Awkward Holidays (Ward of the Vampire Serial) by Kallysten

Awkward Holidays (Ward of the Vampire Serial) Reviews

• 
  angela

  Keeping me riveted.
  
  Loving this series, two books to go, but I don't want it to be over in to books. Very easy read, character development great, easy to relate to.
• 
  Carrie (Book Fairy) Fort

  Favorite Line “The only difference was that now I was beginning to hope Miss Delilah wouldn’t come back quite yet. So of course, just to spite me, she did.”
  
  Holy frustrated!! Men! Poor Angelina is still stuck in Morgans home but, now he's stuck in her heart! She is falling in love with him! Is it him or the fantasy him tho??
  Angelina's parents have decided to come to town so to cover up the lie about why she can't leave the house they have decided to say she is helping him plan a charity gala. Side by side with him all the time is getting to her!
  Just when she thinks she has cracked through his armor SHE WAKES UP!!
  Unbelievable! Loved it hated it but not because it was bad but because I am frustrated with that Vampire!!
  I am dying for the next book!!
  I so hope he opens up to her and tells her something ANYTHING!!!
  
  I was given this book in exchange for an honest review
  
  FIVE FRUSTRATED FAIRIES
• 
  Miki

  This Review was first published on my blog
  Lecture toute une Aventure
  
  My opinion:
  Fantastic! Kallysten manages to make me really addicted because each part is better than the last but also longer! (We got an addition of more than 20pages in comparatively to part 2!) The more the story goes the more I like it, I couldn’t stop reading this one, I was completely immersed in the story that start just where “ My reluctant Warden” left us and I loved to see Morgan opens himself, discover about his maker and see Angelina becoming herself and true to her feelings.
  
  So Angelina is still in the impossibility to leave Morgan’s mansion which is causing a problem since it’s the end of the year and she was expected to spend the holidays with her family. Not an easy time of the year to feel prisoner but worse, her parents not happy to learn she can’t come home decide to visit her; once the panic is over she will need Morgan’s help to find a believable cover and story. I appreciate to see her calmer and thinking about the situation from Morgan point of view. She is not giving up but she is trying to cope the best way possible and slowly she sees new aspects of Morgan’s life and past, as a result she is falling for him and starting to accept that truth.
  
  Morgan Ward is really a complex but honest man. Attracted and more to Angelina, he wants to make her stay more comfortable but doesn’t always know how to express himself. To help her to see her parents he accepts to offer them hospitality and organise their stay so she doesn’t have to lie too much to them while still keeping the truth secret. He even thinks about getting her the presents she wished despites a snow storm outside, that’s so thoughtful and cute. However, for the first time he is letting Angelina sees some aspects from his pasts, explaining to her his relation to Delilah and his “ mother”. He is not saying everything but at least he is not lying to her even if the truth can be harsh. He has become really protective of her and I loved how he helped when she was sick.
  He even organises a party when he really abhors them just to give her an excuse and a cover for the fact she is living with him.
  
  Their relationship is really more complex now and the fantasy and reality are not as well separated than before, what she has lived as fantasy influence her and he wants some of it too when he doesn’t hide his needs. We get a really hot first kiss, not a fantasy one, so the emotions are building, and both have to start to admit what they feel and want even if they are not ready to act on it.
  
  I enjoyed to see her parents, the fact that we learn a little more about Stephen is also a plus, it was interesting to see how Stephen wants to protects Morgan and who the later one care about his butler. Her mother is quite the gossip one while her father is more an observer calm but seeing everything while keeping quiet, two opposite but that fit so well together.
  
  Irene is still really mysterious, dangerous for sure she seems to want Morgan’s happiness but is it her real goal I wonder… and the “ Melody” person gains even more importance than in past part but we still can only guess who she is and wonder what happened.
  
  The only thing is that it ends on a little cliffhanger, not a important or a angsty one so I will manage to wait until part 4 in October without too much stress but I do want to continue the story and see more of Angelina and Morgan interactions.
  It’s really a excellent serials if you love Vampires and romance so give it a try but read it in order or it would be really confusing. (and if you keep you eyes open you could get the precedent episodes free or in promotion really soon)
  
  
  Score: 4,5/5
  
  Disclaimer/ Source: a copy in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
• 
  Liz at Fictional Candy

  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!
  
  Angelina – she is still stuck in the mansion. Although personally, I wouldn’t consider it stuck, that’s for sure! Morgan Ward still doesn’t seem to be warming up to her. But there is a lot of exciting things that happen in this installment! Angelina’s parents come to visit! Like how in the Hell do you work around that? Their whole visit was pretty interesting, to say the least. But for me, I really want to get to the heart of the matter – Morgan and Angelina. I love to see their scenes together, the uncomfortable tone, the smart ass comebacks, the subtle flirting. Every time it brings us closer to what I hope is inevitable – an actual physical encounter!
  
  We also get a little bit deeper into the matter of why Delilah has trapped Angelina there with Morgan. That in itself turns into quite a scary situation. Spoiler free review here – read it for yourself before I become Captain Vague.
  
  Angelina seems to be changing, and of course she is. How could she not? She is growing more bold, but a little less quirky, it seems. I’m kind of missing that conspiratorial tone she had in the beginning, but I am loving her new attitude. Morgan seems to be more distant, and that is pissing me off. That damned stubborn man!! And seriously – the mind tricks? If I was there I would have to kick him in the shin… or something. (wink wink)
  
  At one point, my high heels fell off my feet, first one then the other. Moments later, without breaking his rhythm, he climbed onto the table, letting my legs fall to wrap around his waist, lowering himself over me so he could kiss my mouth, neck, and breasts; his hips never, ever slowed down. My hands vainly clutched at the smooth table at first, then clasped his shoulders, then his forearms. My fingers tangled in his hair again, tugged his shirt open so I could feel the rippling muscles of his chest.
  
  I loved this installment, and I can’t wait for the next one. The sex is hot, the inevitable combustion is coming. I can’t wait!! Have you hopped on board yet?? And by the way – the black and white covers with the pops of red? Totally love them!!
• 
  Gaele

  Having read the first two in this series, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be an early reviewer for the 3rd novella. And I was not disappointed.
  
  Upping the stakes once again, Angelina's parents are in town for a short visit and to see the sights. How can you show your parents New York when you can't leave the house? And what could possibly be a good enough reason to not visit with them over Christmas?
  
  Thrown into a panic, Angelina needs to rely on Morgan's quick wit and money to salvage her relationship with her parents, yet provide enough of a reason for her to remain within the house and safe from the unwanted effects of compulsion.
  
  Her panic and reluctance to lie to her parents, combined with Morgan's ability to give them the experience of their lives was a nice slice of life and displayed real reactions and questions that are expected when you are trying to protect your parents from the fact that vampires exist.
  
  While we see Angelina's concern for her parent's and their relationship, Morgan never ceases to amaze: suave, debonair and gracious even as he and Angelique are sniping at one another. Again he also steps in to save Angelina's life, this a direct threat from his maker. There is a connection that is ever growing between he and Angelina, and there are answers coming... eventually.
  
  This is a great installment in the series, and makes for a quick afternoon's read. Sadly we now have to wait for the next book ....
  
  I received an eARC from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
• 
  Snarky Mom

  
  AN AWKWARD REALIZATION…
  Edit
  
  I had signed up to be on a review team for Kallysten and picked “Awkward Holidays” as my choice if I came up in the queue as a reviewer. Well, as I read it, I came to an awkward realization. I REALLY am not fond of vampire stories. This is one of those vampire stories where many of them are cruel to each other and vicious in manipulating mortals. Add to that the awkward realization that this is actually part of a SERIAL and I had no clue about the first two books ( “WARD OF THE VAMPIRE” and “MY RELUCTANT WARDEN” ). Yep. Just awkward & I feel like a failure in my first outing on Kallysten’s review team – ack!
  
  **Please note: Spoilers below!
  
  You can read this as a standalone – but it’d be better NOT to do so. I spent the first part of the novella thinking I was missing something (well, DUH – I WAS!) and then when it ended, all I could think was, “Whoa!”. The ending is ABRUPT. I’m not sure how many of these novellas will comprise the whole serial, but if you are looking for a vampire romance, this is just barely it. It is alluded that in prior books they had a mind fantasy, but this just felt like it was still part of a build-up to the actual story. (And I won’t bother you with my normal rant about how much I DETEST these serial books & wish the authors would just WRITE. THE. DAMN. BOOK.!!!) There was a “romantica” scene in the book – but then, once again, she realized he was just doing a mind-f-ck on her.
  
  The writing & editing was fine, but I think I’d recommend waiting until at least the next one releases (in the hopes that the story has progressed!) and then reading all four in order.
• 
  Lynn Reynolds

  I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
  
  This book is written in the first person. I guess you could read this as a stand-alone but I suggest you don’t. It’s a better read if you start at the beginning of the series. This particular book is set around the holidays but it can be read at any time. It's also a book that can be read in just a couple of hours.
  
  In this part of the series Angelina’s parents are coming for a visit, which puts a twist on the other two books. This story shows that Morgan Ward has more humanity than we had been lead to believe in the past. It’s also less about the sexual tension and more about the family aspect of our characters.
  
  Kallysten will still give you the sex and romance because she’s so good at that. She sucks you in so that you can do no less than fall in love with her characters and hope that all will turn out all right in the end. She’s also good in leaving you hanging until the next book comes out. I got to the end and was left saying “What?” – and I’m sure you’ll say the same.
  
  One disappointment I had is that eventually this series will come to an end. I’ve found that I look forward to when the next book arrives. Her next book titled The Coward’s Way Out is scheduled for October. But on the flip side, I’ll also look forward to whatever she writes. In the meantime, I have to wait another four months until this series continues.
  
• 
  BBMoreB ~

  If you haven’t yet read the first two installments,
  Ward of the Vampire and
  My Reluctant Warden, then I recommended starting at the beginning. These should be read in order; to obtain a complete understanding of the complex relationship between Morgan and Angelina.
  
  Kallysten took a slightly different approach with Awkward Holiday. With Angelina's parents in town, it put additional stress on an already overstressed situation. The author crafted believable scenes to this reader satisfaction. Using the inconvenient arrival of Angelina’s parents to naturally progress the story and allow the audience to gain some {a teeniest bit} insight into the mysterious Mr. Ward.
  
  I love that this author has twisted this paranormal lover’s perceptive. She has given me hope that maybe the vampire isn’t an overwritten character.
  
  Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge by the author for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
• 
  Sally Hannoush

  I missed reading vampire books and was glad to see this series screaming out for me to read.
  Book 1- Ward of the Vampire - 4 stars -This was a good start to the series. I had no clue that this story would end up where it did. It reads a little bit differently than I am use to. I can't wait to see what's next.
  Book 2 - My Reluctant Ward - 3 stars - This part starts off where book one left off with a small recap. This book gives us more information but also leaves us with unanswered questions. I enjoyed this part of the story a little more than the first. It still eaves me looking forward to the next part of the story.
  Book 3- Awkward Holiday - 3 stars- The holiday portion of this story was done well. So far I've liked reading this story but the "vampire" part has only shown itself by compulsion and fantasy. Well, also notice of the famous Black Mug. No history or biting as of yet then all the sudden we finally get to it! His speed, his age, the vampire nails.
  Book 4- The Cowards Way Out - 4 stars- Now we have finally arrived to some good information. Wow- and its intense! It took a long time to get here but I'm glad to finally know more!
  Book 5 - Homeward - 4 stars - Great ending to the story. Take a trip to Hawaii while trying to work out a relationship issue -sure thing!
• 
  Douglas Meeks

  This third excursion into the “Warden” series of novellas is the best of them all so far since we finally get to see a hint of the motivations behind Angelina’s forced captivity (as pleasant as it may be).
  
  The author gives us more of a glimpse into vampire billionaire Morgan Ward and also moves up the romance a notch or two (it barely qualifies as a romance up until now) and there is some actual interaction between the stoic Morgan and our naïve Angelina.
  
  We also get to meet the “maker” of Morgan and his sister Delilah and it is not really pleasant to be honest but it does move the story up yet another notch while still inserting a bit of heartbreak into the equation (or perhaps it is just frustration).
  
  All things said I have to give this 4.5 Stars since it had even more of an addicting quality about it than the previous installments mainly because it did not have to lay any farther groundwork and was pretty much devoted to the story.
  
  One thing that should be made clear is that you really do not want to start with this book, get all of the releases and read them in order, slow moving romance of the highest order.
  
• 
  Cassandra

  My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 unicorns - I loved it!!!
  
  **Gifted to me by the author for an honest review
  
  I really enjoy this series and love reading it. Kally’s writing style just makes it so easy to connect with Angelina. Morgan is confusing, but I think there is a story there that we will eventually learn about that will pull at our heartstrings and then I won’t want to slap him so much. Angelina’s parents pop in for a visit which makes things uncomfortable and challenging for Angelina and Morgan, you will definitely want to see how they rise to it. There is also a new person who I have decided is….I can’t describe what I’m feeling but pain should be involved. This was another emotional rollercoaster, and it was over much too quickly. I want the next book NOW, so I can see what happens next…Grrrr! If you love paranormal and Kally, you can’t miss out of reading this you will enjoy it!!! I need more Kally!!!
  
• 
  Heather

  MORE PLEASE!
  Starts out slow, the parents visit, and life is some what normal, other then the fact that Lini can't leave the mansion. There's a gala that Lini and MrWard are putting together which started as a cover for why she couldn't go home over the holidays or leave the mansion while they visit.
  The real action start once the gala is over. Its fast and exciting and had me sitting on the edge of my chair, telling myself, yes YES! Finally, and then whoa, the thruth comes out and makes you almost as upset and angry as Lini is.
  
  With that quick run down, the book has its ups and downs, and of course leaves you wanting more and more and more!! I can't wait until the next episode comes out for the series, and yes I call them episodes cause they are short, but packed with so much you can't wait until the next one comes on.
  
  I really enjoyed it and I am really liking Kallysten's writing, I have other books from her, but I have plunged into them yet. I think I might have soon.
• 
  Nicole

  This is the second installment of this particular series. The first one did not win me over at all. This book did though. We are still experiencing it all through Angelina's point of view but it a lot more cohesive than the first one.
  I understood Angelina and Morgan a lot better. I am also not usually good with these kind of series..I like character series but I usually do not like reading several books about one couple due to the fact that I like books to end happily ever after and with this type of series, usually one does. We will all have to keep reading to find out more:)
  I still feel sorry for Angelina in the fact that she cannot leave the mansion at all but Morgan does his best to make it very comfortable for her. The fantasy scenes in this book actually made sense (I had problems in the first book with these.)
  It is a quick but definitely a good read and I will be reading as many as I can to finally get to the part where they are a couple(if that happens...I hope so).
  
• 
  Beckey

  After being able to review the first two books in this series, I was excited to be able to review this book as well. (but was slightly behind with obtaining a chance to read this book in a timely fashion...)
  Angelina is still suck in Ward's home...the setting is during the holidays.
  Angelina was scheduled to visit with her parents but with the problem that she has with not being able to leave Ward's home, she cancels. Her parents are very adamant about she their daughter they book a flight to come her but they don't know about why she is staying Wards home.
  How will she explain? Most importantly will Angeline or Ward figure out a way for leave for Angelina to be able to leave?
  
  I found the book to be interesting, captivating & well written. Overall enjoyable story that I would rate a solid 5 star. Looking forward the next installment that is due to come out in October, A Cowards Way Out.
  I received the book from the author for an honest review, thank you.
• 
  Autumn

  I received this book to give an honest review.
  
  The third book in this novella series. And let me say I really enjoyed this one a lot more. Morgan Ward shows a small side of him self that we have not seen before! It is like a nice side of him wow hard to know he had that in him lol. You also get a small glimpse and meeting of his maker "mother", which it just makes you want to know so much more as to why Angelina is really there.
  
  There is some romance but not as much as it has been in the past, I have a feeling something real is going to go on between Morgan and Angelina something way more than these love fantasies.
  
  You do need to make sure you read the other two before this one so you really know what is going on in the story. This is for adults so go and get a copy when it is released!!!!
• 
  Nicole Garcia

  Hot, Sexy, and even better than the last!!!!
  
  I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This installment is better than the last. I love Kallysten's descriptive writing. She has become one of my favorite writers. In this third installment in the series we get to see more of Morgan Ward and his background. He is still quite mysterious but I can see he his walls are starting to break down. Another reason I loved this book was it was set during Christmas time. This is an awesome read, but especially if you are looking for a hot read to heat up your holiday. More of Morgan's mysteries comes to the surface but Kallysten just leaves you begging for more. More Morgan, more Angelina, and more of the fantasies Kallysten writes that burn amazing sexual images into your head. I cannot wait until the next in this series. This series is a definite must read.
• 
  Cindy Barton

  The more I read Angelina and Morgan's story, the more draw in I get. I forget I am reading something and not watching it play out in front of me. In this third installment of The Ward of the Vampire we are introduced to Angelina's parents when they decide if their daughter can't come to them, they will come to her. A surprise visit for Christmas forces Morgan to help Angelina cover the fact that she cannot leave the house and why she didn't come home for the holiday. A Charity event is quickly planned and invitations are sent out. During the party we get introduced to "Mother", a very old vampire. I swear, when Mother grabbed Angelina around the throat, I felt myself holding my breath until she finally let go.
  
  To say I loved this installment is, mildly, an understatement. I hate having to wait for part four.
  
• 
  Jane

  Angelina is trapped in Ward's mansion in New York with the holidays fast approaching. She had planned to fly home to her parents, which became awkward when she had to tell them that she wasn't coming. SURPRISE, they decided to come to New York to see her and created the awkward holidays and a great story how Ward helped her keep her parents busy while she stayed in the trapped inside.
  
  The relationship between Angelina and Ward continues to be both hot and cold with flights of sexual fantasy to frustrate and entice Angelina into falling for her most unpleasant host.
  
  The dialog is great, some of the situations funny and in all a very good episode that ends with a question that makes he reader want to know what will happen next???
• 
  Eva Millien

  This is an installment of the Ward Vampire serial.
  
  With some hot and steamy sex, parents, compulsions, holidays, and parties involved, this story will grab your attention. The story continues to entertain you as the tension, both sexual and not, continues to rise between Mr. Ward and Angelina and the suspense of how Angelina will handle what is thrown at her next will keep you absorbed until the very end. Of course, it is very frustrating that we only get a taste of the story and not the whole story.
  
  The characters and the story make it well worth the wait for the next installment, though I will tell you that I wish she could write a little faster.
  
• 
  Lori Meehan

  This is the third book in the series and by far the best one yet.
  Oh Morgan...you are such a nice man but you have some dark fears that Angelina just might be starting to uncover. These fears make him act like such a jacka** that I would just like to strangle him. He hurts Angelina so much by trying to so call protect her I'm guessing from himself. In this book we are start to find out more about Morgan and what might be at the root of his fears. As with the other books I'm still not happy with Morgan but I think I'm softening towards him. Angelina is defiantly becoming a stronger person. Give him hell Angelina.
  I can't wait for the next book!
• 
  Sebrena

  SPECTACULAR READ!!!
  
  I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Kallysten for being generous and allowing me to explore this Amazing world.
  
  Awkward Holidays (Ward of the Vampire) is a quick, spectacular read sure to delight all fans of Kallysten. I should know because I am ONE! You can't help falling more in love with the characters, action and romance with each read. In my opinion this series just keeps getting better and better. My only complaint is that I want book four RIGHT NOW!!! ;)
  
  
  
• 
  Andrea Carpenter

  I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I am on the edge of my seat. I can't wait for the next book. I was drawn in again by Kallysten. I'm falling more for Angelina and Morgan. And I'm starting to understand Morgan's ways. I was ready to jump in the book and attack "Mother". I feel like I am living this story as I read it. Kallysten has an amazing way of drawing you in and making you feel as if you are part of the story. She is very descriptive with her writing. For me being drawn into a book with well written characters, plot, and descriptive details is what makes an amazing book and an amazing author. Thank you Kallysten for not only an amazing book but an amazing series.
• 
  Paris (kerbytejas)

  Longer then the first two novellas' but still short, three stars for book length, writing, and story are worthy of 4 stars
  The story is getting more complex, we have now met Mother, Morgan's maker. She is actually the one behind Angelina being held in Morgan's mansion. The question is why? We have learned of a new woman from Morgan's past, but we have no info on her yet or how she fits into Morgan's past, and why Angelina has been thrown into this situation.
  
• 
  Stacy

  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?
• 
  Runningrabbit

  OK, I confess, I thought this serial series was going to be trashy. I was pleasantly surprised.
  I like the characters and the substance of the story, although I have found this third book a little disappointing in the fact that a set of scenes/concepts that I have considered repetitive when I felt the story should have moved on a step earlier than it did.
  Still enjoying and into the fourth book.
• 
  Sheri

  ahhh!! I can't wait till October! I love this story! Angelina and Morgan are such wonderful characters.I was immediately sucked back into their story. I LOVED IT!! After I finished it my response was NOOOOOOOO it can't end yet!! Have I mentioned how much I love their story??!! I'm going to pout now....I will be pouting until October!
  Happy Reading!!
• 
  LaGina

  Just when you thought the situation between Angelina and Morgan could get no worse Kallysten throws me for a loop and leaves me with "Not even if I beg." And then to seal my cant sleep fate she throws this in "But you're so pretty when you do." UUUUUGH, that is so wrong to leave me guessing like that Kallysten!!!
• 
  Carrie

  Morgans behavior was so confusing. He would do really nice and thoughtful things for Lina or her parents, then act completely different. His behavior is all over the place with ridiculous excuses. I can't wait for the next installment. Its obvious that he cares deeply for Lina and I can't wait till he opens up more and shows it.