Gabriel's Rapture (Gabriel's Inferno)

(Warning: Spoilers ahead!) There's a longstanding belief that sequels don't live up to the original, "The Godfather Part II" notwithstanding. That makes it all the more pleasurable to read "Gabriel's Rapture," because the book disproves that axiom so thoroughly. It takes the superb groundwork set in the first book, "Gabriel's Inferno," and builds upon it to give the reader a rich and rewarding continuation of Gabriel and Julia's story. We meet up with the couple where we left them at the end of "Gabriel's Inferno:" in Florence, where they've deepened their passionate affair while immersing themselves in all this cultured city has to offer. Sylvain Reynard draws us into the beauty of Italy and makes us feel as if we're experiencing everything along with Gabriel and Julia. Glorious artwork, most of which is housed in the Uffizi museum, is highlighted. A number of musical selections provide a lovely accompaniment to the couple's tender moments. There are romantic dinners, and even more romantic and erotic tangos in museums and their hotel room. The reader sees and feels these perfect touches, and it's another testament to Reynard's writing that it's a sensual experience for us, too. When Gabriel and Julia have intimate moments in Florence or Umbria, readers feel as if we are right there with them, and it makes us wish all the more that we could be. Even as we're enjoying this sojourn in one of the loveliest countries in the world, we get the sense that it can't last. Vacations never do, right? Neither does that heady sensation that comes when you find your other half and love them body and soul for the first time. Surely enough, shortly after Gabriel and Julia return to Toronto and their daily lives, they find that reality has intruded in the form of a complaint that threatens to reveal their love affair, which is prohibited by University of Toronto policies that forbid fraternization between teachers and students. As the investigation into their relationship grows more serious, it becomes apparent that Julia's career will be short-circuited before it even starts. In order to spare her, Gabriel sacrifices himself at the altar of academic bureaucracy, but the ultimate penalty is that it means the end of their relationship. It's heartbreaking to see the bitter turn of events, particularly since we know both Julia and Gabriel bear responsibility for what happened, though Gabriel seems to shoulder more guilt. (As the professor and academic mentor, and certainly the more experienced of the couple, he's probably right to do so.) After so many struggles to acknowledge their love for each other - so many misfires and miscommunications, so much anger and fear over their past - they finally fulfilled the destiny ordained by their night in the orchard so many years ago, only to have it denied by the very institution that, ironically, reunited them. And yet...and yet...I came away realizing that if they hadn't gone through this separation, they may not have survived as a couple despite their great love. They were better off because they grew individually and were forced to mature emotionally on their own. The heartbreak they endured gave them a better respect for what they had and almost lost. It's an astonishing thing to see because as you're reading it, you realize how rare it is. They acknowledge that the first rush of love, while real, couldn't be sustained because they'd pinned too many of their dreams on it. And in the process, they'd idealized each other in a way that also couldn't be maintained, and ultimately, could have undermined the strength of their genuine bond if the University hadn't interfered. In a way, they owe Toronto a debt of gratitude for it. Julia is understandably devastated by the separation. Having been so careful to trust Gabriel, she feels as if she's been duped and begins to doubt that he ever loved her. She tries to reach him but the only communication is a brief e-mail from Gabriel that bluntly tells her to stop. She even goes to his condo and finds that everything is gone, except for the clothes that he'd bought for her just months ago, when their feelings for each other still lay just under the surface of their skin. It's especially heartbreaking to watch Julia's efforts to complete her Master's degree in Dante studies, a subject that's an emotional minefield considering that it reunited her with Gabriel. But she perseveres and even thrives under the supportive friendship of Paul and the firm, guiding hand of her advisor, Katherine Picton. Gabriel embarks on a journey he hoped he would never have to take; one where he's alone, without Julia. Before their relationship, Gabriel lived an empty, dissatisfied existence - one with professional fulfillment but without hope of finding the love and grace he truly craved. He's forced back into that existence now that he and Julia parted, and it's especially cruel for Gabriel. Having finally known true joy and unselfish love, he feels the loss all the more bitterly. Reynard skillfully draws a picture of a man again skating along the edge of his own destruction, driven to despair by the loss of a woman who inspired the redemption he believed was always out of reach. But just as we worry that Gabriel's old vices will again draw him under, we see that the virtues learned in his time with Julia have had a lasting effect. He returns to Italy, at first to mourn, but then to find faith and grace in his circumstances. We also see another facet of the Professor's genius as we gradually realize he'd planned a way out of their situation that would help both of them. But the real victory - the real uplifting part of this story - is Julia's newfound strength. She mourns, too, but is determined to forge ahead with the life's work she's chosen for herself and her studies. A romantic alternative is offered to her, but Julia knows it would be unfair to both of them for her to settle when it comes to love. Even when Gabriel returns, she doesn't accept him easily. She's wary, careful; though her heart is sure he's its ultimate destination, she has now seen too much to fall back into old patterns. On the one hand, it's almost humorous that she makes him work so hard for it, but on the other, it makes perfect sense, and it's brilliant. Julia comes out of adversity and heartbreak a smarter, stronger woman. And she knows what's at stake. If she and Gabriel are to truly flourish together, they need to confront their weaknesses and the issues that they tend to repress. I came away from this book loving Julia almost as much as Gabriel does. At the end of the story, I thought of one of my favorite quotes, from "Zoo Story" by Edward Albee: "Sometimes it's necessary to go a long distance out of the way in order to come back a short distance correctly." Julia and Gabriel were forced away from each other, but they were smart enough to appreciate the lessons learned from the experience. They loved each other enough to allow it, and they put those lessons to good use once they returned to each other. There are literary and artistic references within the sequel, as there are in "Gabriel's Inferno." I found these genuinely enhanced my reading experience, as they often sparked an interest in finding out more about a painting or in reading a book I hadn't considered before. One last thought: Gabriel's Rapture is again told through the eyes of the Snarky Narrator. His wry humor and asides are a welcome part of the series. I'm really fond of him, and I've come to think of him as the couple's guardian angel. Even though he's as pointed and sarcastic as ever, you sense that he wants the best for Gabriel and Julia.

Scroll to /***/ for a review in Italian. I feel like there aren't enough words to fully express how much I loved this book. Gabriel's Rapture, the anticipated sequel to Gabriel's Inferno, lived up to all my expectations and gave me so much more than I could hope for. From the moment I set eyes on the first page, I couldn't tear myself away from the book, I just wanted to keep reading and never stop, because the beautiful and touching story of Gabriel and Julia captivated me in a way that no other book ever did. I was deeply moved by how the relationship between Gabriel and Julia evolves in Gabriel's Rapture. I couldn't help but shed a few tears in certain scenes because the emotional journey they go through truly left a mark on me. The love they have for each other is overwhelming and while reading you can really feel it. They bring their love to an even higher lever, by overcoming all the obstacles that are thrown into their path, by learning the real meaning of trust and forgiveness, by embracing the beauty of loving unconditionally despite our failings. This is a story that shows that if we let go of our pride and let love surround us, we're able to find our way through any obstacle and reach forgiveness and grace, or rather, they will find us, once we're willing to let them in. A story that touches your heart and stays with you forever. "I would have done whatever it took to save you." His voice and his expressions were grave. "Even if that meant I had to spend eternity in Hell." Thank you, Sylvain Reynard, for giving us such a beautiful story. I'll never forget it. /***/ Credo che non ci siano parole adeguate per esprimere quanto abbia amato Gabriel's Rapture, sequel dell'acclamato Gabriel's Inferno. Quest'ultimo ha riscosso un enorme successo in America e in Europa e tutti i lettori di Sylvain Reynard erano in trepidazione per l'uscita del sequel. Sono contenta di dire che Gabriel's Rapture ha soddisfatto ogni mia aspettativa ed è andato ben oltre. Gabriel's Rapture riprende da dove Gabriel's Inferno ci aveva lasciati: Il Professor Gabriel e la sua amata Julia stanno trascorrendo la loro vacanza nella città di Firenze e qui Julia sperimenta la passione dell'amore e del sesso, grazie a Gabriel. Ben presto però la loro relazione viene messa alla prova dalle regole dell'Università, dall'invidia di altri studenti e dalla gelosia di un' ex-amante. E sopratutto ci sono dei fantasmi del passato che non smettono di tormentare i due innamorati. Riuscirà l'amore a trionfare o Gabriel sarà costretto a seguire il destino di Dante e a perdere la sua amata Beatrice? Sylvain Reynard non delude mai con il suo modo di scrivere unico, che appassiona il lettore tenendolo ancorato alle pagine del libro. Ho amato seguire la storia di Gabriel e Julia, e sono rimasta profondamente toccata da come la loro relazione si è evoluta. Mi sono commossa in molti momenti durante la storia, perchè il modo di scrivere di Sylvain Reynard ti tocca il cuore, riesce a fari sentire ciò che i personaggi stessi provano, il loro amore, le loro preoccupazioni, i loro dolori; è come se il lettore diventasse partecipante attivo in ciò che accade. Sia Gabriel che Julia vanno incontro a un cammino di redenzione che avrà i suoi ostacoli, ma che li renderà più forti nell' amarsi e nell' amare gli altri, nel perdonarsi e nel perdonare. Come in Gabriel's Inferno, anche in Gabriel's Rapture sono molti i riferimenti alla letteratura,( in primis la Divina Commedia e La Vita Nuova di Dante Alighieri), alla musica e all'arte e ancora una volta mi sono lasciata trascinare dalla loro bellezza e istruire dalla loro grandiosità. Gabriel's Rapture è l'ultimo volume della serie, ma l'autore ha lasciato aperte ancora molte strade da esplorare. Che ci possa essere un terzo volume in futuro? Lo spero, perché non sono pronta a lasciare andare Gabriel e Julia. Cosa certa è che questa serie mi ha segnata profondamente e non potrò dimenticarla. Lasciatevi rapire dalla toccante e meravigliosa storia del Professor Gabriel e della sua amata Julia. Non vorrete tornare indietro...

Read this and other reviews at [...] The sequel to Gabriel's Inferno picks up immediately where we were left during the first book. I loved that aspect because we weren't being filled in on Gabriel and Julia's lives - we were living them with them, in the moment. They are loving the new path their relationship has taken, and relishing in the joy of finally being together. They had such an entwined past, and they are ready for whatever the future holds...or so they think. There is a lot of passion in this book - and actually, I think it's a lot more romantic than the first one. Still, very intense, but definitely has more romance. Upon returning from Italy, Gabriel and Julia have to face their pasts and are forced to deal with the present which threatens the very future they were looking forward to. I was happy to see Julia find herself in Rapture. She spoke up for herself more, and stood her ground. She was not as timid or as easily pushed around as I thought she was in Inferno. Will their love be enough to overcome the hurdles they currently face? Does either of them feel worthy for the other? There were times I wanted to scream while reading this, because of frustration and also just being stressed about Gabriel and Julia and what was going to become of them. They had overcome so much to be together, but sometimes, it just doesn't seem like enough! Another great aspect of this book, was once again, all the references to art and great literature! The writing is gorgeous and Mr. Reynard does a fantastic job of taking readers through a journey, and using the parallels between Gabriel/Julia and Dante/Beatrice. This book was an emotional roller coaster, much like the first one in the series. I think the ending was perfect, but of course, I wouldn't mind reading more about them! :) I give this book 4.5 stars and highly recommend this and Gabriel's Inferno to mature young adults looking for a book with passion and intensity. This is one of those books that you think about long after you finish reading it. And I love that!

When I read Gabriel's Inferno last summer, July 19th to be exact...I had no expectations of the book or author other than that I'd seen a lot of people saying positive things about it on Twitter and Goodreads. I was intrigued by the cover and the synopsis, and so early one Saturday morning I downloaded it to my Kindle and began reading...and I couldn't stop. I read the entire book that day and I fell in love with the story, characters, and the beautiful writing....O the writing...descriptive perfection for one who favors that style...that would be me. Gabriel's Rapture begins where Gabriel's' Inferno left us...in Florence, Italy. Not a bad place to be. I have to say that I had to reread the very first sentence about 5 times before I could move on because of the visual it created for me. In fact, I'll admit that there were a lot of moments like that for me while I read through the first time. I'm an extremely visual person...one of those people who "sees" the book happening as I read. Perhaps that's one of the reasons I enjoy SR's writing so much. He paints such vivid scenes with his words, and I have great appreciation and admiration for that because I feel like I'm witnessing the story as he tells it. While in Florence, Gabriel and Julia experience getting to know each other better both emotionally and sexually. I find it interesting that while I'm sympathetic to Julia's insecurities, I find myself feeling worse when Gabriel's come to the surface. I think it makes him even more endearing as a character...not that I need any help with my adoration of him mind you. He's almost always so sure of himself (to the point of arrogance) while Julia has always been lacking in self-confidence. I will tell you that during GI, I sometimes struggled with that part of Julia's make-up, but I think it's more a case of me remembering how awful that can feel, and not wanting to, rather than a character flaw. It took quite a while before Julia earned a place in my heart. But she did. I had a great time during the Professor's lecture. Envisioning him standing there talking about Dante and artwork?!? Very cool and informative. I looked up the pieces that were mentioned btw and I encourage you to do the same. The fun continues after the lecture...Geez, Gabriel. I gotta say that he's hot when he's hot. Steamy hot. You might want to have a cold wash cloth at hand...just sayin'. Christa Peterson. Isn't that a name that just makes you want to slap something...or kick something...really hard?!? O. Me too. We get to learn more about her which I found helpful...not that it changed how I feel about her, but it's great character development, and as she figures so prominently, and is integral to what happens down the road I think it's necessary to understand her a bit better. There's also a flashback to a certain Starbucks scene that is a real treat. I was outside on my balcony when I read it, and I was laughing...yes, out loud. I have a neighbor that can verify that. I won't outline every wonderful moment of passion that Gabriel and Julia share (much as I'd like to) but I will tell you that I think you'll be as happy as I am with all the sensuousness that SR gives us. It's beautiful, romantic, and spicy enough to make you feel...well...the way we want to feel when we read love scenes. Gabriel's Rapture delivers the "goods" in an elegant package. It reminds me of the difference between eating a store-bought chocolate cake versus a seven layer confection from a 5 star restaurant. Adequate versus luscious. Gabriel's Rapture is indeed luscious. I for one have an entirely new appreciation for showers, and lavender poofs...I think you will as well. Upon their return to Pennsylvania for Christmas, Gabriel and Julia must face some very unpleasant events. First and foremost for me is finally meeting Paulina. If that name sends fear up and down up your spine...you're not alone. No matter what... a shared past that includes a child can cause actions and reactions that have far-reaching consequences. There are many highly emotional scenes that involve Paulina in this part of the story, and I don't mind sharing with you that I broke down and wept for everyone involved at the end of chapter 12, including for Paulina. Well done SR. At this point the story takes us to Toronto for the first time in the book, and after a few nicely written set-up chapters...all hell breaks loose. Let me say that again...ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE! Christa Peterson returns with a vengeance. Since the synopsis mentions this, I will use part of the same sentence in reference to Gabriel and Julia and what comes next... "their happiness is threatened by conspiring students, academic politics, and a jealous ex-lover." That my friends is an understatement of monumental proportions. The things that occur had my heart racing, and my adrenaline pumping. I kid you not. You are about to embark on an emotional roller-coaster ride. From this point on I couldn't read fast enough, nor could I stop reading. I alternated between complete rage, tears, sadness and despair for both Gabriel and Julia. I totally understand the need they both feel to protect each other...BUT...HOLY CRAP! They make a mess of things... with plenty of help from all parties involved. My heart just aches for them while at the same time I want to jump into the story and throttle them both...repeatedly. Just writing this makes me hurt all over again. The last thing that I want to happen to this couple...happens...they are separated by the choices of one, but with the help of many. As the story moves forward Gabriel experiences so many different things that touched my heart. I finally realized that in order for him to be able to come to terms with all of the ugliness of his past, and to be able to forgive himself and to grow emotionally...to become a better man...he really does need to go through the journey he finds himself on...without Julia. With that realization...I felt better...I felt hopeful. And of Julia during this time? After the initial pain and humiliation she suffered, she handled herself with a grace and dignity that was truly wonderful, and inspiring. Eventually, Gabriel and Julia meet again. I think my heart stuttered a few times as I read it, and I found myself holding my breath. The scene is unforgettable, and I can call it to my mind's eye instantly thanks to the way SR wrote it. It's unexpected and haunting and beautiful and brilliant. Don't expect a quick fix or an instant "happily ever after" though. I don't believe that easy will ever be in the cards for this couple, and to be quite frank...at this point I think it would have been a wrong choice if SR had written it that way. I would have been disappointed. Some things have to be earned by the characters and reader alike, or they aren't worth it. As a reader I appreciate and value that. It'll take hard work and time to repair the damage that was caused between Gabriel and Julia, but there are many delightful moments that await you in the last hundred pages...sweet things, funny things, surprising things. I think you'll be happy and satisfied at the ending that SR penned for us. I said at the very beginning that when I read Gabriel's Inferno for the first time I had no expectations of the book or author. That wasn't the case with Gabriel's Rapture. Knowing what SR was capable of left me with very high expectations for the sequel. When I received the e-ARC from the publisher I was both excited beyond description and apprehensive in the extreme. What if I didn't like the story? What if the writing wasn't all that I wanted or expected it to be? These were the questions that plagued me...until I began reading. Gabriel's Rapture is one of the best books I have ever read. I don't say that lightly, or without thought. It has a perfect blend of romance, heartbreak, humor, and sex. I read it twice in four days. I will read it again...soon. It's just that good. My recommendation is that YOU read it as soon as you can. My rating for Gabriel's Rapture... A strong and unequivocal 5 out of 5 hearts

WOW! I don't even know where to start with this review. I was so happy to receive an ARC copy of this book from Sylvain Reynard's publisher. I think I read this over the course of maybe 5 hours, it was hard to put down when I had to tend to other things. This book starts right where the first one left us, the morning after. As with the other book, I am not going to post any spoilers in this review so it will probably be kind of short. I absolutely love Gabriel and Julia together, they just fit and it's apparent from the very beginning of their story, but they have a long way to go. This story sees them through some pretty difficult times. This story is a roller coaster ride, the ups and downs, twists and turns just keep coming for this couple. They return from their whirlwind trip to Italy that seems just too perfect. They spend Christmas in Selinsgrove where Julia has a mini-showdown with Natalie. Just after this incident they have a run in with Paulina! The hits just seem to keep coming while they are with their families. They settle back into life at the University when things start to fall apart when they are left to deal with the aftermath of their forbidden romance. Things progress to a point where they are both brought up on charges in front of the Dean and the heads of Gabriel's department. They have some allies in the University, but at times it's hard to know who they are. This book is an emotional one, but it's not as dark as the first one. Gabriel makes a significant change in this book and it's a beautiful transition. He has to learn to forgive, ask forgiveness, and to be okay with the things that have happened in his life. He grows tremendously in the last 1/3 of the book, it's hard to see sometimes, and it's sad, but the end result is so very much worth it. Julia does less growing in this book, but she doesn't have as far to go, as far as I am concerned. She does need to learn to love herself and to see herself the way that Gabriel sees her so that she feels worthy of him. This is just her own self esteem issue though and it's one that we see from the beginning of the 1st book. This is the one passage that I highlighted while reading this time. To my Beloved, My heart is yours and my body. My soul, likewise. I will be true to you, Beatrice. I want to be your last. Wait for me... I cried when I read this, I cried through several parts in the last 1/4 of the book. As someone who has lost a mother, I was especially moved by the scene with Grace. I am curious to see if this is the last book for Gabriel and Julia. I was more than happy with the ending, but I am not quite ready to give up the Professor. I would like to see what the future holds for them even if it's just a short novella. I was pleased with the literary references in this book, as with the last one, they have me scrambling to learn more. I want to study Dante in more depth. This book was just as beautifully written as the first one and Sylvain Reynard has a fan for life in me.

Can a person truly let go of an upsetting past to allow for a better future? Can a person love someone so much that they are willing to give them up in order for the other to fulfill their dreams? Once again, I fell in love with Gabriel and Julia's story! I thoroughly enjoyed the book and Reynard's writing style. We find the characters deeply in love and devoted to one another with Florence as the backdrop. Who could resist with such a beautiful city with the art, architecture and of course Gabriel! The way literature and art relate to their relationship is wonderful. Dante's writings and the art in book give the story texture and depth. They have given into their desires and become one with their bodies! It's the time of their life for both, but can it last? They seem to shut the outside world; however, they will have to come back to reality once back in Selinsgrove and Toronto. Gabriel's Rapture introduces the reader to more character perspectives such as those of Paul, Christa and Paulina. Paul continues to pine for Julia, Christa's vindictive nature wants nothing more than to get back Gabriel for shunning her and Paulina is lost in her despair over having lost Maia and possibly losing Gabriel forever. We get to see how each is affected by Gabriel and Julia's relationship. We see how easily the past can interfere with the future. Once in Selinsgrove, we get to see slowly how the relationship is in jeopardy. Julia and Gabriel come in contact with the past as Julia has a nauseating exchange with Natalie and Paulina comes to visit. This brings about both Gabriel and Julia's insecurities and arguments. They begin therapy to not only mend themselves individually, but in order to have a healthy relationship. Once back in Toronto, the couple is faced with the university administration's investigation of their relationship. Despite the pending inquiry, they find solace through a vacation in Belize. Gabriel contemplates proposing to Julia, but does not. We see how far the relationship has come and the depth of feelings they have for one another, a deep attachment that could hinder them both. Faced with Julia losing Harvard, Gabriel makes the ultimate sacrifice: He gives up Julia so that she can go to Harvard. He leaves and she's left not knowing or understanding why he would depart. She assumes he used her and engrosses herself in her academics while Gabriel becomes a sort of vagabond (he makes amends with Grace and Paulina and finds his faith restored) traveling to Selinsgrove, Boston, and Italy to find relief. Once reunited, they struggle to reconnect as Julia's feelings of abandonment make her doubt her ability to forgive and be with Gabriel. However, the love they share is strong enough to overcome any doubt and they find happiness with each other! I loved the book, sad to see Julia and Gabriel's story come to an end! Wishing for a 3rd book!!

"You're the closest thing to an angel I'll ever touch." Books in Gabriel's Inferno trilogy should be read in order: Book 1: Gabriel's Inferno Book 2: Gabriel's Rapture Book 3: Gabriel's Redemption Rich on symbolism, depth, history and divine message the Gabriel's Inferno trilogy is set against the backdrop of Dante's Devine Comedy. The ingenuity of using Dante's journey in professors Emerson's lectures, life lessons, experiences and parallels that can clearly be drawn between Dante - Gabriel, who after having moved through hell meets up with his Beatrice - Julia, to be guided into paradise. Simply divine! In Gabriel's Inferno, book 1 Professor Gabriel O. Emerson, Dante specialist for the Department of Italian Studies at the University of Toronto, and MA Grad student Julianne Mitchell, Julia embark on a whirlwind courtship against the university's strict non-fraternization policy. In Gabriel's Rapture, book 2, Gabriel and Julia's chaste courtship has moved into a courtly seduction and beyond as they are getting to know it each other and reluctantly share painful secrets of their pasts. But there's much standing in their way and they soon find themselves fighting against jealousy, lies, deceit, but most importantly the truth as their clandestine relationship is exposed. The painful aftermath will be costly, but also bring about personal growth and coming to terms their pasts. Their forbidden whirlwind romance offers the very best in suspense, intrigue, villains, lies, deceit, jealousy and their against all odds love! HERO: Gabriel O. Emerson aka Dante Alighieri/33-35 years/Professor /Dante specialist for the Department of Italian Studies at the University of Toronto/$$$$/dark brown hair/blue eyes/6'2". Professor Gabriel O. Emerson, a larger-than-life hero, on my top -10 shelf. Nine words to describe Gabriel: Pretentious, mercurial, jaded, brilliant, broken, corrupted, enigmatic, commanding and unforgettable. HEROINE: Julianne Mitchell, Julia aka Principessa aka Beatrice aka Rabbit/23-25 years/MA grad student/dark brown hair/amber eyes/virgin. Nine words to describe Julianne Mitchell, Julia: Shy, stubborn, smart, timid, chaste, tenacious, fragile, loyal and patient. Book 2 ends in a good place, but I am thrilled to be starting on book 3, Gabriel's Redemption for the conclusion of their story. Brilliant, inspiring and interesting plot! Masterfully told! Unforgettable and swoon-worthy professor Gabriel Emerson! And... enough intrigue, suspense and romance to keep you glued throughout their saga! The coveted 6-star shelf! "I'll love you forever, Julianne, whether you love me or not. That's my Heaven. And my Hell." *** Hero rating: 5+ stars Heroine rating: 4.5 stars Sex scenes rating: 5 stars Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars Storyline concept rating: 5+ stars Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars Story ending rating: N/A Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 5 stars ************************************************ Overall rating: 5+ stars Would I recommend this series: Yes. Would I re-read this series: Yes. Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

I was a huge fan of Gabriel's Inferno, the first book in this series by Slyvain Reynard. I mean a HUGE fan. In fact, that book made it onto my list of favorite books of all time and books that I could read over and over again. I loved it so much. But, weirdly I think, I was not really looking forward to this sequel. In my mind the story ended absolutely perfectly, and I wasn't in any hurry to see that the practically happily ever after ending of that story didn't end up being so happily ever after. But the day of the release of this book came, and I found that I couldn't stay away. I wanted more Gabriel and Julia, so I took the plunge and purchased this book. How did I like it? Well, I was disappointed, but I will admit that I was a lot more disappointed after reading the first half of the book than I ended up being at the conclusion of the book. In short, after a rocky beginning I thought that the book redeemed itself by the ending. Why the disappointment? Three reasons primarily. First of all, one of the things that I absolutely loved about the first book was that Julia and Gabriel were both significantly flawed. They had some real issues that they needed to work through, and these issues were preventing them from really giving themselves to each other. However, through their love for one another they were able to overcome those problems and find true love. Gabriel's Inferno was a story of redemption. I loved that. However, in this story it turns out that Gabriel wasn't entirely open about all that he was doing in his life. He hadn't told the whole truth, and for that reason there are still some significant things for the two of them to work out. In addition Julia is still really working through issues of her own insecurity. Despite all that Gabriel did to assure her of his love and devotion, she she questions whether he truly loves her unconditionally. Some of this is his own fault, but a lot can be pinned to her own issues. By itself this wouldn't have been a big problem, but after making such a big deal in the last book about how love conquers our past difficulties, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me when I discovered that the ending of the last book hadn't been as genuine as I believed it to be. Having said that, however, I do recognize that this is a realistic portrayal of relationships in this regard. Our lives don't automatically just become a bowl of cherries after significant trauma. It takes lots of time and work to overcome our difficulties. So ultimately this wasn't enough of an issue to ruin the book for me. The second problem that I had with this book was the way that it was paced. The entire first 40% of the book contained scene after scene after scene of Gabriel's and Julia's lovemaking. Over and over and over. Different location, different intensity, but sex, all the same. I will say that the lovemaking scene at the end of Gabriel's Inferno had to be one of the best sex scenes in all of literature. His concern and love for her as he loved her was absolutely beautiful. So I'm not totally opposed to these sorts of scenes showing up in literature, but it was excessive in this book. If you are the type of reader who is totally into this sort of thing, you will probably not feel the same as I do, but for me I don't want to read a sex book with a story crunched into it. No. I want a story that moves me first. In the first half of this book there was not a story. I get it. Gabriel is an attentive lover. It doesn't take dozens of scenes to drive that point home. Let's move on. I shouldn't have to wait for half of the book before a real story emerges. Third, the language of the book got into eye rolling territory for me. In Gabriel's Inferno I loved the way that Gabriel and Julia talked to one another. I loved that they were so academic. I loved the way that the story of Dante was interwoven throughout the story along with the beautiful Italian language. Loved it! In this book it didn't work so much for me. It just came across as so pretentious. At sex scene #5825 of the book when they were calling each other Professor and Miss Mitchell or Beatrice or whatever I started getting annoyed with it. I don't know why exactly, but I think that it was because of the nature of the problem that arises within this story. At one point in the story Gabriel and Julia are separated. These two people were so in love, but Gabriel couldn't figure out a single way to explain what was going on in normal everyday language. Why in the world did he decide to leave these literary references to explain himself? Who does that in real life? Even when he finally has the chance to explain himself I found his reasoning to be off. Terribly annoying. One more small complaint -- Christa was a major pain in the rear in this book. A major pain. She caused so much trouble, but in the end her story is just dropped. What happens to her? Does she get away with her mischief making? I didn't really care for her as a character. She seems a bit too one-dimensional, but I still feel as if she deserved an end to her story so that she wasn't just hanging around in the background of the story without any resolution. But this was just a small complaint. So it seems as if I have just been dogging this book for this entire review, but it isn't all bad. There are some great parts to the book. If I had written this review at the end of the first half of the book it would have been a two star review. But the last half of the book was much better and it reminded me of the things that I loved about the first book, so I felt much better having finished the book. What I liked: Paul. What a great friend he was to Julia! I loved this character. I wish that there was more of him in the book. Unfortunately he chose to share all of his goodness with the wrong girl. Julia could never be happy with him because Gabriel was too dominant of a love for her. Unfortunate, but ultimately it was for the best for Paul. Some of the descriptions of the Italian country. Although I wasn't a huge fan of the beginning of the book, I did enjoy the scenery and the description of the art, literature, and food. I'm not sure if I totally like the way that this played out, but I was glad to see that there was some resolution about the fraternization that took place between Gabriel and Julia in the previous book. I always thought that they were really skirting around the rules with their professor/student relationship. Although technically they didn't break any rules, they still were not faithful to the spirit of that law. In this book they faced the consequences for that. Like I say, I wasn't a big fan of the way it was handled by the faculty and administration, but I was glad that it was handled so that the two of them could find a good way forward. The message of the last half of the book. Gabriel is a mess. He has some work to do to correct the mistakes of his past. His beginning of true redemption comes as he revisits Italy and comes to recognize a higher being, a higher purpose, and a better way of living. The change in him as a character was wonderful to read. In the end Julia is told by Gabriel's adoptive father that "sometimes relationships can be conduits of grace, and I know you've been one for my son." I think that that sums up the lesson of this story. Julia and Gabriel are both conduits of grace, helping each other find the redemption that they need. That was beautiful to read, and an amazing message for the end of these two books about these soul mates. Although I was not as big a fan of this book as I was of Gabriel's Inferno, I think that there will be many who will enjoy this book. Just read through my problems and my likes and see if you are willing to take a chance on this one. Syvain Reynard is still obviously a gifted author, and I expect more great work from him in the future. But from me for this one ... three stars.

Credo che non ci siano parole adeguate per esprimere quanto abbia amato Gabriel's Rapture, sequel dell'acclamato Gabriel's Inferno. Quest'ultimo ha riscosso un enorme successo in America e in Europa e tutti i lettori di Sylvain Reynard erano in trepidazione per l'uscita del sequel. Sono contenta di dire che Gabriel's Rapture ha soddisfatto ogni mia aspettativa ed è andato ben oltre. Gabriel's Rapture riprende da dove Gabriel's Inferno ci aveva lasciati: Il Professor Gabriel e la sua amata Julia stanno trascorrendo la loro vacanza nella città di Firenze e qui Julia sperimenta la passione dell'amore e del sesso, grazie a Gabriel. Ben presto però la loro relazione viene messa alla prova dalle regole dell'Università, dall'invidia di altri studenti e dalla gelosia di un' ex-amante. E sopratutto ci sono dei fantasmi del passato che non smettono di tormentare i due innamorati. Riuscirà l'amore a trionfare o Gabriel sarà costretto a seguire il destino di Dante e a perdere la sua amata Beatrice? Sylvain Reynard non delude mai con il suo modo di scrivere unico, che appassiona il lettore tenendolo ancorato alle pagine del libro. Ho amato seguire la storia di Gabriel e Julia, e sono rimasta profondamente toccata da come la loro relazione si è evoluta. Mi sono commossa in molti momenti durante la storia, perchè il modo di scrivere di Sylvain Reynard ti tocca il cuore, riesce a fari sentire ciò che i personaggi stessi provano, il loro amore, le loro preoccupazioni, i loro dolori; è come se il lettore diventasse partecipante attivo in ciò che accade. Sia Gabriel che Julia vanno incontro a un cammino di redenzione che avrà i suoi ostacoli, ma che li renderà più forti nell' amarsi e nell' amare gli altri, nel perdonarsi e nel perdonare. Come in Gabriel's Inferno, anche in Gabriel's Rapture sono molti i riferimenti alla letteratura,( in primis la Divina Commedia e La Vita Nuova di Dante Alighieri), alla musica e all'arte e ancora una volta mi sono lasciata trascinare dalla loro bellezza e istruire dalla loro grandiosità. Gabriel's Rapture è l'ultimo volume della serie, ma l'autore ha lasciato aperte ancora molte strade da esplorare. Che ci possa essere un terzo volume in futuro? Lo spero, perché non sono pronta a lasciare andare Gabriel e Julia. Cosa certa è che questa serie mi ha segnata profondamente e non potrò dimenticarla. Lasciatevi rapire dalla toccante e meravigliosa storia del Professor Gabriel e della sua amata Julia. Non vorrete tornare indietro...

This story is so well written that I could feel the love and pain that the characters felt. I could not put it down ! Sylvia Reynard has once again written and amazing story that makes you feel like you are right there in the book!

When I first read Fifty Shades of Grey it was out of curiosity since romance was not my genre of fiction reading, I then read it several times, bypassing the bdsm (was educational) but it does not float my boat, thought this was an exceptional and erotic love story and the best romance story I ever read. Subsequently when I could read no more, I suffered from withdrawal and bought several authors who all came out of the woodwork to capture the FSOG audience, I threw all those books in the garbage. There are currently 6 authors I will re-read in this quality of romance and Sylvain Reynard (SR) is at the top of the list. Not into bdsm romance, chic lit, YA, paranormal, vampires etc. Stumbled over the Gabriel Inferno/Rapture and stayed up till the break of dawn enthralled with this erotic love story, with an intellectual point of view. I love books that have a takeaway, and the Gabriel series did that for me, I am so intrigued with Dante and Beatrice and Renaissance art and literature I was left wanting to know more. Not particularly inclined to poetry but am open to experience what I never learned. Some might balk at the religious inference but the life of Dante was during the 13th century was when religion and politics influenced each other, keeping in mind Dante's questioning of his life and his redemption was based on biblical teachings and it was obvious Dante was of the catholic faith. I loved the life of St. Francis of Assisi even though I am not of the catholic faith; the current Pope is an example of St. Francis. The Gabriel series made me yearn to visit Assisi. I thought SR captured the relationship between Dante and Beatrice and skilfully wove it into the lives of the Professor and Julianne and made it current. Who did not fall in love with this troubled, enigmatic, sexy Professor? His sartorial elegance seemed to be a cover for how conflicted he feels about himself and his demons. I loved that he was not a pretty package and that he was so highly educated and intellectual and enjoyed the finer things in life, some of which was not so complimentary. I was somewhat perturbed by the way he `worshiped' Julia, as if she was the epitome of perfection, which she was not. But it later turns out he was seeking redemption - maybe thru her own goodness and spiritual beliefs, he somehow finds the better parts of himself as his love for her evolves and escalates into a heated affair to the exclusion of jeopardizing his job and tenure the University of Toronto. Thought the Professor's choice of radio stations were boring......CBC and BBC!! I loved that the Manulife building is a place I have known and all the familiar sights and sounds of Toronto, what a pleasant change to most books written in and around the U.S. Julia with her innocence and her abiding love for Gabriel who captured her heart at 17 and influenced her career as a Dante specialist, takes us on her tumultuous journey from her troubled childhood to becoming Gabriel's post grad student unbeknownst to him at the time. I loved that she never gave up on him no matter what, or maybe until she thought he deliberately broke her heart. I loved all the intellectual bits and pieces and the reality of politics even in academia. I loved the whole premise of love, forgiveness, faith, redemption which gives us all hope thru our own belief system. I loved the whole courtship until it was no more, loved all of the experiences in Italy, made me want to pack my suitcase and take off and go drink some wine in Italy. I loved the storytelling between these two and how healing her love was to Gabriel who was trying to escape his demons. Courtship today is unheard of. Looking forward to the release of Gabriel's Redemption and the continuation of this most passionate, romantic love story that just grabs your attention from the first go and doesn't let you go. Well done SR, you are a keeper, now have purchased the whole trilogy for my bookshelf.

Love this author,is the best...Gabriel Emerson and Julianne Moore is the best history of love and Sylvain Reynard has a large sensitivity to write.

Thoroughly enjoyed Garbriel's Inferno that i could not wait to read Gabriel's Rapture. Got it at 9am and finished it at night. Enjoyed every page. It turns very sad in places but what an ending. I do hope SR continues their story. The book continues where Inferno finished and what a perfect time they have together, then back to normality and all changes with drastic results which leads to lots of heartache that wasnt indended or needed. I just had to finish the book in one go to releive myself of the pain, but so glad i did. you wont be disappointed. Wonderfully written by SR again.