Brazilian Acacia Santos excels at her job as concierge at the prestigious Hotel Victoire in Paris. When her senior colleague is attacked and sent to the hospital, she is tasked with serving one of the hotel’s most mysterious and attractive guests.Nicholas Cassirer checks into the hotel under an assumed name every three months. Usually, he stays in the penthouse suite with a beautiful female … female companion but on this occasion, he arrives alone and is displeased in having to deal with someone new. A match of wits ensues as he tests Acacia’s expertise with a series of almost impossible demands. Her intelligence and creativity rise to the challenge, earning his respect.
They strike a tenuous accord until Acacia discovers a famous stolen painting in his suite. Compelled to report her discovery, she contacts a former boyfriend who works for the elite BRB, a unit of French law enforcement that deals with stolen art.
Nicholas is questioned by police and released when it is revealed the painting is a reproduction. Irked with her behavior, Acacia’s supervisor demotes her, threatening dismissal and the cancellation of her work permit.
But Acacia has already attracted Nicholas’s attention. Remorseful that she may lose her job on his account, he offers her a choice—she can wait until her supervisor dismisses her, or she can leave the city of lights behind and become his personal assistant.
Acacia initially refuses his offer, but Nicholas is persistent. He reveals himself as a man who quietly acquires stolen art in order to restore it to its rightful owners. Faced with mounting familial debts and the possibility of dismissal and deportation, she agrees to work for him.
Nicholas opens up a whole new world of beauty and intrigue to Acacia as they travel the globe. Soon the line between employer and assistant is blurred, and the two lonely people embark on a passionate relationship.
Secrets and danger abound as Nicholas and Acacia try to solve the mystery of a piece of stolen art. But Acacia may prove to be the most dangerous mystery of all.
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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.
5 PARISIAN stars! Read it and fall in love with Paris. It is a delightful read. Every page is elegantly addictive.
I am still over the Parisian moon. My love for Paris has increased after reading The Man in the Black Suit. Sylvain Reynard has done it again! His new book is delightfully perfect. The context is an exquisite pleasure for an Internationalist like me. I can hardly say that this book is the best work of Sylvain Reynard. This is a jewel that shall be treasured. I loved everything about this book. The plot is unique. The topics touched make it brilliantly perfect and the characters are extremely impressive. The heroine is a fierce woman and the male character is noble and loyal. Acacia and Nicholas have many things in common. They have been fighting to survive. Two souls who had secrets.
Sylvain Reynard is my favourite author and I always have big expectations on his upcoming books. This time he has exceeded all of them. He delivered a masterpiece. You really need this book in your life.
As always, he has done a good research. Topics like racism are controversial. I like the way he touched it. It is barbaric that in this world we still judge people because of religion and nationality. We are all human beings with the same rights. Our beliefs and nationalities make us special. No one is superior.
I have studied the Muslim culture and it was an enchanting pleasure how Mr. Reynard mixed it with the storyline of his book. This is absolutely perfection. I really spend a good time while reading Acacia and Nicholas’s story.
Terrorism was other of the topics that I consider important to mention because this century has been marked by it. To understand the terrorism we should stop thinking that terrorism is always perpetuated by Muslims. Terrorism is not a synonym of the Muslim religion. Terrorism is the use of intentionally indiscriminate violence as a means to create terror to achieve a political, religious or ideological aim.
In my opinion it is contradictory that any religion goes against life in order to defend beliefs that are misinterpreted by men. Terrorism has a purpose: to separate men from their humanity. I applaud the way Sylvain touches this issue because linked to this, it comes the arms trafficking.
The context seduced me. Every page is elegantly addictive. Mr. Reynard never disappoints me and no matter what, I will be faithful to his work. I felt the passion through every page of this book. This is a must read you definitely must not miss. Merci M. Reynard d’avoir motivé mon intérêt pour l’art et la culture. Je ne peux pas attendre pour lire plus de vos travaux.
I read this book in 2017 and Just read it again; and it
was even better the second time around. Below is my original review from December 18, 2017
Have your passport ready for this will take you on a trip of a life time. From page one this story had you hanging on tightly, following the mystery, danger and the awakening of two Souls that have been hiding for years. Acacia pretending to be someone else not only to fit in and trying to keep prejudice against her at bay but also to keep dangers from her past keeping her & her mother safe. Nicholas aka Pierre Breckman, has been hiding in his quest to avenge a wrong against his family and to avenge the death of his sister Riva. Acacia and Nicholas first meeting well let’s just say it was a bit chilly but a misunderstanding throws them together and they learn to trust one another. Acacia shows Nicholas that injustice can be fought/resolved without violence; and Acacia is made aware that sometimes things happen out of ones control. Sylvain Reynard has a way with his writing to highlight social injustice and reminding the reader we need more kindness and tolerance in the world. SR also knows how to write romance and love; while highlighting art,and history. I hope you go on this Journey with Acacia & Nicholas, your heart will be changed forever. Thank you SR for an incredible journey.
I loved this one and can’t believe I waited so long to read/listen to it. This story is filled with suspense and intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I love Gabriel’s Inferno books and loved this one too. If you haven’t read this author, you need to give his books a try, you will love him too.
I wasn’t too crazy about this one; which is a shame because I like Sylvain’s other books, especially the Florentine series but I just felt this wasn’t the book for me. I didn’t really feel any chemistry between Nicholas and Acacia. It had a good beginning but after a while the story just felt monotonous and dragged out. I also wasn’t too keen on the political and religious aspects of the story either. All in all I didn’t dislike it but didn’t love it either.
(ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review)
First of all I want to thank the author and Nina Bocci for giving me the opportunity of reading this book. The Man in the Black Suit is a standalone novel set in Paris.
This book was exciting and thrilling. It has an air of mystery; the intense emotion is just simmering. The characters were interesting specially the hot Pierre Breckman (Nicholas); Sylvain Reynard has an amazing deep connection with his characters, specially the fierce and independent heroine, aka Acacia Santos.
The Man in the Black Suit” is a novel that touches issues ranging from racism, terrorism and stolen art.
Sylvain Reynard writes with elegance. His writing is beautifully detailed, it is exquisite. I couldn’t put it down. I am addictive to his books. This time he delivers a book that overflows passion and fervour.
Took me awhile to begin reading this one….I don’t know why it took me so long! Couldn’t put this down. I love Nicholas and Acacia’s story. Hope to see more in the future.
Well written, suspenseful story of two main sexy characters that keep unfolding into more complicated individuals as secrets are revealed and intrigue builds.
Intrigued by who The Man in the Black Suit is, when I started I thought I got the idea and had it figured it out, then all the twists and plot got to me and made this book an epic one. Everyone knows I am a huge fan of Sylvain Reynard’s books, I am honored to read them before they are published and they always amazed me, this book got new characters that I just fell in love with and wish to read more in the future.
The man ended his call and continued his walk toward the reservations. He moved with the kind of fluidity and command that caused heads to turn – as if he were a professional athlete…
The reviews are supposed to range from personal opinion to qualification. But what you will read next will be displayed in a … a little different way.
For this book I have placed 5 stars for the following reasons:
I must congratulate the author for having risked dealing with such difficult issues as they are: terrorism, racism, biracial conflicts between couples, and all the pros and cons of various cultures in a current scenario. It is to admire the way in which Reynard tried to approach each one of these edges.
I have placed 5 stars for its protagonists. Acacia is a woman with a brain and a heroine; Exotically beautiful And Nicolás is strong, persistent and very ardent. At the same time, they are extremely intelligent and strategists. I must emphasize the great plus that Sylvain Reynard uses to give them various skills such as martial arts and a kind of warlike knowledge to his characters. All this makes the story become much more interesting than it already is. And this is why from the first moment that Reynard introduces us to the protagonists, the reader can immediately realize that they are for each other.
Acacia sat up and pushed her chair closer to the desk. She smiled at a well-dressed, elderly woman. “Yes, madame”.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Monsieur Breckman enter the lobby, dressed in another black suit…
The elderly woman sniffed, as if Acacia’s momentary distraction was a waste of her valuable time. “I don’t want to speak with someone from Spain. I want a French concierge”.
“Im from Brazil, but I live here in Paris. I would be happy to assit you”.
“Go and find a French concierge.”
“Good morning, mademoiselle,” Monsieur Breckman addressed Acacia as he approached the desk. He lokked down his nose at the elderly woman.
“I don’t deal with foreigners,” the woman said primly. “Im waiting to speak to a French concierge”.
“Really?.. Then you must be familiar with Lyon’s history.”
“Certainly. I’ve lived there my entire life.”
“Then it’s almost certain you, too, are an immigrant.. If I remember my Lyonnais history correctly, Roman immigrants arrived from Vienne in the first century. Were you there then?.. What about the Burgundian refugees who escaped from the Huns in the fifth century? Surely you remember them, given how long you’ve lived in Lyon?”
“How dare you!”
“How dare you, madame… As the revolution taught us, to be French is to be devoted to the principles of liberté, égalité, and fraternité. Since it’s you who has abandoned those principles, it’s you who has ceased to be French”.
I have also placed 5 stars in the ratings of The Man In The Black Suit, for its good narrative form; Very well narrated! In its pages there is elegance, good descriptions are read (especially the scenes). The idea of making us travel through several places is good. And as always: romance, sex and passion are elements told in an extraordinary way. Each scene that narrates these three ranges of eroticism, can very well make your heart accelerate and at the same time, fall in love.
But…
Sylvain Reynard used an interesting resource for this book; the “step by step”. The idea of slowness is good. Go little by little is a resource that is often used for different things, such as creating expectation, lengthen a plot that is known as fast. This “step by step” resource is also used to refill. Or perhaps to make the reader understand that something will happen and that very soon, at any moment, a series of adrenaline situations will be triggered. The latter was what happened at TMITBS and that’s fine! But personally regarding this resource, something very curious happened to me. When the plot reaches its most critical moment (moments that had already been announced in some way, thanks to the type of conflicts that are handled), the plot starts to run; literally. The story becomes a high-caliber action movie, making almost all the above forget … Even when you finish the book, you try to remember how the protagonists met, the romantic scenes, the scenes with wise phrases and historical burden, the subtlety of the treatment between them, the sexual tension, the professionalism and even the scenes during the work-pleasure trips. You try to remember all this to feel that you read them. Because the action that is presented to you is quite high, so high that perhaps it can obscure everything else.
Of course, do not kill me: only opaque a little. Is not too much! So my opinion still has the 5 stars that I’ve talked about so much.
I should also add that, in an extremely personal opinion, this is not a suspense book. It’s an action and romance book! Of course: “The Action is Suspense” but in its genre, it would remove the word Suspense. I would not place it. So this would be the only criticism (I hope it is understood as constructive) that I have given to TMITBS. Everything else is pretty good, entertaining … even brilliant; and makes my wishes that one day be translated into Spanish (and many other languages), grow.
The Man in the Black Suit by Sylvain Reynard has 5 stars with me. And since I recommend it to you in this way, I know that you will also have it with you. Therefore, do not forget to rate all the works you read on the sales platforms or within your social networks, tagging the author. Because writers love the stars, writers love your opinion
This is a stand alone book from this author.
The story is compelling and incredibly romantic.
It will take you on travels accross Europe and parts of the Middle East.
The characters are so beautifully described.
I feel so lucky to own this book.
Sylvain Reynard is back. And as usual, his new book is packed with action, romance, striking protagonists, artwork and beautiful landscapes. And the most surprising, which will certainly please national readers, his female character is Brazilian. Acacia and Nicholas. Two coins with extremely opposite faces, but they will find that sometimes the most improbable situations are the best. Destiny has more impact on us than we think.
Acacia works as a concierge at a hotel in Paris. Brazilian, send money to her mother. And hides a secret. Until one day, a very peculiar guest will take her life from the axis. Breckman is mysterious. Powerful, he is surrounded by security guards, and his first encounter with Acacia is not one of the best. Maid and host clearly do not understand each other. Until a misunderstanding causes them to end up approaching.
Breckman who is actually Nicholas, a wealthy businessman, has a somewhat unusual job. Recover stolen artworks. Dealing with dangerous people, his life is not safe, which explains the security and all the engineering that surrounds him. A fact from his past, very tragic by implication, involving his sister, made him the person he is today, seeking answers and revenge.
He then makes a proposal to her. Because of his involuntary fault, her life is in danger, so he proposes that she leave with him, working as a kind of personal assistant. And from scene to scene, country by country, we follow these two interacting until the growing attraction becomes something more. Throughout the plot, we discover how the tragedy that occurred in Nicholas’ life has impacted him, we discover Acacia secret, and we see how the two struggle to try to get on with their lives. Acacia who thought she would never trust anyone, finds herself in love but at the same time reluctant. Nicholas who only wants revenge, ends up discovering the person with whom he wants to spend his life, but his search for conclusion makes him blind in certain points.
The artworks so present in the narratives of Sylvain, here also stands out in the presence of stolen works. Several famous paintings, of equally famous painters will be part of the plot. A trip to a gallery is also a must. Always have.
The scenarios are also breathtaking. Dubai, Paris or Santorini, all equally well described and beautiful. The reader ends up traveling along with the characters.
I liked Acacia, I liked her strength, the Brazilian woman was very well represented. She is a well-written character who has a family drama that explains her behavior, her cat is adorable, and her relationship with Nicholas is easy to understand, you see it growing into something strong.
Nicholas is the typical alpha male. Millionaire, seductive, dangerous. But underneath it all, it’s human. He does not accept the fate of his sister, he does not accept what happened to his face, he watches his family distance themselves from anything that causes memories and can not do anything. The tortured hero. That even after everything that has passed, get a fresh chance at the life of being happy. And almost put everything to lose.
The sensual side of the book exists, but it is very subliminal, not explicit. It fits in the moment of the scene.
A good book, with suspense, action, human touches, captivating characters, interesting plot and above all, Sylvain Reynard’s seal. Impossible to fail.
Obs: I was very curious to know why this fascination with cheese bread. It’s okay that the girl is Brazilian, but why the cheese bread specifically? Between one event and another, as a way of de-stressing, she goes to the kitchen.
Note 2: I felt “cheated” in the end. How come the Brazilian is only a Brazilian’s daughter? In fact, she was born in Jordan and is called Hanin?
Acacia and Nicholas are c’est magnifique! Acacia has been using the deplorable fact that in the hospitality industry she can hide in plain sight to her advantage. Working as a concierge at the Hotel Victorie in Paris is a chance to at least utilize some of her skills while still maintaining her anonymity. Most of the time her job is catering to the pampered and managing expectations but occasionally she must deal with unconscionably rude people. The anti immigrant mentality is prevalent in Paris and some people can be so very cruel. When she Acacia upsets one of the Hotels VIP clients she gets herself into a sticky wicket with her boss. How was she to know the handsome yet gruff man was so set on working with her injured coworker? When Acacia goes out of her away to try an make amends she finds herself embroiled in things she wishes not to mettle in but cannot abide on good conscience. After all the dust settles it appears that this man whom Acacia thought had no scruples actually has them in spades. Nicholas will lead on a journey that will change both of their lives irrevocably. Nicholas has a mission that with his many contacts allows him to right so many wrongs and hopefully will one day lead him the peace he is looking for. When his current path accidentally puts Acacia in danger he will not rest until she safe from harm and those who would harm her know they do so at their own peril. She has this special air about her that captivates him and brings something in him to life that has laid dormant for far too long. Two people – one hiding and one seeking out justice will find the kind of salvation only love can bring.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
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.
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!
The Man in the Black Suit is a contemporary romantic suspense novel written by Sylvain Reynard. It’s full of intrigue, mistrust, interesting identities, culture, violent art thieves, action/suspense, and a lovely romance. Written as a standalone novel (rare for Reynard), there is enough world building to launch a series of companion novels…but sometimes it’s nice to have an open and closed reading experience. Well-done Sylvain Reynard!