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Liked It “The Undead Next Door |
Didn’t Like It “After reading the "Twilight" series, I was anxious to see what other vampire romance books there were out there. I picked this one up and I had a really hard time finishing it. I didn't feel any chemistry between Heather and Jean-Luc. It was pretty bland.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“The Undead Next Door
Jessica H wrote this review Monday, November 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I have just finished reading the book The Undead Next Door by Kerrelyn Sparks. The story takes place in Schnitzelberg, Texas. Most of it takes place in the main characters’ houses. The book is modern day, and we know this because of some of the things that the author mentions. The author talks about today’s fashion.
Heather Westfield is one of the main characters. Heather is a normal person. She is a school teacher at her local school and she has a daughter, Bethany, who is her world. Every decision that she makes is centered on her daughter. She is careful about everything. She has had a hard time with men in her past, and she lets fear rule her life.
Fidelia lives with Heather and Bethany. She babysits Bethany, and in return Heather offers her a place to live. Fidelia is a psychic. She has dreams and reads tarot cards to tell the future. She is a crazy elderly lady. She always carries many pistols in her purse with her. Jean-Luc asks her how many guns she has and she says, “One for every husband I went through.”
Jean-Luc Echarpe is a vampire. He was born in 1485, but still looks like he is thirty years old. He comes into Heather’s life and tries to persuade her not to let fear rule her life. He proves to be a very honorable man to her. He shows her that being a vampire does not change a person. He is very passionate, loving, and generous. He is also very loyal to all of his staff.
Bobby, Ian, Phil, and Phineas are a few of the people that work for Jean-Luc. All of them are vampires except for Phil. Phil is an alpha werewolf. All of these men have not always worked for Jean-Luc but they came to the rescue whenever Jean-Luc needed it.
The story begins whenever Heather decides to go to the grand opening of Le Chique Echarpe. Jean-Luc is a very famous fashion designer in Paris, and he decides to open up this store in Schnitzelberg. He sees that Heather is sketching down some of his designs and he confronts her, thinking that she is stealing them. He sees that it is not the same dress. He takes her to his studio and his enemy, Lui, shows up. Lui, thinking that she is Jean-Luc’s new girlfriend, promises to return to kill Heather. About a week later Heather’s house catches on fire. Jean-Luc talks her into moving in with him so that he and his staff can better protect her and her daughter. She realizes that something with him is not right. She snoops around and uncovers his secret. Will she accept him as a vampire? Will Lui find her and kill her? You will have to read the book to find out.
One major theme of the book is to live without fear. It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Heather finally decides to push her fears of being hurt away and to take a chance with Jean-Luc. She says that she is “at war with fear”. It is probably the best decision that she has ever made.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a book that kept me on my toes the whole time. It was a thriller and a romance at the same time. The only weakness that I found with the book is that the plot folded out slowly. I was expecting the outcome a lot sooner than it came. Everything happened over a long period of time.
Genre: Romantic Fiction
Page Count: 369
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“Loved it! ”
Jinglebaby wrote this review Tuesday, October 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The fourth book in the Love at Stake series features the parisian designer, Jean-Luc Echarpe - a lonely vamp envious of the warm and loving relationships of his friends and facing a twenty-five year exile to quiet the media's growing rumblings over his lack of aging. He's got a big plan, but best laid plans of vamps and men oft go awry. Jean-Luc's plans go awry quickly and thoroughly when he stumbles across first Heather, a teacher and amateur designer in her own right, who he believes is stealing his designs, then Lui, a vicious killer with a grudge against Jean-Luc centuries long.
Tracy wrote this review Thursday, September 10 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The combination of Jean-Luc's sense of honor and yearning for love and Heather's wounded self esteem after a stifling marriage and painful divorce that she's willfully trying to triumph over as she raises her daughter mix very well. It's a warm and satisfying read, and I always enjoy how Sparks shows the progression of the relationships from previous books.
This series is classic light vampire romance with a heart and a bit of intrigue and danger as a growing war between the vamps and the malcontents - though that story arc is not as prevalent in this installment.
3.5 Stars for The Undead Next Door - fun, light, and enjoyable.”
“Ms. Sparks just keeps them coming, read the series for yourself & let me know if you disagree :)”
debbietsi wrote this review Saturday, July 25 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Jean - Luc is a french, high profile fashion designer with a thirst for blood. Having spent too much time in the lime light it's time for him to forgo the Paris runway and lay low in a place where the world can forget that he hasn't aged. Where better to do that than Texas.
Dee wrote this review Wednesday, June 17 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Heather Westfield has always dreamed of being more than just a small town girl, but that all changes when she meets the tall dark handsome stranger who has the power to make her a top designer. With a crazy ex-husband, a jealous Sheriff high school sweetheart and a pistol toting, fortune telling nanny, Jean -Luc is definitely in for a big adventure- Texas style.
4th in the series. This series continues to draw you deeper into the wonderful world of Kerryln Sparks. Action-packed romance, all tied up with a big bow of humor. ”
“Very sexy and great read!!”
CubanDiva wrote this review Saturday, June 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“My most fav!!!!!”
Linda B wrote this review Sunday, May 24 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is my favorite Love at Stake book... ”
Linda C wrote this review Saturday, May 16 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This series continues to be funny and enjoyable. I do enjoy that we never lose the HEA couples as we progress in the series. I am interested in seeing how the impending war will turn out.”
Una wrote this review Monday, May 11 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“After reading the "Twilight" series, I was anxious to see what other vampire romance books there were out there. I picked this one up and I had a really hard time finishing it. I didn't feel any chemistry between Heather and Jean-Luc. It was pretty bland.”
Miz Heather wrote this review Sunday, April 19 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
