THE SHADOW by SYLVAN REYNARD – Review + Signed Giveaway!!

February 2, 2016

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel trilogy comes the hotly anticipated follow-up to The Raven, a sensual novel set in Florence featuring the dangerously intoxicating coupling of Raven and William…

Raven Wood’s vampyre prince has returned, pledging his love and promising justice for every wrong done to her. In the wake of their reunion, Raven is faced with a terrible decision—allow the Prince to wreak vengeance against the demons of her past, or persuade him to stay his hand. But there is far more at stake than Raven’s heart…

A shadow has fallen over the city of Florence. Ispettor Batelli will not rest until he uncovers Raven’s connection to the theft of the priceless art from the Uffizi Gallery. And while the Prince hunts a traitor who sabotages him at every turn, he finds himself the target of the vampyres’ mortal enemy.

As he wages a war on two fronts, he will need to keep his love for Raven secret, or risk exposing his greatest weakness…

The Shadow is a lush, passionate and complex story, filled with romance, art, history and suspense. I am not a huge fan of paranormal stories but I make an exception for Sylvain Reynard’s books. I LOVE the Gabriel’s Redemption series and Professor Gabriel Emerson makes an appearance here. What more could you ask for?

William and Raven are reunited in this story but William is battling forces who are trying to sabotage him. He has finally found the love of his life and he wants nothing more than to worship Raven forever.

“I will never have your nobility of spirit, or your protective nature, but as long as I have your love, I can be content.”

William will stop at nothing to protect Raven from both other vampires and from those who scheme to drive them apart. There is lots of action and mystery, written in the style that is completely unique to Sylvain Reynard. This is a very sensual and passionate book, and even if you do not usually read paranormal romance, you will love this story. The streets of Florence seem to come alive! We also learn about William’s early life and the tragic story of how he lost his first love. Raven is completely trusting of him and along with the intrigue, there is also a little humor here, too.

“You’re giving me a toothache.”
He pulled back. “How is that possible?”
She laughed. “It’s a figure of speech. It means you’re being too sweet. Say something awful.”
William’s expression changed and he brought his lips to her ear. “I want to take you back to the house, so I can spread you on my bed and do all kinds of wicked things to you.”

I can’t wait to see what happens next! The Shadow is a beautifully written book and my favorite in the Florentine Series so far. Don’t miss it!!

(ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)

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HALLOWEEN TREAT!! THE SHADOW EXCERPT by SYLVAIN REYNARD and GIVEAWAY!!

October 28, 2015

Happy Halloween!! To celebrate, we have a special excerpt from THE SHADOW by SYLVAIN REYNARD (coming February 2, 2016) plus a SIGNED giveaway of THE RAVEN!! Enjoy!!

PLUS read Sylvain Reynard’s blog post for details about signed paperbacks! All orders must be placed by November 1, 2015!!

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel trilogy comes the hotly anticipated follow-up to The Raven, a sensual novel set in Florence featuring the dangerously intoxicating coupling of Raven and William…

Raven Wood’s vampyre prince has returned, pledging his love and promising justice for every wrong done to her. In the wake of their reunion, Raven is faced with a terrible decision—allow the Prince to wreak vengeance against the demons of her past, or persuade him to stay his hand. But there is far more at stake than Raven’s heart…

A shadow has fallen over the city of Florence. Ispettor Batelli will not rest until he uncovers Raven’s connection to the theft of the priceless art from the Uffizi Gallery. And while the Prince hunts a traitor who sabotages him at every turn, he finds himself the target of the vampyres’ mortal enemy.

As he wages a war on two fronts, he will need to keep his love for Raven secret, or risk exposing his greatest weakness…

Excerpt:

I think all this deep conversation is because of the view,” she blurted out. “The beauty of the city makes people reflect on life and time and secret desires.”

William chuckled and pressed a kiss to her temple. “What do you desire, little bird?”

“The steadfast love of a good man.”

His arm about her tightened. “I am not a good man. I’m not a man at all. But I love you and my love is certainly steadfast.”

She closed her eyes and leaned against him.

“I admire you.” He spoke into her hair.

“Why?”

“Because you’re principled and you hold fast to those principles even when it’s difficult. You’re noble.”

“I feel awkward and overwhelmed more than anything.”

“That is not how you appear to me.” He lifted her chin. “Knowing what I know about your character and your heart, I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful.”

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The Raven (The Florentine #1) by Sylvain Reynard

February 4, 2015

Synopsis:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel Series comes a dark, sensual tale of romance in a city shrouded in mystery…

Raven Wood spends her days at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery restoring fine works of Renaissance art. But an innocent walk home after an evening with friends changes her life forever. When she intervenes in the senseless beating of a homeless man, his attackers turn on her, dragging her into an alley. Raven is only semi-conscious when their assault is interrupted by a cacophony of growls followed by her attacker’s screams. Mercifully, she blacks out, but not before catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure who whispers to her…

Cassita vulneratus.

When Raven awakes, she is inexplicably changed. She returns to the Uffizi, but no one recognizes her and more disturbingly, she discovers that she’s been absent an entire week. With no recollection of the events leading up to her disappearance, Raven also learns that her absence coincides with one of the largest robberies in Uffizi history – the theft of a set of priceless Botticelli illustrations. When the baffled police force identifies her as its prime suspect, Raven is desperate to clear her name. She seeks out one of Florence’s wealthiest and elusive men in an attempt to uncover the truth about her disappearance. Their encounter leads Raven to a dark underworld whose inhabitants kill to keep their secrets…

Ellen’s Review:

To say that I was ecstatic to read this book is an understatement!

The Raven has everything I love about Sylvain Reynard’s writing and more. Lyrical, erotic, sensual and mysterious, The Raven begins another addictive series with the introduction of Raven and the Prince. This book is a must-read!!

Professor Emerson and his wife do appear here, but Raven and the Prince are themselves insanely fascinating. Even if you are not a huge fan of paranormal stories, this book is a must read for the thrilling story and lush, intensely sexual scenes. We are introduced to the Prince, leader of the City of Florence, who is at once cold and calculating but beautiful in his own right. He cannot stay away from Raven and feels compelled to help her again and again. He sees in her virtue and goodness, and she awakens long-dormant feelings that he never believed he could have, even at his own peril.

“I’m afraid that trouble is not what you do. Trouble is what you are.”

Raven is an unlikely heroine and I fell in love with her! She is damaged goods, inside and out, and her painful history is hinted at and then ultimately explained. She is an extremely sympathetic character and I cannot wait to read more about her in the next book. The Prince, too, is surprised at his attraction to her; might she lead him to redemption and true love?

“In many ways, we are the most perfect match. We see each other as we are, but neither of us views the other as broken.”

I am not articulate enough to adequately describe the virtues of this book! Part art history lesson, part paranormal romance, part erotica, it is a must read for all fans of Gabriel’s Inferno – and even for those readers new to the series. This book can be read as a standalone but is best understood after having read the GI series. The Raven is engrossing, suspenseful, sexy and and yes, humorous. Do not miss this book! And while it has a a fabulous conclusion, there is much, much more to come for these characters and I cannot wait for more!!

Favorite quote:
“You are my greatest virtue and my deepest vice.”

(ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)

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THE PRINCE (THE FLORENTINE #0.5) by SYLVAIN REYNARD

January 17, 2015

Synopsis:

The unveiling of a set of priceless illustrations of Dante’s Divine Comedy at the Uffizi Gallery exposes the unsuspecting Professor Gabriel Emerson and his beloved wife, Julianne, to a mysterious and dangerous enemy.

Unbeknownst to the Professor, the illustrations he secretly acquired years ago were stolen a century earlier from the ruler of Florence’s underworld. Now one of the most dangerous beings in Italy is determined to reclaim his prized artwork and exact revenge on the Emersons, but not before he uncovers something disturbing about Julianne …

Set in the city of Florence, “The Prince” is a prequel novella to “The Raven,” which is the first book in the new Florentine Series Trilogy by Sylvain Reynard.

“The Prince” can be read as a standalone but readers of The Gabriel Series may be curious about the connection between The Professor’s world and the dark, secret underworld of “The Prince.”

My Review:

The Prince, Sylvain Reynard’s novella, is darkly sexy, fascinating, and highly addictive. The author’s writing is completely hypnotic and very powerful. The story is a wonderful introduction into the new Florentine Series, and features the stunning Professor Gabriel Emerson and his beloved Julianne. However, we meet a whole new set of characters in this very sexy, paranormal romance. I absolutely fell in love with the story!

The Prince is ruthless, cunning, and powerful. But what mysteries is the Prince hiding? And what secrets will he uncover? I can’t wait to find out in The Raven. This story can be devoured in one sitting, and will leave you wanting more. The setting is broody and mysterious, and the bridge between the Gabriel Trilogy and the Florentine series is simply brilliant. I have sorely missed Sylvain Reynard and I anxiously await the The Raven!

(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)

Excerpt from THE PRINCE by Sylvain Reynard

In the distance, the Prince could hear voices and muffled sounds.

He approached silently, almost floating across the floor.

Desperate groans and the rustling of fabric filled his ears, along with the twin sounds of rapidly beating hearts. He could smell their scents, the aromas heightened due to their sexual arousal.

He growled in reaction.

The corridor was shrouded in darkness but the Prince could see that the professor had his wife up against a window between two statues, her legs wrapped around his waist.

Her voice was breathy as she spoke, but the Prince tuned out her words, moving closer so he could catch a glimpse of her lovely face.

At the sight of it, flushed with passion, his old heart quickened and he felt the stirrings of arousal.

It was not his custom to observe rather than participate. But on this occasion, he decided to make an exception. Careful to remain in the darkness, he moved to the wall opposite the couple.

The woman squirmed in her lover’s arms, her high heels catching on his tuxedo jacket. Her fingers flew to his neck, undoing his bow tie and tossing it carelessly to the floor.

She unbuttoned his shirt, and her mouth moved to his chest, as murmurs of pleasure escaped his lips.

The Prince felt more than desire as he watched the woman’s eager movements. He caught a glimpse of her exquisite mouth and the toss of her long hair that would no doubt feel like silk between his fingers.

She lifted her head to smile at the man who held her close and he could see love in her eyes.