover however I feel I must point out that Robby is Scottish with reddish-brown hair and green eyes. Where did the ghostie zombie lookin guy on the cover come from? Yikes.

The books in this series, in order, and who the love interest are:

How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire (Love at Stake, Book 1) Shanna & Roman
Vamps and the City (Love at Stake, Book 2) Darcy & Austin
Be Still My Vampire Heart (Love at Stake, Book 3) Emma & Angus
The Undead Next Door (Love at Stake, Book 4) Heather & Jean-Luc
All I Want for Christmas Is a Vampire (Love at Stake, Book 5) Toni & Ian
Secret Life of a Vampire (Love at Stake, Book 6) Lara & Jack
Forbidden Nights with a Vampire (Love at Stake, Book 7) Vanda & Phil

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Why make this book look cheesy on purpose?, March 17, 2010

By 

S. McCullough "pacey1927" (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Vampire and the Virgin (Love at Stake, Book 8) (Mass Market Paperback)

I love this series, and I believe that Sparks is the best author as far as paranormal romance stories go (example: She is way more original and entertaining than most of the authors who write primarily love story/romances with a little fang thrown in. (For example: Lynsay Sands who is getting predictable). The "Love at Stake" series has a fairly unique plot for each book, and the characters are fabulous. I love that we continue to regularly see previous 'stars'. However, this cover is just kooky. The cover is embarrassing to be seen with, and the vampire is completely not Robby, the red headed Scottish security guard. I have to say this gentleman does look much more handsome on the inside flap! Still though, not Robby. I didn't care for the over-the-top sounding name of the book either and its a shame since its inner content was so much fun to read. I think the "Love at Stake" series does succeed because Sparks is so innovative in the backgrounds she gives her characters and their personalities do shine through. The bigger plot of the war with the Malcontents is a great way to keep readers coming back for more. I for one want to see it when these evil vampires get thier due. Olivia is a good girl, and I thought she was a great match for Robby and the 'virgin' line waws well handled and didn't seem unrealistic. I just wish it wasn't a banner announcement in the book title! If you are a lover of things paranormal and don't mind a romance heavy plot, the "Love at Stake" series is darn close to the best out there and I highly recommend picking up the excellent first book in the series that started this all!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great bath time book!, May 15, 2010

By 

mamichula0883 - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Vampire and the Virgin (Love at Stake, Book 8) (Mass Market Paperback)

I loved this book! Yes i agree with some of the reviews that the whole FBI angle wasnt the best but the book falls in line with the other Love at Stake books and is a total must read! Loved it! Very romantic and I loved the Greek feel to the book.