Angie
Written on Nov 12, 2014
Love at Stake is what I wanted from Beauty Dates the Beast, but didn't get: a fun, sexy romance centered around a paranormal dating agency. Abbey is the human administrator at Fated Match, a matchmaking company for all paranormal creatures. Business isn't doing too well, but if they can bag a contract with one of the vampire socialites, things might pick up. Unfortunately, her sire, Lucian, is completely old school and refuses to let her join. That is, unless Abbey can find his perfect match within the month. Abbey is a hardworker and is convinced that she can do it, especially since it'll help her keep her job. Although it soon becomes apparent that Lucian is enamored with her, but Abbey doesn't date vampires (or demons).
I quite enjoyed Love at Stake. Abbey and Lucian are adorable together! It's certainly not love at first sight, although there is some lust. Abbey really wants to find Lucian's mate and save her job, but she's also warring with her growing feelings for him. A little sex on the side wouldn't hurt, right? Wrong! As good as the sex is, it complicates everything! Abbey has a job to do, and Lucian knows his mate couldn't possibly be human. He's been burned before, and isn't willing to jump into anything. I also liked how Abbey didn't just fall into his arms. She refuses to settle for less than she deserves and stands up for herself when Lucian is being an idiot! I just wish they hadn't broken up three times in less than 200 pages, because that was a bit much and repetitive.
In the end though, Love at Stake was really cute and sexy times. It also had some good humorous bits scattered throughout. It's a pretty typical Paranormal Romance, but I liked how Abbey and Lucian's love wasn't so straightforward and easy. They fought, but about things that I actually believed. Abbey has concerns over being seen as inferior for being human, and how her life is much, much shorter than her paranormal lover's. She just wants to be loved fully for who she is, and Lucian wants true love but needs to learn to open up.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.