Hearts at Stake (Drake Chronicles, Book 1)

Title: Hearts at Stake (Drake Chronicles, Book 1)
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Pages: 256
Source of Book: My local public library

Summary: (courtesy of alyxandraharvey.com)

On Solange’s sixteenth birthday, she is going to wake up dead. As if that’s not bad enough, she also has to outwit her seven overprotective older brothers, avoid the politics involved with being the only daughter born to an ancient vampire dynasty, and elude Kieran Black—agent of an anti-vampire league who is searching for his father’s killer and is intent on staking Solange and her entire family. Luckily she has her own secret weapon—her human best friend Lucy. Lucy is willing to defend Solange’s right to a normal life, whether she’s being smothered by her well-intentioned brothers or abducted by a power-hungry queen. Two unlikely alliances are formed in a race to save Solange’s eternal life—Lucy and Solange’s brother Nicholas, and Solange and Kieran Black — in a dual romance that is guaranteed to jump start any romance-lover’s heart.

My Rating: 6.5 out of a possible 10

Explanation: I picked up this book expecting a somewhat juvenile quick read about vampires and romance, and was pleasantly surprised. While much of the plot was predictable and the characters relatable but not extensively complicated, there were elements that surprised me and plot twists I did not see coming. The romances that bloom were very predictable, but also absolutely adorable, and had me rooting for the moment when the characters would realize it. Overall, I put this book down with a smile, but it was somewhat like what I had expected.