The Vampire And The Virgin By: Kerrelyn Sparks (Book Review)

 ***This review will contain spoilers***

Summary:

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 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 . . .

This is Kerrelyn Sparks' eight book in the Love at Stake series of hers. I have read the first one, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, which I was not a big fan of because it was one of those romance novels without too much plot and overall I didn't like her style of writing. I actually bought this book (The Vampire and The Virgin) 15-20 years ago and haven't read it until now. I was planning on buying the rest of the series but after the first one being a little painful to finish I scratched that idea. I am happy to state that this book is a million times better than the first one. You would think with the title it would be a cheesy story and a disgusting love fest but alas! I was pleasantly surprised how well done this story was and had multiple plot lines. 

I loved the juxtaposition of Robby and Olivia, one is a vampire warrior that fights with his hands while another is a FBI agent who fights crimes with her mind and an impressive empathic gift. They are polar opposites but yet come together in the name of love. Robby vowed to never see a therapist and yet his beautiful Greek goddess is one....the irony of it all is so good. One of my favourite parts of this book is the slow burn. It's not like all reason went out the window and she fell in love and spread her legs out saying "Take me" this book is definitely an upgrade to the first one. 

Another thing that really sold the whole slow burn between Robby and Olivia was them getting to know each other before sleeping together. Now I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with sleeping with a gorgeous vampire right away in these novels, however, it is nice where they actually get to know each other instead of jumping into the sack and the book becoming all about sex and less about how these two individuals found each other and want happily ever after together...literally. 

At the start of the book, Robby only wanted to enact his revenge on Casimir for torturing him but then he meets Olivia and slowly by slowly he realizes that his thirst for revenge pales in comparison to the love he has for Olivia. When he has the chance to attack Casimir he instead leaves to protect Olivia and help kill the serial killer and rapist that was obsessed with her. 

One random thing I did want to mention that bugged me a little bit was the cover art. The vampire who is supposed to be Robby looks nothing like he is described. It would have been nice if they could've gotten a red/ginger haired model in place of who was used for the cover. If you're going to be specific about what a character looks like then maybe use a model that looks similar.

Rating:

5 stars on 5! I loved this book so much and it's such a surprise because I decided to read this one as a break between two series I've been reading and ended up really enjoying it. I wish that Sparks Love at Stake series wouldn't showcase one couple per book but instead focusing on a singular couple, especially, Robby and Olivia since they are so well suited for each other. I'm happy this book redeemed the series.