The Man in the Black Suit

I waited for this book for a long time and I was not disappointed. It was worth it. The story is about Acacia, a concierge at a swanky hotel in Paris. One of the people she happens to take care of is Nicholas Cassirer. She doesn't know who he is, but she's alarmed when she discovers what she thinks is a stolen painting in his hotel penthouse. That, in addition to the fact that the senior concierge has been beaten and is in the hospital with his life in the balance, raises her suspicions about Nicholas. Something sinister is going on. What she didn't know was that she was going to get in it up to her neck. I did get a little frustrated with Acacia. She got a little too pious, but how quickly things change. It was fascinating to see these two characters change their views on life. Acacia knows that all life is precious while Nicholas has a bit of a different take on it. The one scene that summarized it (no spoilers) was so well done, I read it again. As a matter of fact, I read a lot of scenes again for the same reason. Like everything else I've read by this author, there are parts and lines that reach out and slap me across the face, but in a good way. It's almost like having a spiritual epiphany. Like Gabriel Emerson and William York, Nicholas Cassirer has his flaws and issues, but he is a man unto himself. He's the proverbial tall, dark, and handsome, but he's also sensitive, smart, and even a little vulnerable. This book is a fast mover (I had it read in less than 24 hours after I started reading it), with twists, turns, and surprises in the plot. There was a ton of action and excitement that kept me flipping pages. The characters are strong, well-developed, and easy to care about. The love scenes were tastefully done and didn't leave me feeling like a perverted voyeur as many romances tend to do (not a good feeling at all). There was a lot of love in them. So refreshing. This book gets an easy five stars from me. I can't wait to read more books by Sylvain Reynard. * I received this book as an ARC in return for an honest review

The time waiting for this new book from Sylvain Reynard was worth every day! Love and appreciate how brilliantly Sylvain Reynard entwine religions and cultures. How in a once again amazing writing teaches the readers in so many ways. And mostly for cheering and emphasizing for kindness, love, hope, charity and peace. Every word, every place every gesture has more than one meaning. Everything is so deep. For me this novel is a special surprise on many levels. I visited Paris in October and unknowingly I went around the places mentioned in the novel several times. I also visited all the other places mentioned in the novel. While reading it I felt being there once again, the descriptions are amazingly vivid. Sylvain Reynard has done it again. Yes he makes us readers feel special. What do I mean by that? Well reading The Man in the Black Suit you are experiencing places, artwork, relationships as if you are there in the middle of everything, as if you are the protagonist yourself. It is a wonderful captivating story that takes us readers traveling enjoying settings created with so much realistic and amazing detailed writing. This is another book by Sylvain Reynard that captivated me from start to finish. The alternating chapters from Nicholas and Acacia’s POW is a new style for SR, but once you start reading you can’t stop. The mystery, the intrigue, the suspense, the secrets both characters are hiding makes this novel a “one sitting read”. You can’t get enough, it is impossible to put it down. I enjoyed immensely to learn about the real man behind the Black Suit, but also who Acacia really is. These two new characters created by Sylvain Reynard are both facing a personal development, but they are actually survivors. Acacia is a strong compassionate heroine filled with so much understanding and love. Nicholas is also a strong and noble character. He does everything in his power to protect his loved ones. Having three religions in my family, and being an immigrant gives me the extra experience to understand culture /religion fusions. Loved every minute of this epic writing. This is once again brilliant novel from SR penmanship. Thank you Sylvain Reynard for your research, knowledge, love of art, beautiful places, your determination to want to lift your charachters to better insight, for wanting them to be better persons and for believing in unconditional love and kindness. Also for lifting so important issues as terrorism and weapon trafficking. Lastly for believing in inclusion, diversity of traditions, of religions, of cultures, of language, of nations. Thank you for writing! ♥️

The book was good. Better than most on the market. But for me the golden standard is Gabriel's Inferno. What disappointed me this time were the explicit love scenes. I get that they are ovet thirty and mature, but I love it when there are left out some things from describing sex. As plot and theme, the book deserves 5 stars without question. And no one can write the development of a relationship as SR does. He is the master at building strong and realistic couples. The way he makes character handle each other is an ideal for me. I learned a lot about navigating the troubled waters of a relationship from his novels.

I’ve waited a long time for Sylvain Reynard to write another book that wasn’t paranormal, his Gabriel’s Inferno series is one of my all time favorite books to read, and this book was so worth the wait. The depth of his books takes you on such a journey through history and across the globe, you feel as though you have experienced every country as if you were right there in the middle of it all. The Man in the Black Suit takes you across the globe to these amazing countries, some hold heartache, others extreme romance, but all offer twists and turns in this very complex story that keeps you turning page after page because you just can’t put it down. I loved Nicholas’ character, a man whose family has suffered great loss, but he works towards avenging his family through the black market in the art world. Acacia is an independent woman who works as a concierge at an upscale hotel when she meets Nicholas. I found her a bit irritating given her continual mind changing with Nicholas. It all works it’s way out in the end with her, but it took some time to finally get through her lack of commitment, although I understand her past and why she was that way, it was still a bit frustrating. But, when these two characters finally do get together, it’s hot, steamy, compassionate, tender and just down right sexy. As in Gabriel’s Inferno, the reader is really pushed to the limits with the storyline in this book. The author has done his homework, and you can really tell in the detail with the way it’s written. Be prepared for quite a ride, because it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, danger, tense scenes and hot steamy romance. Doesn’t get much better than this!

Once again, Sylvain Reynard has succeeded in providing his readers with a deeply romantic and sensual story while offering thought provoking moral themes along the way. In The Gabriel Series, the pull between right from wrong is ever present, the lesson being that is it never too late for redemption and forgiveness from past ill behaviors. The Florentine Series explored the underworld. A centuries-old vampire, William York, a monster, if you will, discovers the long-forgotten humanity buried deep within him. Nicholas, the main character in The Man in The Black Suit, might be categorized as a monster himself at the beginning of the story. Hell-bent on revenge, he had one mission, to find the man who killed his beloved sister and avenge her death. It takes a special woman to pull him from the darkness and into the light before the rest of his life drowns in hate. Acacia is the woman to do just that for him. As a woman who had seen too much evil first hand, she is wise beyond her years. Throughout this very suspenseful novel, Reynard manages to make commentary on much that plagues our planet today—hate, terrorism, bigotry, injustice and inequality. Acacia’s lines, “If someone hates me and I respond with hatred, all I’ve done is reinforced their hate. If I respond with kindness, I’ve changed the conversation,” stayed with me. Only a woman as special and ethical as Acacia had the power to break the barriers holding Nicholas and his heart hostage. Reynard books, The Man in The Black Suit included, are listed under contemporary romance, erotica, suspense and a few other sub-categories. While these listings are accurate, I believe one is missing – literary fiction. The quality of the writing far surpasses any other contemporary romance I’ve read before. I am in awe of the beauty in his phraseology and description. The author is a master wordsmith and a linguistic artist who has a wealth of knowledge in history, religion, art and culture. It’s rare for me to read a book and listen to the audio as well. I usually choose one or the other. In the case of a Reynard book, however, I read the book in its entirety and then enjoy the story once again through audio. Robertson Dean’s distinguished voice portrayed the roles with the integrity and sophistication I’d fully expected. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it.

As usual, Sylvain Reynard is exceptional. I have always enjoyed and envied his writing style. That said, (and it truly pains me to have to say something negative) but the social justice and 'phobias' and 'diversity' that you write about so gratutiously in TMITBS are simply not enjoyable and are quite irritating. I read to be entertained and humored and seduced by your intriguing, sexy stories, written in your unconventional style. I do not, however, read to be constantly reminded of every social ill that plagues the world today. I apologize SR for being so blunt and harsh, but as a fan of your beautiful writing style, I am supremely disappointed by TMITBS. I do not enjoy having to be constantly reminded of the social issues that litter the news headlines daily.

You know you’ve been well cared for by your favorite author when your first reaction to the announcement of a new book is something like, “What do you mean it’s a stand alone?” This was my initial dilemma with “The Man in the Black Suit” by Sylvain Reynard. Over the years, I’ve become invested in the literary worlds created by SR. I immerse myself in the settings with wanderlust. I’m challenged to learn more about art, literature, and religion. I fall in love with the most amazing fictional men (both human and supernatural). And I always get to do so over the course of a trilogy. This is how we roll. So, I’ll admit that I began reading this book with a bit of childish hesitation. There was never a question if this novel would be good. I simply wondered if one book about Nicholas Cassirer and Acacia Santos would be enough to satisfy me. What became obvious within a few chapters is that SR’s writing has a hit a new level of intensity with “The Man in the Black Suit”. There is a compelling boldness to Nicholas and Acacia. He is noble, but mysterious and seeking justice. She is tough, but compassionate and seeking peace. They are each cunning in their own way, but neither are motivated by vice. Even so, they must each decide what lengths they will go to achieve their deepest desires. And the ultimate question is whether these decisions will bring Nicholas and Acacia closer together, or drive them apart forever. SR has always been an exceptional storyteller, but as a long-time reader I also recognize that the author has done something new with this novel. Rest assured, all the elements we admire about SR’s books can be found in this story, but various boundaries have also been pushed and it made for a thrilling read. There is an abundance of everything in this novel – intelligence, culture, humor, political and spiritual intrigue, suspense, romance and, yes, great sex. Would I love to read more about Acacia and Nicholas? Of course. Was I ultimately satisfied by The Man in the Black Suit? Oh yes. Undoubtedly, one of my favorite reads of the year, and one of my favorite Sylvain Reynard books to date.

Like all SR books I’ve learned to enjoy them slowly otherwise I reread them a few times until I get my SR fix. This book though similar in style as SR sucks us in with a sexy dark mysterious man and women he threw in murder, crime and stolen priceless artifacts from different parts of the world. He implemented a lot of police, whether it be France, Russia or Greece and then anticipation, kidnapping and murder. A very exciting read and most important at the end he implements the most important message forgiveness and moving on. I don’t think it would be a SR story if he didn’t give us message.

I have read several books by Sylvain Reynard and I continue to love the way that art and history are woven into the storyline. I love the characters and story and am always left wanting more of both!

What a wonderful, emotional and geographical journey Sylvain Reynard took me on with this incredible, well written story. From Paris to Geneva, Santorini and the Middle East, the Man in the Black Suit is full of mystery, suspense, intrigue, romance, beauty, art and love. I was totally captivated by this story, from the beginning to the end. You will fall in love with the two main characters. Acacia Santos is a strong, independent, courageous and beautiful young woman who endured pain and trauma in her past and is now trying to build a new life for herself in the beautiful city of Paris. Nicholas Cassirer is a man of mystery whom Acacia meets whilst she is working as a concierge at a Paris hotel. Nicholas is tall and dark, with a lean, athletic form. He is nearly always seen dressed in one of his “ubiquitous” black suits. He too knows about pain and loss. He has flaws, but he has a beautiful soul. He has had something stolen from him and he wants justice. Nicholas, in my view, is a genuine hero. This book is outstanding to say the least. There are numerous messages SR delivers to his readers in this book; about the importance of being charitable, showing kindness and not hatred, and that imperfections can be invisible when you take the time to look inside and see a person’s inner beauty. I enjoyed this story immensely. I loved the dialogue between Acacia and Nicholas and the love scenes are exquisite! Another character I grew a fondness for by the end of the book was Rick. A loyal employee and good friend. What more can I say. Sylvain Reynard has done it again. I have always found his writing to be lyrical and flawless. The Man in the Black Suit is no exception. Sylvain Reynard delivered with this incredible story, as expected, because this book is everything I was hoping for, and more.

I always know I'm enjoying a book when I find myself frowning or smiling as I read, but it means I'm invested in the characters and what happens to them. This wonderful story had me invested from the beginning, inspiring plenty of reaction. There's no need for me to explain the plot as it is excellently told in the book's synopsis. Suffice to say, reading anything by Sylvain Reynard is a cultural experience, and a journey to some of the most fascinating cities in the world. With a lyrical style and a healthy respect for art, history, and religion, SR delivers a sophisticated tale filled with suspense, intrigue, and of course, romance. Nicholas, our hero, beautifully flawed, driven by his heart and often constrained by his past, has a nobility you can't help but fall in love with. Acacia, our heroine, a strong, spirited and often stubborn young woman has secrets of her own which threaten both their futures. You feel for her, you feel for them. But can their undeniable chemistry survive the obstacles they both face? You'll have to find out for yourself. I recommend that you do. :-) The Man In The Black Suit - Mystery, sacrifice, vengeance and passion. Everything you need in a riveting story, eloquently delivered by Sylvain Reynard.

Esse livro me deixou extasiada! Tem todos os elementos que uma boa história deve ter: ação, aventura, uma dose de suspense, cultura, viagens por lugares magníficos e uma linda história de amor, perdão e busca por justiça. Acácia teve uma vida muito árdua. Nicholas viveu uma experiência traumática que o impulsiona na sede por justiça. Esses dois se conhecem da forma mais inesperada e logo uma atração inevitável surge. Esse livro traz temas importantes e nos levam a reflexão e a rever nossa ações. Temas como preconceito, racismo, xenofobia e intolerância religiosa. Sylvain sempre indo ao âmago do ser humano e trazendo a superfície todas as inquietudes das personagens permeadas de situações de risco real. Um livro tão perfeito que merece virar filme e torço para que isso aconteça.

As long as I read one of your books, Mr. Sylvain, I have a good taste in my mouth. the story of Nicholas and Acacia, has I believe, all the necessary elements to be a great success, (ok, it already is) is beautiful! congratulations for this beautiful book !!!!