Picture an American storyteller who spun tales of vampires and shapeshifters with a hearty dose of humor—meet Kerrelyn Sparks! This New York Times bestselling author has charmed readers worldwide with her Love at Stake series, blending paranormal romance, witty banter, and heart-pounding adventure. From tap dancing to teaching French, Sparks’s journey to literary stardom is as enchanting as her stories.
Known for crafting heroes with fangs or fur who are romantic at heart, Sparks has built a devoted fanbase. Her books, translated into over 13 languages, offer a delightful escape into worlds where love conquers all, even across supernatural divides. Ready to dive into her magical universe?
The Making of Kerrelyn Sparks
Born in the United States, Kerrelyn Sparks didn’t start as a writer. Before her pen brought vampires to life, she was a tap dancer, dazzling audiences with her rhythm. Later, she traded dance shoes for chalk, becoming a high school French teacher in the Greater Houston area, where she now lives with her husband and children. Her creative spark, however, yearned for more. Inspired by her love of comedy, language, and history, Sparks turned to writing, channeling her vibrant imagination into paranormal romance.
Her transition wasn’t overnight. After years of teaching, she took a leap of faith, debuting with For Love or Country in 2002, a historical romance showcasing her knack for blending humor and heart. This bold move set the stage for her to become a genre-defining voice.
Kerrelyn Sparks’s Unforgettable Stories
Sparks’s signature work, the Love at Stake series, spans 16 novels and two novellas, each a USA Today bestseller. The series kicks off with How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire (2005), where a vampire with a missing fang finds love with a mortal dentist. Its playful tone and steamy romance hooked readers, selling over a million copies worldwide. The Undead Next Door (2008), the fourth installment, hit the New York Times bestseller list, cementing Sparks’s stardom.
Not content with just vampires, Sparks ventured into fantasy with The Embraced series, starting with How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days (2017). This Game of Thrones-meets-The Princess Bride saga features magical heroines born under eclipsing moons, weaving action, dragons, and romance. Her writing style—humorous, heartfelt, and action-packed—creates characters readers root for, from quirky vampires to empowered elves.
Other gems include Vamps and the City (2006), a reality TV-inspired romp, and Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon (2018), a fan-favorite for its witty dragon-shifter hero. Sparks’s ability to balance humor, suspense, and steamy romance makes her books irresistible.
Why Kerrelyn Sparks Matters
Kerrelyn Sparks has left an indelible mark on paranormal romance, proving that love stories can be funny, fantastical, and deeply human. Her inclusive worlds, where vampires and mortals find common ground, resonate with readers seeking escapism and connection. Awards like the 2007 RWA PRISM for How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire and the 2019 PRISM for Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon highlight her influence.
Her global reach, with translations in over a dozen languages, reflects her universal appeal. By engaging fans on social media and through monthly contests, Sparks fosters a community that celebrates her quirky, romantic vision, inspiring new authors to embrace humor in romance.
- Key Works: Love at Stake series, The Embraced series
- Awards: 2007 RWA PRISM, 2019 RWA PRISM
- Fun Fact: Sparks runs monthly book giveaways on her Facebook page!
Snag How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire and dive into Kerrelyn Sparks’s hilarious, heartwarming paranormal romance!