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

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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: Wanderlust by Skye Warren

Title: Wanderlust
Series: No
Author: Skye Warren
Published: April 2013, Smashwords
Format: Ebook provided for review

Can love come from pain?

Evie always dreamed of seeing the world, but her first night at a motel turns into a nightmare. Hunter is a rugged trucker willing to do anything to keep her—including kidnapping. As they cross the country in his rig, Evie plots her escape, but she may find what she's been looking for right beside her.

Wanderlust is a dark erotic novel which explores dubious consent, captivity, and power play. Not intended for those uncomfortable with the subject matter or under eighteen.

I was going to review this book next week, but I couldn’t wait anymore. I have to share it, and my thoughts about it, with you! Wanderlust is the third book I’ve reviewed by Skye Warren, and it deals with captivity. Hear Me and Trust In Me both dealt with captivity also, but all three books deal with it in wildly different ways. Before I even began this book I was excited. I know that Skye is a fantastic writer, and the concept of this book really sounded like an enthralling storyline. When I read a book from Skye, I feel like she is able to totally immerse me in the story. I lose track of time. I am Mia from Trust In Me, I am the slave from Hear Me, and now? I am Evie.

And its Evie who begins this book, and she is twenty years old. She lives at home with her mother who is basically a shut in. But not only is her mother a shut in, she is verbally and emotionally abusive to Evie at times. Her fear of being alone makes her act horribly to Evie, to keep her near, I suspect. But Evie wants more than living in that house can offer her, and so one day she decides, “This is IT.” And then she leaves. She has a destination, and somewhat of a plan.

I like Evie. She is naïve and brave and hungry to see what life is going to throw at her. She doesn’t let her mother’s fears control her, not any more. She doesn’t let horrible events from her past control her, not any more. So on her first night out, she gets a hotel room, crosses over the lot and goes to the diner. And it’s not long before she meets Hunter, Hunter Bryant. As the waitress says, nobody says no to Hunter Bryant.

How do I explain Hunter? Trucker, thirty years old, rugged and sexy cowboy. Damaged, and not exactly making the best decisions at this point.  He's got a colorful history that comes out throughout the book, and it totally endears him to me.  He takes Evie, and then they are off in his truck.

Their time together turns into a road trip, and they grow and learn more about each other. They end up acting more like a couple rather than a kidnapper and his captive, save for the sex. They are having sex regularly, but it’s not the tender touch of a couple falling in love. It’s rough and hard and screams of anger, and it’s wildly exciting. I couldn’t believe how hot it was at times. This book can definitely speak to that secret side of your darkest desires.  Wanderlust isn’t for the everyday romance reader. But if you like things a little dark, and a little …well, wrong, then you will love this book!  But don't be mistaken, this also isn't all hearts and roses.  Evie is still dealing with her internal struggle about actually being kidnapped, its not something she has just swept under the rug, as it were. Escaping is still a goal, even if she does her best to enjoy her time while she's there.

“I had traded one prison for another, this one mobile but absolute. Inescapable even as it sliced through the countryside. Neither my mother’s home nor this eighteen-wheeler were gilded, but I preferred the view in this cage.”

This story gave time to the characters to grow. Hunter is a criminal, yes. But there is a vulnerability to him. I don’t know if I should be excited, but I was. I wanted them to fall in love, I wanted them to be together. I fell for both of these characters. I fell in love with the damn truck! Every experience they had together, whether positive or negative kept me glued to my Kindle like it was my lifetime. I started this book in the evening, and a couple chapters in I decided I wasn’t going to bed until I finished it, and that’s exactly what happened. I have a feeling that if you like Skye Warren, this book will be at the top of your favorites. It’s definitely a five star read for me, and hey, now I get to use my new graphic for the first time!

So have you read Wanderlust? What did you think? Or is it on your TBR? Tell me what you thought of other books by Skye!

Find Skye Online

Website

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Facebook

Goodreads

Previous Posts On Fictional Candy

Review - Trust In Me

Review (And Guest Post/Excerpt) - Hear Me

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

Interview/Giveaway: Jessica Subject, author of Alien Adoration

Alien Adoration

Jessica Subject

Erotic dreams fill her with need…

Night after night, Rachel fantasizes about her sexy, playboy neighbor. But in her small town, no one changes, least of all the bad boy next door. But when Luke rescues her not once but twice from disastrous dates, she dares to believe her knight in black leather armor may be the right man for her after all.

Until she learns the truth...

Life on Earth has never been easy for Luke. Stranded as a little boy, he struggled to craft an existence for himself, but he never forgot the first human he met--and he never stopped wanting to see her again. Returning to Hanton, Luke longs for Rachel. Yet, nothing goes as he plans, and Rachel barely notices him. Convincing her he isn't like all the jerks she's dated means telling her the truth, but can she handle it?

Can she overcome her fears, or will she deny her alien adoration and leave him stranded once more?

Today I was lucky enough to have Jessica Subject over for an interview.  It was a lot of fun for me, and I'm super excited to share it with you!  So check it out, and then at the end you can enter the giveaway!

Hey Jessica! Welcome to your first interview at Fictional Candy! I promise not to be too rough with you!

Hi Liz! It’s such a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me! I’m not worried. Yet. LOL

We’re here today to talk about Alien Adoration. What can you tell us about this book that isn’t in the blurb?

Alien Adoration is an erotic science fiction romance. It was inspired by the song Spaceman by Bif Naked. And while I listened to the song, I imagined a little girl staring out her window, and seeing a little alien boy on the street. This story is what happens when those two children are older and reunited.

Guest Post: Eri Nelson, author of The Call From Within

The Call From Within

Eri Nelson

Dearhart Clan are a series of fast paced adult books that dabble in the world of paranormal and remain in the erotic pulse of what can only be classified as a primal fantasy. If it’s a typical romance you’re looking for you won’t find it in this series.

Eri Nelson writes in a darker world where heat and need are the forefront for a slipping existence. There is not time for all the tenderness love deserves but if you’re imprinted to another you are far beyond those mortal requirements.

Our author is driven by swift action packed intrigues that often leave you wanting more. As she writes each new book into the series the number of pages might increase but the action never lets you feel the increasing distance to the final page.

*** Guest Post *** 

Hi I am Eri Nelson and for those who do not know who that is or what that is (lol), I am an Indie Author. But not just and Indie Author, a non-traditional author who strives to create venues to help support fellow authors. Below I will include my interpretations of what an Indie author is.

INDIE AUTHOR= A writer growing, learning, developing their trade-set based on skills they are acquiring along their journey. (They are not in training or less professional. They are simply working with their own allowances of income with financial support far from the more broader publisher's stature to try to produce the best quality of work for you the reader.)

Supporting authors is not mine alone to claim. Although it is one facet, in which I am passionate about. (Cue inspirational music…lol) As an Indie, I have realized that support is the key to many things. It is with this thought that I carry on with many authors in mind. Today with you, I will be quoting just a few and their views on supporting groups.

      

Review: Avoiding Commitment by KA Linde

Title: Avoiding Commitment
Series: Avoiding #1
Author: K.A. Linde
Published: July 2012
Format: ebook provided for review

Jack and Lexi never had a typical relationship. After 2 years without speaking, she receives a phone call that changes everything. He unexpectedly asks her to convince the new girl, Bekah, that he's ready to commit. Jack is calling now after everything they had been through because there is another woman. She can't believe it. Follow Lexi in this heart wrenching drama as she relives her past relationship, or lack thereof, with Jack, and not just in her own mind, but to his fiance-to-be. Throw in Bekah's hot brother who always seems to be in the right place at the right time, a past with more secrets to unravel than you can even imagine, and you get a recipe for disaster. Find out what happens to Lexi as she travels to Atlanta to get the closure she so desperately desires from Jack, and how the bumps of life seem to keep getting in the way.

Avoiding Commitment was a trainwreck. No, not cause of the writing – the writing was good. But the characters? They all need some help, lots of help. I didn’t really like any of them, but I don’t think you were supposed to. I mean, they were selfish, manipulative liars. *sigh*  Jack and Lexi had one of those toxic relationships.  you know the kind: great sex, some denied emotions, enough baggage to fill an airport. There were a few times I rooted for them, but overall....no.  I wanted them to just stay away from each other.

Interview with Lisa Becker, author of Double Click

Double Click

Lisa Becker

Fans of the romantic hit Click: An Online Love Story will enjoy another voyeuristic dive into the lives of Renee, Shelley, Ashley, Mark and Ethan, as Double Click picks up with their lives six months later. Are Renee and Ethan soul mates? Does Mark ever go on a date? Has Shelley run out of sexual conquests in Los Angeles? Will Ashley's judgmental nature sabotage her budding relationship? Through a marriage proposal, wedding, new baby and unexpected love twist, Double Click answers these questions and more. Readers will continue to cheer, laugh, cry and cringe following the email exploits of Renee and friends.

Today I have author, Lisa Becker, over for an interview for her book Double Click, the sequel to Click: An Online Love Story!  This book is surely quite different from anything you've ever read, so sit back, she was she has to say and check out the excerpt.  Happy Monday!

***Interview*** 

Hey Lisa, welcome back to Fictional Candy! How are you today? 

Can’t complain. I must say, I’ve got it pretty darn good and I know it!

We’re here to talk about Double Click, which is the sequel to Click: An Online Love Story. What can you tell us about Double Click?

Quote-Tastic! Up To Me

Yay!!  Second time around for Quote-Tastic!  Today I have a quote from Up To Me by M. Leighton.  My friend, Naomi, at Nomi's Paranormal Palace has turned me on to this author, and I suddenly can't get enough.  Up To Me is the second book in the Bad Boys series.  You can read my review of the first one HERE.  That was called Down To You.  I haven't reviewed Up To Me yet, maybe next weekend.  Enough of my babble! 

"Do me a favor, " he whispers, curling my fingers over the back of his and bringing them to his mouth.

 "What?"

His eye never leave mine as he brushes his lips over my knuckles. "Dream of me tonight, " he says softly. He watches me, waiting for a response. I have no words, so I simply nod. He doesn't need to know that no one ever occupies my dreams. No one.

 "Dream of my lips, teasing you." Straightening one of my fingers, he kisses the tip. His voice is like velvet and his words are like an aphrodisiac. "Dream of my tongue, tasting you." His tongue sneaks out to flick the end of my finger. A surge of desire rocks my core. "And I'll dream of you. Of what it feels like to be inside your warm, wet body." As if to show me what he feels, Cash sucks my finger into his mouth and pulls it in and out of his mouth., back and forth over his tongue. I can barely breathe.

He pulls it out, but before he lets it go, he gives it a gentle bite. I feel a burn in the pit of my stomach, a drop of lave in a boiling volcano.

 "Goodnight, Olivia." he says quietly. And then he walks away.

Seriously, these books are HOT.  And just cause I can, here's the cover to the first one.

Now go click on the Quote-Tastic graphic at the top and get added to the list!  Leave me your links in the comments, and I will come see your quotes!!

Book Blast/Giveaway: Romance Book Club by Michelle Hughes

Join Michelle Hughes, author of the contemporary romance novel, Romance Book Club, as she tours the blogosphere May 10 through May 15 on her first Book Blast with Pump Up Your Book! Michelle will be giving away a $25 Amazon GC/Paypal Cash to one lucky reader! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form on the participating blogs below anytime during the tour and good luck!

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 A book club, a romance novel, and a group of professional women in Atlanta, Georgia. That might bring to mind a nice enjoyable evening of companionship and fun, but what if the women in question wanted to take things just a step further than the safety of a cozy living room meeting? When Jessie's book club decided to put some real-time research into the background of their latest reading topic, she had no idea it would land her right in the middle of Sensation's Dungeon! Chase Davenport had seen dozens of women walk into his dungeon, curious about what his lifestyle entailed. Never had one ran for the door and looked on in abject horror like a certain petite little brunette. Challenge, that's what he considered when he stared into eyes the color of a Caribbean sea at sunset filled with fear. The sexy club owner fit the description of a sexy alpha male romance character to a tee, and to Jessie that wasn't a compliment. When he offered to give her a tour of his dungeon, and discuss the reality of his lifestyle, she should have ignored the temptation. But how did anyone resist a chance to talk with a man that had a body built for sin and a smile that made her knees tremble? Determined to give the tempting beauty just a little education about his world, he had no idea unlocking her mind would result in his own need to stake his claim. He was a man accustomed to having women beg for his attention, but there was something about Jessie that called out the true alpha in him. Would she be able to accept what he really wanted from her, or walk out his dungeon never to return? It began with a love of reading romance behind the pages of a book... but in the end, reality would show a different world awaited if either of them were willing to take the chance