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Montenegro #1
Cemetery Candles
Víctor Montenegro is a respected diplomat, a revered illusionist, and a treasure hunter who is applauded and envied for his uncanny ability to find historical treasures. In the town of Montenegro, California, Víctor hires Valentina Santa Cruz, an aspiring anthropologist, to educate his nephew Teo. Víctor and Valentina's mutual love of the dead opens up an intimate ethereal realm. They share many passions: sunken treasures, cemeteries, and ancient burials, but can Valentina's passion for Victor wake a heart that has been dormant for decades? In 1727, Suzette Savarit, praying to escape the memory of her parents' brutal murder, agrees to flee to the New World as a "casket girl" under the guidance of the Ursuline nuns. In the New World the spirit of death torments Suzette as she becomes a prominent citizen of New Orleans. Will her illicit romance with a plague survivor open the door to immortality? Suzette bears witness to calamities, warring monsters, and Mother Nature's wrath. A tale that traverses decades in which characters slip into macabre realms as they consort with vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and witches. Suzette's battle to triumph over death will trap her in an unsuspecting and devastating curse. Suzette's discovery of love heralds in her worst nightmare: the threat of death cruelly robbing her of true love.
270 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2015
71 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Estela Vazquez Perez
7 books128 followersEstela Vazquez Perez is an independent novelist who was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her talent is developing stories that span different genres and are infused with multiple sub-plots. She is an aspiring film maker, art lover, avid reader, traveler, and a lover of knowledge. She lives in San Francisco with her two beautiful children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 9, 2016
This book was on my kindle, having been recommended to me some time ago, but when it came to the top of my list to read, I had no idea about the genre or story. The start of the book was enjoyable and I thought might be the start of a gentle romance but then suddenly I realized I was reading a vampire story! This is still very much a story of love but love faced with many obstacles. I would say I am not a great fan of vampire stories but this is quite different. These are not vampires running wild devouring humans. The characterization is excellent and these vampires are caring and struggling with eternal life without true love. The tale is very atmospheric and the author conveys the wide ranging emotions with an elegant writing style.
This is the first part of the story and I very much look forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is the first part of the story and I very much look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Currently reading
September 10, 2019TheFussyLibrarian
August 5, 2015
This book is a wonderful blend of paranormal and illusion. Book 1 in the series definitely leaves you wanting to know more and I can't wait for the next book to come out. Valentina takes on the job of teaching for Victor Montenegro's nephew Teo. After several interesting and intriguing dinners, picnics, and consuming dreams, Valentina is certain that there is connection with Victor that could turn into a relationship. Her dreams are shattered when Victor has a date with Suzette, but she senses something is wrong with Suzette.
The story changes to Suzette and how she came to know Victor in New Orleans. Her nature is a mystery as we find out her beginnings as an orphan from France. The book ends before we connect the two stories so we have to wait impatiently until the next book arrives so find out if they have a happy ending.
The story changes to Suzette and how she came to know Victor in New Orleans. Her nature is a mystery as we find out her beginnings as an orphan from France. The book ends before we connect the two stories so we have to wait impatiently until the next book arrives so find out if they have a happy ending.
June 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Its dark, heartbreaking, and historical. The unrequited love, knowing that the person you are in love with can never love you back, meant I felt for each of the characters in turn as their love interest couldn't reciprocate the feelings, even if they wished to. The book is full of wonderful escapism during these tough times, and I really loved the frivolity of Wolf Tower. My favourite characters were the wonderful Victor, with his enthralling illusions, and the sweetness of Ivan and his love for Suzette. It would have been nice to check back in with Valentina from the start of the book, but I am intrigued about Henrietta's threat at the end and now curious for book 2. I would recommend this book. Thank you for a great read.
November 4, 2019
Um. I might have missed something. Or misread something. Or...perhaps I might be losing my mind.
Victor Montenegro hires Valentina Santa Cruz, an aspiring anthropologist, to educate his young nephew Téo, who has lost his parents far too soon. We see clear glimpses of Victor and Valentina being interested in and attracted to each other, with wondrous illusions and magical tricks performed by Victor, that hint to the reader that he might not be as Human as he seems. There's great pacing and just enough romantic tension to lure you in.
BAM! Then the book suddenly shifts, the total focus (for chapters and chapters) becomes solely about Victor's history, and a love triangle between Victor, another woman, and another man; whose respective existences have previously only been touched upon momentarily.
The book ends without further mention of Valentina, nor any kind of resolution to the story that we began with.
I've gone through the reviews and don't see anyone else entirely confused about this, which further compounds my bemusement. I feel dumb for not getting what the holy fuck is going on.
This book is the 1st in a series, so my thought is that perhaps we get more of the original plot in successive texts, but I don't know if I'm keen on hunting the rest of the story down.
I might be, just to see if I'm truly as idiotic as I feel I am, in regard to so many people absolutely loving the book without mention of the shift, but I'm also sort of angry about the whole thing.
We'll see.
Victor Montenegro hires Valentina Santa Cruz, an aspiring anthropologist, to educate his young nephew Téo, who has lost his parents far too soon. We see clear glimpses of Victor and Valentina being interested in and attracted to each other, with wondrous illusions and magical tricks performed by Victor, that hint to the reader that he might not be as Human as he seems. There's great pacing and just enough romantic tension to lure you in.
BAM! Then the book suddenly shifts, the total focus (for chapters and chapters) becomes solely about Victor's history, and a love triangle between Victor, another woman, and another man; whose respective existences have previously only been touched upon momentarily.
The book ends without further mention of Valentina, nor any kind of resolution to the story that we began with.
I've gone through the reviews and don't see anyone else entirely confused about this, which further compounds my bemusement. I feel dumb for not getting what the holy fuck is going on.
This book is the 1st in a series, so my thought is that perhaps we get more of the original plot in successive texts, but I don't know if I'm keen on hunting the rest of the story down.
I might be, just to see if I'm truly as idiotic as I feel I am, in regard to so many people absolutely loving the book without mention of the shift, but I'm also sort of angry about the whole thing.
We'll see.
September 6, 2020
I got an excellent deal on this lesser known trilogy on amazon and as the covers of the series were beautiful, the reviews really good and the story-line sounded interesting, I took the plunge and ordered the full set.
I really wanted to like it. I tried sitting down to finish the book on several occasions, but found myself procrastinating so much mid-way though the book and spacing out that I had to admit defeat - this book just was not for me.
The scenes are described as if you were reading a play or a screenplay - saying someone lifts a teacup then smiles may work as a great instruction if you have actors displaying emotions and a scene showing the setting, but as a writing view point for a novel it just did not work for me at all.
I could not care less about the characters, I had zero understanding about their intentions or why they wanted to do a certain thing (or not). Even though Suzette got a backstory, it felt choppy and "matter of fact". I do not know if it was an issue with editing, translation or the writing style, but the whole story did not flow at all for me and I found it hard to follow as to why we were somewhere else now and why I should care that something was happening and to whom.
Unfortunately I will not be finishing the rest of the series or recommending these books.
I really wanted to like it. I tried sitting down to finish the book on several occasions, but found myself procrastinating so much mid-way though the book and spacing out that I had to admit defeat - this book just was not for me.
The scenes are described as if you were reading a play or a screenplay - saying someone lifts a teacup then smiles may work as a great instruction if you have actors displaying emotions and a scene showing the setting, but as a writing view point for a novel it just did not work for me at all.
I could not care less about the characters, I had zero understanding about their intentions or why they wanted to do a certain thing (or not). Even though Suzette got a backstory, it felt choppy and "matter of fact". I do not know if it was an issue with editing, translation or the writing style, but the whole story did not flow at all for me and I found it hard to follow as to why we were somewhere else now and why I should care that something was happening and to whom.
Unfortunately I will not be finishing the rest of the series or recommending these books.
December 19, 2015
I picked up this book because the synopsis grabbed me and while it is not my usual kind of book, I was intrigued enough to try it. The story starts with introducing the ever mysterious Victor Montenegro, who has hired a new teacher for his young nephew. She shares a passion for the macabre and the two start to spend more time together. A new character is brought into the story and then we are taken back to the history and life of this new character, Suzette. It is beautifully written and crafted. Written rather formally, it does make you want to join the dots between the history of Suzette and the head of the Montenegro estate, Victor. I've never been drawn to stories that included certain paranormal and mystical creatures such as vampires and werewolves, but I have to say, that I did very much enjoy this book even though it's not my usual genre. Perez has a way with words that draws you into the story, and helps you to become attached to the characters they have created. Excellent start to what looks to be a promising series. I may have to keep my eye on the next book.
September 13, 2015
Cemetery Candles is a dark, lovely and hugely imaginative gothic novel. Perez brings an interesting twist to the well-worn path of vampire fiction and manages to inject fresh life into the genre. This is a intensely romantic story, but the romances, with all their twists and turns, are achieved in a very tasteful way.
Perez creates a hauntingly beautiful world of jewels, flickering candles and moonlight that the reader cannot help but be drawn into. The paranormal elements are introduced slowly and when the truth about the characters is finally revealed, it manages to be both surprising and inevitable.
While the sudden jump back in time did thrown me initially, the new era drew me in quickly and I look forward to the next in the series to learn more about these intriguing characters. Four and half stars rounded up to five!
Perez creates a hauntingly beautiful world of jewels, flickering candles and moonlight that the reader cannot help but be drawn into. The paranormal elements are introduced slowly and when the truth about the characters is finally revealed, it manages to be both surprising and inevitable.
While the sudden jump back in time did thrown me initially, the new era drew me in quickly and I look forward to the next in the series to learn more about these intriguing characters. Four and half stars rounded up to five!
September 16, 2015
I was captivated by the twists and sadness of the hapless Vampires that are fated not to share the love of their hearts desires. Imagine going through eternity with unrequited love. Luckily they had riches, eternal life and the perverse attentions of others that love them in the same unrequited fashion.
This novel draws from a rich and lush time of our early American history in one our most colorful (pun not intended) and vibrant cities; New Orleans. The author does it authentic justice with the pictures she paints, and the complex formality she imbibs her characters with.
One question. What happened to the poor tutor from the beginning? I thought she would be a love interest for Montenegro but I got blindsided. (always a good thing)
This novel draws from a rich and lush time of our early American history in one our most colorful (pun not intended) and vibrant cities; New Orleans. The author does it authentic justice with the pictures she paints, and the complex formality she imbibs her characters with.
One question. What happened to the poor tutor from the beginning? I thought she would be a love interest for Montenegro but I got blindsided. (always a good thing)
August 6, 2015
Elegant.
I am familiar with this author’s work, I read her previous novel, “Light & Shadows”. Remembering how much I enjoyed her other book, I was pretty confident this one would be great.
Once again this writer delivers an intriguing tale, with well-developed characters. The premise is original and captivating. This novel centers on Victor Montenegro, Valentina Santa Cruz, and Suzette Savarit. They each have a unique tale, which is presented masterfully by the author. The stories center on vampirism, but don’t think this is another one of ‘those’ books. This is an excellent gothic tale of love, loss, and the search for redemption.
I am familiar with this author’s work, I read her previous novel, “Light & Shadows”. Remembering how much I enjoyed her other book, I was pretty confident this one would be great.
Once again this writer delivers an intriguing tale, with well-developed characters. The premise is original and captivating. This novel centers on Victor Montenegro, Valentina Santa Cruz, and Suzette Savarit. They each have a unique tale, which is presented masterfully by the author. The stories center on vampirism, but don’t think this is another one of ‘those’ books. This is an excellent gothic tale of love, loss, and the search for redemption.
May 2, 2016
Do you love history, dark secrets, legends, and the paranormal? If you do, this book is basically tailor-made for you. It reminds me a little of the excellent Showtime series PENNY DREADFUL – and that's a huge compliment. This novel does a great job of maintaining two different storylines - a modern time, and then back in the 1800's, during a plague.
Well-written, fast-paced, and intriguing every step of the way, CEMETERY CANDLES is well worth your time.
Well-written, fast-paced, and intriguing every step of the way, CEMETERY CANDLES is well worth your time.
October 26, 2018
Eh
Stilted dialog and repetitive. The woes of who to bite and how to sustain life are not done in an original way and become boring; they don't inspire sympathy for the " moral dilemmas" of the characters. The love pairings have occasional bits of humor, but unless you like soap opera drama, not enough to play such a large role in the plot.
Stilted dialog and repetitive. The woes of who to bite and how to sustain life are not done in an original way and become boring; they don't inspire sympathy for the " moral dilemmas" of the characters. The love pairings have occasional bits of humor, but unless you like soap opera drama, not enough to play such a large role in the plot.
October 12, 2018
At first I was really into this book, but as I read on I grew rather disinterested.
May 22, 2020
The style is florid and the set up is awkward and rushed.
April 13, 2020
At the beginning of the book there is Valentina who is hired by Victor Montenegro to tutor his nephew. The book then switches to the past.
This is by far the smoothest vampire tale ever! Very little if any blood and gore--and socially responsible Vampires! They generally will not turn anyone unless they want to be turned---of course maybe some do.
Such is what happened with Suzette. She had lost her parents and was brought up by nuns. She was taught medicine and healing by one of the nuns. She was ultimately sent to New Orleans as a "casket bride". She again stayed with nuns there until she finally agreed to marry-a very rich man. He died leaving her a very rich and socially dominant person. By now she had learned a lot more about medicine and had even taken some classes. She meets a man who is head over heals in love with her. When she finds out he is a vampire-she begs him to turn her.
Suzette falls deeply in love with another man. He does not know she is a vampire and she does not want him to know!
I have no idea what happens with Suzette. I will just have to read the rest of this series to find out. And hopefully Valentina will get her hearts desire.
This is by far the smoothest vampire tale ever! Very little if any blood and gore--and socially responsible Vampires! They generally will not turn anyone unless they want to be turned---of course maybe some do.
Such is what happened with Suzette. She had lost her parents and was brought up by nuns. She was taught medicine and healing by one of the nuns. She was ultimately sent to New Orleans as a "casket bride". She again stayed with nuns there until she finally agreed to marry-a very rich man. He died leaving her a very rich and socially dominant person. By now she had learned a lot more about medicine and had even taken some classes. She meets a man who is head over heals in love with her. When she finds out he is a vampire-she begs him to turn her.
Suzette falls deeply in love with another man. He does not know she is a vampire and she does not want him to know!
I have no idea what happens with Suzette. I will just have to read the rest of this series to find out. And hopefully Valentina will get her hearts desire.
March 5, 2022
Slow
I started reading Cemetery Candles because I thought it was going to center around ghosts. As it turns out this story just goes around and around about a small group of men and women and each of them have an intense love for another that cannot be returned because that heart belongs to another. It became tiring and repetitive. One of the leading ladies at the beginning was completely lost as the story went back in time. I have no idea how many cliffhangers will have to be read to eventually see where she will fit into the storyline again. Sorry just can't continue any more of "I'm so maddly in love with him, but his heart will never be mine because he is maddly in love with her".
I started reading Cemetery Candles because I thought it was going to center around ghosts. As it turns out this story just goes around and around about a small group of men and women and each of them have an intense love for another that cannot be returned because that heart belongs to another. It became tiring and repetitive. One of the leading ladies at the beginning was completely lost as the story went back in time. I have no idea how many cliffhangers will have to be read to eventually see where she will fit into the storyline again. Sorry just can't continue any more of "I'm so maddly in love with him, but his heart will never be mine because he is maddly in love with her".
December 19, 2023
Very confused and kinda blah
This contains mild spoilers.
In the beginning of the story we have Ms. Valentina becoming a tutor for young Teo. The boy's uncle Victor is an illusionist whom treasure hunts and Valentina is an anthropology enthusiasts. They meet, have some conversations and Valentina has some dreams where she thinks she's catching feelings. However, Suzette shows up briefly and her and Victor goes to the Opera. After that Valentina doesn't really show up again just one scene. The story then shifts to Suzette story and how she got to be where she is and meeting Victor.
This contains mild spoilers.
In the beginning of the story we have Ms. Valentina becoming a tutor for young Teo. The boy's uncle Victor is an illusionist whom treasure hunts and Valentina is an anthropology enthusiasts. They meet, have some conversations and Valentina has some dreams where she thinks she's catching feelings. However, Suzette shows up briefly and her and Victor goes to the Opera. After that Valentina doesn't really show up again just one scene. The story then shifts to Suzette story and how she got to be where she is and meeting Victor.
October 13, 2018
The story was quite interesting but i was frustrated when I found out its a series ... The plot is quite simple (one person is interested in the other and the other person is interested in someone else) so personally i think dragging the story and stretching it into a series was not a very good idea .....
YET i would totally appropriate the narrative skills of the author that made me read the whole book and i just simple could not put it down since i wanted to know more....
Hopefully will move to the next book !!
YET i would totally appropriate the narrative skills of the author that made me read the whole book and i just simple could not put it down since i wanted to know more....
Hopefully will move to the next book !!
July 31, 2021
I don't know if it's just me, but jumping from the present to the past with no warning was off putting and confusing. The stories were ok, but improper proofreading and improper use of punctuation and grammar was hard to get past. Had to reread many sentences due to missing words, was a mood killer. Couldn't immerse myself properly. Other's gave good reviews, but I only gave 2 stars for the above mentioned reasons. I don't want to discourage the author, with a little work and a good editor and proofreader I can see them taking off exponentially!
April 10, 2019
A interesting mix of what is illusion and what is supernatural. I was personally intrigued by the descriptions of cards shuffling and the exchange between hands only a magician can replicate. Vampires... werewolves... the past... the present... the hunt for true love and blood - all mix together in an intriguing story. I am eagerly awaiting book 2 for the outcome!
January 31, 2022
It was enjoyable how the author wove historical events throughout the story. Having not fully read the synopsis, I don't want to say too much in case certain things aren't known before reading. The setting descriptions are detailed as are the characters so it's easy to picture oneself being there. I would definitely like to read more in this series.
August 22, 2015
I have to admit right off the bat that this book is well outside of my comfort zone as a reader, but that having been said I am very glad that I did read it. It is a sweeping tale of love, lust and passion that spans centuries and is principally set in the somewhat mystical background of early New Orleans.
I really did toss up whether to give this four or five stars. The reason for my difficulty was two-fold. Firstly, I felt there were just enough errors, typos and misplaced tenses in the story to justify the reduction, but on reflection the story was just so good, that it over-rode those minor errors.
The second reason for my doubts was the method or style of writing. Initially I felt almost like I was reading a screenplay, with the narrative taking on the present tense and almost instructing the characters in their actions. I wasn't used to this type of writing and it did jar to begin with, however, the further I read, the more I enjoyed the story and the less the style jarred on me.
This is a sweeping, passionate book, full of colourful and fanciful characters that are beautifully described by the author. Once I realised it was actually a vampire story I shuddered a little (it not being my liking), however the vampirism was not only critical to the story, it was actually quite fascinating to read. Trust me, this is not your typical vampire / werewolf book. This is in a class of its own.
The story was more than your classic love triangle - this was more like a love quadrangle. Between the principal characters Victor, Suzette, Ivan and Henrietta, there is a fascinating tale of unrequited love beautifully told by the author.
The book did end a little abruptly for my liking, but of course there is more to come in this series and I await with interest where the Montenegro saga will take us.
I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone, not just fans of vampires, or the paranormal. On reflection it does deserve the five stars that I finally decided to give it. A marvellous piece of writing Estela Vazquez Perez. Well done that author!
I really did toss up whether to give this four or five stars. The reason for my difficulty was two-fold. Firstly, I felt there were just enough errors, typos and misplaced tenses in the story to justify the reduction, but on reflection the story was just so good, that it over-rode those minor errors.
The second reason for my doubts was the method or style of writing. Initially I felt almost like I was reading a screenplay, with the narrative taking on the present tense and almost instructing the characters in their actions. I wasn't used to this type of writing and it did jar to begin with, however, the further I read, the more I enjoyed the story and the less the style jarred on me.
This is a sweeping, passionate book, full of colourful and fanciful characters that are beautifully described by the author. Once I realised it was actually a vampire story I shuddered a little (it not being my liking), however the vampirism was not only critical to the story, it was actually quite fascinating to read. Trust me, this is not your typical vampire / werewolf book. This is in a class of its own.
The story was more than your classic love triangle - this was more like a love quadrangle. Between the principal characters Victor, Suzette, Ivan and Henrietta, there is a fascinating tale of unrequited love beautifully told by the author.
The book did end a little abruptly for my liking, but of course there is more to come in this series and I await with interest where the Montenegro saga will take us.
I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone, not just fans of vampires, or the paranormal. On reflection it does deserve the five stars that I finally decided to give it. A marvellous piece of writing Estela Vazquez Perez. Well done that author!
August 21, 2015
This is a really good gothic story that I quite enjoyed. I love the time scape and the themes and while I think there is a great deal to be enjoyed in this book I had one minor difficulty in that this is a book that uses present tense - which for me at least, has to be almost perfect to work. It has too many disadvantages that stilt the author in that it restricts the timeline, complexity of characters and sometimes diminishes suspense. In Montenegro this is for the most part well traversed but on occasion it threw me off a little. Having said that I know it is very much a style of writing that is in vogue now so this is something where many other readers will disagree with me. The characters here are certainly well rounded, beautifully developed and the ability of the writer to draw me in to an intriguing tale was very impressive. A slightly loose ending suggests a sequel of course as does the Book1 in the title, so that works well enough for me. There is a very definite quality to this work that demonstrates a talented writer who I think will shine in book 2 for sure. Notwithstanding my minor and very personal struggle with most books written in the present tense, this is a book filled with quality. I loved the cover which didn't look to great sadly on my old kindle but it sets the book up nicely. There are always challenges for writers to be original and fresh especially when writing on themes that are familiar. Estela has crafted a story here that is very much that, original and I think there are few who will resist its charms. Definitely one to pick up, and I suspect if like me you are a fan good stories well told then you will find your way back for more from Estela Vazquez Perez.
August 26, 2015
Perez is a master of the old-fashioned romantic tale. In Cemetery Candles, a single touch can ignite fire. A glance between a man and woman can lead to the promise of a lifetime of passion. Perez has a unique gift for creating romantic tension with nothing more than a rapid pulse. I love it.
With Cemetery Candles Perez delivers her sweetly romantic style with a twist. We quickly guess that there is something special about Mr. Montenegro, but it isn’t until Perez takes us back to his beginnings that we become certain that we’ve entered into the realm of the paranormal.
Perez uses the paranormal to explore themes of life and death, light and darkness, the human condition and true love. As with all good paranormal, we ask ourselves what it means to be fully human. What separates humanity from the rest of creation? Is it true love?
When our heroine Valentina first meets Victor Montenegro, she has been hired to be the tutor for his nephew. She finds Victor attractive from the beginning and delights in his magic tricks. Soon, she finds herself dreaming fantastic romantic dreams about waltzing with him. Is she dreaming as she assumes or has he enchanted her sleep? I’m afraid we won’t find the answers to Valentina’s relationship with Mr. Montenegro until the end of the series.
It is enough that in this first book of the series we learn who Mr. Montenegro is and how he came to live the life of a recluse. I recommend this book to those who like paranormal and commend it for being highly romantic without the sweating and groaning that many authors feel necessary to communicate passion.
September 15, 2016
I agree with the comments of another reviewer who said that this is more of a gothic love story than a tale of vampires and werewolves, and that the storylines would have offered more if they had converged in this first installment of the series. That said, this is nonetheless quite an intriguing novel.
Montenegro’s character is fascinating, fun, and well worth a treasure trove of novels; he single-handedly propels you through the story and leaves you wanting more of the series.
The author excels at descriptive writing and scene painting, and at creating a sense of atmosphere. So much so that I thought it might bog the story down, but never truly did so.
The setup with how Valentina meets Montenegro is right out of those classic Dracula films from back in the day, but what the author does with it is far better than anything I ever saw in any of those movies. She takes a more leisurely pace with the unfolding of her story, which, strangely and paradoxically, adds to the tension and suspense.
Glitches are minor and infrequent, such as the occasional p.o.v. shift or typo; all in all it is a very clean, professionally packaged novel. The structure of the novel is a bit non-traditional; chapters are quite long, though they are punctuated well with ellipses to give the reader breathers. And, as one might expect with a romance, the slowly unfolding relationship story dominates, and takes precedence over advancing the plot in other areas, as with, “Just what’s up with this guy?” Highly recommended for genre lovers as the story both seems to meet and exceed genre expectations.
Montenegro’s character is fascinating, fun, and well worth a treasure trove of novels; he single-handedly propels you through the story and leaves you wanting more of the series.
The author excels at descriptive writing and scene painting, and at creating a sense of atmosphere. So much so that I thought it might bog the story down, but never truly did so.
The setup with how Valentina meets Montenegro is right out of those classic Dracula films from back in the day, but what the author does with it is far better than anything I ever saw in any of those movies. She takes a more leisurely pace with the unfolding of her story, which, strangely and paradoxically, adds to the tension and suspense.
Glitches are minor and infrequent, such as the occasional p.o.v. shift or typo; all in all it is a very clean, professionally packaged novel. The structure of the novel is a bit non-traditional; chapters are quite long, though they are punctuated well with ellipses to give the reader breathers. And, as one might expect with a romance, the slowly unfolding relationship story dominates, and takes precedence over advancing the plot in other areas, as with, “Just what’s up with this guy?” Highly recommended for genre lovers as the story both seems to meet and exceed genre expectations.
August 16, 2015
‘Cemetery Candles’ is an intriguing vampiric romance that will enthral readers. The underlying truth and tragedy for vampires in this tale is that in exchange for immortality, vampires are afflicted with the inability to experience mutual love. This underlies the story of book one in the Montenegro series.
The story opens with Victor Montenegro, international diplomat, superb magician and master illusionist, welcoming Valentina to tutor his young orphaned nephew, Teo. Valentina, who has an interest in anthropology and all things dark, soon finds a kindred spirit in Victor. She ponders over his preference to conduct business by night and his insistence that staff of his magnificent estate aren’t allowed to visit his private apartment or use the Olympic size pool. She swiftly falls for the charismatic Victor until she is upset by the arrival of Suzette Savarit. The story then plunges into the complicated relationships and history between Suzette, Victor, Ivan and Henrietta.
E.V. Perez constructs a beautifully atmospheric tale that will make you believe in werewolves and vampires and feel for them. She effectively evokes the duality of nature and life, light and dark, and beauty and the beast.
Despite the vampiric characters desires and blood lust what struck me was their community-mindedness and compassion for each other, which made me look at their breed in a fresh light.
I was entertained from the beginning of this wonderfully atmospheric tale and look forward to the next heart-tugging instalment.
The story opens with Victor Montenegro, international diplomat, superb magician and master illusionist, welcoming Valentina to tutor his young orphaned nephew, Teo. Valentina, who has an interest in anthropology and all things dark, soon finds a kindred spirit in Victor. She ponders over his preference to conduct business by night and his insistence that staff of his magnificent estate aren’t allowed to visit his private apartment or use the Olympic size pool. She swiftly falls for the charismatic Victor until she is upset by the arrival of Suzette Savarit. The story then plunges into the complicated relationships and history between Suzette, Victor, Ivan and Henrietta.
E.V. Perez constructs a beautifully atmospheric tale that will make you believe in werewolves and vampires and feel for them. She effectively evokes the duality of nature and life, light and dark, and beauty and the beast.
Despite the vampiric characters desires and blood lust what struck me was their community-mindedness and compassion for each other, which made me look at their breed in a fresh light.
I was entertained from the beginning of this wonderfully atmospheric tale and look forward to the next heart-tugging instalment.
August 10, 2015
4.5 Stars.
The book opens with Valentina taking up her post as governess to the nephew of Victor Montenegro an enigmatic but reclusive billionaire. The descriptions are so rich they drip gothic mysticism. A master illusionist Montenegro held me under his spell as much as Valentina. He is a wonderful character and I loved the early section of the book filled with the worrying sense all was not as it appeared.
The book then shifts to the life story of Suzette, one of Montenegro's visitors Valentina meets. Suzette's story starts in the 1700s when as a young orphan she is shipped to New Orleans. Suzette's life is full of heart break, while gaining financial wealth and friendship with Ivan she loses her husband to yellow fever and accepts her life will be one bereft of love. That is until she meets Victor Montenegro at the opera house throwing her into turmoil.
Although I know this is part one of a series (a series I intend reading) I would have liked to see some of the story lines resolved in this book rather than leaving it so open-ended.
A well-written and at times mesmerizing story with engaging characters and attention to details. This is more of a traditional gothic love story than a modern day tale of vampires.
The book opens with Valentina taking up her post as governess to the nephew of Victor Montenegro an enigmatic but reclusive billionaire. The descriptions are so rich they drip gothic mysticism. A master illusionist Montenegro held me under his spell as much as Valentina. He is a wonderful character and I loved the early section of the book filled with the worrying sense all was not as it appeared.
The book then shifts to the life story of Suzette, one of Montenegro's visitors Valentina meets. Suzette's story starts in the 1700s when as a young orphan she is shipped to New Orleans. Suzette's life is full of heart break, while gaining financial wealth and friendship with Ivan she loses her husband to yellow fever and accepts her life will be one bereft of love. That is until she meets Victor Montenegro at the opera house throwing her into turmoil.
Although I know this is part one of a series (a series I intend reading) I would have liked to see some of the story lines resolved in this book rather than leaving it so open-ended.
A well-written and at times mesmerizing story with engaging characters and attention to details. This is more of a traditional gothic love story than a modern day tale of vampires.
September 27, 2016
I bought the book because I haven't seen many vampire stories written by a Latina. As a Latina myself, I became interested. I'm very happy that I did. Initially, I will admit that I was getting slightly bored with the love story between Victor and Valentina. I'm not much of a romance reader. But then we're introduced to Suzette Savarit. And the story truly begins for me! I couldn't put it down after I started reading about Suzette. The details in the description of Suzette's plantation and of New Orleans in general, were fantastic. I was transported in time and place. I also loved the vampire community with their powers and weaknesses. The author created very humane vampires with very interesting weaknesses. That being said, we humans aren't always humane. Hmm. Lol Anyway, it's a fantastic read. The ONLY reason it's 4 instead of 5 stars for me is that the author employs a pet peeve of mine. You race to the conclusion only to find it's to be continued!! I need closure. This book didn't give me that. However now I can't wait to read book two but I can't find it anywhere. Maybe it's not written yet? If anybody knows, please let me know. I'll be thinking of this for days!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2016
If you’re a fan of Twilight and The Interview with the Vampire, this book should definitely be on your must-read list! “Montenegro” is a new, refreshing take on the vampire story, which draws you instantly into the mesmerizing world of mystery, danger and love. It starts in the present time, when Valentina Santa Cruz arrives at a big mansion to take up a position of a teacher for the owner’s young nephew, and gets fascinated by a magical world of the mansion’s master – Victor Montenegro. As the attraction grows between the two, a stranger appears one day, a beautiful woman Suzette, who has her own macabre story to tell…
I don’t want to give away the plot, but I can only say that the history comes to life in the second part, as the reader gets transferred to the old New Orleans and follows Suzette, Ivan and Victor as they fight for their right to love and co-exist according to the Vampires’ Code. Everything from the language to the costumes and entourage is impeccably presented in this captivating mystery. The most amazing book! I’ll definitely be reading the second part.
I don’t want to give away the plot, but I can only say that the history comes to life in the second part, as the reader gets transferred to the old New Orleans and follows Suzette, Ivan and Victor as they fight for their right to love and co-exist according to the Vampires’ Code. Everything from the language to the costumes and entourage is impeccably presented in this captivating mystery. The most amazing book! I’ll definitely be reading the second part.
July 24, 2015
Cemetery Candles by Estela Vazquez Perez was a fascinating read. The characters are complex and yet they are shrouded in mystery. I am tantalized to find out what becomes of Valentina and Teo next, as well as Suzette, Victor, and Ivan. Their lives interweave over many years and it may seem like fate how their stories play out to bring them all together. Their lives are intriguing and give some insight into the character and life of a vampire. Victor in particular is a mysterious person who lives in a fabulous mansion and dabbles in illusion as a hobby, performing tricks like a professional.
In addition, the settings are beautifully described. This is a wonderfully written book and kept me turning pages right to the end—I almost believe it could have really happened. Looking forward to reading more from Estela Vazquez Perez.
In addition, the settings are beautifully described. This is a wonderfully written book and kept me turning pages right to the end—I almost believe it could have really happened. Looking forward to reading more from Estela Vazquez Perez.
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