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The Gardella Vampire Hunters #7
Raging Dawn
A stand-alone, spoiler-free short novel in Colleen Gleason’s international bestselling series, The Gardella Vampire Hunters.
England, 1922 When the vampires Max Denton hunts brutally murder his wife, he is nearly destroyed himself. He spends his life in solitude, violence, and revenge.
But when sensitive information about his young daughter falls into the hands of the vampires, Max is forced to team up with the woman whose father ultimately caused the death of his wife.
Savina Eleaisa has secrets of her own, and she’s determined to do whatever it takes to clear her father’s name: even if it involves seducing the most dangerous of vampires–with or without the help of the arrogant, brooding Max Denton.
A short, stand-alone novel in the Gardella Vampire Hunters series set at a Downton Abbey type English estate.
England, 1922 When the vampires Max Denton hunts brutally murder his wife, he is nearly destroyed himself. He spends his life in solitude, violence, and revenge.
But when sensitive information about his young daughter falls into the hands of the vampires, Max is forced to team up with the woman whose father ultimately caused the death of his wife.
Savina Eleaisa has secrets of her own, and she’s determined to do whatever it takes to clear her father’s name: even if it involves seducing the most dangerous of vampires–with or without the help of the arrogant, brooding Max Denton.
A short, stand-alone novel in the Gardella Vampire Hunters series set at a Downton Abbey type English estate.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2015
39 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Gleason
105 books1,677 followersAward-winning, NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today bestselling author Colleen Gleason (who also writes as Colleen Cambridge) has written more than fifty novels in a variety of genres…but always feature smart, strong women determined to right wrongs and get shit done.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 19, 2023
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I really liked this story a lot! After reading the first book in the Macey Gardella & Max Denton series, I was eager for more so I decided to jump into the first book that features Max, Macey’s father. This is a novella/short book but I thought it told a very big story. I was hooked right away and found it next to impossible to stop reading.
Max is a venator, or vampire hunter, and I thought that he was a fantastic character. He has been through a lot. When he was younger, vampires murdered his wife so he sent his daughter away to keep her safe. He is paired up to work with Savina, the daughter of the man he blames for his wife’s death, which goes over as well as you would think. I liked seeing him in action but I also liked seeing him let his guard down just a bit. Savina is pretty amazing herself. She is not a venator but has still joined the fight and hopes to clear her father’s name in the process. I thought that these two made a fantastic team.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This is the second book in the Macey Gardella & Max Denton series, which is a spin-off of The Gardella Vampire Hunters series. I think that this story could work as a stand-alone but I would suggest reading the series in order if at all possible. I cannot wait to start reading the next book in the series.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited
I really liked this story a lot! After reading the first book in the Macey Gardella & Max Denton series, I was eager for more so I decided to jump into the first book that features Max, Macey’s father. This is a novella/short book but I thought it told a very big story. I was hooked right away and found it next to impossible to stop reading.
Max is a venator, or vampire hunter, and I thought that he was a fantastic character. He has been through a lot. When he was younger, vampires murdered his wife so he sent his daughter away to keep her safe. He is paired up to work with Savina, the daughter of the man he blames for his wife’s death, which goes over as well as you would think. I liked seeing him in action but I also liked seeing him let his guard down just a bit. Savina is pretty amazing herself. She is not a venator but has still joined the fight and hopes to clear her father’s name in the process. I thought that these two made a fantastic team.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This is the second book in the Macey Gardella & Max Denton series, which is a spin-off of The Gardella Vampire Hunters series. I think that this story could work as a stand-alone but I would suggest reading the series in order if at all possible. I cannot wait to start reading the next book in the series.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited
November 25, 2024
**Read as Part of the Dark and Damaged: Eight Tortured Heroes of Paranormal Romance box set.**
Raging Dawn - DNF
This is a stand-alone short novel in the Gardella Vampire Hunter series. I tired, but could not get into this one. I'm not a fan of historical romances. The characters are vampire slayers and dark. Maybe I'll try it again someday, but just to many other reading options.
Even though Raging Dawn was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
Raging Dawn - DNF
This is a stand-alone short novel in the Gardella Vampire Hunter series. I tired, but could not get into this one. I'm not a fan of historical romances. The characters are vampire slayers and dark. Maybe I'll try it again someday, but just to many other reading options.
Even though Raging Dawn was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
December 7, 2019
After Max's wife's murder by vampires he sent his 8 yr old daughter away. She grew up thinking he died. This was a short, and nicely paced story about Max getting a 2nd chance at happiness with Savina. Savina's father was accused of stealing something from the Venators (vampire hunters). She has worked for last 10 years to prove his innocence. She finds out the answer. I thought the end was a abrupt with Max writing a letter to his daughter (Macey).
Using this for bus square for Romance-opoly.
Using this for bus square for Romance-opoly.
July 30, 2016
So good
Continuing with the series, this book was very good. I love this type of series. This one in particular, with the strong woman (and men) but you won't find any sniveling woman in this series, at least not that I see. The great writing, characters who just keep giving. This is a great series, and so I am onto the next book.
Continuing with the series, this book was very good. I love this type of series. This one in particular, with the strong woman (and men) but you won't find any sniveling woman in this series, at least not that I see. The great writing, characters who just keep giving. This is a great series, and so I am onto the next book.
October 6, 2015
Fangtastic! A sexy fun vampire slaying thrill ride. The characters were dark, independent and fun to read. Their tension and barter was full of excitement. All in all a great story full of sass, danger and passion.
January 30, 2016
Bellissima novella, piena di ritmo. La Gleason non delude, anzi, ci fa innamorare di un suo nuovo personaggio, Max Denton e lo fa mostrandocelo come un uomo ferito, spezzato, in cerca di vendetta ma anche di riscatto e amore.
Savina è la compagna perfetta per lui, in un'avventura non solo amorosa, ma anche pericolosa a caccia della verità e di vampiri. In circa 128 pagine, si snoda una storia ben congegnata, ricca di azione e sentimento, che ci catapulta ancora una volta nell'intenso e oscuro mondo dei Gardella.
Per chi ha amato la saga, assolutamente da leggere.
Savina è la compagna perfetta per lui, in un'avventura non solo amorosa, ma anche pericolosa a caccia della verità e di vampiri. In circa 128 pagine, si snoda una storia ben congegnata, ricca di azione e sentimento, che ci catapulta ancora una volta nell'intenso e oscuro mondo dei Gardella.
Per chi ha amato la saga, assolutamente da leggere.
February 7, 2017
Come sempre la Gleason non mi delude mai, anche questa novella che fa parte della serie Gardella mi è piaciuta molto.
Il personaggio di Max Denton all'inizio mi sembrava troppo pesante ma con il procedere della lettura mi sono decisamente ricreduta, e che dire di Savina ,l'unica fin dalla prima scena a tener testa a Max, anche lei mi è piaciuta soprattutto per il suo carattere forte ma che quando necessario anche molto dolce.
Una trama avvincente ed emozionante come solo la serie Gardella riesce a farci leggere, spero che ci sia un seguito perché il finale lascia molte domande al lettore.
Il personaggio di Max Denton all'inizio mi sembrava troppo pesante ma con il procedere della lettura mi sono decisamente ricreduta, e che dire di Savina ,l'unica fin dalla prima scena a tener testa a Max, anche lei mi è piaciuta soprattutto per il suo carattere forte ma che quando necessario anche molto dolce.
Una trama avvincente ed emozionante come solo la serie Gardella riesce a farci leggere, spero che ci sia un seguito perché il finale lascia molte domande al lettore.
December 1, 2022
Loved!!
This is Max Denton's story.
Max is the great-grandson of both Victoria Gardella and Max Pesaro. Max met his wife just after he accepted his Calling to be a Gardella Venator. They got married at 18 when he was still too young to understand the risks of being a vampire hunter. Soon after they had a little girl, Macey, whom they both adored.
When Max comes home one night and finds his wife, Felicia, brutally murdered by the vampires he hunts, he feels responsible. Immediately he has Wayren send away his 8 year old daughter to an unknown location, never wanting any contact between them. Afraid that the Tutela or the reclusive vampire in charge will find Macey's whereabouts, he makes sure that his daughter knows that he died fighting in the war.
Ten years after his wife's murder, Max returns to the Consilium in Rome hoping to get some help. Max was supposed to take over as Summa Gardella after his uncle died, but he passed on the responsibility and gave it to another. When the Venators arrive for the meeting, Max sees the daughter of the traitor that killed his own family.
Savina's great-great grandfather was the successful medical genius that saved Victoria from being an undead. When her father was accused of stealing a chest of Venator secrets and giving them to vampires, betraying not only the organization, but killing Max's own family; she refuses to believe it. Savina thinks he was framed by someone but he died soon after; ever since she's been trying to prove his innocence.
Savina has spent the past few years working on a plan to find the person responsible. It so happens that her plans are necessary to get Max what he needs as well. The Summa has been getting updates on Macey throughout the years in order to protect her. As her 18th birthday approaches, soon her Calling will as well. When one of their secret coded letters doesn't get delivered to the Summa, the Venators need to find out if it was stolen by the Tutela or worse, the reclusive vampire in charge. Now Savina and Max need to find that letter now more than anything.
A must read!!
This is Max Denton's story.
Max is the great-grandson of both Victoria Gardella and Max Pesaro. Max met his wife just after he accepted his Calling to be a Gardella Venator. They got married at 18 when he was still too young to understand the risks of being a vampire hunter. Soon after they had a little girl, Macey, whom they both adored.
When Max comes home one night and finds his wife, Felicia, brutally murdered by the vampires he hunts, he feels responsible. Immediately he has Wayren send away his 8 year old daughter to an unknown location, never wanting any contact between them. Afraid that the Tutela or the reclusive vampire in charge will find Macey's whereabouts, he makes sure that his daughter knows that he died fighting in the war.
Ten years after his wife's murder, Max returns to the Consilium in Rome hoping to get some help. Max was supposed to take over as Summa Gardella after his uncle died, but he passed on the responsibility and gave it to another. When the Venators arrive for the meeting, Max sees the daughter of the traitor that killed his own family.
Savina's great-great grandfather was the successful medical genius that saved Victoria from being an undead. When her father was accused of stealing a chest of Venator secrets and giving them to vampires, betraying not only the organization, but killing Max's own family; she refuses to believe it. Savina thinks he was framed by someone but he died soon after; ever since she's been trying to prove his innocence.
Savina has spent the past few years working on a plan to find the person responsible. It so happens that her plans are necessary to get Max what he needs as well. The Summa has been getting updates on Macey throughout the years in order to protect her. As her 18th birthday approaches, soon her Calling will as well. When one of their secret coded letters doesn't get delivered to the Summa, the Venators need to find out if it was stolen by the Tutela or worse, the reclusive vampire in charge. Now Savina and Max need to find that letter now more than anything.
A must read!!
September 4, 2018
I found that I enjoyed Max & Savina more than I had been enjoying Macey's story so far. I've only read Macey's debut book and have the others lined up for reading.
One of the things I didn't enjoy about this book was how repetitive it was:
Max's feelings were like a never ending circle of annoyance at Savina and then the utmost concern for her -- I also feel that it was repetitive that as soon as there is a bit of skin shown that none of the men or women in the universe can keep a clear head. I get that it's paranormal romance--but please, give people (and other creatures) more credit sometimes. ;)
One of the things I didn't enjoy about this book was how repetitive it was:
Max's feelings were like a never ending circle of annoyance at Savina and then the utmost concern for her -- I also feel that it was repetitive that as soon as there is a bit of skin shown that none of the men or women in the universe can keep a clear head. I get that it's paranormal romance--but please, give people (and other creatures) more credit sometimes. ;)
November 25, 2019
Max & Savina
Max Denton, a Venatar vampire killer, abandoned his 8 year-old daughter Mackey to foster care after he found her mother killed by vampires. He is trying to recover a letter stolen by vampires with the help of Savina Eleaisa. The letter may give away the location of Macey.
Characterization and plotting are good.
Max Denton, a Venatar vampire killer, abandoned his 8 year-old daughter Mackey to foster care after he found her mother killed by vampires. He is trying to recover a letter stolen by vampires with the help of Savina Eleaisa. The letter may give away the location of Macey.
Characterization and plotting are good.
February 5, 2023
Its worth the read.
A bit slow in the beginning. But don't stop reading . I promise you will enjoy this story. Gleason is a masterful story teller as she weaves her tale into an event you want to share in.
A bit slow in the beginning. But don't stop reading . I promise you will enjoy this story. Gleason is a masterful story teller as she weaves her tale into an event you want to share in.
November 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. I kept waching it in my mind as an Agatha Christi era novel. Nicely written and I'll be looking out for mor of Collen Gleeson's Books.
July 17, 2022
Racconto breve, stupendo. Concentrato di ironia, azione, amore, rabbia e seduzione
September 29, 2022
My first foray into C G's vampire series. It definitely enticed me into searching out more!
March 9, 2025
I really liked this book. It kept my interest and no boring parts. I love good vampires but these were not so good but still a good story line.
September 3, 2021
Ho sempre amato i libri di Colleen Gleason sui Gardella, una famiglia di cacciatori di vampiri, per cui ero molto impaziente di leggere questo piccolo racconto su Max Denton e scoprire di più su uno dei personaggi presenti nell'ultima serie che avevo letto di questa autrice. Correre dietro alle avventure di Max mi era mancato molto. Seguirlo mentre dava la caccia ai vampiri per arrivare al cattivone di turno, era proprio quello di cui avevo bisogno. Mi ha fatto tornare la voglia di leggere e di perdermi completamente dentro un libro. Divorato e amato. Ma questo lo sapevo già.
December 6, 2015
Raging Dawn by Colleen Gleason is available on it's own, and also part of the Dark and Damaged box set where the story is one of eight 'tortured heroes of paranormal romances' novels.
Max Denton is the tortured hero in this book. His torture comes from having his wife murdered by vampires, and from having to send his daughter Macey away to keep her safe. She would one day be the summa Gardella and at all costs she had to be kept safe. In doing so he has had to cut off all ties from her so not only has he lost his wife, but also his child. He's lonely, he is angry, and he is a Gardella Venator, a vampire hunter.
Savina Eleiasa is on a mission, she wants to find proof that her father didn't betray the Gardellas by stealing a chest full of information about them, which also included a letter stating the whereabouts of Max's daughter. The theft also led to the death of Max's wife Felicia. When she is asked by the Gardella to accompany Max to a house party where the vampire that has the chest will be, she jumps at the chance. Not only does she want to help the Gardella, but she also needs to clear her father's name.
As you can imagine, Max isn't happy at all to have the daughter of the traitor anywhere near him, and is even more incensed when he learns she is to go with him to get the chest back. He doesn't have a say in the matter though and from here we read about their plans to get the chest back. We also find them fighting feelings towards each other. It is a perfect combination of vampire hunting, and romance, good verses evil. You will have to read the book to see if Savina can clear her father's name, and if they can get the chest and the letter back about Macey's location.
It's an all action, fast paced story full of excitement. I ran the gamut of emotions reading it, smiling one minute, and wanting to cry the next. It was book that I didn't want to put down, and didn't until I finished it. I definitely recommend it.
Max Denton is the tortured hero in this book. His torture comes from having his wife murdered by vampires, and from having to send his daughter Macey away to keep her safe. She would one day be the summa Gardella and at all costs she had to be kept safe. In doing so he has had to cut off all ties from her so not only has he lost his wife, but also his child. He's lonely, he is angry, and he is a Gardella Venator, a vampire hunter.
Savina Eleiasa is on a mission, she wants to find proof that her father didn't betray the Gardellas by stealing a chest full of information about them, which also included a letter stating the whereabouts of Max's daughter. The theft also led to the death of Max's wife Felicia. When she is asked by the Gardella to accompany Max to a house party where the vampire that has the chest will be, she jumps at the chance. Not only does she want to help the Gardella, but she also needs to clear her father's name.
As you can imagine, Max isn't happy at all to have the daughter of the traitor anywhere near him, and is even more incensed when he learns she is to go with him to get the chest back. He doesn't have a say in the matter though and from here we read about their plans to get the chest back. We also find them fighting feelings towards each other. It is a perfect combination of vampire hunting, and romance, good verses evil. You will have to read the book to see if Savina can clear her father's name, and if they can get the chest and the letter back about Macey's location.
It's an all action, fast paced story full of excitement. I ran the gamut of emotions reading it, smiling one minute, and wanting to cry the next. It was book that I didn't want to put down, and didn't until I finished it. I definitely recommend it.
August 2, 2015
This one took me a little to get into. I mean, I liked the fighting and Max's emotional evisceration at his wife's death was well done, but there was a lot of world-specific info that I had to assimilate before I (personally) felt comfortable with who was who and what went where.
That said, watching Savina and Max dance around one another was entertaining. Her father's implication in his wife's death makes Max a little harsh with Savina. Her determination to prove her father was innocent gives each of their interactions a little oomph.
And when they both gave in? Hello. Sex-ay.
Ultimately, while the vampire hunter politics took me a little to get into, the overall story pretty much rocked. Max and Savina had some definite sparks and they got to take on a few vampires to make the world a safer place.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
That said, watching Savina and Max dance around one another was entertaining. Her father's implication in his wife's death makes Max a little harsh with Savina. Her determination to prove her father was innocent gives each of their interactions a little oomph.
And when they both gave in? Hello. Sex-ay.
Ultimately, while the vampire hunter politics took me a little to get into, the overall story pretty much rocked. Max and Savina had some definite sparks and they got to take on a few vampires to make the world a safer place.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 22, 2015
After years in self-imposed exile, Max Denton: Macy’s father, has returned to headquarters and is sent on a mission with the daughter of the man who (allegedly) betrayed his wife to the vampires.
Savina has spent years working her way in a position close to Rastingard, the vampire leader who was behind stealing Hannever’s Chest. First they have infiltrate Alexander Pursell‘s house to retrieve a letter revealing Macy’s hiding place.
Of course as soon as they get there everything falls apart and Max finds out he doesn't really hate Savina.
I enjoyed this story. I liked watching Max have his preconceived perceptions of Savina be changed, but also, for once, the obvious ‘truth’ not true. This answers some of questions about Macy’s history and hope to see a reunion.
Quick Thoughts: 1)Who screamed?
Fave Scenes: ‘Pride and Prejudice’, Max hiding in Davina’s room, the picnic and getting Rastingard’s keys.
Savina has spent years working her way in a position close to Rastingard, the vampire leader who was behind stealing Hannever’s Chest. First they have infiltrate Alexander Pursell‘s house to retrieve a letter revealing Macy’s hiding place.
Of course as soon as they get there everything falls apart and Max finds out he doesn't really hate Savina.
I enjoyed this story. I liked watching Max have his preconceived perceptions of Savina be changed, but also, for once, the obvious ‘truth’ not true. This answers some of questions about Macy’s history and hope to see a reunion.
Quick Thoughts: 1)Who screamed?
Fave Scenes: ‘Pride and Prejudice’, Max hiding in Davina’s room, the picnic and getting Rastingard’s keys.
February 29, 2016
Romanzo breve molto coinvolgente, con un buon ritmo e un buono sviluppo. Uniche pecche, alcuni svarioni linguistici sui congiuntivi, tempo ormai caduto in disuso nella lingua italiana,che invece esiste e andrebbe usato correttamente, e la scelta di alcuni termini(i fiori che attreverso le lenti sembravano color cacchina nun si può proprio leggere).
A parte questo, è sempre un piacere leggere le storie della Gleason e della famiglia Gardella, in quasiasi epoca si svolgano.
A parte questo, è sempre un piacere leggere le storie della Gleason e della famiglia Gardella, in quasiasi epoca si svolgano.
September 19, 2015
This story was pretty interesting. Not too much going on really. I don't usually read books from a series without starting from book 1 but this was in a boxed set. I was expecting this boxed set to be entailed with stand alones and firsts of series. But hey... what can I say? I enjoyed it enough to read all the books in this set. Some more than others .
December 5, 2015
For me this was a weak 3 or 2.5... The vampire hunting was fun but the love story fell flat. I felt like Max and Savina's passion was more like hatred or hostility than love or even lust. Then they kiss and I couldn't help but think "ewww" like an kid catching adults kissing. Yuck! But the vampire hunting and slaying was good. Stakes and bullets and sunlight and... that part was good
January 17, 2016
I'm not a fan of historical romances. Having said that I liked the concept of the story, slayers hunting vampires. I felt sorry for Max having lost his wife to a vampire attack and then sending his daughter away to protect her. He was so angry & lost. Even though it was 10 years since the death of his wife, he was so hurt & broken hearted, it felt like he fell for Savina too fast.
September 9, 2015
Introduced to Max Denton, a descendant of the Gardella family. Some have secrets and a few deny to accept the truth. Great short story and fast paced. Characters are well developed throughout the story.
November 11, 2015
This is part of a series, but described as a stand-alone which I agree with, but it would probably have made it easier to get into if I had read some of the others. Likable characters and an easy style to read.
March 6, 2016
Fabulous. Loved getting a look at Max Denton and how he is going to make his way back to Macey. It had all the excitement and action you expect from one of the greatest Venators of his time. Can't wait to read the second book of Macey's series.
August 20, 2015
Great intro to Max Denton and a spoiler free addition to the Gardella Vampire series. Packs a lot of punch for a novella! Sexy, emotional, Max is the epitome of tortured hero!
November 10, 2015
Loved this little look-in at Macey's dad, Max! Fun read for all who read the gardella series.
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May 18, 2016see amazon review
(read from kindle dark and damaged)
(read from kindle dark and damaged)
July 23, 2017
An interesting type of vampire novel. The time period isn't one I usually enjoy, but the story was excellent. It was a little hard for me to get into, though. Still a nice read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews