Review ~ Rises the Night ~ Colleen Gleason #TakeControlTBR #ShelfLove

Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason
Gardella Vampire Hunters #2
Release Date: June 5, 2007
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TakeControl, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
The saga of Victoria Gardella continues as the glorious nineteenth-century city of Rome gives rise to a new threat from the immortal undead...

Lady Victoria Gardella Grantworth de Lacy has been a vampire slayer for just over a year, balancing her life as a peer of Soceity with the dangerous role that takes her out on moonlit streets, stake in hand. She has learned brutal and heartbreaking lessons about the sacrifices that must be made in order to save humanity from the evil that secretly preys upon it, but she has not wavered in her vow to fight on.

Now, in Italy, a powerful vampire is amassing the power to control the souls of the dead. As Victoria races across Europe to stop what could be the most deadly army the Gardellas have ever faced, her unlikely companion is Sebastian Vioget--a man as tempting as he is untrustworthy.

But when Victoria discovers she has been betrayed by one of her most trusted allies, the truth will challenge all her powers as a Venator...and as a woman.

I was an instant fan of this series following the stellar first installment. Vampire hunters in Regency-era England? Yes, please. Rises the Night picks up almost a year after the end of book 1 - that heartbreaking ending. Rises the Night is every bit as exciting and fascinating, with intrigue, a new evil on the rise, and questionable loyalties.

This installment finds Victoria investigating and attempting to locate a new threat to humanity. No one has heard from Max in almost a year so Victoria relies on aid from Sebastian despite not knowing for certain if he's trustworthy.

There is danger almost at every turn - the introduction of new characters for whom it was thrilling to try to determine their allegiance, and the simmering sexual tension between Victoria and Sebastian hit the boiling point. There were also more than a few surprises, some of which left me bereft. Actually, I'm still feeling that way and am quite certain that I'll continue this series soon as I'm more that eager to know what is lying in wait for our heroine next.

As long as I'm rambling, I appreciated the change in locale for this installment. Rome and Venice allowed Victoria even more freedom as a woman and I also liked the description of the cities. Victoria also learns more about the Venators, which provided a little more history about the venerable group of hunters she's a part of. I also liked the lore used regarding this newest evil.

Overall, I'm simply enthralled. I'm anxious to learn, experience, immerse myself even more in this series!

#OctobeRecFest Review ~ The Rest Falls Away ~ Colleen Gleason

The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason
Release Date: January 2, 2007
Genre: Adult, Historical Paranormal Romance
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Recommended by: Lorna @Rabid Reads
Goodreads

Synopsis
Beneath the glitter of dazzling nineteenth century London Society lurks a bloodthirsty evil...

Vampires have always lived among them, quietly attacking unsuspecting debutantes and dandified lords as well as hackney drivers and Bond Street milliners. If not for the vampire slayers of the Gardella family, these immortal creatures would have long ago taken control of the world.

In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy, and this time, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is chosen, on the eve of her debut, to carry the stake. But as she moves between the crush of ballrooms and dangerous moonlit streets, Victoria's heart is torn between London's most eligible bachelor, the Marquess of Rockley, and her dark, dangerous duty.

And when she comes face-to-face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make a choice between duty and love.

Prepare yourselves for a gushing review. I picked up The Rest Falls Away because I was in the mood for vampires and Lorna had recommended this one. It wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I decided vampires but it absolutely hit the sweet spot!

Gleason delivered a well-crafted introduction to the Gardella world in Regency England. Her conveyance of the life of a daughter's duty, life among the ton, etc., was very well done. Her creation of a vampire mythos and a class of people dedicated to eradicating the world of the evil of vampires was fascinating. The characters, both primary and secondary, were robust and compelling and Gleason didn't shy away from making any of them possibly unsavory, morally questionable, and the like. I found each of the characters to be interesting in their own way and they all added something integral to the story.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't draw comparisons between Victoria and Buffy. *wink* That this vampire slayer lives in the 1800's only added to my enchantment. Max and Aunt Eustacia, the Marquess, Sebastian, even Verbena, all made for a colorful cast that I'm completely invested in.

The ending...GAH! That was gut-wrenching but then I was also torn in my feelings - which I suppose make it all the more gut-wrenching. But it also made it very difficult to turn off my kindle and move on to my next read considering I have the boxset and book #2 was sitting there staring at me.

Honestly, I could go on and on about all the reasons The Rest Falls Away tripped my trigger. Bottom line though: It did. In a big way. I can't wait to continue. Thanks, Lorna!

**My TBR List November ~ The REVIEW & THE WINNER!**

My To-Be Read List is a new meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. Michelle has been doing this for awhile and recently decided to extend the fun for us all. I thought it was a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

Forbidden
Arotas Trilogy #1
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 2011
Source: Purchased ecopy from Amazon
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodread

Synopsis
Roseline Enescue didn't ask to become an Immortal, to have all the guests at her wedding slaughtered, or be forced into marriage with a man whose lust for blood would one day ignite the vampire legend. Willing to risk everything for a chance at a normal life, Roseline escapes to America. Terrified her husband Vladimir will find her, Roseline enrolls as a senior in Chicago's elite Rosewood Prep school. Mingling with humans is the last place he would look for her. But her transition into the human world isn't easy. Mortal men flock after her while cutthroat girls plot her demise. Yet Roseline remains relatively unfazed by the petty hysteria until she falters into the arms of Gabriel Marston, reluctant MVP quarterback, unwilling ladies man, and sensitive artist in hiding. Troubled by the bond that pulls her towards the mortal boy, Roseline tries to ignore him, but Gabriel is persistent. As their lives entwine, Roseline begins to realize that Gabriel is much more than he appears. His ability to toss a football the entire length of the field and grind concrete into dust pales in comparison to the glowing blue cross tattoo that mysteriously appears on his forearms. Despite the forbidden bond between them, Roseline can't help wondering what Gabriel is: He's not human. He's not immortal. So just what is he?

I'm not sure how long Forbidden has been waiting for me on my kindle (I one-clicked it when it was a freebie) but I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to read it. It's a bit of a spin on the Vlad the Impaler myth, but it's more. There's a bit of mystery, some suspense, romance *sigh*, and some very well written and violent action. This is categorized as YA but it's definitely mature YA.

Roseline Enescue risked everything when she fled her husband, Vladimir. She knows all too well the punishment she will endure if she's caught but she can't take living the life he forced her into. She is successful in her escape and flees to America where she ends up in Chicago. There she enrolls in school. Her plan is to lay low, avoid people - it's the only way to stay safe. But Rose didn't count on meeting Sadie...or William, Sadie's brother...or Gabriel, who really throws a wrench into her plans. Things actually go along pretty well though, until someone from home shows up to take Rose back. Then things get even more interesting.

Forbidden is an excellent introduction to the Arotas Trilogy. It's sets up the mythology, introduces the players, and develops the characters. And I love the characters. Rose is strong, courageous, determined, and loyal. Sadie is sweet, loyal, and quick under pressure. William is lovable and willing to do anything for a friend. Gabriel is brave and strong, with a beautiful spirit. Vladimir is scary evil. Then there's the mystery of the bond and the prophecy. What exactly is Gabriel? And it's all set against the backdrop of high school and typical teen-aged angst.

I feel like I can't say much more without being spoilery. Ms. Miles has crafted a wonderful story - one that I'm honestly eager to continue. The only reason it's not a 5 Bookworm read for me is because it's written in third person, present tense - this is purely a personal preference - this format is one that bothers me. Forbidden is an enthralling read though. And one I highly recommend.

And the winner is.... NAOMI HOP!! *tosses confetti* Congrats, Naomi!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Release Party & Giveaway ~ Hunting in Bruges ~ E.J. Stevens**

Happy Release Day, E.J. Stevens!

Hunting in Bruges, the debut novel in the 

Hunters' Guild urban fantasy series, releases today. 

To celebrate, we are having a book and swag giveaway!

Keep reading for a chance to win a signed copy of 

Hunting in Bruges, a t-shirt, and more!

Hunting in Bruges (Hunters' Guild #1) by E.J. Stevens

Release Date:  November 11, 2014

Genre:  Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Pre-order on Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis
The only thing worse than being a Hunter in the fae-ridden city of Harborsmouth, is hunting vamps in Bruges.

Being shipped off to Belgium sucks. The medieval city of Bruges is quaint, but the local Hunters' Guild is understaffed, the canals are
choked with dead bodies, and there's no shortage of supernatural predators as likely suspects.

On second thought, maybe Bruges isn't so bad after all.

With a desire to prove herself, protect the innocent, and advance within the ranks of the Hunters' Guild, Jenna Lehane hits the cobbled streets of Bruges with blades at the ready. Someone, or something, is murdering tourists and dumping their bodies in the city's scenic canals. With the help of a mysterious stranger, Jenna begins to piece together clues that are dotted throughout the city like blood spatter.

Determined to stop the killings, Jenna delves into a bloody local history that only raises more questions--but some secrets are best left buried. Jenna must put her combat training to the test as she struggles to unearth the truth about an ancient enemy.

Hunting in Bruges is the first novel in the Hunters' Guild urban fantasy series set in the world of Ivy Granger.

E.J.'s Hunting in Bruges Playlist

Hey everyone!  I am so excited about the upcoming release of HUNTING IN BRUGES, the first novel in the Hunters' Guild urban fantasy series.  This book is filled with quirky characters,
bloodthirsty paranormal predators, and high octane fight scenes. So, just a warning, some of this music is pretty intense.

Hunting in Bruges Playlist

The Razor's Edge by Digital Daggers

Trophy by Bat for Lashes

Heartbeats by The Knife

Vanished by Crystal Castles

Heads Will Roll by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

When Anger Shows by The Editors

Walking with a Ghost by Tegan and Sara

How by The Neighborhood

Bones by Ms Mr

The Dreaming Moon by The Magnetic Fields

Arsenal by Kidneythieves

Leaving Tonight by The Birthday Massacre

What Else Is There? by Royksopp

Scorch the Ground by Seabound

Approaching Light Speed by Wolfsheim

Dead Stars by Covenant

The Bomb by Neuroticfish

Let Me Be Your Armor by Assemblage 23

Bullet by Covenant

Ghost by VNV Nation

Wreath of Barbs by Wumpscut

About the Hunters' Guild Series

The Hunters' Guild series is an urban fantasy series written by E.J. Stevens and set in the world of Ivy Granger. The series is told in the first-person point-of-view of Jenna Lehane, a Hunter with a troubled past, a proficiency with weapons, and an intolerance for monsters who target the innocent.

About the Author

E.J. Stevens is the author of the Spirit Guide young adult series, the bestselling Ivy Granger urban fantasy series, and the Hunters' Guild urban fantasy series.  When E.J. isn't at her writing desk she enjoys dancing along seaside cliffs, singing in graveyards, and sleeping in faerie circles.  E.J. currently resides in a magical forest on the coast of Maine where she finds daily inspiration for her writing.

Hunting in Bruges Release Party Giveaway

We are giving away a HUGE Hunting in Bruges prize pack. One winner will receive a Hunting in Bruges *signed* Trade Paperback, t-shirt, sticker, *signed* postcard, and poster! This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL. Giveaway winner will be randomly drawn by Rafflecopter. Giveaway runs from November 11-November 25.

a Rafflecopter giveaway