Kerrelyn Sparks, Love At Stake Series

Hello, Kerrelyn. Thank you so much for joining us today to talk about your Love At Stake series. Here comes the gushing part – I love, love, love all of your characters and your stories. I’ve re-read your books many times and I still laugh each time I read one, and if I can figure out how to get Roman away from Shanna, he’s mine!

Your first novel For Love or Country was a historical romance novel, and cleverly incorporated what could only be called period appropriate spy gadgets which your hero uses in spying on the British just prior to the Revolutionary War. What made you switch from historicals to paranormal?

I found it extremely difficult to sell an American-set historical to any of the big publishing houses. If you take a look at historical romances in the bookstores, you’ll see that most of them are set in the British Isles. When I thought about my favorite historicals like Knight in Shining Armor or Outlander, I realized it was actually the paranormal element in them that I loved. So I thought, why not give paranormal romance a try? I’m so glad I did! I love writing vampires, because it feels like I’m still writing historical heroes. But the poor guys find themselves in a modern setting, struggling to understand a modern heroine who’s sassy and independent, and that makes for a lot of laughs.

I should add that my publisher, Avon Books, has recently agreed to publish that first book For Love or Country and its sequel as e-books. I’m so excited to be able to share those stories with my readers. I don’t know the dates yet for their release, so please check my website or Facebook page periodically for more information.

(Update:  For Love or Country eBook to be released on August 7th.)

I watched a live video book reading that you attended and you mentioned that you didn’t have the nerve to write How to Marry a Vampire Millionaire until one night you were very sick and you were taking a lot of Nyquil. Do you still get nervous when you start of new story or is it now same-old, same-old, no big deal?

Ha! The Nyquil story! Yes, after writing historicals, I was worried that I couldn’t pull off the necessary contemporary voice for a modern-day paranormal. Even though I had the idea for How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, I was afraid to write it until I came down with the flu and was zonked out on Nyquil. Since then, I am happy to say that I’ve completed twelve books in the series without the aid of medication. But do I still get nervous when it’s time to start a new book? Oh gosh, yes. It’s very intimidating to look at a blank computer screen and struggle to get through page one, knowing there are 400 more pages to go.

I absolutely loved Sexiest Vampire Alive, Gregori is one of my favorite characters (after my love, Roman). Now, I am so happy that your next book being released on March 27th features Phineas. His character has been such a treat. You mention in your books that he’s a young Denzel Washington, but I always saw him as more like Chris Tucker. He’s just so funny. Can you tell us a little about his story and the woman who finally wins the heart of the “Love Doctor”?

I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed Phineas. He’s one of my favorite characters, too. He’s my hero in the making. Whereas most of the heroes are hundreds of years old and set in their ways, Phineas is young and changing. It’s the change he’s going through that makes him so interesting. If he’d been perfect from the beginning, he would have been boring, and as a writer, I’d have nowhere to go with him. But his journey from a poor kid from the Bronx to a mature vampire hero—that makes him a guy we can cheer for.

His book, Wanted: Undead or Alive, comes out March 27th. In the book before that, Gregori was busy doing damage control over the video that Corky Courrant released. Now that he’s done, it’s time for the Vamps to go after Corky and make her pay for the crime of betraying the vampire world. Most of the Vamps go to Eastern Europe and Russia to look for Corky, assuming that she’ll hide out with the Malcontents there. Phineas is left behind to mind the fort at Romatech. When a clue comes in that Corky might be hiding in Wyoming, Phineas has to check it out. But who can he find to help him? How about that werewolf princess, Brynley Jones, who’s an expert on Wyoming? She can teach a city boy like Phineas how to ride a horse and track down an evil vampire. And since she’s a shifter, she can guard him during the day. If she doesn’t kill him. Because to Brynley, all vampires are evil, especially Phineas, since he fills her with a desire she doesn’t want to acknowledge.

Fess up! Who is your favorite character of the series?

I love them all! I have to confess that I love the heroes a bit more than the heroines. I relate to the heroines the most, because I live in their minds and hearts while I’m writing each book. And when they’re falling in love with the hero, I am, too. So my favorite character is the hero that I happen to be writing at the time. I fall madly in love with him, but when the next book comes along, I fall for the new hero. I’m very fickle that way!

Can you give a hint about which characters we can anticipate seeing more of in the future? (We’ll keep it between us 😉 )

Well, since I’m madly in love with the hero I’m currently writing, I can tell you who he is. Howard Barr, the were-bear. My gosh, I never realized what a rascal he was! Not only will he say something naughty, but he does it with a smile. Naughty, naughty man!

One last question…I work in White Plains, NY, and I have been searching for Romatech for quite awhile now and I am narrowing down the possibilities…is it this big white building with the black windows on Westchester Avenue?? Now that there are no leaves on the trees I can finally see it, but I just can’t find the entrance. Am I hot or cold?? (Watch out Shanna – he will be mine!)

Ha! I love it! If I gave out the location, they might be flooded with job applications. And everyone would be asking to work the night shift! Actually, I believe Roman does need an office manager. Shanna stole his last one!

(Note to self: Break in, bring resume!! 😮 )

Thank you so much for talking to us. I know you definitely need to get back to your writing since we can’t wait to read the next awesome Love At Stake story.

Thank you for inviting me, Lucy! It’s been fun! And for my readers, if you haven’t read the excerpt yet from Phineas’s story, please check it out on my website, www.kerrelynsparks.com! And take a look at the Appearances page, too, to see if I’m touring near you. Thank you!

Read some of our Love At Stake Review — Including Wanted: Undead or Alive!

How to Marry a Vampire Millionaire
Sexiest Vampire Alive
Wanted: Undead or Alive

Kerrelyn Sparks’ first paranormal romance, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, zoomed out of the bat cave so fast it became Borders bestselling debut romance of 2005.   Each book in the Love at Stake series has become a USAToday bestseller.  When the fourth book, The Undead Next Door,

landed on the New York Timesbestseller list, even the Undead sat up and took notice, which made Kerrelyn a bit nervous. She lives in the Greater Houston area with her husband, children, and a house full of garlic.  So far, there are no vampires in her family. Werewolves are another matter entirely.

103 responses to “Kerrelyn Sparks, Love At Stake Series”

  4. Mel K.

    Wow. I have so much to say. Kerrelyn, I always enjoy your interviews. And I love your LOVE AT STAKE series. Forget Houston, Plano, and Richardson! Come to Austin!
    I remember when FOR LOVE OR COUNTRY came out. I had a copy. It was fantastic!
    My ‘book boyfriend’ is and will always be Dracula. :-)=

    Mel K.
    Meljprincess AT aol DOT com

    Reply
  8. Renee

    My book boyfriend is Rourke from the JD Robb Dead series. He is an irsihman with a shady past and never too busy to please.

    Reply
  10. Jane Phillips

    Jack has always been my favorite. There are so many at second place!! But, I could read his over and over. His poor past and finally finding happiness is incredible. Thank you!!

    Reply
  11. Amy Medeiros

    My book boyfriend would have to be Malkom Slaine in Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole or Sheriff Sawyer in Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis.

    Reply
  12. Amy Collins

    My Book Boyfriend, Do I have to name just one?! (I know what a book whore! 😉 ) I would have to say……after careful consideration….Zasdist from J R Wards Black Dagger Brotherhood series! –Amy [email protected]

    Reply
  13. Katie

    Wow…book boyfriend? That is a tough one. BUT, since I have to choose to enter the contest? I’m taking Jericho Barrons from Karen Marie Moning’s fever series.

    Reply
  15. Debbie T

    I would have to say Carlos Panterra from your series. I love kids and so does he.He’s great with clothes and shoes but also awesome in bed!! Thanks for the contest
    blonde_mama_t (at)me(dot)com

    Reply
  16. Nicky

    I have 2 book boyfriends. Roarke from JD Robb In Death series (I see I have plenty competition for his affections on here) and Diaz from Cry No More by Linda Howard. They’re both so dark and sexy.

    Reply
  17. Megan Puckett Perry

    While I love Kerrelyn’s Heros in her books, I have to say that I am hopelessly in love with Quinn O’Connor. He’s the bad boy vampire from Keri Arthur’s Riley Jensen Series. Just love that hard headed man….

    Reply
  18. Nancy

    I’d have to say my ideal book boyfrienf would be Giacomo aka Jack from the “Secret Life Of A Vampire” But I think that being the 1st of Kerrelyn’s books that I read also causes me to favor him 😉

    Reply
  22. Heather

    Out of all Kerrelyn’s books this is the one I’m most excited about…I know I haven’t read his story but I’m going out on a limb and say Phineas is my book boyfriend…in every other book he’s been in he always makes me smile and laugh. Can’t wait to read his story.

    Reply
  23. Julie S.

    My book boyfriend would have to be Dimitri from the Vampire Academy, even though I think I’m probably older than him haha! Thanks for the awesome giveaway. I love this series – I’ve been working my way through it on audio and hope to catch up and see you at KBB next month!

    Reply
  24. Lori G.

    I Love all of Kerrelyns’ men!! But, I’ll have to say Acheron is my man, From Sherrilyn Kenyons series!! There is no man/vampire bigger and better than ACHERON!

    Reply
  26. EKG

    My book boyfriend has to be Ian MacPhie!! Love him, and his struggle to look older when so many of us just want to look younger!

    Reply
  28. Angie

    My favourite so far is Connor from VAMPIRE MINE. But I might change that now that Howard’s story is in the works. I’ve been wondering about that bear. Is he as cuddly as I want him to be?

    Reply
  29. Amy

    Book boyfriend… Robby… Love the series.. hard to pick just one guy they are all just so fantastic! Dont ever want the series to end!

    Reply
  30. Gail

    That’s a really hard question. I read almost constantly. (“What do you mean what’s for dinner???”) I think whoever I’m reading at the moment is my Book Boyfriend. Fickle-who, me???

    Reply
  32. WildAboutBones

    I so heart me some Love at Stake vampires. Just finished Wanted: Dead or Alive and it was so fabulous.

    If I can only have one book boyfriend it would have to be Bones from Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series. But there are so many more good ones listed here in these comments as well as others I’ve read.

    Reply
  33. Leah Gablenz

    I love all of the books. I am in the process of re reading the series again. I think my favorite is Jean Luc. He is so noble and feels his is not worthy of love. When he really is. I love the series Kerrelyn

    Reply
  35. Charlene Ballantyne

    I think I have to say all the heros in “The Love at Stake Series” are each wonderful in their light! However, deep down I am sucker for the guys in kilts & their Scottish brogue. I would have to say I have been dreaming of my book boyfriend”S” and it would to be a ménage à trois with Angus McKay from “Be Still my Vampire Heart” and Conner Buchanan from “Vampire Mine”. I could have them both all to myself. YES!!

    Reply
  37. cherie

    I would have to say them all cause they all sound anmazing I think having someone who speaks scottish is hot and sexy ^__^ that would be my dream book boyfriend who wouldn’t want that you know

    Reply
  38. Sabrina Ryan

    Ian is by far my favorite book boyfriend. Him and Eric Northman. Which are two totally different vampires. I have my good vamp and my bad vamp, depending on my mood.

    Reply
  39. Tonya Baker

    I love The Love at Stake Series and can’t wait to see what Phineas is going to get into but my all time favorite book boyfriend would have to be Bones from the Night Huntress Series. He kicks serious butt and still has time to please his women!!!

    Reply
  40. Brittany

    I’d have to say Angus from the Love at Stake series (i LOVE highlanders ; ] ) and Mencheres from Night huntress series by Jeaniene Frost.

    Reply
  42. Karla B.

    Book boyfriend that’s hard. Angus McKay – Be Still My Vampire Heart, Thrain Davis – Night Bites, Mikhail Dubrinsky – Dark Prince OR Roarke – In Death Series

    Reply
  43. helene tompkins

    Question how can anyone who has read just one of Ms.Sparks not get addicted to them and definley wait with bated breath for the next one , personally she’s one of my favorite authors and she is one of the reasons my platic is smokin , hey that’s my story and I’m sticking to it , OH and congrats on the new book 🙂

    Reply
  44. Toni D

    Hi Kerrelyn, I love all all your The Love at Stake Series and get wait to read Phineas’s book. My Book boyfriend with out a doubt would have to be Ian MacPhie! Who else since I’m Toni. LOL!

    Reply
  45. Amy

    My book boyfriend would Angus Mckay. I re read that book so many times. Trying to imagine myself as Emma, that the book itself has fell apart. Congrads on the new upcoming book.

    Amy Coleman

    Reply
  46. Destiny Young

    My book boyfriend would have to be Connor from VAMPIRE MINE, but any of the guys from the series would be a wonderful choice..

    Reply
  47. Kanya Chhet

    Since my first langage is french, my book boyfriend would have to be Jean-Luc Echarpe! I also have a thing for Ian and Angus too (but don’t tell Jean-Luc!).
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Kanya 🙂
    kanyachhetATyahooDOTca

    Reply
  48. Andie Wardlow

    Ooh this is a hard one!!! My first book boyfriend is Zsadist from JR Wards BDB. My second book boyfriend is Styx from Alexandra Ivys Guardians of Eternity series. My third book boyfriend is Jerrico Barrons from Karen Marie Monings Fever series. I love them all and can’t decide! Lol;)

    Reply
  50. michelle chun

    wow…so hard to choose…i love all the stories!!! cant wait for the new ones!!! so far, my favorite would be carlos’ story! i like him the most and then there’s jack who started me on this series!!! ^^

    Reply
  52. Lori Meyer

    I have a hard time choosing who my book boyfriend is, I have loved Edward Cullen forever but now that I’m into the Love at Stake series, I think Robbie is my book boyfriend or at least I wish he were. I thought he was so loving toward Olivia and at the same time fierce and honorable. He’s AWESOME! And the neat thing is his book was the first I read from this series too. But I’m reading from a lot of vampire series and have loves in all of them. Z from the BlackDaggerBrotherhood is also one I wouldn’t mind having as a book boyfriend.

    Reply
  53. Angie Burger

    Wow, thanks for another great contest. I love all Kerrelyn’s books, and its really hard to pick just one. I love them all as I am reading their stories, however, it seems I have a soft spot for the Scots, but out of them I have to say Connor is my guy. He is ruff and gruff on the outside, but so sweet and tender underneath. *sigh*
    Angie 😀

    Reply
  54. Melody Prater

    I have read everyone of your books and am in love with each one!! I always look forward to the next!
    Well if you are going to make me pick just one then it would have to be Roman Draganesti!! It goes back to the very beginning for me. But I love each one in it own. 🙂

    Reply
  55. Johanna Jochum

    Oh, I have many book boyfriends! Jean-Luc is one of my favorites from Love at Stake!!!! And, I can’t forget about Z from the BDB!!!! Wait, Mr. Darcy is a fav too! Way too many to list one! LOL Thanks for sharing with us!

    Reply
  56. Casey Wingler

    I have become addicted to the Love at Stake Series. I LOVE all the men in the books. I always say that my favorite is the one that I am reading at the time. I just keep reading them over and over!!! I cant decide, I love them all!!!! I find something intriguing about all of them. They are so DAMN SEXY! I honestly cant choose. I fall for whoever I am reading about at the time 😀

    Reply
  60. Sarah Geiger

    My book boyfriend is either Ex from M.L.N. Hanover’s The Black Sun’s Daughter Series, or Eric Night from The House of Night series, from the paranormal perspective. From the Classics, Mr. Darcy, hands down.

    Reply
  61. Jessica

    i go though book boyfriends pretty fast. whoever i’m currently reading is usually my interest. john mathew from j.r.ward’s black dagger brotherhood sticks with me alot. right now am reading karen moning fever series so i guess it’s barrons at the moment, though i’m not sure if that’s a good thing yet. out of kerrelyn sparks i most often think of jean luc.

    Reply
  62. Jessica Hartmann

    Well I have to say that my book boyfriend is defently from Kerrelyn’s Book and he is Zoltan… I absolutly love him…. He is always late with the ladies and he seems like a sweet man… I really love. Him….

    LOL Is he in the first book I wonder.

    Reply
  65. Kristi Lobdell-Golden

    My book dream man is non other than the sexy Conner. I’d give my eye teeth to run into that sexy kilted vampire!! Of course I’d rather just trade my eye teeth for fangs and an eternity in his embrace.

    Reply
  68. June M.

    My favorite book boyfriend from the Love At Stakes series would be Angus. I just love him, the brogue, the kilt, the naughty mind (LOL). And the way that he is such a good man, only wanting to protect others. From other series, I love Larissa Ione’s Wraith from the Demonica series (half-vamp + half-demon = Yummy!)

    I can’t wait to read more about Dr. Phang. I have loved his character since he first showed up in BE STILL MY VAMPIRE HEART –Angus’ story 🙂

    Reply
  69. Bonnie Bumgarner

    So many books and boy toys. Hard to choose. My first pick would be Ranger from the Stephanie Plum series by J.Evanovich. Roman for a hottie Vamp follows second.

    Reply
  70. Cindy Prince

    Truth be told, I felt in love with the Angus McKay from Scotland in Kerrelyn’s books – love those kilts!!

    Reply
  71. Dolores VanGordon

    The Love At Stake Series is one of my favorites series, and it is in fact the series that has made me fall head over heels for scottish men… And of course their kilts. To one book boyfriend is difficult, but mine would have to be Angus McKay and Jean-Luc Encharpe. Angus’s accent and the way he was gentle with her when he was trying to protect her was sweet. He is also so heartfelt. Jean-Luc on the other hand has a great french accent and is amazing with a foil, but what I liked most was his steps on how to thoroughly kiss a woman, which made me blush. He is also very loving. 🙂

    Reply
  72. Pat Cochran

    List me as one who can’t make a choice! The hero in
    whichever book I’m reading is my BB of the day! Among
    my special favorites are all of Anna Campbell’s heroes
    especially Kylemore. I’m currently reading a Victoria
    Alexander whose hero is Nicholas Harrington, so I guess
    he’s it for today!

    Reply
  74. Lisa Merkle

    It’s a toss up between Robby, Angus and Carlos. I just love the Scots but a Barzilian panther is ok with me too. I read them all at least 10 times. Just love them and can’t wait for the next one. Keep them coming.

    Reply
  75. Tracey

    Well, over all I would say Bones from Jeaniene Frost’s series but from the Love at Stake series I would have to be Robby.

    Reply
  77. Katie Dalton (I Smell Sheep)

    Uh well duh it’s Dougal! Love that Scottish rascal. 🙂 Kerrelyn knows of this deep desire (aka obsession) I have with the man. Looking forward to Howard’s book too!

    Don’t enter to me to win. Long time fan and owner of all things Sparks. Just showing some love for our Sheepy gal. xox

    Reply
  78. Chelsea Gouin

    Roman has always been my love. <3 As well as Erik from Phantom of the Opera…and to get really old-school…Sherlock Holmes. Loved him forever!

    Reply
  79. Kim

    What a wonderful interview. I really love this series. It’s just fun to read. As for my favorite book boyfriend I would have to go for Regina Jeffer’s Darcy in Vampire Darcy’s Desire. Of course I’ve been in love with Austen’s Darcy since childhood. I also love Angus McKay, Edward Cullen,Sebastian Wroth, Bones, Wrath……hmmmmm I’m seeing a distinct vampire pattern here. Lol. Maybe I should branch out a little.

    Reply
  80. Alison Panagulis

    Connor Buchanan, he became my favorite since the first book and now i hope for more and more of him in the future.

    Reply
  82. Sarah Trumbauer

    My book boyfriend hmmm… I can’t choose I would have to say it would be a three way tie between Angus, Conner, and Eric Northman from the Sookie Stackhouse novels. (But to be far, whatever book I am reading I usually have a book boyfriend in there somewhere lol.)

    Reply
  83. Amanda

    Roman stole my heart from the very first page. He will forever be my book boyfriend!! I think I have read his story a million times. I laugh every time and still feel my heart flutter at the mention of his name. 🙂

    Reply
  84. Jacqueline Hernandez

    My first book was Vampire Mine and Connor became my first book boyfriend and favorite. Even though I have to admit that through his story and because of his book I have gotten to know and fall in love with all the Vamps and Shifter, still there is something to say about your first book boyfriend. Connor is and always will be my love…

    Reply
  85. Joanne B

    My book boyfriend would have to be Graydon from Thea Harrison’s Elder Races series. He just makes me shiver and melt.

    e.balinski(at)attdot)net

    Reply
  86. Diana Gould

    Depends on the book I’m reading – right now he is Jamie Fraser from the Overlander series by Diana Gabaldon – he’s a very hot Scot! I also like Ranger from Janet Evanovitchs series.

    Reply
  87. Joni

    Angus McKay no doubt, I would melt like butter just listening to to that Scottish broque (however you spell it). My main man McKay is all there is to say!! teehee

    Reply
  89. Mariah

    For my “book boyfriend” I’d have to say Jean Luc. His is the first book in the Love at Stake series that I ever read, and a girl never forgets her first. (laugh) He’s everything I could ever want in a guy!

    Reply
  90. lisa

    my book boyfriend is Ian McPhie. I loved his story. I thought it was so painfully sweet what he went through so he could age and find true love like his friends.(not just so he could get some without having to use vampire mind control on the ladies). *sigh*

    Reply
  91. Cindy

    I love Edward forever and always. I also love Roman from the first love at stake book. I am so glad I found these books. The stories are so full of laughter, love and the pairings are so perfect. Each story is unique and I love to read about past couples in each new book. I hope you never run out of characters to write about with these stories.

    Reply
  92. Sherrill

    My book boyfriends are James MacLeod from Lynn Kurland’s Dance through Time & your Robby MacKay. love this series.

    Reply
  95. Clarice Salerno

    My book boyfriend is Ian Macphie…hes sooo sweet and innocent, yet so deliciously sexy >:)….So yeah definately him from All I want for Christmas is a Vampire…I LOVE the love at stake series..all of em…its true im completely addicted to the whole series…but ohhh what a delicious addiction to have >:)…jus sayin o/

    Reply
  96. Jackie

    My book boyfriend is JM from JR Ward’s BDB series, Strider from Gena Showalter’s LOTU and Ian…Yes I have 3 boyfriends 🙂

    Reply
  97. Ilke Zuleika

    Vishous, vishous, vishous and vishous, followed by zhadist, bdb junky even though i love kerrelyn’s guys aswell, angus has to be my favroute from her hero’s. o ja and eric the north man from the stackhouse novels hmm can’t a vampire just come and bite me *blushes*

    Reply
  98. Tina

    It’s a hard decision with those Scottish men!!! The red hair, the scottish accent… what’s not to love! 🙂 Angus MacKay was my fav… until I read Robby MacKay’s story.

    Reply

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