Bea's Book Nook: Excerpt from Love At Stake by Victoria Davies & A Giveaway

"Love At Stake" is a new novel about a vampire who goes looking for love using a dating service. A centuries-old vampire who uses a dating service? That just has funny written all over it and I couldn't pass up the chance to participate in the tour for the book. If the title sounds familiar, I put up a spotlight post for it a few weeks ago as part of Covet's January release blast. Today, I have en excerpt to share with you and a giveaway. Enjoy!

About the author ~

My love for writing started young. Luckily I had a family who encouraged believing in magic and embracing imagination. From stories quickly scribbled in bright pink diaries, my love of storytelling developed. Since then my characters may have evolved and my plots may have grown decidedly more steamy but I never lost my love of the written word. Writing is not only a way to silence the wonderful voices in my head, but it also allows me to share my passions with my readers. I hope you enjoy my titles!

Currently I write from Toronto, Canada. While I have a healthy love for the unknown, this corner of the world will always be my home.

Find Victoria Online:

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

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EXCERPT

Mentally she shook herself. No matter what century he fit into, he was off-limits to her. And with his purchases made, their time together was coming to an end. He’d found everything he needed. There was no reason to play his personal shopper anymore.

“Well,” she said, shifting awkwardly, “I’m glad this evening was such a success. I’ll leave you to the rest of your night. Remember, you have a date tomorrow night at Celeste’s.”

“You mean to leave me?”

She hesitated, realizing that was the last thing she wanted to do.

His fingers twined through hers, pulling her closer. “Come, Abbey. Spend some time with me. You can give me pointers on modern first dates.”

As if this man needed any tips on seduction. She almost snorted at the idea. Still, the desire to stay was tantalizing.

Vampire, she thought. Not to mention a top client. She was not jeopardizing her job for a man with fangs.

“We provide a pdf with dating advice for first-time users,” she said. “I’ll send you a copy.”

“I prefer the personal touch.” His blue gaze fell to her mouth.

Abbey bit her lip, watching as his eyes darkened. “It’s late.”

“Not to me.”

“You don’t have to be at work bright and early tomorrow.”

That wicked grin curved his lips again. “I won’t keep you out too long.”

Giving in to her urge to play a little, she stepped closer. Their mouths were a breath apart, much like the way he’d teased her all night.

“The reason you want me to stay had better have something to do with Fated Match and improving your dating chances. Does it?”

“No.” The word was whispered against her lips. “But I promise I won’t leave you with any regrets.”

Tempting. Surprisingly tempting. “Just one problem,” she whispered.

“What?” His lips were a breath away from hers.

“I don’t do the dead.”

He jerked back as if she’d pushed him and Abbey bit back her grin. She stepped out of his arms and smoothed a hand down her dress.

“Please be in my office an hour before your date tomorrow so we can run through the protocol. I’ll have dinner arranged and a car waiting.”

Lucian watched her with hooded eyes.

“If you have any questions or concerns during the day, you have my number.”

“All right,” he purred. “I can play by your rules.”

Heat spiraled through her as his gaze dropped over her body, scrutinizing her with blatant intention. He didn’t touch her, yet she felt as if he’d stripped away her clothing and left her exposed.

“Just be warned, Abbey. Vampires like games, but when we play, we play for keeps.” His sensual perusal finally came back to her face, his eyes flickering to hers. “And I always win.”

Of that she had no doubt. Lucian, for all his fangs, would be one hard man to resist.

But resist she would. And if Lucian thought the outcome of their relationship would be anything but professional, then he was in for disappointment.

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Abbey is the lone human working for Fated Match, a company that pairs members of the supernatural community with their eternal mates.

To snag a young vampire socialite as their next client, Abbey journeys to the home of Lucian Redgrave, the oldest vampire on the East Coast. But he's not willing to allow his vampire daughter to use the agency... unless Abbey can first find his perfect match in a month.

As Abbey coaches Lucian through his dates, she can’t deny the chemistry between them. But humans are toys for vampires, and risking her heart isn't a part of the plan.