Since waking up from a vampire coma three years ago, Russell has been fuelled by revenge: his only reason to live is to destroy Master Han who changed him against his will.

Russell lost everything and everyone he cared for; he works alone. He's a rebel, something of a loose cannon, and he wants to kill the dastardly Master Han single- handedly. Russell has been on the trail of the evil Han and just as he is about to let an arrow fly and kill Han, he sees some of the mad vampire's supersoldiers fall down dead: they have been hit by knives. Then Russell sees a lone figure running away; it's a woman! He reaches her, and when he finally gets her to understand they're on the same side, she tells him she knows some of the good Vamps -- those whom Russell refuses to work with.

The fearless fighter is named Jia; she's a weretiger and she also wants to be the one to kill Master Han; he killed her whole family before her eyes. She manages to eventually convince the very reluctant Russell that they should work together. And although they can't deny the pull of attraction, she is already betrothed to someone else.

CROUCHING TIGER, FORBIDDEN VAMPIRE is the sixteenth book - - and most likely the last -- in the very successful Love at Stake series and this is what I call going out in style! Russell is possibly the most complex and enigmatic character in the whole series and it was a splendid idea to wrap up everything around him and getting his full story. The lovely Jia is a perfect match for him: she is strong, playful, and spunky; she's a very engaging character, she understands Russell and she is also one of the best female characters in the series. The banter between Jia and Russell is most interesting because for once, he doesn't win; she's the only one who has ever been able to get through to Russell!

Kerrelyn Sparks is a master storyteller and a superior world builder, and it is still astounding that she is able to pick up all the loose ends and wrap everything up neatly! And there's a spectacular and clever turn of event will leave many reeling; I honestly never expected it! CROUCHING TIGER, FORBIDDEN VAMPIRE also has the best reason for a sex scene ever: it's sexy, sweet, funny and very witty.

While I'm sad to see such a fabulous series come to an end, it's wonderful to see that the author never faltered along the way and that CROUCHING TIGER, FORBIDDEN VAMPIRE is just as exciting and fun as the first book. Thank you very much, Ms. Sparks, for a thrilling conclusion to a brilliant series!