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On The Edge #0.5
Before The Edge
For Lisa, The Cliff was just one more bar to visit, one more competitor to gauge on her way to opening her own club. The verbal abuse unleashed on her by a patron is unexpected, but not entirely unusual: as a vampire, she has been called worse than ‘killer’ or ‘thing’ before. What is new, on the other hand, is the intervention of the bar’s owner. Lisa isn’t used to humans trying to protect her, and she finds Brett strangely endearing.
For his part, Brett isn’t all that comfortable being around a vampire, but now that he has thrown out the lout who was insulting Lisa, he can hardly ask her to leave. After getting to know her a little, however, he starts seeing the woman beyond the fangs, and when she returns the next night he’s ready to share a dance with her… or even a little more…
For his part, Brett isn’t all that comfortable being around a vampire, but now that he has thrown out the lout who was insulting Lisa, he can hardly ask her to leave. After getting to know her a little, however, he starts seeing the woman beyond the fangs, and when she returns the next night he’s ready to share a dance with her… or even a little more…
ebook
First published June 10, 2012
74 people want to read
About the author
Kallysten
134 books432 followersKallysten is a writer of romance novels and short stories, most of them with paranormal elements.
Her first eBooks were published by Linden Bay Romance in 2005. The defunct Venus Press subsequently published a few of her short stories. Because so many of her stories are linked as series and part of the same universe, she decided it would make sense to have them all in the same place, which is why she self-published, first with the co-op Alinar Publishing and now on her own. When she sees calls for submissions that speak to her muse, she sometimes tries for them, and was published this way by Samhain and Torquere.
Her first eBooks were published by Linden Bay Romance in 2005. The defunct Venus Press subsequently published a few of her short stories. Because so many of her stories are linked as series and part of the same universe, she decided it would make sense to have them all in the same place, which is why she self-published, first with the co-op Alinar Publishing and now on her own. When she sees calls for submissions that speak to her muse, she sometimes tries for them, and was published this way by Samhain and Torquere.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 27, 2016
Before The Edge is the "prequel" to Kallysten's On The Edge series. Having read the original On The Edge trilogy - On The Edge, Over The Edge and Walking The Edge - I knew all about Lisa, Brett and Leo's relationship. Those stories were mostly about Leo's integration into Lisa and Brett's lives. Because Lisa and Brett were already an established couple in those stories we never knew how they originally hooked up. In Before The Edge we finally learn how they got together.
In Kallysten's world, Haventown is probably one of the most vampire friendly towns that there is. This really isn't saying much though, as biased behavior towards vampires still ran rampant. Though vampires were legal citizens and it was illegal to discriminate against them, many still did. We see this right away in Before The Edge when Lisa, a female vampire, is confronted by a bigot in a bar. Thankfully, the bar's owner, Brett, threw the offensive man out but when it was time to face the vampire he found himself tongue-tied. He'd never been that close to a vampire. Though he had no idea how to act at first they soon found themselves chatting away.
As I said earlier, I knew what lay in Brett and Lisa's lives. Having that knowledge in no way diminished the reading experience. In fact, Kallysten put some conflict into this story to counterbalance that knowledge. It was just a small issue in reality but it did take me by surprise. It gave a freshness to a storyline that could have easily been stale.
One thing about this story that really struck me was the insight into Lisa that we got. Now, I have nothing against here, but forming a connection with her has been a little difficult in the past for me. I've always seen her a somewhat detached. In Before The Edge we get a little "glimpse behind the mask" and I was able to understand her a little more. Especially her wistfulness for a friend that she'd left behind.
Lisa and Brett fit together nicely in this story but I totally missed Leo while reading this. Though it's obvious to me that Lisa and Brett can be perfectly happy together, it's just as obvious that they're not really "whole" without Leo. I think Kallysten did an excellent job portraying that. It must have been hard to write 2/3 of a relationship but she's pulled if off without a hitch.
Before The Edge is an excellent addition to the On The Edge series. Learning about how it all began was a blast for me. Whether your new to this series or an old acquaintance, you'll really enjoy it.
In Kallysten's world, Haventown is probably one of the most vampire friendly towns that there is. This really isn't saying much though, as biased behavior towards vampires still ran rampant. Though vampires were legal citizens and it was illegal to discriminate against them, many still did. We see this right away in Before The Edge when Lisa, a female vampire, is confronted by a bigot in a bar. Thankfully, the bar's owner, Brett, threw the offensive man out but when it was time to face the vampire he found himself tongue-tied. He'd never been that close to a vampire. Though he had no idea how to act at first they soon found themselves chatting away.
As I said earlier, I knew what lay in Brett and Lisa's lives. Having that knowledge in no way diminished the reading experience. In fact, Kallysten put some conflict into this story to counterbalance that knowledge. It was just a small issue in reality but it did take me by surprise. It gave a freshness to a storyline that could have easily been stale.
One thing about this story that really struck me was the insight into Lisa that we got. Now, I have nothing against here, but forming a connection with her has been a little difficult in the past for me. I've always seen her a somewhat detached. In Before The Edge we get a little "glimpse behind the mask" and I was able to understand her a little more. Especially her wistfulness for a friend that she'd left behind.
Lisa and Brett fit together nicely in this story but I totally missed Leo while reading this. Though it's obvious to me that Lisa and Brett can be perfectly happy together, it's just as obvious that they're not really "whole" without Leo. I think Kallysten did an excellent job portraying that. It must have been hard to write 2/3 of a relationship but she's pulled if off without a hitch.
Before The Edge is an excellent addition to the On The Edge series. Learning about how it all began was a blast for me. Whether your new to this series or an old acquaintance, you'll really enjoy it.
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June 14, 2012How this story came to be…
I wrote elsewhere how the short story On The Edge turned into a series about the three main characters and their club. After my initial fumblings, I had put away my notes on how Brett and Lisa came together and never intended to write an ‘origins’ story for the series; in my mind, Brett, Lisa and Leo have always been a single unit, and even when two of them get closer like Brett and Leo in Walking The Edge, or Brett and Lisa in Fifth Vision of Destiny, the third one is never far.
When Fifth Vision of Destiny was released, however, a couple of readers mentioned that they were glad to get a better insight into why Lisa is so reluctant to talk about love. It occurred to me then that I still had a lot to say about these characters, and in particular about Lisa. This was how the idea how writing a ‘prequel’ came to be.
Most writers are smart(er than I am) and write their series in order. I follow my muse, and sometimes she leads me down very contorted paths!
I already had that image of how Brett and Lisa had met, but more importantly I had already given hints about it in the previously written books. Before I started writing Before The Edge, I went back through the rest of the series and referenced everything I had mentioned about the past: how Brett had intervened when a patron had bothered Lisa in his bar, how John, his security manager, had followed him from the bar to the club, how Brett knew where Lisa lived although he’d never been inside her place, and other details like these, some small, other very important to the story – these details that I didn’t want to contradict in the new story. They became my canvas, and I worked to fill in the blanks and make a cohesive whole.
One thing that (happily) surprised me was that Leo is not completely absent from this book. Throughout the parts we see from Lisa’s point of view, her old lover keeps popping up into her thoughts, along with her certainty that she will see him again – which of course she does in On The Edge!
I wrote elsewhere how the short story On The Edge turned into a series about the three main characters and their club. After my initial fumblings, I had put away my notes on how Brett and Lisa came together and never intended to write an ‘origins’ story for the series; in my mind, Brett, Lisa and Leo have always been a single unit, and even when two of them get closer like Brett and Leo in Walking The Edge, or Brett and Lisa in Fifth Vision of Destiny, the third one is never far.
When Fifth Vision of Destiny was released, however, a couple of readers mentioned that they were glad to get a better insight into why Lisa is so reluctant to talk about love. It occurred to me then that I still had a lot to say about these characters, and in particular about Lisa. This was how the idea how writing a ‘prequel’ came to be.
Most writers are smart(er than I am) and write their series in order. I follow my muse, and sometimes she leads me down very contorted paths!
I already had that image of how Brett and Lisa had met, but more importantly I had already given hints about it in the previously written books. Before I started writing Before The Edge, I went back through the rest of the series and referenced everything I had mentioned about the past: how Brett had intervened when a patron had bothered Lisa in his bar, how John, his security manager, had followed him from the bar to the club, how Brett knew where Lisa lived although he’d never been inside her place, and other details like these, some small, other very important to the story – these details that I didn’t want to contradict in the new story. They became my canvas, and I worked to fill in the blanks and make a cohesive whole.
One thing that (happily) surprised me was that Leo is not completely absent from this book. Throughout the parts we see from Lisa’s point of view, her old lover keeps popping up into her thoughts, along with her certainty that she will see him again – which of course she does in On The Edge!
September 10, 2016
AudioBook Review
Stars Overall: 5 Narration: 4 Story: 5
The introduction to Kallysten’s On the Edge series is now in audio form. I’ve read this in eBook form, so I already was familiar with the story, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to relax and listen to the story again.
Enter the world where vampires are citizens, and like many places, prejudice and discrimination against those who are ‘different’ runs rampant. Brett owns a local bar, and while he doesn’t personally know any vamps, he isn’t willing to allow anyone to be belittled in his establishment.
Lisa is a leggy blonde with attitude and confidence. She also happens to be a vampire and while not in need of rescue from an angry patron who is looming over her, Brett’s quick response to the situation in defense of her was surprising.
I enjoyed the interplay between Brett and Lisa: Kallysten brings you characters that arrive formed, and through their interactions and actions you see them develop and fill out. While both have some issues and reservations, they are well-matched and paired, and their chemistry is steamy and sexy: there are no sparkles here unless it’s in a lame dress or a piece of jewelry.
The narration for this novella is provided by Todd Waites; with a Midwestern-feeling accent his delivery is smooth and rhythmic without great modulation in pitch or tone to delineate character differences. His delivery was neither too fast nor to slow, and he manages to add a touch of emotional nuance that deepens the impact of the words.
For her first foray into the world of audio, Kallysten has chosen well. Waites’ narration is well-suited to the story and the novella format of this series gives listeners and readers lots of options without great time investment. If you want an entrée into a ‘different style’ of vampire story, that mixes characters, emotions and sex with equal abandon this is a great one to investigate.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Imagine a world where vampires are actual citizens, but suffer the indignities of discrimination. Where all Lisa wants to do is enjoy her nights, perhaps dance or enjoy a quiet drink in the company of others. Until Lisa walked into Brett’s bar, her tell-tale lack of reflection in the mirrors that appear in every bar in town usually resulted in her being escorted from the premises.
Brett, unfamiliar with the ‘reality’ that is vampire, yet inexplicably drawn to Lisa’s beauty, the two start a tentative friendship / flirtation that soon is sparking the pages with the intensity of the passion they share. With well-developed characters that are providing their backstory to each other as well as the reader: the story is providing background and introducing the ‘how they met’ story.
I do enjoy Kallysten’s writing, the short novellas place solid characters and allow them some room for growth as the story moves forward. The sexual tension, passions and release are exquisitely detailed with equal measure of description and imagery, providing an addictive storyline that you can’t put down.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Stars Overall: 5 Narration: 4 Story: 5
The introduction to Kallysten’s On the Edge series is now in audio form. I’ve read this in eBook form, so I already was familiar with the story, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to relax and listen to the story again.
Enter the world where vampires are citizens, and like many places, prejudice and discrimination against those who are ‘different’ runs rampant. Brett owns a local bar, and while he doesn’t personally know any vamps, he isn’t willing to allow anyone to be belittled in his establishment.
Lisa is a leggy blonde with attitude and confidence. She also happens to be a vampire and while not in need of rescue from an angry patron who is looming over her, Brett’s quick response to the situation in defense of her was surprising.
I enjoyed the interplay between Brett and Lisa: Kallysten brings you characters that arrive formed, and through their interactions and actions you see them develop and fill out. While both have some issues and reservations, they are well-matched and paired, and their chemistry is steamy and sexy: there are no sparkles here unless it’s in a lame dress or a piece of jewelry.
The narration for this novella is provided by Todd Waites; with a Midwestern-feeling accent his delivery is smooth and rhythmic without great modulation in pitch or tone to delineate character differences. His delivery was neither too fast nor to slow, and he manages to add a touch of emotional nuance that deepens the impact of the words.
For her first foray into the world of audio, Kallysten has chosen well. Waites’ narration is well-suited to the story and the novella format of this series gives listeners and readers lots of options without great time investment. If you want an entrée into a ‘different style’ of vampire story, that mixes characters, emotions and sex with equal abandon this is a great one to investigate.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Imagine a world where vampires are actual citizens, but suffer the indignities of discrimination. Where all Lisa wants to do is enjoy her nights, perhaps dance or enjoy a quiet drink in the company of others. Until Lisa walked into Brett’s bar, her tell-tale lack of reflection in the mirrors that appear in every bar in town usually resulted in her being escorted from the premises.
Brett, unfamiliar with the ‘reality’ that is vampire, yet inexplicably drawn to Lisa’s beauty, the two start a tentative friendship / flirtation that soon is sparking the pages with the intensity of the passion they share. With well-developed characters that are providing their backstory to each other as well as the reader: the story is providing background and introducing the ‘how they met’ story.
I do enjoy Kallysten’s writing, the short novellas place solid characters and allow them some room for growth as the story moves forward. The sexual tension, passions and release are exquisitely detailed with equal measure of description and imagery, providing an addictive storyline that you can’t put down.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
October 3, 2014
I have to admit when I picked up this book I did not expect much more than a steamy read. Boy was I wrong, this book has a surprisingly well formed world and intriguing story. This is a prequel to the series, which is kind of like a teaser.
The world building and storytelling were superb. I was hooked from the very start. I love Urban Fantasy and this fits into that build nicely, with plenty of erotic naughtiness. I am always interested in worlds where Paranormals exist among us and are out in the open. It is fascinating to see how each author takes on the way they are accepted or not by society.
I really liked Lisa and her feisty attitude. She is a great character and had considerable strength of character. Her back story is a bit vague, but I expect that will be fixed in the next book. I can imagine her independence getting her into trouble later.
Brett has issues to work through, but is a genuinely nice guy. Don't mistake him for a wimp though, he has a major Alpha streak!! We get a bit of his back story but I suspect there is more.
I really liked their relationship, it is hot and heavy really fast! The connection is combustible. These two are uber hot, yeah you might need a cold shower! Even though Lisa claims not to be monogamous, she certainly gets attached to Brett. I sneaked a peak at the next book's blurb and know we will get more details about their relationship. I can not wait to see what comes next!!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Todd Waites, who is easily a new ear crush!! He has a delicious tone that melts a girl on the spot!! Oh yeah, this one is a keeper!! He does yummy men's voices and the women's were distinct as well. Let me tell you though, he adds some serious energy to the steamy scenes. You really feel the scenes build through his dynamic narration. Sigh, cold shower.
Overall, I was blown away by this book. I did not expect to be so in love with this quick read. It contained great storytelling, engaging characters and knock your socks off steam. I can not wait to hear more of the story for these two and hope to have some awesome supporting characters pop up.
Please let the rest of the books release in audio ASAP!! I do not want to wait, I am not good at waiting. I might have to start stalking...um diligently following Kallysten.
The world building and storytelling were superb. I was hooked from the very start. I love Urban Fantasy and this fits into that build nicely, with plenty of erotic naughtiness. I am always interested in worlds where Paranormals exist among us and are out in the open. It is fascinating to see how each author takes on the way they are accepted or not by society.
I really liked Lisa and her feisty attitude. She is a great character and had considerable strength of character. Her back story is a bit vague, but I expect that will be fixed in the next book. I can imagine her independence getting her into trouble later.
Brett has issues to work through, but is a genuinely nice guy. Don't mistake him for a wimp though, he has a major Alpha streak!! We get a bit of his back story but I suspect there is more.
I really liked their relationship, it is hot and heavy really fast! The connection is combustible. These two are uber hot, yeah you might need a cold shower! Even though Lisa claims not to be monogamous, she certainly gets attached to Brett. I sneaked a peak at the next book's blurb and know we will get more details about their relationship. I can not wait to see what comes next!!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Todd Waites, who is easily a new ear crush!! He has a delicious tone that melts a girl on the spot!! Oh yeah, this one is a keeper!! He does yummy men's voices and the women's were distinct as well. Let me tell you though, he adds some serious energy to the steamy scenes. You really feel the scenes build through his dynamic narration. Sigh, cold shower.
Overall, I was blown away by this book. I did not expect to be so in love with this quick read. It contained great storytelling, engaging characters and knock your socks off steam. I can not wait to hear more of the story for these two and hope to have some awesome supporting characters pop up.
Please let the rest of the books release in audio ASAP!! I do not want to wait, I am not good at waiting. I might have to start stalking...um diligently following Kallysten.
March 26, 2016
I enjoyed this story. It 19s always fun to read about vampires and the various ways they 19re portrayed, and here Lisa is portrayed as both a predator and your average woman. Brett is a typical bar owner married to his work, and gets a little more adventurous as things heat up between himself and Lisa, until of course old betrayals come back to haunt him causing a rift between them.
I like Brett and his relationships with other people in his life, and I like how Lisa is when she 19s with him. That being said, I was really uncomfortable with the lack of monogamy from Lisa and the fact that Brett didn 19t really seem to mind. I am the kind of person who believes in honesty, even if it 19s regarding an affair (it 19s the hiding and lying makes the sh*t hit the fan), so I love that Lisa is open about that side of her nature. However, I 19m still the type of person, and reader, that prefers a monogamous HEA (happily ever after for those not in the know), so that hurt the story considerably for me. Overall, I still enjoyed the couple 19s journey and am interested in reading more about their future.
A compelling vampire story that leaves you wanting more, Before The Edge is a tale about a vampire and a human finding each other surprisingly endearing and venturing into the future together despite the obstacles they face. It 19s a nice sensual read for leisure time.
I like Brett and his relationships with other people in his life, and I like how Lisa is when she 19s with him. That being said, I was really uncomfortable with the lack of monogamy from Lisa and the fact that Brett didn 19t really seem to mind. I am the kind of person who believes in honesty, even if it 19s regarding an affair (it 19s the hiding and lying makes the sh*t hit the fan), so I love that Lisa is open about that side of her nature. However, I 19m still the type of person, and reader, that prefers a monogamous HEA (happily ever after for those not in the know), so that hurt the story considerably for me. Overall, I still enjoyed the couple 19s journey and am interested in reading more about their future.
A compelling vampire story that leaves you wanting more, Before The Edge is a tale about a vampire and a human finding each other surprisingly endearing and venturing into the future together despite the obstacles they face. It 19s a nice sensual read for leisure time.
August 12, 2012
I enjoyed this story. It’s always fun to read about vampires and the various ways they’re portrayed, and here Lisa is portrayed as both a predator and your average woman. Brett is a typical bar owner married to his work, and gets a little more adventurous as things heat up between himself and Lisa, until of course old betrayals come back to haunt him causing a rift between them.
I like Brett and his relationships with other people in his life, and I like how Lisa is when she’s with him. That being said, I was really uncomfortable with the lack of monogamy from Lisa and the fact that Brett didn’t really seem to mind. I am the kind of person who believes in honesty, even if it’s regarding an affair (it’s the hiding and lying makes the sh*t hit the fan), so I love that Lisa is open about that side of her nature. However, I’m still the type of person, and reader, that prefers a monogamous HEA (happily ever after for those not in the know), so that hurt the story considerably for me. Overall, I still enjoyed the couple’s journey and am interested in reading more about their future.
A compelling vampire story that leaves you wanting more, Before The Edge is a tale about a vampire and a human finding each other surprisingly endearing and venturing into the future together despite the obstacles they face. It’s a nice sensual read for leisure time.
I like Brett and his relationships with other people in his life, and I like how Lisa is when she’s with him. That being said, I was really uncomfortable with the lack of monogamy from Lisa and the fact that Brett didn’t really seem to mind. I am the kind of person who believes in honesty, even if it’s regarding an affair (it’s the hiding and lying makes the sh*t hit the fan), so I love that Lisa is open about that side of her nature. However, I’m still the type of person, and reader, that prefers a monogamous HEA (happily ever after for those not in the know), so that hurt the story considerably for me. Overall, I still enjoyed the couple’s journey and am interested in reading more about their future.
A compelling vampire story that leaves you wanting more, Before The Edge is a tale about a vampire and a human finding each other surprisingly endearing and venturing into the future together despite the obstacles they face. It’s a nice sensual read for leisure time.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews