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Chateau Seductions #0.5
Darkness Rising
Antoine Chevalier harbors a secret. Born a gargoyle shifter, he wants nothing more than to cultivate his art. His hard work pays off the night he completes his greatest sculpture. But the excitement of his accomplishment doesn’t last.
He’s drawn the eye of the wrong group — a coven of vampires. Antoine wakes into darkness, changed. Shattered. His dream of becoming a renowned sculptor is destroyed.
One question remains — how will he ever survive an eternity of darkness alone?
Darkness Rising is part 0.5 of the Chateau Seductions series by USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Carlisle. Readers have requested more on the dark and mysterious Antoine. In this short story, Antoine tells his tale, which continues in the series with Dark Velvet. Dark Velvet is written from Savannah’s perspective as a newcomer to an art colony who is intrigued by the proprietor.
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B0116M1Y8C.
He’s drawn the eye of the wrong group — a coven of vampires. Antoine wakes into darkness, changed. Shattered. His dream of becoming a renowned sculptor is destroyed.
One question remains — how will he ever survive an eternity of darkness alone?
Darkness Rising is part 0.5 of the Chateau Seductions series by USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Carlisle. Readers have requested more on the dark and mysterious Antoine. In this short story, Antoine tells his tale, which continues in the series with Dark Velvet. Dark Velvet is written from Savannah’s perspective as a newcomer to an art colony who is intrigued by the proprietor.
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B0116M1Y8C.
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2015
18 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Carlisle
148 books593 followersUSA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle loves stories with dark, brooding heroes or quirky outcasts. Her romances have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She was stationed in Okinawa while in the Marines, backpacked alone through Europe, and worked in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s married with two kids, two cats, and too many fish.
When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She was stationed in Okinawa while in the Marines, backpacked alone through Europe, and worked in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s married with two kids, two cats, and too many fish.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 17, 2022
Antoine's Story . . .
In this prequel to the series, Antoine Chevalier, a gargoyle shifter, is a talented sculptor who has finally created the most incredible sculpture, his best ever. But he is attacked in the darkness and wakes as a vampire as he sees his dreams shattered.
But instead of letting his misfortune make him cruel, Antoine held on to the bit of humanity he could and retained his compassionate nature. Antoine will eventually establish an artist colony “Les Beaux Arts at the Chateau DeRoche”, which will allow other artists and musicians to engage in their dreams as well.
As short as this story is, it will inspire the reader. Seeing Antoine’s courage in not giving up and instead giving a chance to others is a beautiful concept. Start with this book and continue with the series to enjoy the outcome of his efforts in the stories that follow.
In this prequel to the series, Antoine Chevalier, a gargoyle shifter, is a talented sculptor who has finally created the most incredible sculpture, his best ever. But he is attacked in the darkness and wakes as a vampire as he sees his dreams shattered.
But instead of letting his misfortune make him cruel, Antoine held on to the bit of humanity he could and retained his compassionate nature. Antoine will eventually establish an artist colony “Les Beaux Arts at the Chateau DeRoche”, which will allow other artists and musicians to engage in their dreams as well.
As short as this story is, it will inspire the reader. Seeing Antoine’s courage in not giving up and instead giving a chance to others is a beautiful concept. Start with this book and continue with the series to enjoy the outcome of his efforts in the stories that follow.
July 30, 2015
*5 Star Review*
Antoine Chevalier is different than the people around him. He has a secret that no ordinary person can possibly know. One night his world is turned upside down. Is it possible for him to come out of this struggle with the little that is left of his humanity? Will all his hopes and dreams be just a thing of the past?
If you ever wondered who Antoine was before his life at the Les Beaux Arts at the Chateau DeRoche, this will fill in all the missing pieces. It is a short story that goes through history before Antoine was turned into his Vampire/Gargoyle hybrid.
Lisa Carlisle does a fabulous job going through parts of Antoine's life that were never discussed in previous stories. Through Darkness Rising, we learn why Antoine is the compassionate person that he is, and we learned what made him that way.
I loved the struggle for Antoine after he first was turned into a Vampire/Gargoyle hybrid. He could have turned and became a monster, yet, he was able to keep as much of his humanity as he could. That is what makes him so loveable throughout this series.
If you want to learn about Antoine's past, I highly recommend this short story. It is a quick read, but definitely fills in all the missing pieces that make up Antoine!
https://www.facebook.com/BooksandBeyo...
Antoine Chevalier is different than the people around him. He has a secret that no ordinary person can possibly know. One night his world is turned upside down. Is it possible for him to come out of this struggle with the little that is left of his humanity? Will all his hopes and dreams be just a thing of the past?
If you ever wondered who Antoine was before his life at the Les Beaux Arts at the Chateau DeRoche, this will fill in all the missing pieces. It is a short story that goes through history before Antoine was turned into his Vampire/Gargoyle hybrid.
Lisa Carlisle does a fabulous job going through parts of Antoine's life that were never discussed in previous stories. Through Darkness Rising, we learn why Antoine is the compassionate person that he is, and we learned what made him that way.
I loved the struggle for Antoine after he first was turned into a Vampire/Gargoyle hybrid. He could have turned and became a monster, yet, he was able to keep as much of his humanity as he could. That is what makes him so loveable throughout this series.
If you want to learn about Antoine's past, I highly recommend this short story. It is a quick read, but definitely fills in all the missing pieces that make up Antoine!
https://www.facebook.com/BooksandBeyo...
August 23, 2015
What!! art, gargoyles, vampires and humans.
I can not wait to read book 1 to read more of Antoine and Savannah's story.
Vampires attacking a Gargoyle to turn him, hoping he will be their protector. He goes and watches his clan, seeing his parents for the last time he embrasses his new life. His Gargoyle traits never leaving him, he saves a man who is being attacked by multiple men. He has the choice to change the man or wait and see if the injuries kill the man.
The unlikely pair after a time open up Antoine's castle to artists of all kinds. Savannah, a poet, a lover of Old Hollywood has an affect on Antoine.
What will happen!!!! I can't wait to read more of their story.
REVIEWER FOR Bloggin With M.Brennan
I can not wait to read book 1 to read more of Antoine and Savannah's story.
Vampires attacking a Gargoyle to turn him, hoping he will be their protector. He goes and watches his clan, seeing his parents for the last time he embrasses his new life. His Gargoyle traits never leaving him, he saves a man who is being attacked by multiple men. He has the choice to change the man or wait and see if the injuries kill the man.
The unlikely pair after a time open up Antoine's castle to artists of all kinds. Savannah, a poet, a lover of Old Hollywood has an affect on Antoine.
What will happen!!!! I can't wait to read more of their story.
REVIEWER FOR Bloggin With M.Brennan
July 14, 2022
Great start to a new series! This is a short prequel that has me looking forward to more. It's well written and starts the series off beautifully. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
July 18, 2022
This was a great prequel that really filled in what made Antoine Antoine. For him to go from being a shifter to a vampire/shifter hybrid, and what he decided to do with his life now that he was changed, really filled in his backstory in a fun way. I loved seeing how his character developed :D
October 17, 2016
I cannot imagine reading the series without reading DARKNESS RISING first.
They’d stolen his life.
And rebirthed him as a monster.
DARKNESS RISING by Lisa Carlisle is an intriguing, highly emotional introduction to her Chateau Seductions series. I’m already a fan of Lisa’s Knights of Stone series which features gargoyles along with witches and shifters. When I saw that her Chateau Seductions series also involved gargoyles with the addition of vampires in conjunction with an artful theme, I knew I had to read it! I’m happy to report that I’m glad I did!
This prequel primarily focuses on Antoine, a gargoyle who was heartrendingly turned into a vampire against his will in Paris in the late 1800s. Antoine’s story is told from his own perspective and takes place in assorted locations including Paris, Montreal and a remote island off the northeast coast of the US.
We first catch up with Antoine as he’s studying under Auguste Rodin, the great French sculptor. As a side note, when I visited Paris, one of the highlights of my trip was a visit to Musée Rodin which is located there – so the Rodin element immediately drew me in. This book ends as Antoine establishes the “Les Beaux Arts at the Chateau DeRoche,” which will become a renowned artists’ colony.
This prequel also introduces two characters, Savannah and Cameron, who will play major parts in the ensuing books. It allows the reader to know how each of them came to be in Antoine’s life. Savannah is a poet and Antoine’s love interest. The story of how Cameron’s life became entwined with Antoine’s was particularly engrossing.
I will warn you that this installment ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. But… there is good news in that the next book, DARK VELVET, is already available and it will pick up right where DARKNESS RISING leaves off. In my mind, DARKNESS RISING and DARK VELVET are part one and two of the same story. Actually, at this time, the author is offering a bargain box set which contains DARKNESS RISING, DARK VELVET and DARK MUSE for under five dollars.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from this read:
Walk away. Leave her be.
And let this opportunity pass?
Relinquish the chance to be alone with her while she admired his art?
The temptation was too much to resist.
---
It was time to take what he wanted. And what he wanted was her.
---
What treasures he would give for one night with her. To watch her strip off one of her vintage dresses, revealing her satin skin inch by inch just for him.
Antoine is the epitome of a dark and mysterious tortured hero. DARKNESS RISING was actually written at the request of fans of this series who wanted more stories set in the Chateau, especially those featuring the panty-melting Antoine. I cannot imagine reading the series without reading DARKNESS RISING first. It’s passionate and highly entertaining. If you enjoy paranormal urban fantasies - especially those featuring sexy vampires – I highly recommend that you pick up DARKNESS RISING and become intimately acquainted with Antoine.
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
Suggested Reading Order:
The Chateau Seductions series
Darkness Rising (Book # 0.5)
Dark Velvet (Book #1)
Dark Muse (Book #2)
Dark Stranger (Book #3)
Dark Pursuit (Book # 4) – a holiday romance!
They’d stolen his life.
And rebirthed him as a monster.
DARKNESS RISING by Lisa Carlisle is an intriguing, highly emotional introduction to her Chateau Seductions series. I’m already a fan of Lisa’s Knights of Stone series which features gargoyles along with witches and shifters. When I saw that her Chateau Seductions series also involved gargoyles with the addition of vampires in conjunction with an artful theme, I knew I had to read it! I’m happy to report that I’m glad I did!
This prequel primarily focuses on Antoine, a gargoyle who was heartrendingly turned into a vampire against his will in Paris in the late 1800s. Antoine’s story is told from his own perspective and takes place in assorted locations including Paris, Montreal and a remote island off the northeast coast of the US.
We first catch up with Antoine as he’s studying under Auguste Rodin, the great French sculptor. As a side note, when I visited Paris, one of the highlights of my trip was a visit to Musée Rodin which is located there – so the Rodin element immediately drew me in. This book ends as Antoine establishes the “Les Beaux Arts at the Chateau DeRoche,” which will become a renowned artists’ colony.
This prequel also introduces two characters, Savannah and Cameron, who will play major parts in the ensuing books. It allows the reader to know how each of them came to be in Antoine’s life. Savannah is a poet and Antoine’s love interest. The story of how Cameron’s life became entwined with Antoine’s was particularly engrossing.
I will warn you that this installment ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. But… there is good news in that the next book, DARK VELVET, is already available and it will pick up right where DARKNESS RISING leaves off. In my mind, DARKNESS RISING and DARK VELVET are part one and two of the same story. Actually, at this time, the author is offering a bargain box set which contains DARKNESS RISING, DARK VELVET and DARK MUSE for under five dollars.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from this read:
Walk away. Leave her be.
And let this opportunity pass?
Relinquish the chance to be alone with her while she admired his art?
The temptation was too much to resist.
---
It was time to take what he wanted. And what he wanted was her.
---
What treasures he would give for one night with her. To watch her strip off one of her vintage dresses, revealing her satin skin inch by inch just for him.
Antoine is the epitome of a dark and mysterious tortured hero. DARKNESS RISING was actually written at the request of fans of this series who wanted more stories set in the Chateau, especially those featuring the panty-melting Antoine. I cannot imagine reading the series without reading DARKNESS RISING first. It’s passionate and highly entertaining. If you enjoy paranormal urban fantasies - especially those featuring sexy vampires – I highly recommend that you pick up DARKNESS RISING and become intimately acquainted with Antoine.
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
Suggested Reading Order:
The Chateau Seductions series
Darkness Rising (Book # 0.5)
Dark Velvet (Book #1)
Dark Muse (Book #2)
Dark Stranger (Book #3)
Dark Pursuit (Book # 4) – a holiday romance!
July 22, 2015
Great Prequel!
This is a great short story and the prequel to the Chateau Seductions series by Lisa Carlisle. This book tells us Antoine’s story. Antoine was born a gargoyle in Paris, all he cared about was his art and all of his hard work paid off the night he completed his greatest sculpture. However, his dreams are destroyed when he is turned into a vampire. I loved Antoine’s story and he overcame his struggles of being a gargoyle/vampire and how he ended up starting over. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series! If you are looking for a great paranormal book that you can read in one sitting, then you need to read this book.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a great short story and the prequel to the Chateau Seductions series by Lisa Carlisle. This book tells us Antoine’s story. Antoine was born a gargoyle in Paris, all he cared about was his art and all of his hard work paid off the night he completed his greatest sculpture. However, his dreams are destroyed when he is turned into a vampire. I loved Antoine’s story and he overcame his struggles of being a gargoyle/vampire and how he ended up starting over. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series! If you are looking for a great paranormal book that you can read in one sitting, then you need to read this book.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
July 9, 2015
Wonderful Intro to the world of the Chateau
This book tells the beginning life of Antoine – a Gargoyle turned Vampire against his will, and his struggles and passage of time. Eventually his going off on his own to a new world and to creating the Chateau for budding artist. And the beginnings about the first woman to capture his interest in over a century. Well written and very entertaining to read.
This book tells the beginning life of Antoine – a Gargoyle turned Vampire against his will, and his struggles and passage of time. Eventually his going off on his own to a new world and to creating the Chateau for budding artist. And the beginnings about the first woman to capture his interest in over a century. Well written and very entertaining to read.
July 9, 2015
Antoine has a tortured past, and here in his short story we learn more about that past. His charm, sensual mysteriousness and creative passion are all on display, through his own thoughts and actions. If you haven't fallen in love with the Dark Stranger yet, start reading today!
5 stars!
***Free arc in exchange for honest opinion.***
5 stars!
***Free arc in exchange for honest opinion.***
September 7, 2016
Short romantic story. Can't wait to read more about Antoine.
February 24, 2021
Antoine Chevalier is a gargoyle shifter, an artist under the tutelage of Rodin, and has just turned in what should be his finest work. He's attacked by a mob of vampires on his way home, but can't shift into gargoyle form because the vampires are more powerful than he. After his initial terror, he realizes what he has become, but wants to fight it. He soon realizes that he is fated to eternal life as a vampire and he'd better find a way to live. One night, Antoine comes upon a group of vampires attacking a human just like he had been and decides that he will save him. Cameron has no trouble believing that Antoine is a vampire and vows that, since he saved his life, he will stay close. An opportunity comes up for Antoine to open his own artists enclave called Les Beaux Arts at the Chateau DeRoche. What comes next for Antoine and Cameron as they open their chateau? Dark Velvet
February 17, 2021
Antoine's life is changed forever and things change over time and he finds that he is still interested in art he enlists a man whose life he saved some time ago and hires him to manage the art colony he wants to set up. Things work out and they start excepting students and he just knows that Savannah is someone special. The very interesting main character and the storyline were interesting also. Drama, suspense, and violence.
May 18, 2021
This reads as an extended prologue to the first book in the series. Antoine is turned from a gargoyle into a vampire against his will and struggles with the transformation. He starts finding his way and this introduction ends when he meets a woman he's interested in. The story was good, but for me it read a little flat. I wasn't sucked into his story because it felt one-dimensional. It became more interesting and engaging at the end, so perhaps the next book in the series is better.
July 12, 2022
Introduction to a series.
This prequel to the Chateau Seductions series was okay - but just as it started getting interesting, it ended. I still intend to read Dark Velvet - book 1 in the series, told from the perspective of the heroine Savannah - but found this prequel, as told by Antoine, a little boring and archaic. It has however set the scene, and piqued my curiosity to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This prequel to the Chateau Seductions series was okay - but just as it started getting interesting, it ended. I still intend to read Dark Velvet - book 1 in the series, told from the perspective of the heroine Savannah - but found this prequel, as told by Antoine, a little boring and archaic. It has however set the scene, and piqued my curiosity to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2022
Antoine Chevalier harbors a secret. Born a gargoyle shifter, he wants nothing more than to cultivate his art. His hard work pays off the night he completes his greatest sculpture. But he’s drawn the eye of the wrong group — a coven of vampires. Antoine wakes into darkness, changed. Shattered. His dream of becoming a renowned sculptor is destroyed. It was an intriguing read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 1, 2018
Reviewed for SNS
Antoine was attacked and turned vampire. Being a gargoyle already made him super powerful. He left the vamps and ends up buying a castle in Boston Harbor. He meets Savannah there after he offers her a scholarship into his program. Savannah makes him see the light again.
Great intro book. I can’t wait to see what this series will hold.
Antoine was attacked and turned vampire. Being a gargoyle already made him super powerful. He left the vamps and ends up buying a castle in Boston Harbor. He meets Savannah there after he offers her a scholarship into his program. Savannah makes him see the light again.
Great intro book. I can’t wait to see what this series will hold.
July 18, 2022
This was a story of a young man that wanted to be a renowned sculpturer and finished his best sculpture. But it’s short lived as a coven of vampire get interested and he wakes up changed. He’s confused and angry as he doesn’t want this! What will happen next to his dreams?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2017
Really enjoyed it
This is a new to me author and I have to say I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. I will definitely be looking for more books in the series and other books by Lisa Carlisle.
This is a new to me author and I have to say I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. I will definitely be looking for more books in the series and other books by Lisa Carlisle.
September 26, 2017
This short story covers gargoyles and vampires. From what I can tell it sets the stage on how it all began for the series. It covers decades within the short story but it gives just enough info and details that I want more. Will definitely read more of the series
February 12, 2021
A short intro, sort of a cliffhanger. I haven’t read the series. This novella is simply written. The story itself wasn’t bad, but it comes off being flat. Maybe the actual books are better written.
July 10, 2022
This is a great paranormal romance prequel story.. I liked it.. Suspenseful, exciting, spooky and quick-to-read..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2022
This is the prequel to the Chateau Seductions series. It is Anoine's story and intriguing. There is drama and suspense. This can be read a great introduction to the series or even, if you've already read the series, as a great supplement.
September 16, 2017
Stone Cold Wrong
He was attacked and forced to become something he never wanted to be. But he's made the best life that he could. Enjoy I did.
He was attacked and forced to become something he never wanted to be. But he's made the best life that he could. Enjoy I did.
November 13, 2017
This was a fast cliffhanger teaser for a series of short stories about Antoine & Savannah.
February 21, 2018
A short introduction to the Chateau Seductions series, Gargoyle turned vampire is an interesting mix, Antoine certainly seems like an interesting character.
It left me wanting to read more.
It left me wanting to read more.
October 16, 2018
Darkness Rising
Great book and Great start to this series. It can only get better from here. This is a brief get to know how it begins.
Great book and Great start to this series. It can only get better from here. This is a brief get to know how it begins.
November 2, 2020
A new to me Author , I like the character Antoine who is a Gargoyle turned Vampire , this follows his life for a century after he was turned .I look forward to the rest of this series .
April 18, 2021
Too Short
I understand this was a prequel, but it was a little more than half the pages with the rest being blurbs for other books.
I understand this was a prequel, but it was a little more than half the pages with the rest being blurbs for other books.
June 17, 2021
3.5 Stars
November 6, 2021
If this is the start of a new series, if did nothing for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews