Gabriel's Inferno (Gabriel's Inferno, #1)

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Gabriel's Inferno (Gabriel's Inferno #1)

by Sylvain Reynard (Goodreads Author)

4.1 of 5 stars 4.10 · rating details · 54,983 ratings · 4,172 reviews

Enigmatic and sexy, Professor Gabriel Emerson is a well-respected Dante specialist by day, but by night he devotes himself to an uninhibited life of pleasure. He uses his notorious good looks and sophisticated charm to gratify his every whim, but is secretly tortured by his dark past and consumed by the profound belief that he is beyond all hope of redemption.

When the swe...more

Kindle Edition, Reprint edition, 545 pages

Published July 31st 2012 by Berkley (first published April 4th 2011)

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Sep 19, 2012 Tori rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, favorites-of-2011, my-favorite-books

Wow! Loved it. I cannot believe this was written by a man. And that last scene? Phew! HOT! That's all I've got. The rest has already been said. But, if you like hot, angsty, possessive men, you'll love this one!
6/7/2012 Edited to add:
Oh my word! I have found my Gabriel. Hello, Love!

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvo...

151 likes · like · see review

Sep 18, 2011 Baba ♥♥♥ Marcus, Tyler, Tate, Dan, Ty, & Hunter rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: most-erotic-kisses, male-authors, i-wanna-be-a-virgin-again

"Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. Love still stands when all else has fallen."
- by Blaise Pascal -

In order to properly file this book I had to add a new shelf. It's labeled "most-erotic-kisses."

For the synopsis of this story please read the blurb. Hence, I prefer to cut to the chase of the matter.
This is not your usual romance book. It was totally refreshing to read something different. The pace is rather slow but it's p...more

73 likes · like · see review

Oct 26, 2012 Laura rated it 1 of 5 stars

The only way I know how to describe how bad this book was is to share a few passages with you and give you my feedback. I've maintained the original format as much as I am able to help emphasize some of my points. Here it goes.

The Passages

"Gabriel brought his hand up slowly so as not to spook her and gently caressed her cheek." What is she? A horse?

“Don’t cry, little Rabbit.” Um, Paul is a total creep.

“But Julia didn’t want to be keyed.” And then a few paragraphs down. “Julia turned away, ashame...more

221 likes · like · see review

Sep 11, 2012 Jeanne rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pulled-to-publish-fan-fiction, misogyny, do-not-trust-this-author, shakespeare-hates-your-emo-bullshit

Let's set aside the unethical practices that lead to this book (aka Twilight Fan Fiction) being published and just focus on the story. This is a giant turd-nugget of misogyny wrapped in romance stereotypes and sprinkled with the most basic understanding of classic literature. No literally, if you read Dante's Inferno for Dummies you will walk away with a better comprehension of that classic work than the author of this humongous joke of a novel.

The sad part is the author is skilled at manipulati...more

90 likes · like · see review

Dec 27, 2011 Taryn at My Secret Romance rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Taryn at My Secret Romance by: Katya

Shelves: contemporary-romance, emotional-angsty, favorites, reviewed-by-me, very-light-romance, romance, student-teacher

This review was posted at My Secret Romance

Sorry it has taken me so long to put a review together...it was very hard to put my thought together for this book. So here goes.

There's an aura of sensuality that surrounds this book. It's sinfully arousing yet hardly any actual romance scenes. If an author can write a book with just kissing scenes in it and make the kisses so seductive, then I have to give the author credit. That is talent. The details of the kisses were slow and passionate, to where...more

61 likes · like · see review

Oct 03, 2012 MG2112 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What to say about this wonderful book? When I read, I enjoy losing myself in the atmosphere, finding that I can "see" what is being played out before me on the page. This book and this talented author have that just ability. From the beginning, I was hooked; a poet longing for a woman, his muse. A passing of two people, a bright smile and he is forever lost. Fast forward to the present, where an irksome and pretentious bastard of a Professor berates his seemingly meek and mild graduate student....more What to say about this wonderful book? When I read, I enjoy losing myself in the atmosphere, finding that I can "see" what is being played out before me on the page. This book and this talented author have that just ability. From the beginning, I was hooked; a poet longing for a woman, his muse. A passing of two people, a bright smile and he is forever lost. Fast forward to the present, where an irksome and pretentious bastard of a Professor berates his seemingly meek and mild graduate student. Why? What could she have possibly done to receive such treatment? Immediately I found that I wanted, no needed, to know why the Professor was so angry. An overheard phone call immediately made me change my feelings about the both of them. (I will divulge no more, you have to experience this level of captivation.)

From that very moment on, I found that I needed to read more and more. This was a book that I could not put down. With each chapter, a little more peeled back and revealed. The characters grow and develop. To me they felt like real people; like people I could know, not some contrived character created to do amazing and astounding things as often seen in the popular literature. They experience true pain and hurt, but they also are capable of receiving and giving love, even for feeling hope. There is so much more beyond the surface of these characters.

The reading of this novel rekindled my love of Dante and the Divine Comedy. It has awakened a deep desire to visit Italy. More times than not, I felt as though somehow the author was able to write in a way that resonated deeply for me. He was able to describe feelings I had and have held deep; how was he able to express so exactly what I could not say myself. I felt a closeness and connection with these characters that has me longing to learn more about them and where their journey will take them into the sequel. And of course, I must add that the presence of a snarky narrator kept a constant smile upon my face.

Beautiful, touching and enchanting writing – this book deserves to be read and enjoyed. I cannot say enough good things about it.

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44 likes · like · see review

Mar 16, 2013 Richa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wise men say only fools rush in...

But I can't help falling in love with you.......

Oh gods of wonderful books and voracious readers and all that is love and true and holy, thank you for the existence of this book!

One of the best romance stories I've read this year....one of the most sensual stories I've ever come across...I'm going to create a special category for this book...One-of-the-best-romances-with-the-best-kisses-and-wonderful-sensuality-and-story-that-left-me-sighing-endlessly-my-favouri...more

32 likes · like · see review

May 07, 2012 Kris (KC) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, re-readable, contemporary-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is a wonderful story about redemption, forgiveness, and love. The author's artful use of symbolism and metaphors, music, poetic dialogue, and alluring foreshadowing held me captive from cover to cover. I fell in love with Gabriel and Julia as they took me on their dark and beautiful journey...

I've read in some reviews that this book became too sappy towards the end, but I felt the need for the tenderness in which it delivered. It created a nice contrast from all the anguish. There was nothi...more

22 likes · like · see review

May 10, 2012 Blacky *Mistress of doom* rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-contemporary, of-course, 4-stars-for-quality, 2-stars-for-enjoyment

This book is just too long, it would have got 3 stars from me if it was atleast 100 pages shorter. The anoying thing is the main female character, Julia. She spends 2/3 of the book staring at her feet because she's so shy. Not much happening in the book, mostly Gabriel and Julia talking about the same stuff over and over again. Although, there are some very nice and emotional scenes, that's why I gave it 2 stars :)

24 likes · like · see review

Oct 04, 2011 Rachael Wade rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: crack-books, favorites

"Tell me that you want me, or get out."

Redemption, forgiveness, and love, love, love. That is what this story is about. Forgiving yourself and learning how to love an equally flawed human being with the same unconditional love that you are to show yourself. The two main characters mirror Dante and Beatrice, and the parallels are beautiful.

This is not your typical romance. It is intellectual, poetic, intense, honest, and in my opinion, nothing short of brilliant. You don't see this type of depth...more

36 likes · like · see review

Oct 04, 2011 Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker rated it 1 of 5 stars

I made it to 50% and could not read more. Review coming soon (until then, read my updates, they'll explain why I disliked this book).

19 likes · like · see review

Jun 13, 2013 Natalie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-stars

Utterly beautifull, completely stunning, spectactular, no matter what worlds I'll use I don't feel i can make this book justice. it is in time like these, when I have read a masterpiece like this, that I simply adored, I wish that my english were better so I could simply convince everyone to read this hypnotic book. Everyone should get to meet Julianne and The Professor. Their love story is so beautiful. The way it started, the way it grows, the way it blossoms...

Sometimes people, when left alon

...more Utterly beautifull, completely stunning, spectactular, no matter what worlds I'll use I don't feel i can make this book justice. it is in time like these, when I have read a masterpiece like this, that I simply adored, I wish that my english were better so I could simply convince everyone to read this hypnotic book. Everyone should get to meet Julianne and The Professor. Their love story is so beautiful. The way it started, the way it grows, the way it blossoms...

Sometimes people, when left alone, can hear their own hatefulness for themselves. Sometimes goodness is enough to expose evil for what it really is

The Professor

This is one of my absolute favorite books. I love almost everything about it. Evert single page. It is amazing really how many times I can read it and still want more and more. The unique writing style, the plot, the caracters. the pace and so on and so on. I usually prefer when books are written in 1st POVs, but 3rd POV is perfect for this book. It is a beautiful story about forbidden love between a professor and his student, Gabriel and Julianne. I have read this about four times and I cant seem to get tired of it. This is not one of your typical romance books,boy meet girl, they fall in love, get married, have kids - this is a much more complicated novel with a lot of drama and suprising twists. I can´t recommend it enough. It is just so beautiful on so many levels. I can re read this over and over witout tiring.

One word: perfection.

After reading this wonderful book for the fourth time, I began to see the heroine, Julia, in an entirely different light. While I've always regars her as a weak mouse, afraid of her own shadow, I this time realized that I couldn't been more wrong. She is so, so strong. She stands up for herself complletely and she always makes decisions that is right for her in the long run, even if it will hurt herself. She is anything but spineless. And listen to this: I found myself agreeing to everything she said, and every decision she made. That's the first time I can say that. And she is pure goodness. And the Professor, geez, that is something so sexy over him and his bow ties :)

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14 likes · like · see review

Jan 05, 2013 Lucia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, fanfiction

My Julia and Gabriel:

Wow! This is a phenomenal book!

Gabriel's Inferno is the best story about forbidden love I have ever read. All characters were believable and real. They have their ups and downs, fears and dreams, past issues and hopes for future. This is very compact and smart book. It has everything - romance, erotica, art, religious elements. I really enjoyed reading it, it made me cry, laugh, smile, anxious... Reading Gabriel's Inferno was really a fulfilling experience! And I absolutely...more

21 likes · like · see review

Jul 31, 2012 Alicia marked it as for-reference · review of another edition

Shelves: apparently-theft-is-okay, author-needs-a-muzzle, caused-me-rage, drank-the-haterade, i-hope-the-mayans-were-right, judging-you, lowest-common-denominator, male-lead-who-needs-a-junk-punch, not-for-realreal-just-for-playplay, pathetic-and-or-stupid-female-lead, supports-theft-pusa, speshul-snowflake, this-is-not-a-romance, we-deserve-the-apocalypse, wtf-is-this, wtf-is-wrong-with-you-people, chris-brown-would-be-proud, fire-your-editor-from-a-canon, curiosity-killed-the-cat

THIS IS BLOODY FUCKING TWILIGHT FAN FICTION. NO DEAL WITH THE GOD DAMN DEVIL CHANGES THAT.

16 likes · like · see review

Jan 15, 2012 Ivana S. rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, fiction, not-so-good, romance

Once again, I dislike the book everyone else obviously loves.

First of all (and I NEVER thought I'd say this) - it is too long. It would be fine if it had action-driven plot, but for a story like this I think that reducing the number of pages would be a significant improvement. This way, I had a feeling that I was reading the same thing over and over again – every encounter between Gabriel and Julia looked almost exactly the same like the previous one. It just dragged on and on and I was serious...more
Once again, I dislike the book everyone else obviously loves.

First of all (and I NEVER thought I'd say this) - it is too long. It would be fine if it had action-driven plot, but for a story like this I think that reducing the number of pages would be a significant improvement. This way, I had a feeling that I was reading the same thing over and over again – every encounter between Gabriel and Julia looked almost exactly the same like the previous one. It just dragged on and on and I was seriously worried that I will have to break my own rule of finnishing every book I start and put this one aside. I didn't, but even if I did, it wouldn't make any difference because the second half was even worse than first.

Second, it was waaay too predictable. I usually don't mind that, but this was just too much. There wasn't a single moment of surprise and at some point it just came down to waiting to happen something that I already knew is going to happen. It became boring.

Third – I hated Julia. She's just too ''perfect''. That amount of perfection just doesn't work for me, it made her dull and annoying and I was irritated by her from the beginning . There are two different personalities in her and for a while I hoped that she was just acting in some situations. Unfortunately, she wasn't. So, one side of her is a (virgin) pocket Venus, too sexy and beautiful for her own good. Even the way she eats is so sensual that noone – men, women, boys, professors, students – you name it – is able to resist that amount of beauty and sexiness. On the other hand, she is pure, naive, caring, nice, shy and innocent (this one was repeated so many times it made me nausious). So, we have a pure, innocent virgin who is sensual and sexy beyond reason. I'm not saying it isn't possible, I'm saying that in this story it wasn't presented in a way that would make her interesting (or credible). And she is just too damn sensitive and fragile for my taste. Instead of unique, interesting and exciting girl, she just seemed boring, at least to me. I didn't care for her one bit.

Fourth – I had a hard time liking Gabriel. I tried, I really have, but still failed. I am a big fan of bad, disturbed and dark characters and I expected to fall for Gabriel at instant, but it didn't happen. Instead of being dark, all he did was talk about how he's dark. Some parts of his past fit in that description, because what happened to him and what he did to others made him edgy and dark, BUT… With Julia he was just too corny. He was too gentle, too sweet, too careful to say and do the right thing at every moment. He didn't want to hurt her so much that he was afraid to tell her the truth about his past, and he just dragged on and on with it. He praised her beauty and innocence and appologised for him being… well, him, so much I wanted to vomit every time. And he gave her too much presents. Again, I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with all that, but it just doesn't fit in a damaged guy he is supposed to be.
Bad boys just aren't like that.
Yes, they do want to change when they feel there is something worth the effort. Yes, they can be ridiculously romantic and sweet. Yes, they can be overprotective. I know all that from experience. But they don't talk like Gabriel talks. They don't compare people to roses, they don't repeat how someone is innocent and sweet in every single sentence and they don't apologize for who they are all the time. Gabriel did that all the time, he was like ''I am dark, and not good enough for you. Sorry for who I am. Oh, you are so pure and innocent and sexy at the same time. I'm sorry I'm not worthy of you. You are a beautiful, INNOCENT rose and I need to keep my hands off of you. But I am bad, so I won't do that. Sorry.'' He just didn't seem real.

The emails and messages they sent to each other were… Well, I had a few (actually more than a few) ''kill me now'' moments.
And the sex thing – oh they planned their first time for weeks, talked about it through pages and pages, and finally, it lasted forever while they were doing it. And of course, it was PERFECT.
It wasn't exciting. It was boring. They made sex so… not sexy.

Fifth – changing the POV so much made my head spin. It wasn't that difficult to follow, but all that jumping from one POV to another… I don't know, I just didn't like it.

I could go on and on about what I didn't like, but I'll stop being negative and say what I did like. So here we go. I liked the title, as soon as I saw it I couldn't resist reading this book. I liked the writing style, it was clever, detailed and funny AT TIMES and I can see a great potential here. If the writer didn't repeat himself so many times, I would like it even more. Anyway, there are some good sentences in this book and they are not to be ignored.
The author's knowledge of Dante and Italian art is really impressive. Actually, I would like to read a book about that and ONLY about that, becouse while describing some pieces of art he managed to show his talent somewhere in between all that crap with Gabriel and Julia.

1 star from me, because I was annoyed by Julia and Gabriel and their boring relationship. (less)

53 likes · like · see review

Apr 30, 2011 Tigris Eden rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

I was asked to review this book by Omnific Publishing and the funny thing was is that I won a coupon on Twitter from them and this was the book I had selected as what I wanted to read. I am a sucker for The Divine Comedy and any references Dante's Inferno. Hence Gabriel's Inferno caught my attention. I hadn't even read the blurb just saw the title and immediately related it to Dante's Inferno. I have never ready anything by Reynard and had no clue what so ever... A virgin reader to a new author...more I was asked to review this book by Omnific Publishing and the funny thing was is that I won a coupon on Twitter from them and this was the book I had selected as what I wanted to read. I am a sucker for The Divine Comedy and any references Dante's Inferno. Hence Gabriel's Inferno caught my attention. I hadn't even read the blurb just saw the title and immediately related it to Dante's Inferno. I have never ready anything by Reynard and had no clue what so ever... A virgin reader to a new author and I am just going to say that from the moment I picked up my Kindle I could not....Literally would not put my Kindle down. I was seduced, entranced, and completely satisfied after I reached 100%.

This is the story of two people with equally troubled pasts. I can't even begin to make sense of the story and sound the least bit intelligent. I was a virgin to the world that Reynard created for his characters. The narrator, and its characters were equally charming and sinful. There were characters in the story that I detested for reasons the reader will understand when they pick up this amazing read. I always give little quotes here and there for most of my reviews and I will do it for this one as well, because the words were amazing, colorful, powerful, and most definitely seductive in a way that has the reader pulled into the story, living all the emotions that Julia lived through as well as the destructive and tormented nature of Gabriel.

Professor and Student, Idolized Love and Dream, Awakens a powerful story that is Gabriel and Julia. The story opens up in Florence 1283 with the poet standing next to a bridge watching his secret love approach, and of all things the last thing he expected was far the beautiful muse to stop and actually talk to him but she does even if its only for the briefest moment. Then she leaves and he is left wondering if he will ever see her again.

Then fast forward to present day. The setting is a class room with a very occupied Julia Mitchell as she is basically staring off into space and is interrupted by a Professor Emerson who is calling on her in class. She isn't able to answer her question. He is obviously upset with her, is even rude with her and the entire class notices. Julia is embarrassed but is quickly rescued by the handsome gentlemen sitting next to her who passes her a small note. That calms her nerves a bit. The note simply reads. "Emerson is an ass". When she giggles a bit this gets her into more trouble with Professor Emerson who requests her to meet him after class.

The journey begins here.

Its a story of the forbidden as well as a story of forgiveness and strength. I really don't want to give the story away, truly and honestly. But believe me when I say that you definitely want to embark on their adventure. Its a sensual and erotic journey into the lives of not just Julia and Gabriel but all the other players in the game. Reynard makes reference to some of my favorite stories. One in particular as a child I use to love The Velveteen Rabbit. This is actually a pet name that is given to Julia by Paul the handsome student that rescue's her from Professor Emerson.

There is a dark and light side to this book, and it visits places that other authors have tried to visit and have not even been able to brush the tip of the iceberg. By a long shot! I don't considered my self a quote on quote top reader, but I do consider my self a worldly reader, and I read a little bit of everything from sonnets, to classical, all the way to biographies. My first love is Romance Paranormal to be factual. This is not a paranormal romance. This is a contemporary romance and it touches on Dante's Divine Comedy La Vita Nouva, and even the Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien. Not in story but references made one I loved is when Julia compares Christa to a monster from the hobbit. I will let the reader figure that one out...

Gabriel Emerson and Julia Mitchell are not suppose to be together, the teacher/student fraternization policy at the university is very clear on that, but the two manage to overcome that along with some other interesting obstacle and secrets as their relationship progresses. It's a turbulent start in the beginning that turns to a raw burning desire, a flame that has never gone out for Julia and one the good professor had always believed to be a dream. Its an amazing read and I can't wait for the next book... The journey doesn't end! I am excited to see their next adventure. The entire time I was writing this review I was tempted to go back and start the story again. That is how brilliant Reynard is.

So its time for a quote... Its small and quick... But deep all the same. "Now his blessedness appeared"

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51 likes · like · see review

Apr 12, 2011 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: formerly-fanfiction, book-challenge-2011, favorites

I had the privilege of reading an unpublished version of this book. I fell completely in love with this story, which became my reading addiction for nearly a year. I was there for every chapter update and would obsessively think about the characters in the interim. I fangirled the author, and became a complete freak over this story. I would STRONGLY suggest this book to any of my friends. It's an incredible love story. 5 stars.

47 likes · like · see review

Aug 22, 2012 Susana rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-book, 2012

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Before i talk about the things that i didn't like in this story, i am going to mention what i liked:
I liked the writing. There's a lot in this book that i will compare to "fifty shades of grey". The quality of the writing isn't one of them. In fact there are certain phrases that are beautifully written. So more's the pity for the route that the story took...

Now, on the review, the beginning of this story had me a little scared...and i don't scare easily, but for the first pages it looked like i...more

32 likes · like · see review

Apr 24, 2011 Squallogal rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone (of age)

Shelves: favorites, addictive-rereads, best-book

Let's forget for a moment that I feel kindly toward this author. Let's talk this book. Yes I have given it five stars but here's the thing.

I got wrapped up in these characters so quickly but sometimes hanging out with them was not a pleasure. In the beginning Emerson is an ASS!! There is no shaking this fact. He is rude and cold and extremely self centred. Not really traits you find attractive in a lead character. But this monster makes you want to drop your panties.... Now I have said this bef...more

13 likes · like · see review

Sep 24, 2011 Missie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary

Professor Gabriel Emerson realizes he made a mistake by judging his student Julia Mitchell so harshly after pieces of their shared yet secret past begins to reveal itself. Bound by a code of ethics but unable to resist, Gabriel soon finds himself unable to stay away from Julia. And, even though they both know that starting an intimate relationship is forbidden, they just can't deny their feelings...no matter the cost.

I had a lot of issues with this story and not necessary for the reasons you'd t...more Professor Gabriel Emerson realizes he made a mistake by judging his student Julia Mitchell so harshly after pieces of their shared yet secret past begins to reveal itself. Bound by a code of ethics but unable to resist, Gabriel soon finds himself unable to stay away from Julia. And, even though they both know that starting an intimate relationship is forbidden, they just can't deny their feelings...no matter the cost.

I had a lot of issues with this story and not necessary for the reasons you'd think. Whether it's because I work at a university or because am a graduate student, I just didn't find the characters or the romance very believable or appealing.

For me, the concept didn't quite hit the mark. I think I might have enjoyed the story better if it was presented as more of a loose retelling of The Divine Comedy, or even some sort of retelling of Dante's history, alone. But to have parts of Gabriel's Inferno parallel the original masterpiece AND to have the characters be Dante fanatics was just too much.

Also, I'm still kind of puzzled over the tone in which the story was told. Some bits seemed to be written in a storybook fashion, as if someone was reading the story to you in a theatrical manner, but it wasn't consistent, and more often than not, I felt uncomfortable with the narrative.

I think my exceptions of this novel is one of the factors that ruined it for me. Thinking back, I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting, but I've never been a fan of adult novels that center around a grown woman's virginity and ensuring she has the most over-the-top, perfect play-list first time in the history of all deflowerings. I probably would have avoided the novel had I known so much it's focus would be on the 'right' way to have sex for the first time. I also just couldn't buy into the 'villains' or the main reason why Gabriel was so tormented. It all seemed too far-fetched and absurd for my liking.

Overall, not for me, but Gabriel's Inferno does have a lot of high ratings on Goodreads (I think it used to be a popular Twilight fanfic). It's obvious that the author is very knowledgeable in Dante's personal history and literary work. I appreciated that, but I just think I'm in the wrong audience group for this particular book. (less)

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Aug 08, 2011 Sandra rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own-ebooks, flowers-and-chocolates, naughties, rewritten-fanfiction, angst-and-drama, contemporary, cheap-ploys-to-make-a-buck, dont-even-bother, severe-side-eyes, shouldn-t-be-published

Update: 11/8/12:

I read this book as one of the first that were original fanfiction and then pulled to publish. I've now also skimmed the fanfic and they are very much alike. My personal stance on P2P has changed since I first read and reviewed this book. I do not support authors who go that route.

***

I never read UoEM online when it was posted and after hearing/reading much of the hype about this book, I gave it a chance.

Worth it.

The character of Gabriel Emerson is not very likable in the begin...more

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May 19, 2011 Raum rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: best-books-ever

This book holds a special place in my heart because of its characters and its plot.
It was the right book at the right time, and I do hope that it will be the same for all its writers.
The characters are so well developed that you'll believe that you actually know them in real life; if you are looking for a journey with them, you've found the perfect book for you.

There are many universal themes in this story: becoming (and being) a parent, but also being a daughter/son; faith; redemption.
You'll f...more

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May 22, 2011 monamour rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fff-authors

I wish I could review this book with impartiality and list it's merits without bias, but I am afraid it's simply not possible. So although, I am indebted to SR for seeing me through yet another unexpected hospitalization, I will attempt to give you a few of the many reasons why Gabriel's Inferno should be on your 'must read' list.

Gabriel Emerson and Julia Mitchell's relationship lures you in and refuses to relinquish its hold. From their shared past, where events are remembered quite differentl...more

9 likes · like · see review

May 22, 2012 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fifty Shades fans!!

Shelves: favorites, favorite-authors, romance-erotica-faves

My eyes are so sore from reading this on my kindle relentlessly for the past 3 days, because I couldn't pull myself away!! Oh, good lord, how have I not come across this sooner??!! Gabriel's Inferno was such a beautiful, moving, romantic, maddening story, and I'm just absolutely in love with Gabriel Emmerson!!! Oh, yes, he starts out as such a complete ass, and there were many times I wanted to either slap Julia for holding on to her feelings for so long when he's such a jerk, or slap him for no...more My eyes are so sore from reading this on my kindle relentlessly for the past 3 days, because I couldn't pull myself away!! Oh, good lord, how have I not come across this sooner??!! Gabriel's Inferno was such a beautiful, moving, romantic, maddening story, and I'm just absolutely in love with Gabriel Emmerson!!! Oh, yes, he starts out as such a complete ass, and there were many times I wanted to either slap Julia for holding on to her feelings for so long when he's such a jerk, or slap him for not waking up and realizing who she was and just taking her into his arms forever!! You see, Gabriel and Julia met 6 years ago for one brief night when she was young and innocent, but those hours that they shared bearing their souls and holding each other moved them both beyond words. When a misunderstanding finds them both alone and wondering why, they both go about their lives trying to put the impossible behind them. When Julia ends up in Gabriel's graduate class, she is heartbroken when she realizes he not only doesn't recognize her, but he's also a complete pompous jerk. As the walls slowly come crumbling down, Gabriel's feelings for Julia go beyond the student-professor boundaries, but he can't bring himself to tarnish her innocence. WIll he discover his Beatrice before she decides to leave her Dante behind?? *sigh*

God, these two are such broken souls!!! My heart just broke as we learn more about Julia's story, and I was so mad at Gabriel for not seeing her for who she was. Every scene where they were together was so electrically charged, like fate was pulling them together, and when Gabriel started pulling the alpha male role around her I just had goosebumps!! I love that he still feels that attraction to her even though he doesn't know why, and when he FINALLY gets it (as if her hints weren't enough!!), oh it was just like a freaking roller coaster from there on out!! Gabriel had such a mountain to climb to win her back after the way he treated her, and I just completely fell for this man as he did it!! *swoons* God, he was just so unbelievably sweet, patient, and loving as he tried to convince his Beatrice that he wants her and only her, despite his rather sordid past. Julia, emotionally and physically tormented by a lowlife ex-boyfriend, struggles so hard to see herself as worthy of her Dante's love. It was heartbreaking finding out what both of them went through, but you can't help feeling like they are the perfect matching piece to each other's incomplete puzzle. Apart, they are both lost and broken, but together they are one beautiful work of art.

I loved that Sylvain Reynard takes the time to slowly bring out this story, and that so much depth was given to each moment, character, and scene. It's a very long read, but when I was finished I felt like I knew each and every character so well because of how much care Reynard puts into giving each dimension of them. You really get to take every step of their journey with them, and you can't help but feel immersed in it as the story goes on. Reynard includes the POV of several characters as the story goes on, and I really liked the way it was just written in as part of the scene instead of having separate sections for each POV. We get to see what multiple characters are thinking, without feeling like we're having an out-of-body experience as it shifts to someone else's thoughts. The supporting characters were great, I really loved all of the Clark family!! They love Julia like one of their own, and they love Gabriel despite his behavior in the past. There are several characters in this story that will clearly be a problem for Gabriel and Julia as things move along for them, and I'm anxious to see where that will lead!!

I have to say 'bravo' to Reynard, because the plot for Inferno had me absolutely hooked!! I love stories that are emotionally charged and have characters in states of jealousy, heartbreak, hot chemistry, humiliation/danger followed by a goosebump-inducing 'hero saves the day' moment, and of course romance that just makes you melt (Fifty Shades is a great example)!! Inferno has all of the above, and there are so many twists that it just keeps you glued to the edge of your seat. It really says something about a writer of romance novels if you can get 95% in with no sex scenes, and still feel like you've read one of the best romance stories you've come across! And yes, that last 5% more than made up for anything the rest was missing...*panting*.

I'm so glad that I decided to pick this up, and I'm impatiently awaiting the start of the sequel tomorrow so I can get back to these characters that I love so much!! (less)

16 likes · like · see review

Feb 13, 2013 Ruth**Off With Its Head!** marked it as dnf

Shelves: angst

DNF :(
Lot's of my friends have read and loved this but I just couldn't.
Julia...don't get me started...she drove me nuts!
Gabriel....meh!
Overall story seemed like it may be OK but I disliked the characters so much that I just couldn't force myself to keep reading.
I don't give stars to books I haven't even got to 50% on because I just don't think it's fair to lower a books overall rating if I haven't managed to get at least that far as who knows it may well have gotten better. I just couldn't get...more

8 likes · like · see review

Feb 21, 2013 Sasha Mizaree (Reviews) rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: may-read-to-horrify-self, abuse-is-not-romantic, misogyny-is-not-sexy, sexist, slut-shaming, feminist-nightmare, double-standards, so-pretentious, is-the-authour-trolling

This is an astounding piece of literature that is sure to stay with you long after you finish because you will be wondering....was the author serious or was it all just a giant trolling experiment?

Where do I begin? Lets start with...

Meet Julia Mitchell

who is also described as angel, rabbit, and don't forget the many times the author shoves it down your throat that she is indeed a "lady". Julia is so sweet and fragile, that people are actually afraid to bruise her in a handshake. Her main person...more

33 likes · like · see review

Oct 19, 2012 Carisa rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: g-contemp, hero-type-notclear, t-second-chance

Since it took me 3 weeks to finish this book, I can’t blame my mood-at-time-of-reading for my opinion. It failed to stir any emotions in me. First, I didn’t like the heroine. The author tried to create an innocent virgin woman and instead I felt like I was reading about a pre-teen girl. Even Paul and Gabriel explained things to her as if she was 12 years-old. She even expected that the hero after only one night and years without seeing each other would remember her and tell her he loved her (wth...more

17 likes · like · see review

Mar 28, 2012 Shatha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was just wonderful , amazing !! I don't have enough words to describe what I felt through reading it! It had so many emotions and such a rich story , this is one of the books that I will never forget as long as I live !!! It does something to you including changing the way YOU look at things , it was just perfection in every sence of the word !!!!!

13 likes · like · see review

Apr 09, 2012 Leslie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: steamy, romance

When I discovered that the author of this book was a man, I was intrigued and extremely curious to see how his view of romance differed from that of a woman's perspective. (This'll be interesting, right?)

The writing was well executed, although surprised me when at times, teetered on "sappy." (Yes, a guy wrote this!) I also have to mention the fact that the hero in this book, "Gabriel Emerson," was so much like the hero in "Fifty Shades of Grey," it was distracting. No, Gabriel's love making pre...more

20 likes · like · see review

Aug 18, 2011 Juliana rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Juliana by: Jennifer Lane

Shelves: set-in-canada, 0-own-as-nook-book, ebook-digital-copy, everyone-loved-it-am-odd-woman-out, contemporary-romance, 2011-aug-reads, 2011-reads, 2-half-stars, challenge-2011-2012-rrrc-drinks-1, challenge-2011-2012-nbrc-women-type, do-not-recommend, challenge-2011-bb-summer

2.5 stars
I'm almost afraid to write a review, because this book is apparently universally loved ... and I definitely - obviously - did not feel the same way. I was so looking forward to the book and love pairings of a dark and tortured hero with a sweet and innocent heroine. Reynard definitely delivered on that last count - far, far too much: Julia was put up on a pedestal - and for reasons that I'm not sure warrant her being put there - and everything else was evil and dark and sinful.

{ Praise...more

146 likes · like · see review

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AN AMAZING SERIES	16	116	8 hours, 31 min ago
Gabriel's Inferno...: * Introductions	523	454	Jun 15, 2013 10:03am
Just some early ideas for actors who could play Gabriel Emerson....	113	839	Jun 13, 2013 08:46pm
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Gabriel's Inferno...: Who could play our favorite characters in a movie?!	38	142	May 28, 2013 06:32am
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About Sylvain Reynard

I am honoured to have both of my books appear on the USAToday Bestseller list and the New York Times Bestseller list. I've also been a Semifinalist for Best Author in the 2011 and 2012 Goodreads Choice Awards. "Gabriel's Inferno" was a Semifinalist for Best Romance in 2011 and "Gabriel's Rapture" was a Finalist for Best Romance in 2012, in the Goodreads Choice Awards, as well.

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Gabriel's Rapture (Gabriel's Inferno, #2)

Gabriel's Redemption (Gabriel's Inferno, #3)

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Quotes from Gabriel's Inferno

“Why not think that sometimes—just sometimes—you can overcome evil with silence? And let people hear their hatefulness in their own ears, without distraction. Maybe goodness is enough to expose evil for what it really is, sometimes.” — 482 people liked it

“Kindness is never wasted.” — 412 people liked it

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