Vampires, vampires everywhere, but not a drop to drink. It seems like this year, the author of “Twilight” will be having a bloody good holiday. So once you’ve drained the entire series and are thirsty for more, you can take a look at Erin McCarthy’s “Vegas Vampire” series. You can fill up on the juicier, sexier details that are missing in “Twilight” with the vampire “paranormal romance” in McCarthy’s books. The first of the bloody series, “High Stakes: A Tale of Vegas Vampires,” was published back in January.
Perfect for the political buffs looking for a bit of romance, “High Stakes” is a fastpaced and witty mixture of political scandal and sexy twists set in Sin City. Ethan Carrick, president of the vampires, is up for reelection. With a nation of voters that have the ability to live forever, Ethan isn’t about to give up his powerful position. The way he sees it, the best way to clutch his voters is to keep up with modern times. His best bet is to have a lovely half-mortal wife to appease the younger voters and the new constituents, which makes the beautiful, sweet-tempered half-vampire dentist, Brittany Baldizzi, the perfect addition to his political bachelorhood. What makes the match even more perfect is that Brittany doesn’t know she is half-vampire, but she has an uncontrollable draw to the lifestyle. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with Ethan’s choices of bringing Brittany closer to the vampire life, especially Brittany’s overprotective older sister, Alexis Baldizzi, the all-human, sarcastic, fireball of a lawyer.
Since the setting is in a casino, Alexis “rescues” her sister from Ethan’s political clutches by making a deal. They agree that Brittany will step down as wife and the not-too-pleased Alexis will replace her as his new faux-girlfriend throughout the political campaign. Sensing a plot twist yet?
The story takes off when Alexis, who barely ever lost a case in her court battles, begins losing the war for her heart against Ethan. But Alexis won’t go down without a fight.Alexis and Ethan’s verbal sparring proves witty and full of sexual tension, eventually leading to some pretty saucy scenes (remember, McCarthy might have written a good plot, but it’s still a cheesy romance novel).
Moving the plot forward after Alexis karate kicks her way into Ethan’s vampiric “heart,” McCarthy doesn’t necessarily let Brittany pack up and go home after she’s cast aside by Ethan for her shorter, quirkier sister. Instead, Brittany wanders off and falls for a French vampire, who is in town as opposition to the presidency. Is it possible he is using Brittany for political gambling collateral or is he in love? Pick up “High Stakes” to find out what happens in the highest part of the vampire hierarchy.
“High Stakes” is definitely full of action, adventure and neck-gnawing sex, enough to keep vampire fans fangs hungry for more bite. And moreover, in the ever-increasing trend of vampire tales, “High Stakes” is a bit of a relief and more of a smart, engaging romance than a teeny pop-cultural phenomenal crush series.
Rating: W W W 1/2
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