Review: Coward's Way Out by Kallysten

Title: The Coward's Way Out
Series: Ward of the Vampire, #4 (Serial)
Author: Kallysten
Published: October 28, 2013
Format: Ebook provided for review

When she was first trapped in the Ward mansion, an unwanted guest to millionaire and vampire Morgan Ward, Angelina could think of nothing else but how to break the compulsion that kept her prisoner. Her reluctant warden was certainly sexy and intriguing, but his standoffish behavior was outputting to say the least.

After a couple of weeks, however, after several ‘mind-trips’ into a fantasy reality in which Morgan is a perfect gentleman – and perfect lover – Angelina finds herself falling for him and struggling to understand why he tries so hard to push her away. How can a man be charming and attentive one minute… and yet deliberately infuriating the next?

A visit from Irene, this time more interested in a stroll down memory lane than in murder, starts to explain Morgan’s fears. But can Angelina break down his barriers before it’s finally time to leave, or will his past prove to be too deep of a wound to heal?

I’ve only read a few serials before, and I think this one is definitely among my favorites. Every time a new one comes out, my fingers are itching to grab the kindle and read away.

So in this edition Angelina is trying to recover from her visit with Irene. She’s getting closer to Stephen, and even – dare I say it – Morgan. Let’s take Stephen, for instance. I feel like he is getting more comfortable around Angelina. Yes, he is a bit on guard, both of himself and of Morgan. I find this so endearing, and it really draws me to his character more. But now Stephen gets a bit talkative with Angelina at one point, and he lets her in on a bit of his own past. I could cry for this man. He has been through so much, but for his stoic demeanor, you’d never know it. There are some points in this part of the book where I feel Angelina is a bit thoughtless in her care of him. It did bring her down a notch in my book, but I am still digging her overall.


Irene is back too, and she isn’t done with her dirty, manipulative ways. The woman is scary, no doubt. Even as a reader, I can feel her power from across the room. She’s playing her cards close to the chest, but Angelina still thinks she is figuring it out. I’m very anxious to see if she’s right in her assumptions. Even Delilah is back, and I’m just not finding anything I really like about this woman. Time will tell though, I’ve not given up complete hope. I think that they both want Morgan to be happy, ultimately, so that’s something.

This time, he turned fully toward me, and I perused his lovely abs as he slipped on a white shirt and started to do up the buttons, starting from the bottom. 

"Enjoying the show?" he asked, that same eyebrow arching again. 

"Are you enjoying giving it?"  

His answer was only a twisted half-smile before he turned away again, this time to hunt for pants in the closet.

We get more sexy heat in this book!!! I just love the way Kallysten brings her characters together in her books. She doesn’t just throw them together and see what parts fit. There is work involved. Love, and its priviledges, is a treasure… a gift. And even though Morgan is more than a little hard-headed, all is not lost on this man. He is indeed a myriad of many things, kind of like a vampy sexy kaleidoscope. As always, I wait anxiously for every page he is on. And with Angelina’s determination to make him see things as she feels they are, well, there is definitely some drama brewing.

Something happens at the end of this book – and for the first time, I’m truly disappointed in Angelina. I understand she is young and naïve, and her emotions are all over the place – but man! I just want her to think about her actions, and how they could possibly play out in the future!! Morgan is a man who has already proved he has a wall around his heart, and it’s not like she has broken that down completely. One hole in that dam won’t destroy it, ya know?

There are some other scenes in this book that just made my heart break. In particular I’m talking about a bathroom scene with Morgan and Angelina. How my heart breaks for this man… so much as happened to him, and he got consumed by grief. The way it all affects him now is just enormous.

The story is progressing rather well. I’m anxious for each new part to come out, and I want to yell at Kallysten for her serial punishment LOL. No, really, I think it’s a great way to read a book. A tease here, a nip there, and I’m hooked. Now I’m hooked and waiting.

Find Kallysten Online...

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Previous Kallysten Posts:
Demons & Lullabies Excerpt
The Edge for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Review - Bodyguards

Review - Ward Of The Vampire 

Review - On The Edge

Review - My Reluctant Warden

Review - Awkward Holidays

Review - Blurred Nights

Previous Installments

Review: Coward's Way Out by Kallysten

Title: The Coward's Way Out
Series: Ward of the Vampire, #4 (Serial)
Author: Kallysten
Published: October 28, 2013
Format: Ebook provided for review

When she was first trapped in the Ward mansion, an unwanted guest to millionaire and vampire Morgan Ward, Angelina could think of nothing else but how to break the compulsion that kept her prisoner. Her reluctant warden was certainly sexy and intriguing, but his standoffish behavior was outputting to say the least.

After a couple of weeks, however, after several ‘mind-trips’ into a fantasy reality in which Morgan is a perfect gentleman – and perfect lover – Angelina finds herself falling for him and struggling to understand why he tries so hard to push her away. How can a man be charming and attentive one minute… and yet deliberately infuriating the next?

A visit from Irene, this time more interested in a stroll down memory lane than in murder, starts to explain Morgan’s fears. But can Angelina break down his barriers before it’s finally time to leave, or will his past prove to be too deep of a wound to heal?

I’ve only read a few serials before, and I think this one is definitely among my favorites. Every time a new one comes out, my fingers are itching to grab the kindle and read away.

So in this edition Angelina is trying to recover from her visit with Irene. She’s getting closer to Stephen, and even – dare I say it – Morgan. Let’s take Stephen, for instance. I feel like he is getting more comfortable around Angelina. Yes, he is a bit on guard, both of himself and of Morgan. I find this so endearing, and it really draws me to his character more. But now Stephen gets a bit talkative with Angelina at one point, and he lets her in on a bit of his own past. I could cry for this man. He has been through so much, but for his stoic demeanor, you’d never know it. There are some points in this part of the book where I feel Angelina is a bit thoughtless in her care of him. It did bring her down a notch in my book, but I am still digging her overall.

Review: Awkward Holidays by Kallysten

Title: Awkward Holidays
Series: Ward of the Vampire, Book 3
Author: Kallysten
Published: July 2013
Format: Ebook received for review

Trapped in the Ward mansion with a reluctant and standoffish host – a vampire she should be afraid of but can’t help being attracted to – Angelina is preparing herself for grim, lonely holidays.

When her parents unexpectedly decide to visit, the situation, far from improving, only grows more complicated. They look forward to visiting New York with her, but how can she explain that she’s unable to leave the mansion? For that matter, what will they say when they realize she lives with a millionaire?

A hastily concocted excuse smoothes things over, but now Angelina finds herself having to work closely with Morgan Ward. It wouldn’t be so bad if Morgan was as pleasant to her as he is to her parents, but his mercurial moods leave her confused and frustrated. It doesn’t help that he seems no closer to finding a way for her to leave his house.

The New Year brings change with a startling kiss and an even more surprising guest… or is it more of the same?

Ok, here we are – third installment in the Ward of The Vampire series. Kallysten – you are positively killing me!! As much as the excitement of waiting for the next edition to appear is, it’s also just killing me to make me wait!

Review: My Reluctant Warden by Kallysten

Title: My Reluctant Warden
Series: Ward Of The Vampire, Book 2
Author: Kallysten
Published: May 14, 2013
Format; Ebook provided for review
Tour: No

When her boss brought her to the party of the season, Mr. Ward’s birthday bash, Angelina thought she had slipped on Cinderella’s shoes.

Now that she is compelled to remain in the mansion, trapped with a host who was only pleasant to her in a shared fantasy, the dream abruptly turns sour.

Under other circumstances, she might enjoy staying in an opulent guest suite, with a butler waiting on her every desire. But her cage, as gilded as it may be, remains a prison, and her host, even if he wishes she were gone, is still her warden.

As she struggles to get used to the situation, she can’t figure out what to think of Morgan Ward, a man who claims to be a vampire, who at times ignores her and at times shows himself unexpectedly thoughtful. A man she’s attracted to despite her better judgment.

However, an unexpected conversation with her boss may give her no choice but to get much closer to Morgan than she’s ready for…

“Don’t leave without me, “ she’d said. “Not tonight. Not ever.”

Funny how much difference a simple statement like that can make. In Ward of the Vampire, we met all of our major players: Angelina, Morgan Ward, and Delilah. My Reluctant Warden is more focused on Morgan and Angelina. It takes place a few hours later. Angelina is pretty much a prisoner in the mansion. No more sunshine, or even moonlight. No grass or even outdoors. No running to the corner store…or anywhere. Reality is starting to set in.

I love the conspiratorial, and sometimes humorous, tone that Angelina takes with the reader. At times it’s like she is talking to us in hushed tones. At others its like her inner monologue is going. A bit more of her own personality comes out in this edition, and I like the girl. She tries to be good, to behave, to make the most of it – but something about Morgan. Ugh! He brings out the snark in this lady – and I love it!

Morgan, despite his cold and indifferent demeanor, is actually quite caring and compassionate. He definitely shows this by retrieving Angelina’s things and also providing a little impromptu shopping adventure for her. But aside from all of that, Angelina’s confusion laced with fear mixes with Morgan’s irritation and apprehension creating a volatile cocktail.

If you read the first book, you know that everything isn’t always as it seems. That also happens to be the case in this book, and I couldn’t have enjoyed it any more than if it were me in Angelina’s place! This is a page turner, for sure.

You know, I recently reviewed On The Edge by Kallysten. I got to read all 10 editions at once, no waiting. I didn’t realize how lucky I was then. Because now, as I wait for the next book out in this series of episodes, if you will, the wait will absolutely drive me mad!

I have to know – will Angelina get free? Will she fall for Morgan? Will Morgan fall for her? And just why is he being so standoffish? And what the fuck is going on with Delilah? That’s some wicked sense of humor she’s got there. I’ve got one piece of advice for dear Angelina – stay away from the computer!

Oh, and we also get to know Stephen, Morgan’s butler, a bit. He is quite the character, and I really feel there is more story there than we know just yet. His loyalty is unwaivering, and yet he is human. I need to know, what gives?

Are you getting in on this series? Better do so now, while there are only two out. You don’t want to catch yourself behind in this one!

Find Kallysten Online...

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Previous Kallysten Posts:
Demons & Lullabies Excerpt
The Edge for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Review - Bodyguards

Review - Ward Of The Vampire 

Review - On The Edge

Please note this is an Amazon Associates link.  All purchases made through this link help support this blog. 

Review: My Reluctant Warden by Kallysten

Title: My Reluctant Warden
Series: Ward Of The Vampire, Book 2
Author: Kallysten
Published: May 14, 2013
Format; Ebook provided for review
Tour: No

When her boss brought her to the party of the season, Mr. Ward’s birthday bash, Angelina thought she had slipped on Cinderella’s shoes.

Now that she is compelled to remain in the mansion, trapped with a host who was only pleasant to her in a shared fantasy, the dream abruptly turns sour.

Under other circumstances, she might enjoy staying in an opulent guest suite, with a butler waiting on her every desire. But her cage, as gilded as it may be, remains a prison, and her host, even if he wishes she were gone, is still her warden.

As she struggles to get used to the situation, she can’t figure out what to think of Morgan Ward, a man who claims to be a vampire, who at times ignores her and at times shows himself unexpectedly thoughtful. A man she’s attracted to despite her better judgment.

However, an unexpected conversation with her boss may give her no choice but to get much closer to Morgan than she’s ready for…

“Don’t leave without me, “ she’d said. “Not tonight. Not ever.”

Funny how much difference a simple statement like that can make. In Ward of the Vampire, we met all of our major players: Angelina, Morgan Ward, and Delilah. My Reluctant Warden is more focused on Morgan and Angelina. It takes place a few hours later. Angelina is pretty much a prisoner in the mansion. No more sunshine, or even moonlight. No grass or even outdoors. No running to the corner store…or anywhere. Reality is starting to set in.

I love the conspiratorial, and sometimes humorous, tone that Angelina takes with the reader. At times it’s like she is talking to us in hushed tones. At others its like her inner monologue is going. A bit more of her own personality comes out in this edition, and I like the girl. She tries to be good, to behave, to make the most of it – but something about Morgan. Ugh! He brings out the snark in this lady – and I love it!

Morgan, despite his cold and indifferent demeanor, is actually quite caring and compassionate. He definitely shows this by retrieving Angelina’s things and also providing a little impromptu shopping adventure for her. But aside from all of that, Angelina’s confusion laced with fear mixes with Morgan’s irritation and apprehension creating a volatile cocktail.

If you read the first book, you know that everything isn’t always as it seems. That also happens to be the case in this book, and I couldn’t have enjoyed it any more than if it were me in Angelina’s place! This is a page turner, for sure.

You know, I recently reviewed On The Edge by Kallysten. I got to read all 10 editions at once, no waiting. I didn’t realize how lucky I was then. Because now, as I wait for the next book out in this series of episodes, if you will, the wait will absolutely drive me mad!

I have to know – will Angelina get free? Will she fall for Morgan? Will Morgan fall for her? And just why is he being so standoffish? And what the fuck is going on with Delilah? That’s some wicked sense of humor she’s got there. I’ve got one piece of advice for dear Angelina – stay away from the computer!

Oh, and we also get to know Stephen, Morgan’s butler, a bit. He is quite the character, and I really feel there is more story there than we know just yet. His loyalty is unwaivering, and yet he is human. I need to know, what gives?

Are you getting in on this series? Better do so now, while there are only two out. You don’t want to catch yourself behind in this one!

Find Kallysten Online...

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Previous Kallysten Posts:
Demons & Lullabies Excerpt
The Edge for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Review - Bodyguards

Review - Ward Of The Vampire 

Review - On The Edge

Please note this is an Amazon Associates link.  All purchases made through this link help support this blog. 

Review: Ward of the Vampire by Kallysten

Title: Ward of the Vampire
Series: Ward of the Vampire
Author: Kallysten
Published: March 2013
Format: Ebook provided for review
Tour: No

It’s THE party of the season. Socialites, artists and A-list stars have been invited to Morgan Ward’s birthday bash, including Angelina’s boss, Delilah.

For months, Angelina has been looking at the preparations from afar, but never did she imagine that, come the day, Miss Delilah would put her in a gorgeous gown and bring her along as her ‘plus one.’

Wandering from crowded room to crowded room in the sumptuous mansion, Angelina grows overwhelmed and escapes onto a balcony, only to find it occupied by her host. That first meeting leaves her struggling for her very life, but she soon gets an unexpected do-over.

Meeting Morgan Ward for the first time all over again, Angelina finds herself falling into his arms… But is it all only a fantasy?

When the call was put out to review this book, I read the blurb and I jumped on it right away.  It just sounded like it would be a unique and interesting read - and I was completely right.

First off, you meet Angelina.  And something just isn't quite right about her, you can tell right away.  I had so much trying to figure out her angle!!  Was she some sociopath?  A stalker?  It was terrific.  Her tone and the way she presents the facts to the reader really had me on edge, and excited for a bit of mystery.  She spoke to the reader as if she's a bit gossipy - but leaving out the really good parts just to drive us crazy.  She seems like a likable woman though, not overly anything.  Not too nice, not too mean, not too excitable. And Angelina is the assistant to Delilah.

Now Delilah, on the other hand, she seems like a shark.  She means business and you know it.  She's also a bit eccentric, and I loved that.  But there were times when you thought, "hey, she's not so bad," I wonder how long that will last??

"But when your life turns out to be anything but ordinary, its like nothing you ever imagined."

The party was fabulous!  And then Angelina and Morgan, who is Delilah's brother, meet.  And Angelina was left with very specific instructions to be nice to Morgan.  I mean, afterall, it is his birthday party.  Their meeting was a bit like a waltz between a tiger and a doe.  It was beautiful, rare, and completely captivating.  Well, that's after it was a bit infuriating! Haha, I jest!  Or do I?

Seriously, this story had a terrific flow to it.  It was excruciatingly hot with a terrific concept.  I am definitely on board for the rest of the series, and I'm already feeling a little impatient for the next installment.

Note to self: Must attend fancy parties with private balconies...

And make sure you all pay some close attention to Morgan Ward.  The man is debonair and fine as hell.  Add that on top of sexy and mysterious, and you've got a force to be reckoned with.

And you can buy Ward of the Vampire now on AMAZON!!  It's only 99 cents at the moment, so I suggest you do it right now!!

Find Kallysten Online...

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Previous Kallysten Posts:
Demons & Lullabies Excerpt
The Edge for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Review - Bodyguards

Review: Ward of the Vampire by Kallysten

Title: Ward of the Vampire
Series: Ward of the Vampire
Author: Kallysten
Published: March 2013
Format: Ebook provided for review
Tour: No

It’s THE party of the season. Socialites, artists and A-list stars have been invited to Morgan Ward’s birthday bash, including Angelina’s boss, Delilah.

For months, Angelina has been looking at the preparations from afar, but never did she imagine that, come the day, Miss Delilah would put her in a gorgeous gown and bring her along as her ‘plus one.’

Wandering from crowded room to crowded room in the sumptuous mansion, Angelina grows overwhelmed and escapes onto a balcony, only to find it occupied by her host. That first meeting leaves her struggling for her very life, but she soon gets an unexpected do-over.

Meeting Morgan Ward for the first time all over again, Angelina finds herself falling into his arms… But is it all only a fantasy?

When the call was put out to review this book, I read the blurb and I jumped on it right away.  It just sounded like it would be a unique and interesting read - and I was completely right.

First off, you meet Angelina.  And something just isn't quite right about her, you can tell right away.  I had so much trying to figure out her angle!!  Was she some sociopath?  A stalker?  It was terrific.  Her tone and the way she presents the facts to the reader really had me on edge, and excited for a bit of mystery.  She spoke to the reader as if she's a bit gossipy - but leaving out the really good parts just to drive us crazy.  She seems like a likable woman though, not overly anything.  Not too nice, not too mean, not too excitable. And Angelina is the assistant to Delilah.

Now Delilah, on the other hand, she seems like a shark.  She means business and you know it.  She's also a bit eccentric, and I loved that.  But there were times when you thought, "hey, she's not so bad," I wonder how long that will last??

"But when your life turns out to be anything but ordinary, its like nothing you ever imagined."

The party was fabulous!  And then Angelina and Morgan, who is Delilah's brother, meet.  And Angelina was left with very specific instructions to be nice to Morgan.  I mean, afterall, it is his birthday party.  Their meeting was a bit like a waltz between a tiger and a doe.  It was beautiful, rare, and completely captivating.  Well, that's after it was a bit infuriating! Haha, I jest!  Or do I?

Seriously, this story had a terrific flow to it.  It was excruciatingly hot with a terrific concept.  I am definitely on board for the rest of the series, and I'm already feeling a little impatient for the next installment.

Note to self: Must attend fancy parties with private balconies...

And make sure you all pay some close attention to Morgan Ward.  The man is debonair and fine as hell.  Add that on top of sexy and mysterious, and you've got a force to be reckoned with.

And you can buy Ward of the Vampire now on AMAZON!!  It's only 99 cents at the moment, so I suggest you do it right now!!

Find Kallysten Online...

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Previous Kallysten Posts:
Demons & Lullabies Excerpt
The Edge for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Review - Bodyguards