Book Review: The Vampire Voss by Colleen Gleason

The Vampire Voss
Author: Colleen Gleason
Series: Regency Draculia, book 1
Publisher: Mira
ISBN-10: 0778329526
ISBN-13: 978-0778329527
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For more information visit Colleen Gleason's website




Viscount Dewhurst, or Voss, has spent the last one hundred and forty plus years living for pleasure and only caring about himself. As a member of the Dracule, he uses his vampiric abilities to get what he wants and obtain any information that will give him advantages over others. When he learns that the Woodmore sisters are being hunted by a depraved vampire bent on revenge, Voss uses the opportunity to get close to the Woodmore sister with the power of sight. But Angelica Woodmore will not be easily seduced.

Angelica and her sisters are being hunted by monsters she never knew existed. Her gift of sight has made her more of a target than the others. Angelica has been warned of Voss and has even seen his darker side but still can't help be drawn to him. When things become dire, Angelica will learn if Voss is the evil creature from her nightmares or the only man who can save her.

Voss denies himself nothing. He will drink as much blood as he wishes and have any women he wants. Even if he has to use his vampiric powers of persuasion. He has also made it his mission to obtain personal information about others, which he then will use for financial gain or favors. Voss is unapologetic in everything he does and I loved that about him. He seeks out Angelica for her sight but she is immune to his hypnotizing powers. As you'd expect, Voss starts falling for Angelica and his priorities change from using her to saving her. Angelica is able to handle her gift of being able to see other people's deaths very well. She's intelligent and will fight to survive. Apart, these two were intriguing and compelling characters but I felt no real connection when they were brought together. I thought there was lust on Voss' end and slight desire from Angelica but when the big declaration of love came, it didn't feel genuine enough.

Angelica's sister Maia stood out as well as Dimitri, the Earl of Corvindale. When Angelica and Maia's brother earns the wrath of another vampire, he must go into hiding and leaves the care of his sister in the hands of Dimitri. Who could not be less thrilled by this. Dimitri likes his privacy and living a solitary life. The arrival of the Woodmore sisters have put a halt to that. Maia is the eldest and is constantly demanding Dimitri's attention and answers to what is going on. I thought the most amusing moments came from these two. Maia was outspoken towards Dimitri considering this book takes place in the 1700s. I could just see Dimitri getting huffy because Maia knocked on his door again to ask questions about her brother and request his presences. I actually thought there was more of a connection between these two than Voss and Angelica.

Some of my favorite scenes were when the history of the Dracule was brought up. I thought the link to Lucifer, and of course Vlad Tepes, was an interesting twist to the usual Dracula tales. The description that Colleen Gleason puts into all aspects of her world was amazing. From the clothing, to the scenery, to the description of each character and even the sounds and smells, Colleen leaves nothing out and you can really picture everything that is going on in your head while you read. I didn't think the story really ever has a fast moving pace but instead has a more moderate feel to it and the love story between the main characters never grabbed me. There was a really good supporting cast and a different take on the usual vampire story that will have be continuing on to the next book in the series. I'd recommend The Vampire Voss to fans of the historical paranormal romance genre.
My Rating: