Review--E-ARC The Vampire Narcise by Colleen Gleason

Regency England stands defiant against Napoleon.

But battles among men mean little to those who live forever – especially when the Dracule are waging their own war.

Skilled in the seduction of men, both mortal and immortal, Narcise Moldavi is the greatest weapon in her twisted brother's war among the Dracule. Until she falls for Giordan Cale.

Her first searing encounter with Giordan brands them with a passionate love. But Giordan's vow to help Narcise escape her brother's rule is followed by a betrayal more agonizing than sunlight.

Wounded but determined, Narcise ensnares vampire hunter Chas Woodmore in her quest for revenge and to reclaim her life. He wants her, worships her, will kill for her. And the Dracule never forget a wrong – nor do they forgive.

I received this E-ARC courtesy of NetGalley for review

Colleen Gleason's The Vampire Narcise was probably my favorite out of the Regency Draculia series. Narcise being the only female vamp that we've come to know through the other books had quite an interesting story and the overall story arc that was weaving through the first two is resolved by its end. Which was surprising, yet gratifying.

Narcise is under her evil brother's thumb and has been for some time. He uses and abuses her in the most cruel ways imaginable and just when she thinks she might be able to find love and salvation through Giordan, she is betrayed yet again. Although there is more to the betrayal than she realizes.

Then in comes Chas Woodmore and we get to see how the two met and started their relationship, what truly brought them together. And we get to see threads of the past two books occurring here again as well, like Narcise's first appearance when Angelica was visited by Voss and the sisters met her, the dealings with Voss and Dimitri after they regained their humanity and the story continues. Chas is still determined to end Cezar.

The pacing was much like the previous books, in that there were plenty of exciting moments, but then there was a slight lapse past the halfway point in where I was forcing myself to read on. It wasn't that it was boring, I guess I was just eager for something bigger to happen than what was happening. And I'm so glad I finished it!

The action and romance were very well balanced! There was plenty of swordplay, most of it done by Narcise! Girl power! ;) And the romance that happened throughout was steamy and wasn't overdone to be too much or whatever. It was just very romantic and fit its scene in a proper way so it didn't feel like it was there just to have a sex scene.

This ending was so not what I expected! It was fabulous! I'm still eager to know if there would be more of these books with a different vampire or previous secondary character taking on the lead, such as the youngest Woodmore sister. Only time will tell I guess.

Overall rating 4/5 stars

This title will release one May 24, 2011