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Romanus #2

Chevalier

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Sequel to Romanus

Fireman Mason James thought finding out he is a Romanus—a rare class of gargoyle—would be the surprise of a lifetime, but he’s proven wrong when he discovers he is the son of a comte and goji nobility. But his newly discovered family doesn’t think his gargoyle lover, Luc, is good enough for a goji of Mason’s stature—how could a warrior ever be? But despite the Moreaus’ uncertainty and elitism, they are Mason’s only chance to unravel the mystery behind his mother’s death, find a solution for the class divide that might separate him from Luc, and discover what it truly means to be a Romanus.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2016

40 people are currently reading
291 people want to read

About the author

Mary Calmes

129 books5,029 followers
Mary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for SheReadsALot.
1,862 reviews1,265 followers
December 28, 2016
FOUR HEARTS--You know what enhances a Calmesian experience?

Greg Tremblay reading Calmes in your ear!

It's a team that just works!

Like toast and butter...



Margarine (or a substitute for you healthy types)


Like peanut butter and jelly...



Not that one you perv! (Who are we kidding?)

Chevalier is a sequel I never thought would ever happen! The novella starts months after Romanus ends. Mason and Luc are going strong, still in love and still haven't moved in together.

Oh, what's an Calmes alpha to do?

I found myself smiling when Luc alpha-ed and let Mason see the inevitable. And just when I got excited, Calmes threw a loop in the form of gargoyle history! We meet Mason's long lost family, discover his origins, find there is more than the chasse in Kentucky. There's a ruling class and you won't believe who is on top.

The gargoyle world Calmes created isn't one I expected. It wasn't as paranormal heavy. It was more mythology and history based, a history/ slightly urban fantasy web weaved. The mystery of what exactly a Romanus is and what a Romanus does carried the plot while we meet Mason's birth family, the Moreaus. (Who I find to be deplorable) Mason and Luc's bond gets tested BUT it only gets stronger because their love is 100% and won't change for anything or anyone.

The Moreaus believe in class differences (i.e. Luc is nothing more than a warrior and should never be with a Romanus) The same argument from book #1. The lengths the Moreaus, and gargoyles who think like them, went to keep the classes different and treated Luc differently was pathetic. But Mary Calmes combats that with Romanus powers. (When we find out what a Romanus is, it's classic Mary Calmes hero)

Here the narration and story were evenly matched. I think my favorite parts were listening to Tremblay read Calmes dialogue, which can get a little ho-hum. Just because it really reads every day life. I mean, how many times can we read about normal domestic squabbles without getting a little bored. Tremblay has a way of breathing life, drawing me in.

Maybe making me feel like I'm the neighbor listening into Mason and Luc argue about moving in together.

Or a spectator to their passionate making up over the silliest of fights.

And Tremblay's accents were everything. As per usual. (Loved his gargoyles)

Did I have gripes? Minor ones - the final 'test' made no sense and was a little easy. Also, if the Moreaus had all the cash and power, how was it they just found Mason? And even after finding him, the father's reaction...it was a little false.

The good most certainly outweighed my minor quibbles. Mason and Luc lit up the pages with their chemistry. And it wasn't sex-a-palooza either! (Granted, we get more sex scenes than book #1, it doesn't start until way later as the mystery unfolds) I loved learning the history (I'm a history nerd, I'll confess) And the ending of this novella let me more satisfied with the couple and their standing in the world. They're definitely equals, stronger and ready to face whatever heads their way.

Yummy!! Calmes cracky goodness!



Ahhh!! MC + GT = a happy PBJ me!





A copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Renée.
1,185 reviews423 followers
February 6, 2021
3.5 stars

This is not a standalone, and cannot be read without reading Romanus first.

This story picks up about one year after Romanus left off. And I'm very glad that Calmes decided to give us a sequel because things with Mace and Luc felt a bit incomplete. A tentative HFN.

But when Mace decides he's in, he's IN. Balls to the wall IN. Don't nobody mess with HIS man. I loved the French setting, but the Daddy issues confused me. I feel like Calmes couldn't decide if the compte was going to be evil or just an asshole. (There is a distinction when one means truly plotting the murder of your son)

This was full of action and kept me on the edge of my seat. I love that Mace stood by Luc, even though the newly discovered goji hierarchy forbid him from marrying him. I was pretty confused by the prophecy part.

Basically, I just put on my Calmes glasses for this one and enjoyed the ride. It was all kinds of fun, but not what I'd call a favorite of hers.

Fans will enjoy it.
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,670 reviews459 followers
April 25, 2019
**3.5 stars**

Well I certainly liked this one better than the first. It was still a bit strange but I liked the story behind the gargoyles and how they came to be. The ending was a little rushed and I really wanted more of these two and what happens after they get home. Overall, it was an interesting premise.
Profile Image for BWT.
2,256 reviews246 followers
April 30, 2016
Though you do not have to read Romanus to enjoy Chevalier, I do recommend it for the backstory. I really liked how it both tied to the events in that story but also expanded where Romanus had felt a little unexplored.

Picking up a year after the end of Romanus, Mason "Mace" James is settled into his chasse (or tribe) of gargoyles, doing well in his day job as a fireman, and realizing the future he wants with his lover, Luc.

I liked that in Chevalier we get history and some explanation of Mace's goji roots and history.

I loved how, once Mace accepted his feelings and hope for the future, he was unwavering in his love and support of Luc and their relationship. Though I wish I would have had a better resolution to Moreau's betrayal, ultimately I thoroughly enjoyed this and devoured it quickly.

Recommended.

Advanced Review Galley copy of Chevalier provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Profile Image for BWT.
2,256 reviews246 followers
October 2, 2016
Belens Audio Book Review

What can I say? I love Mary Calmes and Greg Tremblay. Add them together and I am one happy camper.

yum

Though you could enjoy Chevalier without first reading/listening to Romanus , I would not recommend it.

Picking up a year after the end of Romanus, Mason "Mace" James is settled into his chasse (or tribe) of gargoyles, doing well in his day job as a fireman, and realizing the future he wants with his lover, Luc.

I loved how, once Mace accepted his feelings and hope for the future, he was unwavering in his love and support of Luc and their relationship. I especially appreciated the history and explanation of Mace's goji roots we get in this installment.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Greg Tremblay's narration!

love

Tremblay's character voices and accents are lovely, and he illustrates the emotions (passion, tenderness, exasperation, and even anger) in the story so well, managing to draw the listener in almost effortlessly, creating a whole world that I didn't want to leave.

Greg Tremblay gives another fantastic performance!

Recommended.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,860 reviews91 followers
October 28, 2017
So this was marginally better...

2.5 stars rounded down to 2 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and...

'Chevalier' is the sequel to the Mary Calmes story 'Romanus' and while I enjoyed it a bit more than 'Romanus' and Greg Tremblay was again the narrator a definite saving grace for this one, in good conscience I still couldn't bring my self to give this more than 2.5 stars not when I compared this one to how much more I enjoyed books like 'Change of Heart', 'Old Loyalty, New Loves' & 'Fighting Instinct' other paranormal/shifter books by this author that I only gave 3 stars to and have enjoyed a lot more than I did this story.

Aside from Greg Tremblay's narration I also liked the fact that this made Mason and Luc's story feel more complete and Mason's history was filled in, but a lot of the secondary characters really felt like they were all over the map especially Mason's father...I'm not sure if he was confused, crazy, a bit psychotic, power hungry or all of the above, I just knew that by the end of it all I was sad that no one had ended him and very relieved that Mason basically chose to distance himself from the man...seriously Mason your daddy is cray, cray! and then there's the step-mom and the half sibs...I just didn't get any of them.

So ultimately, I enjoyed the narration, came to like Mason and Luc a little more and the overall plot was ok, but I just wasn't able to get into this story the way I usually can with something by this author and it all just ended up being another blip on the radar.
Profile Image for Jennifer☠Pher☠.
2,970 reviews275 followers
October 6, 2024
The best thing I did was re-read (listen) to Romanus prior to reading this.

The experience of this read would have been awesome without that, I’m sure, but having the entire beginning of the story fresh in my mind made this an outstanding read.

For everything the first book of the series was missing, this book filled in all those holes and made the story way more complete.

This was just so great.

So much love. The love between Luc and Mason makes me melt.

Finally getting the Gargoyle lore and History was perfection.

I hope that there is more for Mary to tell us in this series.
Profile Image for Trio.
3,638 reviews210 followers
February 4, 2018
Well I did like this one more than Romanus so I'm glad I didn't give up. The whole mythology behind the story was creative and well done. The characters were interesting and the relationship between the MCs was fantastic, very hot.

Greg Boudreaux was wonderful, as always, but he did bring it with all the gruff and growly voices required for the secondary characters - kudos on that!
Profile Image for Courtney Bassett.
808 reviews196 followers
December 1, 2024
This is a series I find myself returning to again and again. The combination of Greg's narration with Mary's words is just magical. I love protagonists with good heads on their shoulders, too, and Mason is never swayed by promises of riches or power. He and Luc are just swoony together!
Profile Image for Sara .
1,545 reviews154 followers
Read
October 12, 2016
I am officially declaring my love for Mary Calmes; the worlds she creates, the men she brings into my life and how stupid I get over them.

This is the story you wanted to hear…

description


Chevalier begins about a year where Romanus ended. Mason and Luc are still together though Mason is beyond stubborn in admitting all the things that deal with his emotions and Luc. A knock at the door leads Mason to his biological family and a chance for him to really understand what a Romanus is and what he is supposed to do with his life now.

Good lord. This was so damn good. From learning the type of leon Luc is *swoon* to Mason getting the full story about his mother and the tests he must go through once they get to his father’s place, to everything that happens between he and Luc. This book was; So. Damn. Good. Gah. I mean, can I see that balcony scene and all that comes after with these two in a live action movie! Mmm Hmm.

I’ll keep this nice and short, which is rare for me.

I love the folklore we get on how Gargoyles came to be and who tells us the story. In a way, Mason reminds me of Jin, from the Change of Heart series, because he is this rare creature that takes his new found identity in stride. When everyone “meets” a true Romanus they act like it’s the second coming but Mason is just like ‘Hey, I’m a fireman and this is my boyfriend, Luc. We’re cool. You’re cool and it’s all okay. You feel me?’. It just reminded me of Jin being uber cool with his status as a Rhea and all that means including being male. Yeah, Mary Calmes can write some amazing men who are so damn humble but why do they always have jerks for fathers? Blah.

But Luc and Mason, they are so ridiculously romantic in this that I couldn’t keep the grin off my face as I read. I mean… you know? The things and the other things and then the sexy things. Phew.

Anyway. This is uber swoony and the title, just like the first book, explains what a Chevalier is and who they are meant to be with and please don’t let this be the end because I really need more! MORE PLEASE and thank you.

Profile Image for Aerin.
594 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2016
I have a confession to make: I am addicted to Mary Calmes. Her writing is like crack to me, I can't stay away from it, I simply don't have the will to say no. Mary's books tend to be somewhat confusing sometimes, and almost every time, regardless of who the characters are, the guys hug anyone that's in close enough distance. This seems to be the case here as well and while I find it cute, I'm simply incredulous at the lack of self-preservation the characters display.

It's been a long time since I read Romanus, but for some reason it stayed with me, even though I remember thinking at the time that it was a wreck. I'm so glad we got the continuation of Luc and Mason's story because we find out more about the history of Goji and the role Romanus has in this world. But this time around Mason decides he wants a future with Luc dammit, and nobody is going to get in his way and no one messed with his man. That was hot!

There was not even a second for me to get bored because this book is action packed from the beginning to the end. It had some kind of whiplash effect on me because one moment Luc and Mason get all sweet and sentimental with each other, and the next there's daddy issues (holy fuck that was dramatic), jealous siblings, a murder attempt, a mating, fucking mid-flight (cuz' bad-ass gargoyles can do that you know), the history of goji and gargoyles is revealed and many more things I simply couldn't keep up with.

It was all very interesting and engaging, although I'm not sure if Mason's father is a psychopath, an asshole, or a vile, evil human being. If you're read Romanus you're going to want to read this as well because it wraps up the story of Mason and Luc quite nicely. Now......

Can Gabriel get his own story as well??? Pretty Please Mary? And how about Mason's best friend Finn and Raoul? They deserve their own stories as well.
Profile Image for Gigi.
2,149 reviews1,071 followers
June 5, 2016
Um, this (and the first book Romanus) was probably one of the strangest M/M books I have ever read. These books were both short, so a whole shit-ton of info was crammed into a very small package.

Mason is a Romanas, a kind of half-breed gargoyle. His love interest Luc is a Chevalier, kind of a protector of the gargoyles. Beyond that, I can't tell you much. I didn't understand the titles and roles and hierarchy of the gargoyle culture, but I cut myself some slack and just read the book for the romance.

The relationship between Mason and Luc is best explained as fated-mates. Fast and hot and hungry and full of passion and love. That's all I really needed and Mary Calmes did an excellent job with them here. The rest was just filler for me, but those that enjoy the complicated mythology of paranormal beings will be delighted with this series.

I hope this series will continue with Finn's story.
Profile Image for ⚣Michaelle⚣.
3,662 reviews234 followers
March 1, 2017
3.5 Stars

So, not only do we learn the origins of Gargoyles (kinda cool actually)...in this installment we finally know what a Romanus does! Sort of. Meh.

I mean, yay on the message of bringing together all classes of "people" - wiping out old notions of nobility vs. lower castes and offering a safe place for unity to flourish down there in Kentucky (riiiiight) - but like the MC wondering when his X-Men powers would manifest, I too thought there would be more to the whole deal than that. Well, that with a side of "I see dead people." Lame.

On the plus side, the sex was smoking hot. Not often do we get mostly human/shifter sex with the shifter in his feral form - not to mention in the process of flight! Talk about joining the Mile High Club. (Although, technically I'm not sure the bits would work given the extreme cold during the winter in the Alps, combined with the altitude. But, whatev. Still hot.)
Profile Image for MostlyDelores.
609 reviews68 followers
June 16, 2016
Unnecessary and incoherent sequel to Romanus. Calmes invents an entire mythology and crams it into the shortest page count so there's no room for a story.

Pretty cover though.
Profile Image for Serena Yates.
Author 104 books771 followers
May 27, 2016
‘Chevalier’ is the much-awaited-by-me sequel to ‘Romanus’, a magical and dangerous world of gargoyles with a unique history, mysterious prophecies, and politics of class separation that would make an eighteenth-century nobleperson blanch. In the first book hunky, kind-hearted firefighter Mason discovered he was a special kind of gargoyle, a Romanus, but none of the other members of the chasse he encountered was able to tell him what that means or what he was meant to do. Everybody else seems to have a role, including Mason’s lover, warrior Luc, but Mason himself is told he is important yet nobody in his chasse has any idea why. This sequel is all about Mason finding out he is nobility, meeting his biological father, and figuring out his role in gargoyle society once and for all. It is an exciting, suspenseful, and dangerous undertaking, with Mason and Leo working together like never before so they can survive the multiple surprises coming at them in this story.

Mason is as fantastic as ever. He is a dedicated firefighter, defender of the weak, and accepts no injustice in his presence. His one weakness is his ongoing inability to admit to himself how much he loves Luc – but he corrects that in a big way as the story progresses. Mason realizes he needs Luc to be his strength, and with the kind of crap he faces from his biological father and the “tests” he has to go through, Mason needs all the support he can get. His strength and determination in the face of his biological family’s elitism, bigotry, and nastiness is inspiring!

Luc may be the low-class warrior, the chevalier in gargoyle terms, but no matter what insult they throw in his face, he remains calm and steady. He is unrelenting in his support of Mason, and the fact that Mason finally admits how he feels and asks Luc to move in with him may have something to do with that. But mostly it is just who Luc is – and all his abilities are urgently needed as they travel to France to meet Mason’s biological family. The manipulation, machinations, and politics emerge slowly, but Luc has his hands full keeping Mason, and himself, safe.

If you like gargoyles and appreciate a unique and fascinating world with its own mythology and legends, if you want to find out what a Romanus is and, like Marcus, are curious about his family’s history, and if you’re looking for a read that consists of an intriguing journey of discovery, suspense, and wonderfully supportive – and very hot – lovers, then you will probably like this novella as much as I did. Fantastic!


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Under the Covers Book Blog.
2,840 reviews1,342 followers
August 9, 2016

CHEVALIER is a Paranormal Romance from Mary Calmes that features gargoyles! Yes, gargoyles! I can only think of one other series that features gargoyles are their main supe but I have to say, this one caught my attention more.

And I think that’s all mainly due to Mary Calmes writing. Mason James is a fireman who looks to be quite normal at first. When he has a little accident at work, it forces him to take some time off. He has his boyfriend, Luc, who is pushing for them to make that next step in their relationship. This kind of scares Mason a little bit, but there is no doubt that he loves the guy immensely so he decides to ask Luc to move in with him.

Just when you think things are going well for the two, some people show up and tell him that he is the son of a comte and he is goji nobility. While it’s a lot to handle, Mason actually takes it in stride. That’s what I love about Calmes’ characters. She makes them seem so cool and effortless that you can’t help but fall into the story easily.

Once again, I was pulled into this story and falling in love with Mason and Luc right away. I honestly don’t think Calmes can write a character I hate. There’s just something very endearing and admirable about all her main characters that you can’t help but love them.

Although this is the second book in the series, I didn’t have any problems jumping into this story even though I didn’t read the first book. But after enjoying this book so much, I have no doubt that I’ll be returning to ROMANUS soon.

*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Annie

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Profile Image for Relly.
1,674 reviews29 followers
March 4, 2019
Better

3.75⭐️

Re read

In this one we get the answers that were missing in the previous book. I loved that once Mace committed fully to the relationship he was all in. I also loved that Luc was the important one in the prophecy.
Would enjoy reading more from this world
Profile Image for Morgan  Skye.
2,775 reviews28 followers
July 1, 2016
First, you must read Romanus before you read this. It won’t really make sense as a standalone.

We met the two lovers Luc and Mason when Mason had stumbled upon Luc’s chasse of gargoyles to find out that Mason was actually a Romanus, something revered by the gargoyles. Unfortunately, they don’t know much about what that means and the main driving force in this story is to find out just what it means to be a Romanus so that the tension in the chasse will let up.
There’s an added element of mystery when a family comes from France claiming to be related to Mason. Some threats are made and Mason and Luc fly over the ocean to research being a Romanus with the keeper of the gargoyle history and to find out more about Mason’s family as well.
Meanwhile, at every turn, Luc is met with derision, scorn and contempt because he is of a “lower class” than the Romanus – at least historically. Mason will have none of this and this helps Luc and Mason to iron out their own relationship issues.
**
I fell in love with Romanus years ago and was so psyched to see this sequel finally come about! It does not disappoint! In typical Mary form, Mason is absolutely perfect, Luc is tough as all get out and the bad guys are really bad and easily seen through. But… there’s some fascinating twists and turns this story takes that keep the storyline fresh and proves to me – again – that when Mary writes paranormal she really shines her brightest.
I loved this sequel and highly recommend it to fans of paranormal stories, fans of Mary Calmes and fans of Romanus and Gargoyles in general.

5 of 5 stars
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,440 reviews142 followers
June 29, 2018
As I said in the ebook review: "A rollicking, romantic sequel to Romanus. Many questions answered." Very good narration by Greg Tremblay.
Profile Image for Becca.
3,241 reviews46 followers
July 4, 2017
I loved this little series and fell in love with Mace and Luc.
Profile Image for llv.
2,329 reviews14 followers
March 22, 2020
re-read: March 2020

rating: 4.5 stars

Just as good the second time as it was the first time.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Tucker.
184 reviews5 followers
October 12, 2020
See, this is exactly what I needed. There was backstory, and strength of the main characters... everything needed from the first book.
Profile Image for UltraMeital.
1,283 reviews49 followers
September 5, 2017
I enjoyed this novella, like the first part "Romanus" [which you HAVE to read in order to understand the dynamics and basic world building] it was fast paced with a lot of things happening and a lot of information revealed about the Gargoyle species. This one starts a year after the perilous one with Mason and Luc an established couple. Mason still tries to hold Luc back, not because he doesn't want him, rather because of his past experiences with men he dated. Yet in his heart he knows that Luc is the only guy (or rather Gargoyle hehe) for him. It's admitting it, saying it out loud which terrifies him.

Mason gets a very strange visit from the members of his family he has never met (or known about...), turns out his father is a VERY important figure in the Gargoyle world and now that he is discovered and also thought to be the "Romanus" (whatever that means..) he wants to "reconnect". He invites him to his home in France - with "No" being an unaccepted answer... Another things his father and other members of the race don't approve or appreciate is the fact such a "high class" individual like Mason dating Luc - a "low class" lion. This is something Mason is unable to accept and fights every second he can against the prejudice of dating outside of class and mostly for the right to have his mate (no matter his class) by his side.

His father states he wants to "test" if Mason really is a "Romanus" and Mason is interested in this as well, especially if it will finally explain to him what it even means and what are his "powers" as a Romanus. What he finds isn't what he expected but it was actually who he is, or has been for all of his life. It was very moving and endearing realizing what his true significant is, and also considering the little he learns about his mother - it all makes perfect sense.

Though I liked both Mason and Luc, and though the idea behind this 2-parts story was actually really special. My only complaint is their relationship was a bit too sticky sweet for me. It's not the OTT attraction, it's actually the sappiness of how much they love and care for one another. Maybe it's me, I'm not a very romantic person.. you might feel differently.. also I was a little puzzled of the dept of the connection Mason managed to establish with his siblings, though I'm happy for all of them :)

If you like those lovey-dovey relationships and enjoy PNR I HIGHLY recommend you give this one a go. It has a very special concept. Actually I would have really loved for a continuation of the story, SEEING Mason as the Romanus and the good he is able to bring to the world.

More Reviews HERE
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Profile Image for The Novel Approach.
3,094 reviews137 followers
May 27, 2016
Chevalier is the sequel to Romanus, and even though you don’t HAVE to read Romanus first, I would recommend it. Chevalier is the continuation of a story started on the pages of Romanus and in my opinion it was needed to complete the love story between these two men. This is a magical world of gargoyles, fallen angels who have been given a second chance at heaven by becoming protectors and watchers of God’s children. There is a whole world of creatures that exist around us, or so Mary Calmes wants us to believe. Hers is a ubiquitous world, a double edged place of danger and protection, good and evil, light and dark. Chevalier is written in true Mary Calmes fashion; there is an overall arc of good triumphing over every obstacle and an abiding love for all mankind—or gargoyle as the case may be.

We first meet Mason and Luc in Romanus, where Mason is overwhelmed by his sudden need for and attraction to Luc. Mason is coming to terms with the knowledge that he is a gargoyle—and not just any gargoyle but a Romanus, supposedly the rarest and most powerful of beings. He is confused by his newfound status, moving from human to more, and by his feelings for the gargoyle charged to protect him. Luc is the other half of his soul, and to feel so much so fast overwhelms him.

This is where Chevalier begins. Mason and Luc are thrust into the world of the goji, and this book really solidifies their love story and gives them a HEA. Once Mason decides to not let fear lead his life, he claims Luc as his mate and together they find their place in their chasse, and their purpose. Once again Mary Calmes creates a magical world inside a short story. There is an interesting story arc to this book with a good and satisfying ending. Antagonist are brought forward, and the story is kept interesting and flowing by all the rich secondary characters introduced.

Are you a Mary Calmes fan? This book will be right up your alley. Once again she creates a winner that will leave you satisfied with the storyline, and hot and bothered in the loving department (can you say mid-flight amazing sex anyone?!). There’s intrigue, attempted murder, and a man willing to stand up to anything to let the world know who he loves. Read Romanus first and continue with the story in Chevalier—you will not be disappointed.

Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Profile Image for T.M. Smith.
Author 28 books315 followers
October 12, 2016
A lot has happened in the year since Fire Fighter Mason James learned he is not only a Gargoyle, but a Romanus. He is treasured among the Gargoyles, someone that can bridge the gap between Gargoyles and the dead because he can see them, hear them, communicate with them. He also found a boyfriend at the same time he learned of his Gargoyle status, Luc Toussiant, who is a Leon which translate to a guard or guardian in the race of Gargoyles. Mason has spent the past year keeping Luc at arms length, fearing moving too fast. When his birth family shows up on his doorstep, basically demanding Mason accompany them back to France to meet his father and claim his birthright... Mason is less than pleased, but he complies. His and Luc's relationship will be put to the test as will Mason's abilities, and so much more than their relationship is challenged by the family Mason doesn't want.

What an amazing series this has turned out to be. I sincerely hope that we get Finn's story soon. Back to Chevalier though. The threat in this installment of the series may seem less severe than the whack job in Romanus, but it is actually way more dangerous. I am so engrossed in the relationship between Mason and Luc and how it continues to grow and evolve. Mason finally comes to the realization that Luc is not only all he wants, he's all he needs. There is also a point in this story where Luc goes off the deep end a bit, very dramatic and suspenseful, and I loved how it played out. Mason was the only one that could reach him, and even in the height of the anger and confusion that had a strangle hold on Luc, he was able to recognize the bond with Mason.

Greg Tremblay is, in my humble opinion, one of the best narrators ever. He has an army of accents, tones and nuances in his voice and regardless of how many characters are in a story, he manages to give everyone their own voice and truly bring the Author's words to life. One of my favorite lines in the book is when Mason's recently revealed brother tells Mason he'll be at Luc's mercy (can't really elaborate on that without spoilers) and Mason responds... "Oh... God, I hope so." ... it's the way Tremblay delivers this one line, just five words. It holds so much emotion that it stands out and commands your attention.

Definitely a must listen as are any books that Tremblay voices and/or Calmes pens. Start with Romanus though, or you'll be lost.
Profile Image for Annie .
2,506 reviews940 followers
August 9, 2016


CHEVALIER is a Paranormal Romance from Mary Calmes that features gargoyles! Yes, gargoyles! I can only think of one other series that features gargoyles are their main supe but I have to say, this one caught my attention more.

And I think that’s all mainly due to Mary Calmes writing. Mason James is a fireman who looks to be quite normal at first. When he has a little accident at work, it forces him to take some time off. He has his boyfriend, Luc, who is pushing for them to make that next step in their relationship. This kind of scares Mason a little bit, but there is no doubt that he loves the guy immensely so he decides to ask Luc to move in with him.

Just when you think things are going well for the two, some people show up and tell him that he is the son of a comte and he is goji nobility. While it’s a lot to handle, Mason actually takes it in stride. That’s what I love about Calmes’ characters. She makes them seem so cool and effortless that you can’t help but fall into the story easily.

Once again, I was pulled into this story and falling in love with Mason and Luc right away. I honestly don’t think Calmes can write a character I hate. There’s just something very endearing and admirable about all her main characters that you can’t help but love them.

Although this is the second book in the series, I didn’t have any problems jumping into this story even though I didn’t read the first book. But after enjoying this book so much, I have no doubt that I’ll be returning to ROMANUS soon.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,170 reviews520 followers
June 9, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars


Four years ago, I read Romanus for the first time. And when I’d finished it, I thought it would be an awesome series. It felt like a series to me, and I went looking for more, needing to read the next story. So I was disappointed when I learned that it was a standalone, and that there were no sequels. But that has changed now and I’m so happy it did. When the first book was rereleased, I wondered why. But when Chevalier crossed my radar, I was thrilled. Finally, I could see what happened next for Mason and Luc.

This story definitely works best after having read the first, as it’s a direct continuation. And it flows seamlessly from the Romanus. When last we left Mason and Luc, they were just starting out and just finding their way together. Mason had just learned what he was. Seeing them now, a year later, was pretty rewarding. Mason is introspective to start, ruminating on his newfound status and how he doesn’t know what to do with it. He doesn’t understand what he’s supposed to do. I felt his frustration as he was relating the emotions, but I felt a little removed from it. I would have liked to see a few instances of this instead of just being told. But it is described well, and pretty soon, the story jumps into the action.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

1,096 reviews10 followers
January 6, 2019
Fascinating story. Mason isn't a weak, insignificant man on his own, yet Luc makes him look like a teenage boy. We discover the reason when Mason finds out he is the first Romanus in a very long time, and he has this ability due to his mother, who tried to hide him from his biological father to prevent him from gaining more corrupt power than he already possessed. In short, the Comte, Mason's birth father, is not a good man, simply very rich, while his mother was very good-hearted and pure.

Mason's purpose in life is explained when he meets the Guardian, an imposing, frightening Gargoyle on the fringes of the Comte's estate,.and where others see only the frightening side, Mason understands and sees the Guardian's true self. By sharing his blood with Luc, he shares this ability, and within the Vault, they discover that for Mason to become the true Romanus and come into his full power, he needs Luc to be more than his protector - Luc must share a complete, trustworthy bond with Mason, which they already have.

Interestingly, Mason does everything based on his gut instincts, and he and Luc follow these instincts religiously. Mason refuses to bend to the Comte's will, and returns home, leaving me with the feeling there could be another sequel. We don't know, since Ms. Calmes doesn't include epilogues, which is quite the bummer. Five stars for a great story and history about the gargoyles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Caroline Brand.
1,755 reviews68 followers
May 28, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE

Chevalier picks up a year on from where we left Mason and Luc in Romanus and I would recommend you read Romanus first to get a little bit of the back story and more clearly understand the world and characters involved.

Mary Calmes always gives the reader leading men who seem to need each other to breathe – they are always totally consumed with each other and this is true of Mason and Luc. In Chevalier we get more about the history of gargoyles, of the chasse and we also learn about the class system which affects Mason and Luc’s relationship in the eyes of others.

The two men travel to Europe for a family reunion which seems set to fail from the start but gives Mason an insight into his roots, how he came to be adopted and what is expected of him if he chooses to take up his position in the family – not something he is keen to do.

Mason came into his own in this story and really grew as a character. Once he had decided that Luc was going to his forever there was to be no going back, not even when threatened or parted forcefully from him. I felt the ending left scope for more from this pair or perhaps a closer look at Finn and Raoul and I would certainly be interested in reading more.
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