Colleen Gleason - The Vampire Narcise (ARC)

Title : The Vampire Narcise
Series : The Regency Draculia #3
Release : May 2011
Publisher : Mira
Genre : Historical Paranormal Romance

Lucifer offered some men or woman a curse/gift in a dream, what they didn’t realizing is what they were signing up for until they woke up the next morning with a mark on their back, the need for blood and a personal Asthenia “an Achilles heel or vulnerability”.

From the moment Narcise has been tricked into turning Draculia, she has been under her brother’s Cezar control and held captive to serve her brother’s needs. In order to be free from the men around her brother who force themselves on her, she has to win the sword fights. Luckily for Narcise she’s been thought well and only lost the battle once or twice in the last couple of decades. She has promise herself to never let a man capture her heart and take control over her, but that all change when Giordan Cale walks into her life.

Giordan Cale has had a rough life on the street when he was young, but luck was on his side and growing up fast made him a very wealthy man. Then Lucifer appears in his dream and he accepts his fate as a vampire, a draculia. During a meeting with evil Cezar Moldavi, he meets his sister Narcise and knows his life will never be the same again. He soon discovers that she’s being held by her brother and he vows to save her, but not everything goes according plan.

The Vampire Narcise by Colleen Gleason is the third novel in the Regency Draculia Series and a total surprise. I think I have the same opinion as many others have, about not being sure how I feel about Narcise.

We meet Narcise briefly in the previous two books, where she just escape her brother’s prison and is travelling with Chas Woodmore, the brother of Angelica and Maia. We see the tension between Giordan and Narcise when they meet at Dimitri’s house, but cannot figure out why. I’m glad that the whole situation is cleared in this book.

This book is set back into the past, so that you can read about the meeting between Giordan and Narcise, how they fall for each other, the way Giordan is trying to save her from her brother and how she sees it as a betrayal. I really thought this book would be about Narcise and her relationship with Chas Woodwore, well I was in for a surprise, a very pleasant surprise when it turned out to be Giordan.

I have to admire Narcise for her strength, because she was still standing, not matter what her twisted brother had in mind for her. There was a time I could smack her in the head for not seeing the truth about Giordan, but she catch up for that in the end. I already knew that Giordan was a strong man, but reading what he went through only made him more like a man in my eyes.

This book was definitely different if you compare it with the previous novel, but definitely a great addition to this series. The ending was clearly different then with Voss and Dimitri, but I can live with the solution.

Miss Colleen Gleason has written a fabulous new vampire series and I hope to see more of her books in the near future.

Colleen Gleason - The Vampire Dimitri (ARC)

Title : The Vampire Dimitri
Series : The Regency Draculia #2
Release : April 2011
Publisher : Mira
Genre : Historical Paranormal Romance

Lucifer offered some men a curse/gift in a dream, what they didn’t realizing is what they were signing up for until they woke up the next morning with a mark on their back, the need for blood and a personal Asthenia “an Achilles heel or vulnerability”.

Vampire Dimitri Corvindale has become the guardian of the three Woodmore sisters, a job he isn’t looking forward too. Chas Woodmore is one of his friends and because Chas ran off with Cezar Moldavi’s sister Narcise, he has puts his three younger sisters in danger. The only protection they have is his name and strength. In the meantime Dimitri is looking hard to find a way to get rid of the mark on his back and be mortal again and looking after young women is a distraction he cannot afford.

Maia Woodmore isn’t happy with the decision of her older brother either, now she has to live with the Earl of Corvindale until Chas is back. She’s going to be wed soon to a wonderful loving man and then she can take her sisters in. But it becomes clear to her that their lives are in danger, when her sister Angelica is kidnapped. She knows that Dimitri is the only man who can keep her save, but will her heart survive this?

The Vampire Dimitri by Colleen Gleason is the second novel in her Regency Draculia Series and another great addition in the series. The first part of the story overlaps the first novel, but I don’t mind because it you can see it from another point of view.

I was already eager to read Dimitri’s book after the first novel and I have to tell you I wasn’t disappointed. Dimitri is mysterious, strong and very determined to find a way to get rid of this mark and Lucifer, so he can be mortal again. You learn a lot about his past, why he became a vampire, his relationship with his jealous ex-lover and his growing affection for Maia Woodmore.

My first impression of Maia in the first novel wasn’t much, she was the older annoying sister and very demanding, but I have to say that she grew on me in her own book. She took care of her siblings when their parents died and their brother was travelling around the world. Now it’s time for her to settle down with a wonderful man, but her mind is travelling to her guardian more often than it should.

I loved her growing relationship with Dimitri and her trust at the end when he needed her the most, even though he didn’t want to admit it. The little twist of Dimitri’s jealous ex-lover was a fabulous addition. Although I loved bad-ass Voss in the first novel, I have to admit that this book was better; the connection between the main characters was more real, more romance. A must read for readers who love regency mixed with paranormal creatures.

Next will be vampire Narcise and I have to say that I’m looking forward to read her story. She has a past with Dimitri’s friend Giordan Cale, I believe their relationship ended horrible and I really want to know everything.

ARC - Colleen Gleason - The Vampire Voss

Title : The Vampire Voss
Series : The Regency Draculia #1
Release : March 2011
Publisher : Mira
Genre : Historical Paranormal Romance

Lucifer offered some men a curse/gift in a dream, what they didn’t realizing is what they were signing up for until they woke up the next morning with a mark on their back, the need for blood and a personal Asthenia “an Achilles heel or vulnerability”.

Viscount Drewhurst “Voss” informs Lord Covingdale “Dimitri” that his good friend Chas Woodmore has disappeared with Narcissa Moldavi. She is the sister of Dimitri’s sworn enemy Cezar Moldavi. Dimitri knows it won’t be long before the Woodmore’s sisters will be arriving, because he promised to act as their guardian if something should happen to Chas. Dimitri is not happy that Voss is the one who delivers this information, because they have a history and it’s not all good.

In the vampire community not everyone trusts Voss, he is known to gather information about them and use it for his own advantage. Voss wants to be around Dimitri in order to get close to the Woodmore sisters, because the rumour is that one of them has the Sight and he needs information for his power struggle.

But nothing goes according plan, the moment Voss meets Angelica Woodmore, the sister with the Sight, her scent tempts him more that he could imagine.

The Vampire Voss by Colleen Gleason is the first novel in her Regency Draculia Series and I love it. I’m already a huge fan of her Gardella Vampire Chronicles and I think this series will be another addiction.

Voss is a vampire you will love one moment and hate the next, he is definitely not the typical hero type. You cannot trust him, because when it fits him he will use any information against you and that is exactly what he wants to do with Angelica, spend some time with her and gather as much information about this other vampire colleagues and be on his way.

The more time he spent with Angelica’s the more her scent drives him crazy and at some point his bloodlust hits and he bites her. Luckily for Angelica he has the strength to stop in time and send her back to Dimitri.

I have to be honest that I didn’t like Voss very much in the beginning, but during the book he grew on me and in the end he was definitely the man/vampire I thought he would be. His relationship with Angelica starts off on all the wrong reasons, but you can feel his growing affection for her. She is strong, knows what she wants and is definitely a great heroine for Voss.

Colleen Gleason did it again, that is all I can say. The book is well written and definitely worth to check out, it will keep you turning page after page just to see what will happen next. I’m already looking forward to the next novel The Vampire Dimitri, which will be about Angelica’s older sister Maia and their guardian Dimitri.

Colleen Gleason - As shadows fade

Victoria Gardella, Vampire slayer or Illa Gardella venator as she is called, knows she has to make the hardest decision in her life. For quite some time now, two men have been fighting for her heart and it’s time to make her final decision between Max and Sebastian.

But that is not all she is been worried about, Wayren is kidnapped by some demons and the only way to get her out of there is with the help of Lilith, Queen of the vampires. Victoria knows the price will be high when she accepts the Queen’s help, but it’s the only way to close the portal to hell and save Wayren and the world.

As Shadows fade by Colleen Gleason is the fifth and final novel in her Gardella Series and definitely one of the best in the series. She captured the world so perfectly, that readers are lured into the adventures Victoria, Max and Sebastian experience.

I’m glad to finally see that Victoria has made her choice between the two hot and gorgeous men, Max and Sebastian. We all know that Max was under a spell by vampire queen Lilith and she made it quite clear that she wants him back at her side. But what surprise me the most was Sebastian, who gave up everything just to see Victoria happy, I cannot believe the sacrifice he made at the end of the novel.

I have to say I felt sorry for the one who didn’t end up with Victoria. My mind was telling me “what is she thinking?”, but in my heart I knew she made the right and only choice she could make. You clearly can see that this series and especially the last novel weren’t all about danger and killing vampires/demons, you find that the romance and making the right choices is the key to this novel.

I truly can say that this series is one of my favorite vampire series and I hope Colleen Gleason decides to write more in this genre in the near future.

Colleen Gleason - When twilight burns

Victoria Gardella, one of the youngest Illa Gardella venators is dealing with the fact that she drank vampire Beauregard’s blood. Nobody knows what will happen with Victoria after all of this, it’s possible that she turns into the very creature she hunts every night. But because of the two “vis bulla’s”, a piercing that give powers to the ventator, Victoria was able to hold back the turning.

When she is healed enough, Victoria returns to London where her mother immediately starts planning for her to get back in the world of the ton and another marriage. But Victoria has other things on her mind, because it seems that Lilith, Queen of the Vampires is back in London too. So Victoria, Max and Sebastian have to find out what Lilith wants and prevent that from happing.

When twilight burns by Colleen Gleason is the fourth novel in her Gardella series. I just love the whole regency rules and balls mixed up with the vampire and demon slaying. Who would have thought that a young woman, wearing layers of fabric can really slay a vampire?

We already know that Victoria is strong, determined and the youngest venator every. This book continues where The Bleeding Dusk left off. Victoria was bitten by Vampire Beauregard and was force to drink his blood in return, hoping that she will turn into the very creature she has been fighting against. But luckily for her wearing two “vis bulla’s” saved her from turning, but make her even stronger than she already were.

Her attraction to the two men in her life is still very strong. Sebastian is the great-grandson of vampire Beauregard and is determined to wind Victoria’s heart once and for all, maybe even make her his wife. She is attractive to him and they even shared some passionate nights together, but her heart is telling her something else.
Max is the other men and also a venator. But he was under a spell by Lilith and he isn’t sure if that spell is totally gone. Although his heart is telling him to love the woman he cares about, his mind is telling him something else. Victoria is in danger and the only thing to keep Lilith of her back is leaving her behind.

Ever time I pick up a book in the Gardella Series I’m wondering how this love triangle between Victoria, Max and Sebastian will go. Who will she choose? I think we have to wait a little longer to find that out.

A terrific vampire series settle in London and Italy with two strong male characters, fighting to win the heart of the woman they love. Well what kind of woman wouldn’t want that…two men fighting over her.

Colleen Gleason - The bleeding dusk

Victoria Gardella, one of the youngest Illa Gardella venators is dealing with grief again, first she lost her beloved husband and shortly afterwards her Aunt, the previous Illa Gardella is killed by one of her closes friend. The pain is huge, but she cannot blame him for betraying her, she knows her Aunt saved her life by sacrifice her own, but that doesn’t mean it won’t hurt. Now she is settling her aunt’s affairs and in the mean time still hunting vampires.

Victoria and the other venators are looking for the keys that will open the Door of Alchemy before the vampires or demons will. Victoria knows now that they are not only fighting vampire this time, but also the demons. It seems those two enemies has combined they forces together. She knows she needs help to get the job done and wearing two vis bullaes instead of one isn’t bad either, she is stronger than ever.

But that is not all, Victoria’s mother and her tow best friends show up to celebrate Carnival in Rome and those three will do anything to find another husband for Victoria. Now she is not only fighting vampires and demons, but also trying to protect her mother and her friends. But that is not all she needs to keep Sebastian at a safe distance and Max is back in her life….will she ever trust him?

The bleeding dusk by Colleen Gleason is the third novel in her Gardella series and another fabulous one. The world she created is fabulous, I love the whole regency rules and world mixed up with the vampire slaying.

In each book you see that Victoria is a very strong young woman. She has been through hell in the last several years, losing several loved ones but still coming out strong. Of course she got help from two very handsome men; first we have Sebastian, a very determined man who will do anything in his power to protect Victoria against evil, but also trying very hard to convince her to choose him as her next partner. She is definitely attracted to him, they even shared some passionate nights together, but is he the right man for her.
Then we have Max, another vampire hunter who is under the spell of Lilith and isn’t sure if he will ever get away from her. He betrayed Victoria because he was the one who had a hand in her Aunt’s death, but she cannot blame him for that. There is a huge attraction between them, but neither one of them knows what to do with it.

A fabulous vampire series settle in the regency time with tow hot male characters to choose from. Oh yeah, who wouldn’t want that.

Colleen Gleason - Rises the night

Lady Victoria Gardella Grantworth recently learned that she is the next in line to be a Venator vampire hunter and she is fighting vampires for over a year now and it costs her more than you can imagine. Her beloved husband Philip was turned into a vampire by her enemy Lilith, the Vampire Queen and the only thing she could do to really save him, was to kill him for good. After a year of mourning she is back on the streets, killing vampire like no other and stronger than ever.

Victoria discovers that a group of humans are loyal to the vampires, calling themselves the Tutela. A trail from London leads Victoria to Italy, where she, her aunt Eustacia, some other venators and Sebastian discover that this is bigger than they could have imagine.

Nedas, Lilith’s son has built him quiet an impressive army to become the dominant race on
Earth and use humans as the food supply. Nedas is after an object that could provide him with the power he desperately seeks. The only way to stop him is to infiltrate into the Tutela and gets as much information as she can. But she quickly learns that danger is just around the corner, because someone she once trusted as a dear friend has joined the enemy.

Rises the night by Colleen Gleason is the second novel in her Gardella vampire chronicles and a great novel, she really created a world similar to “Buffy the vampire slayer” but then with the historical timeline.

Victoria Grantworth is a strong young woman that recently lost the love of her life. She was warned that love and a place in society were not getting a long with her job as a Venator vampire hunter, but she wanted to try. It costs her husband Philip his life and she is full of hate towards Lilith, the Vampire Queen who is responsible for Philip’s turning. But first she has to deal with Lilith’s son Nedas, who wants to power to control the vampires and use the humans as food.

Of course Victoria is not alone on this journey, her aunt Eustacia is there to support her with every step she takes, guiding her to become the next leading Venator. Sebastian Vioget, her ex-lover is there by her side, trying to convince her he is the man in her life, but can she trust him, it seems he has a secret life of his own. And then we have Maximilan Pesaro, one
of the other vampire slayers who left London right after Victoria lost her husband, but he turns up in Italy in some weird company, can she trust him or will he be the traitor in the group. Victoria knows she is about to find out.

This historical romantic fantasy novel is definitely worth to read, it’s full of intrigue plots, danger and friends who seems to be enemies and visa versa. You have to read the next novel to find out what will happen, because the books in this series do not have the normal happily ever after when you finish them. I can tell you this I’m looking forward to read the next to see if I’m right about some thing.

Colleen Gleason - The rest falls away

Victoria Gardella Grantworth debut season was delayed because of the death of her grandfather and father, but now it’s finally here. Victoria is really looking forward to attending the balls and maybe even find a husband. But there is something bothering her, for the last couple of weeks she has dreams about killing vampires and she is not sure what to think of it. The only person she can talk to about this kind of stuff is her eccentric Aunt Eustace and after a good talk Victoria discovers more about her family legacy than she already knows. It appears she is this generation vampire slayer, a venator.

During the day Victoria is training to become a ruthless vampire slayer, guided by her aunt Eustace and her personal trainer and during the evenings she attends balls en opera’s with her mother to find the suitable husband. Victoria tries to keep the two worlds apart, but at her coming out party when she meets handsome Lord Phillip de Lacey, she senses a vampire and she knows it is time to make her first kill.

When she’s about the make her first kill Victoria almost stakes the vampire executioner Maximilan Pesaro and he is not happy about it. Maximilan believes that Victoria cannot keep her personal life separate from the hunting. And Victoria is about to find out how right Max really is.

The rest falls away by Colleen Gleason is the first novel in the Gardella vampire chronicles. It’s the fist novel I’ve read by Miss Gleason and I have to say she didn’t disappoint me at all. I have to be honest I had the first two novels on my shelves for ages, but after a friend of mine mentioned that the series was fabulous I needed to find it out for myself and I have to say what a lovely surprise that was.

Victoria Grantworth is just a young woman who just comes out for her debut season and hopes to find a suitable husband, at least that’s what her mother wants. But after some strange dreams about vampires, she’s wondering if there is more in her life. So she goes to the only person who will understand her and explains to her what and who Victoria really is. From the moment Victoria decides to fight the vampires and take her place as the next venator, her life is turning up side down and never will be the same again.

There are three strong male characters in this novel, Phillip de Lacey who could be the suitable husband Victoria is looking for. Maximilan Pesaro, one of the vampire slayers who don’t believe Victoria will be able to do her job as venator and live her life in society. And then there is Sebastian Vioget, the handsome owner of a vampire bar who seem pretty much impressed by Victoria and show it to her every opportunity he’s got.

If you put Buffy and historical “regency” romantic fantasy together then you will get Victoria Grantworth and her adventures. You find it all in this novel, historical romance, young female slayer, some nasty vampires and good doses of male characters to make things very interesting. I cannot wait to see what will happen to Victoria in the next novels.