As Shadows Fade by Colleen GleasonCopyright 2009
Signet Eclipse - Paranormal Historical Romance
342 pages
Author's website
Oh, man, am I ever going to miss this series. Booklogged made a comment that she's not a romance reader and was initially hesitant about picking up a vampire romance. I was, too, but I flipped through the first book when I saw it in my local bookstore because Colleen was one of the early visitors to my blog (so I had to at least read a bit to see if I thought I'd like it) and The Rest Falls Away passed my flip test with flying colors. I absolutely loved the characters, the setting, and the taut action scenes. I was hooked.
In fact, I seldom read series books and eventually tend to abandon a series, but I never grew weary of Victoria, Max and Sebastian. And, yet, I appreciate Colleen's choice to limit the number of Gardella Vampire books because there are some series (Umm . . . Stephanie Plum??) that just keep going and going and going and I'd so much rather the author just wrap them up and satisfy us with the answers. Like, which hunk will the heroine end up with???
Colleen has nicely wrapped everything up in As Shadows Fade. Reading the book was every bit as fun as the rest of the series but this time Victoria chooses her man for good, we find out what the deal is with Wayren and her bag of tricks, and . . . well, I can't say much more without giving anything away and I don't want to spoil the book for anyone. Closing the book was bittersweet. I was sad about what happened to one of the continuing characters, happy about the way the romance was wrapped up, and surprised by the revelations about Wayren. I will miss this series immensely, but I'm very much looking forward to finding out what Colleen has in store for her readers in the future.
And, now the giveaway . . .
Colleen has offered to give one reader any book from the Gardella Vampire series -- you choose which title. Here are links to my reviews of past titles:
The Rest Falls Away
Rises the Night
The Bleeding Dusk
When Twilight Burns
To qualify for this drawing:
1. Leave me your email address or else! The "or else" means I disqualify you. I'm a big meanie about that.
2. Jump up and down and say "Wahoo!" three times.
3. Say something nice to someone (anyone) and don't go around staking any totally innocent people, just because they cut you off in traffic or jumped the queue at the grocery store.
4. Since 2 & 3 were really easy (and you can't prove you did either), tell me the title and author of the best book you've read, so far this year.
Okay, have at it. The drawing will be held on the 7th of April. I have no idea why and I reserve the right to change that date because I don't have a calendar handy. I just realized I've forgotten how to make this post a sticky, even though I just told CJ I thought I knew how to do it. Sigh. Remind me, somebody?
Enter me! Wahoo! Wahoo! Wahoo! Best book is Cooking and Screaming by Adrianne Kane. Email is nikki (dot) demarco @ gmail.com
ReplyDeleteUmm, Nancy? I still haven't gotten my book from Colleen. Remember I won like, months ago? I know the post office here is slow, but I don't think it's them at this point.
Have a good weekend!
To make your post sticky, go in and Edit your post and change the posting date (usually down the bottom but I think you have to press post options first).
ReplyDeleteThe best book I have read so far this year is The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman!
The book I would like is The Bleeding Dusk (as long as the draw is opten to international visitors that is), and my email address is ozdiamondlil @ gmail.com.
Did I tell you I love you? I jumped 3 times, and the rest is a given..I adore series, and hate to see the author stop, it's like a family you know...except I never really did get into Plum's...However, I loved Faye Kellerman's Decker/Lazarus mysteries, and Leslie Glass's series and Nina Reilly series (from the O'shaughnessey sisters), and yes JD Robb's (Nora Roberts) ...in death series with Yummy Roarke and Eve Dallas, oh sigh, I could never get into vampire stories (although I loved Angel on tv) but nothing I love more than a Free Book LOL
ReplyDeleteHaven't had much time to read this year and that's why I've quit daily AM3 visits, 'cause man there's more life...and I promise this comment is almost over. But I did read (old one) John Grishaw's The Chamber, which I loved. (the Great-Grandfather, this young lawyer never knew , is on Death Row for murders committed as a KKK monster, I mean member) amazing what you learn about death row... That should do it...and I did jump up and down and I hope this was scathingly brilliant enough to get the book.......:) If not, doesn't matter I loved this post xxx
She did a great job wrapping up the series, but leaving us with just enough to wonder about what will happen to the characters. I hope she does revisit that certain someone, later on, like she said she might. LOL. Too cryptic? :P
ReplyDeleteAs for the sticky post, now that you've published it, just go in to the Post Options, change the date, and republish. That should work.
I haven't managed to snag a copy of this book yet but I loooove this series. Please enter me in your drawing.
ReplyDeleteThe best book have read this year so far is The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
thesleepyreader (AT) gmail (DOT) com
Wahoo! wahoo!! wahoo!!! (that's hard to type when jumping up and down.)
ReplyDeleteI said very nice things to the dog already today and I told my hubby I loved him when I woke up - does that count or can I enter and do later the nice thing thing?
The best book I've read so far this year is John Green's Looking For Alaska.
OK, I'm up and off to yoga! bkclubCARE [at] gmail
I have the first in the Gleason series--glad to hear that you liked them. I need to read #1.
ReplyDeleteFor the drawing--
ReplyDeleteRises the night would be my pick.
Best book so far this year--that's tough--I really liked Austenland. I also really liked Morrigan's Cross.
email: melissaenglish72@hotmail.com
Please count me in.
ReplyDeletemj.coward{at]gmail.com
I jumped and said Wahoo 3 times cause my niece in the hospital is improving!!! ( Hubby will verify)
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a copy of The Bleeding Dusk, the review is great. I did the Wahoo thing and my daughter is staring at me, I told her she could go out with her friend tonight - Which is being very nice to her. Now for your 4th thing so far this year my favorite book is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Please include me in your giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Debbie
debdesk9@verizon.net
Nikki,
ReplyDeleteCan you resend your address and remind me which book and I'll give her a nudge? Sorry. It should have been there, by now. I remember telling Colleen just be sure you don't write "Italy" on the box. That was my mistake!!
Marg,
I tried editing the date and it put my post back in the "scheduled" queue, but I'll try it again. If this post disappears for a few minutes, everyone will know Bookfool is mucking around, trying to make it sticky. LOL International is fine! I need to order The Graveyard Book. My library only has one copy and the wait list is eternal.
Rainy,
I never could get into vampire stories, either, but this series is as much action, history and romance as it is vampires. I love the atmosphere of Colleen's books. I think you'd love it. So, you're in. I'm going to keep this short, but I understand needing to take a break from Animus3. It gets a little overwhelming because you feel obligated to visit everyone and start to realize you're sitting way, way too much. I'm just going to drop in when I feel like it. :) Love ya right back!!! XX00
Nat,
You're not being too vague! I know what you mean and yep, I'd like it if she eventually revisits the series, at some point. I'll miss Victoria, Max and Sebastian. I'm going to try changing the date, again, in a minute. If this post disappears, it shall return. :)
Amy,
ReplyDeleteI just loved this whole series. Best of luck. I've seen very polarized reviews of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I'll have to look it up, thanks! I don't think I've bothered to wish-list it.
Care,
Dogs need love, too. LOL But, you can continue to be nice to people for as long as you'd like. Oooh, I loved Looking for Alaska. Good choice!!
Melissa,
Well, you already know I loved Austenland, but I can't remember if I told you my son's girlfriend bought the audio based on my review and loved it. Cool, yes? I'm not familiar with Morrigan's Cross. I'll look that up. Thanks!
MJ,
I trust you. And, wahoo for your niece!! I'm so glad to hear you have some really terrific news to wahoo about!
Debs Desk,
Hahaha, I'd love to see the look on your daughter's face. :) A copy of The Help is actually winging its way to me, as we speak. So glad to hear you loved it!
The best book I've read this year is "Atonement". Please enter me for the book giveaway - I need a good read!!
ReplyDeletekhzarrugh at gmail dot com
Ok did the jumping...
ReplyDeleteMy favorite book this year so far is Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch.
Thanks for the giveaway
whitten100 at yahoo dot com
Love to have this. The best book so far is Cast in Secret by Michelle Sagara.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
darkfyre1(at)gmail(dot)com
Nauti Nights by Lora Leigh
ReplyDelete13rubberducks [at] gmail [dot] com
Sounds like you loved this one as much as I did! I was sad to see it end too, but at the same time, I was glad it did...you're right...some authors have their series drag on for WAY too long. And I was thrilled with how this one ended :) Just how I wanted it to. Well maybe not one part....the part with the suitor that Victoria didn't pick...poor guy...
ReplyDeleteI still have to read the last two books in this series! I really need to do that soon! I will be sad to see the series end, though...
ReplyDeleteHey, Chris -
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. I was thrilled with the outcome but I wanna know what happens to the one she didn't pick, ya know?
I'm not interested in the drawing but I guess out of my list of books this year, I'd have to say I enjoyed all of the Kathy Reichs books and loved Nevada Barr's Winter Study.
cjh
Don't enter me in the drawing, although I did jump up and down and shout Wahoo! Haven't staked any innocent people lately, but there were a few people in the store I was suspicious of.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Colleen was smart to stop after 5 books in her series. I look forward to see what she's up to next.
Please enter me. I have been wanting to start this series for a while now.
ReplyDeleteThe best book I have read so far this year is Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
I am looking forward to reading this one--after I read the one before it. I've enjoyed the series quite a bit too. I wish it wasn't coming to an end, but then, sometimes it's best to end on a high note.
ReplyDeletePlease don't enter me in the drawing. Although, I have to say, it's tempting to go through your second and third steps for signing up!
Wahoo, wahoo, wahoo! Who doesn't love saying that :)
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you about Stephanie Plum but ok, that's for another chat. You don't have to enter me in the drawing though as I have two of her books waiting for me already. I really need to catch up and see what happens!
Thank you for the contest. I'd love to enter!
ReplyDeletemskayz,
ReplyDeleteI just happen to have a copy of Atonement. So, I should get back to it, then, eh? Thanks!
Busy Bee,
I've read a little about Girls in Trucks. It looks like a good book. Now I have confirmation. Wahoo! Thanks for jumping. You looked like you were having a great time. :)
Lady Roxi,
That's a new one on me. I'll have to look it up, thanks!
quiltingreader,
Hmmm. Doesn't sound like a Bookfool type of title, but I shall take a gander at Amazon. Thank you!
Chris,
I know!!!! That was sooooo sad. I like the way she left the door ajar, so there could possibly be a squeaker of a chance that someday . . . you never know. I will miss those characters.
Kailana,
ReplyDeleteIt was really kind of hard reading this last one, just knowing it was THE END. I so adored the characters in this series. But, once you finish them up, maybe Colleen will have something else wonderful waiting in the wings. I can't wait to see what she writes, next!
CJ,
Yep . . . you, Chris and I would all like to know a little more. Maybe someday.
I'm not sure I'd like Kathy Reichs, but I need to catch up on Anna Pigeon's adventures, someday. Thanks for the reminder!
Booklogged,
I'm glad you wahooed! Everyone needs to wahoo, now and then, don't you think? There are always suspicious folks in the grocery store.
Me, too! I can't wait to see what Colleen comes up with, next!
Donnas,
You have loads of fun ahead of you. I'm not familiar with Wicked Game (or the author). I'll have to look that up, thanks!
Wendy,
You're allowed to jump up and down, wahoo, and say nice things . . . even if you don't enter!! Isn't that great? :)
I do think she ended the series at a good point. I loved Victoria, Max and Sebastian so much that I didn't want to feel dangled and end up abandoning them the way I did Stephanie, Ranger and whatsisface. I want to call him Carl, but Carl is not really a hunk name, is it? LOL
Iliana,
Way to wahoo, lady!! Okay, I won't add you. But, you really need to read those books. And, we can talk about Stephanie Plum, some time. :)
How about if I "Wahoo" and jump up and down while patting the top of my head? Does that give me any extra chances?
ReplyDeleteMy favorite non-fiction book so far this year is Shadows in the Jungle by Larry Alexander. My favorite fiction book is The Thirteen Tale.
Michele,
ReplyDeleteAw, darn, you're disqualified. Go back to the end of the line until you remember your email and your wahoos (and your favorite book).
Bevarooni,
I don't give extra chances because I'm too freaking lazy to count one chance here, two there. I know. Pitiful.
Ooooh, another one to look up. Thanks! I've never heard of Shadows in the Jungle. But, I personally hated The Thirteenth Tale. And, oops, you forgot to leave your email address, too. You and Michele must be having a Sunday Slump. Come back with your email address!
You don't like gruesome, do you? Reichs gets pretty detailed about some pretty gruesome stuff, so I'm thinking you want to pass on the series.
ReplyDeletecjh
CJ,
ReplyDeleteYep, gruesome is a word I avoid. Okay, thanks!
Great contest! My email address is samantha.1020@yahoo.com and the best book that I have read this year is The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.
ReplyDeleteWahoo! Wahoo! Wahoo! I need to read #2!
ReplyDelete(Rises the Night, right?)
For the best book so far this year I'm going to say Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. And my email is jenstusue AT yahoo.
I would love to be able to read this. My favorite book so far is The Love Dare - I am currently doing this with my husband.
ReplyDeleteThank you
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
Hi! I'm new to your blog. Can I still join your contest? I wahooed and said something nice to our neighbor just now. Not at the same time, though.:)
ReplyDeleteThe best book I've read this year is Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood. Amazing book!
My email is fantaghiro23 at gmail dot com.
Terrific blog, by the way!
Oops, I forgot--I'd like the first book, if ever. I'm really into vampires and I'd like to start this series.:)
ReplyDeletefantaghiro,
ReplyDeleteYes, of course you can join in! You're very good at following directions. Go, you!
Wahoo, wahoo, wahoo. my email is malleycc (at) hotmail dot com. I'd like to start at the beginning with the series.
ReplyDeleteCan I reserve doing the Wahoo thing until the kids go back to school after spring break?
ReplyDeleteMy favorite book so far: The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister.
jgbeads AT gmail DOT com
Malley,
ReplyDeleteGood wahooing!
Janel,
Yes, you certainly may. Kids returning to school is always worth a wahoo or three. Having them at home . . . not so much. I'm dying to read The School of Essential Ingredients, but it looks like I've got a long wait. I'm #83 in line at PBS and my library doesn't have a copy, yet. Sigh.
The best book I've read this year? Probably Buffalo Lockjaw by Greg Ames -- dark humor on a sad subject.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would love to try out this series, it looks great!
ReplyDeleteThe best book I've read this year -- Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen -- I'm trying to reread the classics in between reading more contemporary books.
vmlay@artsci.wustl.edu
I'd love to be entered. I've read so many good books this year. Right now I'm head over heels about Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev.
ReplyDeleteBecky
laney_poATyahooDOTcom
joemmama@earthlink.net
ReplyDeleteSo far the best book I have read is The Gargoyle, by Andrew Davidson.
I love the shopaholic series
ReplyDeletefreebiegoddess03@aol.com
The best book I've read this year has to be Max by James Patterson.
ReplyDeletejwx4@yahoo.com
I had this for a while but I'm not that into historical romance or vampires aside from Sookie Stackhouse Series. You made me want to read this though, thanks.
ReplyDelete