Books On Board

Love At Stake Books in Order

  • 18 Books
  • 2005 – 2014 Published

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Reading order
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How to Read the Love At Stake Series

Kerrelyn Sparks' bestselling Love At Stake series is best read in publication order. While each book centers on a different main couple and resolves their romantic arc, there is a continuous, overarching storyline. The background conflict involves political power struggles among the undead coven masters, clashes with rogue "Malcontent" vampires, and interactions with other supernatural beings like were-creatures and angels. Reading the books out of order will spoil major character transformations, coven leadership changes, and relationship milestones.

The Recommended Reading Order

To follow the main plot and enjoy the evolution of this supernatural society, use the following path:

  1. How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire (2005) – The book that started it all. It introduces Roman Draganesti, a centuries-old coven master who chips a fang and must consult Shanna Whelan, a mortal dentist who is on the run from the mob.
  2. Vamps and the City (2006) – Centers on Darcy Newhart, a vampire directing a reality television show, and Austin Erickson, a mortal vampire slayer.
  3. The Lords of Misrule / Sugarplums and Scandal (2006) – Note to readers: This entry represents the holiday anthology Sugarplums and Scandal. It contains the novella A Very Vampy Christmas (often numbered as Book 2.5), which stars Maggie O'Brien and Don Orlando (Pierce O'Callahan) navigating a holiday mystery.
  4. Be Still My Vampire Heart (2007) – Features Angus MacKay, a Scottish Highland vampire who runs a security firm, and Emma Wallace, an MI6 agent turned vampire hunter.
  5. The Undead Next Door (2008) – Follows Jean-Luc Echarpe, an immortal fashion designer hiding out in a small Texas town, and Heather Westfield, an aspiring designer.
  6. All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire (2008) – Features Ian MacPhie, a Scottish vampire searching for love online, and Toni Davis, a human bodyguard.
  7. Secret Life of a Vampire (2009) – Focuses on Jack di Venezia, the charming son of Casanova, and Lara Boucher, a mortal police officer.
  8. Forbidden Nights with a Vampire (2009) – Explores the romance between Phil Jones, a werewolf, and Vanda Barkowski, a fierce vampire.
  9. The Vampire and the Virgin (2010) – Follows Robby MacKay, a battle-weary vampire warrior, and Olivia Sotiris, a psychic human.
  10. Eat Prey Love (2010) – Introduces Shanna's sister, Caitlyn Whelan, who discovers the supernatural world and falls for Carlos, a were-panther.
  11. Vampire Mine (2011) – Centers on Connor Buchanan, a vampire, and Marielle, an angel sent to help him.
  12. A Very Vampy Christmas (2011) – The standalone e-book re-release of the novella originally published in 2006.
  13. Sexiest Vampire Alive (2011) – Follows Gregori Holstein, a vampire marketing VP, and Abby Tucker, the First Daughter of the United States.
  14. Wanted: Undead or Alive (2012) – Features Phineas McKinney, a vampire known as the "Love Doctor," and Brynley Jones, a werewolf princess.
  15. Wild About You (2012) – Focuses on Howard Barr, a werebear security guard, and Elsa Bjornberg, a television home renovation host.
  16. The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo (2013) – Centers on Dougal Kincaid, a Scottish vampire warrior, and Dr. Leah Chin, a mortal genetics specialist.
  17. How to Seduce a Vampire (Without Really Trying) (2014) – Follows Zoltan Czakvar, a vampire seeking historical truth, and Neona, a warrior woman.
  18. Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire (2014) – The series finale, featuring Russell Ryan Hankelburg, a Marine-turned-vampire, and Jia, a were-tiger princess on a quest for revenge.

The "Lords of Misrule" and Anthology Confusion Explained

Many online database listings insert The Lords of Misrule as the third entry in the series. This is a common cataloging error. The Lords of Misrule is actually a short story by mystery author Dana Cameron. It was published in the 2006 holiday anthology Sugarplums and Scandal alongside Kerrelyn Sparks' novella A Very Vampy Christmas. Because Sparks' name was printed on the cover alongside Cameron's, databases frequently mix up the titles. If you are looking for the actual Love At Stake content from that anthology, you should seek out the novella A Very Vampy Christmas, which was later published as a standalone e-book in 2011.

Additionally, fans should look for the novella V is for Vamp Woman (often designated as Book 13.5). Published in the 2013 anthology Vampires Gone Wild, this story follows the character Pamela as she adopts a superhero persona to fight rogue vampires alongside a handsome immortal ally. It is best read between Wild About You and The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo.

What to Know Before You Start

Kerrelyn Sparks' universe is a lighthearted, modern paranormal romance setting. While the books feature steamy romance and action-packed plots, the overall tone is distinctly humorous and playful. Unlike dark, brooding vampire stories, the vampires of the Love At Stake world have integrated into modern society. They run their own businesses, read undead gossip magazines, and watch vampire-centric television channels (including the soap opera As the Vampire Turns). The cast expands quickly to include other supernatural beings, notably shape-shifters (werewolves, were-panthers, werebears, and were-tigers) and even angels.

While the romances are standalone, the character dynamics are deeply interconnected. Characters introduced in one book frequently return as secondary characters in future installments, acting as friends, family members, or allies. Reading the books sequentially allows you to watch these relationships grow and see past couples enjoy their happily-ever-afters in the background.

Spin-offs and Future Works

Once you finish the main 16 novels and accompanying novellas of the Love At Stake series, you can check out Kerrelyn Sparks' later fantasy series, The Embraced. Set in the magical land of Aerthlan, The Embraced is a separate high-fantasy romance series and does not feature direct character crossovers with the modern-day Love At Stake universe. However, Sparks has indicated in interviews that she plans to return to the Love At Stake world in the future, potentially featuring a time jump to follow the next generation of characters.

Frequently Asked

What is the recommended reading order for the Love At Stake series?

It is highly recommended to read the series in publication order. While each book features a standalone romance, they share a continuous, developing background plot involving political changes, coven dynamics, and recurring characters.

Is "The Lords of Misrule" part of the Love At Stake series?

No. The Lords of Misrule is a short story by Dana Cameron. It is often listed in Love At Stake databases because it appeared in the 2006 holiday anthology Sugarplums and Scandal, which also featured Kerrelyn Sparks' novella A Very Vampy Christmas.

Where does the novella "A Very Vampy Christmas" fit in the reading order?

Chronologically, A Very Vampy Christmas fits as Book 2.5, immediately after Vamps and the City. It was originally published in 2006 and re-released as a standalone e-book in 2011.

What is the novella "V is for Vamp Woman" and when should I read it?

V is for Vamp Woman is a novella starring Pamela. It was published in the 2013 anthology Vampires Gone Wild. It is designated as Book 13.5 and should be read between Wild About You and The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo.

Are the books in the Love At Stake series standalones?

The romance plots are self-contained and resolve by the end of each book. However, the overarching world-building and secondary character threads are continuous, so reading them in order provides the best experience.

Is "The Embraced" series connected to Love At Stake?

No. The Embraced is a separate high-fantasy romance series set in the world of Aerthlan. While there are no direct crossovers, the author has expressed interest in returning to the Love At Stake universe for a next-generation follow-up.