Vamps and the City

Although some people might enjoy the benefits of being a vampire (can you say live forever and superhuman strength?), Darcy Newhart did not. Four years ago, she lost her job, her family, and her freedom (not to mention her life) when she was turned without her consent. Yet things are looking up. Now that Roman Draganesti, the Master of the harem to which she belonged (how medieval is that?!), was engaged to a mortal woman, she has the chance to change her life (okay, afterlife). Contacting the Digital Vampire Network (DVN for short), she pitches a new show and is hired to direct the first Vampire reality show: The Sexiest Man on Earth. Using five of the female vampires from Roman's harem as judges and a combination of vampire and human (talk about ratings boosts!) contestants, she sets out to create a hit as well as a new life for herself. Yet what happens when she can't resist one of the mortal contestants? Will she risk her new job and life for him? Austin Erickson (AKA Adam on The Sexiest Man on Earth) is actually an undercover CIA operative working to gather information about vampires. With his off-the-chart psychic abilities, he's able to infiltrate the enemy's lair (so what if it's a luxurious penthouse?), gather information (including photos of the gorgeous Darcy), and prepare to rid the world of a few evil vamps. Yet once he really gets to know Darcy, he realizes he may just be falling in love with her. Can he compete with the vampire contestants long enough for him and Darcy to decide just what to do about their relationship...and his vampire slaying job? How did I ever miss this series? Kerrelyn Sparks has created a wacky, witty, wonderful world in Vamps and the City. The characters are fresh and most definitely unique and the story is so much more that what you'd expect. On one level there is the romance that builds between Darcy and Austin. Both know that nothing can come of it yet neither can resist the pull between them. They each get into quite a few escapades while trying to deny their feelings and jumping each other's bones. On top of that, there is the growth of the harem vampires who learn to value their self worth. Their outlooks on life, sex and masters will leave you laughing out loud and have you cheering for them. Finally, the shift in prejudices between both the vamps and the humans is skillfully woven into this lighthearted reality spoof. I can easily recommend Vamps in the City as one book that you won't want to put down. Not only that, it will leave you eagerly anticipating the next story in the series. Georgia Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

This story revolves around the DVN, or Digital Vampire Network, a television station with shows like "All My Vampires" and "General Morgue" and stars by the name of Don Orlando de Corazon and Corky Courrant. The Heroine Darcy, is part of the harem, (girls previously belonging to Roman, who found love in the last book, and are now between Masters and in desperate want of one). Darcy was turned 4 years ago, she's a very modern thinking woman who lost everything when she was turned, by Connor, one of the many yummy Highlanders that provide security, all in full Highland garb; kilts, wooden dirks, and sexy long hair. Darcy is hired on by the DVN to produce a new show called "The Sexiest Man on Earth." Where the winner will receive a cash prize and the harem. There's a tense vampire war brewing, we have CIA Vampire Hunter's who call themselves the "Stake-Out" team who think all Vamps are demons in need of killing, in which our hero Austin is a member. Using the name Adam he becomes a contestant on the show to gather information but really to get close to Darcy, he's convinced that she's human and being held against her will. I have to admit that I thought that there was a lot more chemistry between Darcy and Connor the Highlander, but hey, I didn't get a vote. And Austin was a good 2nd. This really is a fun series. Yes, some say it's full of "Vamp clichés," but I'm not picky when it comes to that. Part of liking Vamp books, I expect the basics, no reflections and all that. The author has done a great job with all of the elements that she incorporates in this series. It's a mixture of perilous situations with a lot of comic relief. We have the "Malcontents" who prey on humans and usually rape and murder their victims, and the good law abiding Vamps who all just seem miserable with their lot in life. They don't want to be Vampires and that's the one thing that I don't like about the series. When an author goes this route, showing us that their ashamed and disgusted with their natural biting instincts and inventing Vampire Fusion Cuisine drinks like "Chocolood" (blood mixed with chocolate) it takes the romance out of Vampirism and in turn, tends to make their dining experiences a bit disgusting to read. When our heroine has her "Blood lust" moment after being intimate with Austin, with the hissing and red eyes we all cringe. I prefer it when the author can write the scene in a way that any level headed girl would want to get in line to be next. The Hero Roman from the first in the series "How to Marry a Vampire Millionaire" is a Scientist (once a Monk before being attacked and turned) and is constantly working on formulas and ways for them to be "normal" again. So, it was weird in the first that the heroine Shanna did not want to become a Vampire ever, under any circumstances, but has decided to marry Roman, who is happy to have her for however long he can. I will probably continue with the series because of the Characters we have met thus far, but I

Darcy Newhart has created a show to turn the vampire world upside down. The Sexiest Man on Earth--the first reality TV show where vampires and mortals compete. However, one contestant, Austin, keeps distracting Darcy making him her vote as the sexiest man on earth. Can she produce a winning show and remain a professional where Austin is concerned? Austin's beliefs are turned upside down when he enters the Sexiest Man on Earth contest. Working undercover never bothered him before but he's no sure who is right and who is wrong. Ms. Sparks continues to to delight in this novel. A thoroughly enjoyable read for those who like the lighter side of vampires. Bravo, Ms. Sparks! I look forward to your next book.

The anticipated sequel to HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE VAMPIRE is even more hilarious than its predecessor! Austin Erickson believes all vampires are evil and must die. As a member of the CIA's Stake-Out team, the vampire slayer agrees to go undercover at the Digital Vampire Network (DVN). Darcy Newhart, former television reporter and now one of the undead, has devised the perfect program for DVN- The Sexiest Man on Earth contest. Vampire and mortal men will compete against one another for cash and to be master of Roman Draganesti's ex-harem (all of whom are temporarily residing with vampire Gregori and driving him absolutely nuts!). No one will know who is vampire and who is mortal except for Darcy and her staff. Austin gets a berth on the show but what will happen if he actually wins? And how will Darcy cope with her growing attraction to a mortal who detests vampires? From start to finish, Kerrelyn Sparks has written a story that will have readers laughing at scenes long after finishing the book. She again demonstrates her ingenuity with the portraits of the candidates on the reality show and the manner in which the candidate is revealed as mortal or vampire. Darcy and Austin are very strong characters who are polar opposites when it comes to their beliefs about vampires. Darcy is still struggling with the vampire lifestyle and dreams of seeing the sun again while Austin is torn between his growing love for Darcy and his loyalty to the Stake-Out team. Their love story is one readers will relate to as they must learn to accept one another's differences. The harem is the true highlight of this novel, however. Between Cora Lee and her ridiculous hoop skirts and Lady Pamela's snootiness, the harem kept this reviewer in stitches with their antics. Darcy drags the reluctant harem into the modern world, helping them develop not only their sense of style but also teaching them that they are intelligent women capable of making their own decisions. Overall, this is a novel that is sure to delight readers! COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

Former TV journalist Darcy Newhart detests being a vampire as she can no longer see herself in a mirror or have her picture taken by a non-digital camera. However, thanks to the information age, she has been selected to direct a new reality show on the Digital Vampire Network, The Sexiest Man on Earth. The contestants, some humans and some vampires compete for the title since digital cameras enable vampires to show up on the screen with the prize being the vampiric harem of Roman Dragnesti (see HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE VAMPIRE). CIA Stake-Out Agent and psychic Austin Erickson goes undercover as a contestant with the objective being to destroy this rat's nest of killing vampires. However, Austin finds himself attracted to the director of the show who seems nice and caring not bloody and murderous as his superior Sean Whelan insists all vampires are. As Darcy and Austin fall in love, she rejects any permanent relationship since she still struggles with being a creature of the night and unsure of star-crossed partnering with mortals. VAMPS AND THE CITY sparkles with humor, suspense, and romance. The story line is fun not just because of the antics of the lead duet; the five vamps first prize consists of delightful interesting individuals whose differences add to the overall plot as readers wonder who will the harem. Vampire romance fans will appreciate this refreshing tale and look forward to more as the confrontation with the evil vampires remains unsettled. Harriet Klausner