Raphael by D.B. Reynolds
Series: Vampires in America #1
Published by ImaJinn Books Inc.
Published on: April 1, 2009
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 224
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Malibu, California—home to rock-and-roll gods and movie stars, the beautiful, the rich . . . and vampires. Powerful and charismatic, Raphael is a Vampire Lord, one of the few who hold the power of life and death over every vampire in existence. Thousands call him Master and have pledged absolute loyalty on their very lives. But when, in a brazen and deadly daylight attack, a gang of human killers kidnaps the one female vampire he’d give his life for, Raphael turns to a human investigator to find his enemies before it’s too late. Cynthia Leighton is smart, tough and sexy, a private investigator and former cop who’s tired of spying on cheating spouses and digging out old bank accounts. When Raphael asks for her help in tracking down the kidnappers, Cyn’s happy to accept. But she soon realizes her greatest danger comes not from the humans, but from Raphael himself. Battling Russian mobsters and treacherous vampires, and betrayed by those they trusted, Cyn and Raphael find themselves fighting for their lives while caught up in a passion of blood and violence that is destined to destroy them both.
Vampires live in a world where humans finally half way believe in them, but prefer to whisper about them behind closed doors. That is except for the ones that willingly give their blood. In Malibu, where the rich and powerful live and play, a rich and very powerful vampire, Raphael, lives and rules over a big part of the vampires in the U.S.. When a female vampire under his care gets kidnapped from his compound, Raphael knows that it’s part of a bigger plan to try and dethrone him. Since humans have helped with the plot, he hires human private investigator, Cynthia, or Cyn as she prefers to be called. Cyn is an ex cop, grew up rich and privileged, and became the human to call for vampire problems after she saved the life of a vampire.
The characters of Cyn and Raphael are complex and absolutely not cookie cutter in any way shape or form. Cyn is strong and smart as the day is long. She has father issues and the half sister from hell. And oh yes, she’s not about to let a vampire tell her what to do! Raphael is very old, very handsome, and one of the strongest vampires in the world. He is used to being in power and demands respect and loyalty from all vampires that he rules over. He lives with heavy security that follows him at all times, but that doesn’t help him when he gets thrown for a loop by Cyn.
I really enjoyed the world building in particular in this story. At first when the story goes back in time, I was not sure if I wanted the story line to move that way. I was wrong, and the information we get when Raphael’s past is shown, was both needed and fascinating. It only goes back in time a few times and is mainly written in the present.The story is told from both main characters perspectives, which really worked for me.
I would like to know where these books have been hiding from me. I had never even heard of them until one of the blogs I follow did an interview with the author. I immediately bought and read this one, and have every intention reading the next one as soon as possible. This is not a “pretty” vampire book. It was gritty, bloody, sensual, and dangerous. These vampires don’t glitter, but they do have powers and are strong, and they are very,very fast. There’s lot of action, death, betrayal, and Cyn gets injured more then once-including her heart. Of course it’s a romance, but it sure isn’t an easy romance.
If I had one thing to say that bothered me about this book, I would have to say it was the cliffhanger. I am not a fan, but for some reason-maybe because I have every intention of reading the next book and soon, it didn’t bother me that much. I highly recommend this well written book to adult paranormal romance fans and people that love vampire books.
I’m Lorna and I live in Maryland. Since retiring, I spend my time mostly reading and reviewing books. My favorite reads are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Young Adult. I read a lot of indie books in addition to traditionally published books. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires, but I am really liking werewolves more everyday.
this was one of my first vampire books I found once I got into the genre. Loved the old school alpha character Raphael. So sexy. It is a very good series 🙂
Sharon Stogner recently posted…Guest Post: The Art of Darkness by Michael West (Hades’ Disciples book tour)
I am enjoying it, just finished the second one last night and have every intention of going on to the next! Glad you liked it too 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Raphael by D.B. Reynolds
I love the concept of vampires being believed in, yet discriminated against. So many opportunities for comparisons to discrimination in our modern, vampire-free world! That’s really what vampires have always been–a metaphor for things people deal with every day.
Stephanie Faris recently posted…Writers Don’t Use Typewriters
Never really thought about that, but that’s interesting to think about!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Raphael by D.B. Reynolds
This is the first I have seen or heard of these as well and I am always up for a good vamp read. Thanks for putting these on my radar.
kindlemom1 recently posted…Release Day Review: Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne
I really enjoyed it and I am over half way through the second one. Hope you enjoy if you try it!
I love the synopsis. I read another book where vampires were a part of reality, but were discriminated against. I can’t think of the name at the moment. Thanks for your review.
-Flirting with Fiction
Stephanie recently posted…Wedding Countdown Readalong and Giveaway
You’re welcome! It really was a good read 🙂
I was just talking about this book last night 🙂 I read it a long time ago and I remember thinking the series had a lot potential, so I decided to wait for the Audiobooks. Well, almost 5 years later they finally got release on audio (right now only Raphael is out) so I’m definitely jumping back in this series.
Lupdilup recently posted…The Saint Audiobook by Tiffany Reisz (review)
I think the books were re-released fairly recently. I am almost done with the second one and it is really good too!
I’ve had Raphael on my kindle for quite awhile now, Lorna. And you just reinforced why I one-clicked it…but have me scratching my head as to why I haven’t read it yet! Non-cookie cutter characters are always a huge plus in a vamp story. Thanks for reminding me I should read this. Excellent review!
Thank you! I still am shocked I had never heard of these before now. I think the 2nd book is pretty good too 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Raphael by D.B. Reynolds
i really want to read thi series and even more after reading your review though i’m glad you said there is a cliffhanger because i hate them and i know now that i need book 2 as well before i start reading them
miki recently posted…Death’s Rival ( Jane Yellowrock 5) by Faith Hunter
It really wasn’t a bad cliffhanger, I promise. I hope you enjoy!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Raphael by D.B. Reynolds
I think I am getting over vamps, sad
I got started reading vampire books probably a lot later then most paranormal readers so maybe have a bit longer to read them, before I get tired, but I know what you mean. I have been really liking shifter books lately 🙂
I don’t like pretty vamps esp if they sparkle.so.this is perfect!
braine recently posted…Naughty Nooner: White Collared: Mercy by Shelly Bell
I thought so too!
I like that the characters are unique and not cookie cutter, but I have to say I also hate cliffhangers so that would probably bother me as well. Great review! 🙂
Lisa recently posted…Audiobook Review: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
Thanks! Actually I have read a lot of cliffhangers-some really bad and this doesn’t fall in to the bad as much as some 🙂
Haven’t heard of these before, but it sounds like I would like Cyn’s character!! 😀
Anonymous recently posted…Drea’s Audio Review: Kitty and the Midnight Hour
Yes she’s really a strong main character 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Raphael by D.B. Reynolds
I read this books years ago, probably before I even started blogging and really liked the world building. For some reason I put it aside and didn’t continue. The last time I checked there were only 3 books the series has grown since then. @lupdilup and I were just talking about this yesterday, I think it’s time to revisit the series. Great review Lorna, glad you enjoyed D.B.’s vampires!
Lori recently posted…Review: Romancing the Rumrunner by Michelle McLean
Thanks! Yes there’s a bunch of books/and or novellas now. I am about 20 pages out from finishing the 2nd and it’s just as good as the first-at least I think so!
I haven’t heard of these either! Why is that? Is this a self-pub/teeny tiny Indie pub? Maybe that’s why. I tend to pass on those just because I’ve had too many issues with them, which isn’t always a good thing. But I want to try it!!
Mary recently posted…Moving to WordPress…soon!
These have been re-released fairly recently, maybe that’s why? I wasn’t reading vampire books back when this first came out so that’s my reasoning for missing these.It was very professionally edited. I hope you enjoy 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Raphael by D.B. Reynolds
Vampires in The ‘Bu? Count me in – lol.
Christy recently posted…Boomerang by Noelle August
I hope you like it if you try it 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Raphael by D.B. Reynolds
Lorna, there is only a cliffie because Raphael and Cyn are a main couple through all the books in the series, so their story takes 2 books instead of one, but because Raphael is so influential, he features in other books all the time, so you you’ll keep getting glimpses of this couple now and then. Read book #2! :))) I’ve been a fan of this series for years, and the books used to have horrendous covers as well, and I think that’s what made them so unnoticeable for the majority of readers. I love that they are mostly UF but still as hot as PNR. Great review!
kara-karina recently posted…The Postman Knock #87
Thank you! Sorry Just now saw this! Good to know that I will see this couple in a lot of other books-thanks!