Gabriel's Rapture

Gabriel's Inferno #2

by Sylvain Reynard

Professor Gabriel Emerson has embarked on a passionate, yet clandestine affair with his former student, Julia Mitchell. Sequestered on a romantic holiday in Italy, he tutors her in the sensual delights of the body and the raptures of sex. But when they return, their happiness is threatened by conspiring students, academic politics, and a jealous ex-lover. When Gabriel is confronted by the university administration, will he succumb to Dante's fate? Or will he fight to keep Julia, his Beatrice, forever? In Gabriel's Rapture, the brilliant sequel to the wildly successful debut novel, Gabriel's Inferno, Sylvain Reynard weaves an exquisite love story that will touch the reader's mind, body, and soul, forever.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Adult, New Adult, College

386 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

"Gabriel's Promise" has been released and is now available across platforms: https://amzn.to/2Y6ah10

My New York Times Best Selling Gabriel Series has been acquired by Passionflix. "Gabriel's Inferno" is available in its entirety on Passionflix.com, as is "Gabriel's Rapture."

"Gabriel's Redemption" has been released in its entirety on Passionflix.

You can meet the cast, read the most recent update, and learn how to sign up for Passionflix here: http://sylvainreynard.com/film-series...

You can view the trailer to the third and final part of "Gabriel's Inferno" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjPUG...

Huffington Post Books ranked "Gabriel's Inferno" as the best teacher/student romance novel.

My latest book, "The Man in the Black Suit, (#TMitBS), is a contemporary romance/suspense standalone novel, set in Paris: https://t.co/pdpHlvVtjO

The Florentine Series is now complete. Each paperback edition has additional content. Audio and ebooks are also available.

The second book in that series, "The Raven," was nominated by RT Magazine as Best Paranormal Romance Suspense novel of 2015.

I am honoured to have had my novels appear on the New York Times and USAToday Bestseller lists.

I was 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. The final novel in The Gabriel Series, "Gabriel's Redemption," debuted at #6 on the New York Times Bestseller list. It was a Finalist for a 2014 Goodreads Choice Award as Best Romance.

I'm interested in the way literature can help us explore aspects of the human condition - particularly suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption. My favourite stories are those in which a character takes a journey, either a physical journey to a new and exciting place, or a personal journey in which he or she learns something about himself/herself.

I'm also interested in how aesthetic elements such as art, architecture, food, drink, and music can be used to tell a story or to illuminate the traits of a particular character. In my writing, I combine all of these elements with the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of goodness.

I try to use my platform as an author to raise awareness about the following charities: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, WorldVision, Alex's Lemonade Stand, and Covenant House.

For more information, see my Twitter account or my website.

I also do not check my Goodreads email.

To email me, please use the below addy.
[email protected]

Reviews

[Kristin (KC) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4 Stars*

A very enjoyable sequel to one of my favorite romance stories! Rapture is filled with the angst and longing between lovers who've been unfairly torn apart. Its storytelling is elegantly seductive and powerfully poetic. This series is a truly refreshing and classic representation of forbidden love in its sweetest state. Will review properly at a later date. For now...on to Redemption!

Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Contemporary Romance
▪ Steam Caliber: Maximum and generous
▪ Romance: Sweet, angsty, seductive.
▪ Characters: Protective hero. Kind and strong heroine.
▪ Plot: Gabriel and Julia's unbreakable love is put to the test.
▪ Writing: Beautiful, poetic, engaging.
▪ POV: 3rd Person Perspective
▪ Cliffhanger: None
▪ Next Installment: Follow up
▪ HEA? Yes

[Geo Just Reading My Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book in my opinion , and I believe that my review says everything! A pleasure reading this book!
Recenzia mea completa o găsiți aici:
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[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Sticky Leaf Stars!!!

“She is not my equal; she is my better. She is my sticky little leaf.”


Just like the first book, this one was better the second time around! What is there not to love about Professor Gabriel Emerson??? Gabriel’s Rapture picks up right were Gabriel Inferno leaves off. Gabriel and Julia are happy, in Italy and in love. When they return back to Toronto, there are things that come up that make things much more difficult for the pair.



Nothing can keep these two apart.



So beautiful together.

“I love you far too much, I'm sure. But I don't know how to love you any other way.”

The writing is phenomenal, the story is so beautiful. I just can’t get enough of this series!

December 1st, 2013
Re-read 
Audiobook
in preparation for book 3!

[Pearl Angeli · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I wandered in the darkness looking for something better, something real. I found you, and I'll be damned if I'm going to lose you."

4 Stars!

The angst and drama in Gabriel's Rapture amazed me. In this sequel, we get to experience Gabriel and Julia's relationship in a much deeper level. The book picked up where Gabriel's Inferno left off. Everything seemed perfect when it comes to Gabriel and Julia's relationship but unexpected situations suddenly came out which led their relationship to a different, painful direction.

First of all, I have to say that I knew it! I knew what was about to come so it didn't surprise me when it finally happened. I was so scared of the consequences that these two will be facing when I was still reading the first book so I can say that I'm already prepared for it. What surprised me most was the pain that it caused. What happened to Julia and Gabriel was too heart-breaking.

But you know the good thing about this book? It ended beautifully that I was so glad to leave it when I turned the last page. I actually wished that it was the ending for the whole series.

Another thing that I loved about this book was the way Gabriel continued to treat Julia gently despite what happened to them. Julia, on the hand, also had a notable character development. She was able to handle things differently here and for that, I adored her.

I loved Gabriel's Rapture as a whole. It's one of the well-written sequels I've ever read because of the way it was delivered. I'm excited to find out how the series will conclude in the third book!

"She is not my equal. She is my better. She is my sticky leaf."

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★! Gabriel’s Rapture, book 2 of 3. Professor Gabriel Emerson’s courtly seduction of his chaste student Julia!

“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!




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.




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.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - I liked Julia much better this time around. :)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad that Mr. Reynard was nice enough to give me a copy of this a week before it’s release so I good devour it before going into the hospital. I waited for its release for months and let me tell you I was not one bit disappointed by it. I could write pages just on my favorite quotes; the writing is superb and extremely sexy without having to be erotic!

The book starts out the morning after their first love-making experience in Italy that occurred at the end of Gabriel’s Inferno. I loved that I did not miss a moment of their lives and was able to read about the growth of their relationship. They spend some time dealing with their pasts, Julia the shy one who had a difficult childhood and Gabriel the sexually promiscuous one who had been adopted by a family that he didn’t quite think he deserved. I saw flashes of Julia gaining control of her own life and not letting others walk all over her. Gabriel was learning to love but still had issues letting Julia make some of the decisions in their relationship.

I love the way that Gabriel loves Julia. He is so protective, kind and provides her with endless pleasure. He begins to learn to deal with his feelings without turning to sex which had become his addiction after drugs, a coping mechanism really. Now Gabriel did make my blood boil a time or two when he tried to make some major decisions in their relationship without consulting Julia. I understand why he did it but big decisions should always be made together, especially in matters of the heart. There was a portion of the book where Gabriel essentially became like Julia in the Gabriel’s Inferno and Julia became more like Gabriel as far a sexual need goes. While it was ironic, it showed how both characters had grown over the course of their relationship.

There will be those that are trying to pull them apart and don’t forget, their relationship in Gabriel’s Inferno started when Gabriel was the professor and Julia the student. Would the force of these things be strong enough to tear them apart? Is their love strong enough to get through the storm? Will Julia be his Beatrice forever?

The book was as intense as the first but far more romantic. The writing is brilliant and I could feel what the characters were feeling in my heart. I don’t think that the book could have had a better ending (I know some people will want a third book but for me the series ended perfectly!).

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Julia and Gabriel:


Wow, Sylvain Reynard did not disappoint! This sequel is at least as good as Gabriel's Inferno. The book is full of thoughtful ideas about life, sin, forgiveness and love. In Gabriel's Rapture, the author connected love and sex in most beautiful way and the way he sees marriage is absolutely wonderful. The book has a very substantial effect on me. It made me cry and it made me think a lot about the life. I don't remember feeling such a strong compassion for main characters as I had when reading this book.

I really admire Sylvain Reynard for his ability of forming such a beautiful compliments in this book. Moreover, he is a master of teasing and all of the sex scenes were so real and so tasteful. Some of the compliments said by Professor to Julia, made even me blushed when reading it :)

"You must have been designed and not merely made"

The author succeeded again in creating realistic characters. Gabriel and Julia are not perfect, and they both made various mistakes in this book. But this is how life goes, how we learn. Gabriel has changed a lot comparing to Gabriel's Inferno and I was so happy to read that he was able to find his peace finally.

This book about love and forgiveness touched my heart and I am sure I will re-read it couple of times. SR, thanks a lot for enable us to read such a wonderful story!

MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing

[Ramona Popescu · Rating 5 out of 5]

" Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove.
O no, it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wand'ring bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken."
(Sonnet 116)”- William Shakespeare, Shakespeare's Sonnets




I am truly devoted to this series and to Sylvain's penmanship. God, you can feel how dedicated he was in every aspect of this book, from the plot, to the characters and other details that surrounded it. I can only imagine the hard work and research put into writing this book, because not one word is there unnecessary and without meaning.

"Gabriel's Rapture" is the second installment of this great trilogy. Here we find our beloved Gabriel already exploring his relationship with Julia, his younger lover. After the happenings in book 1, they accepted their feelings from one another and are madly in love.

Their connection is intense and passionate. I enjoyed the attention that the writer had on building this special relationship between Gabriel and Julia. From my point of view it is one of the most beautiful love stories ever, because the humanity of its heroes. They are not perfect, they made made mistakes, but they love passionately and with such intensity that makes you able to feel it in every page of the story. They complete each other, make each other better and dream for a future together, despite having so much against them. Being different made them special and brought them together, as in light and dark, making up one unique love story.

" You are teaching me to love, and I suppose I’m teaching you to love too, in a way. We aren’t perfect, but we can have happiness. Can’t we?"

I love Gabriel and I believe that no matter how many books I read this book, he ruined me for future book boyfriends. He is the definition of complexity and I enjoyed this second installment because here I could see another side of him, the protector. Now, when Julia's future is being threatened, he is willing to do everything to not let it happen. The puts her first, having to face suffering and lost because he can't bring her pain.

I love him so much for this, and my admiration for him kept on growing. Although he is very stubborn sometimes, you can't seem to not like him, always finding ways of justifying his actions. Julia is the one who makes him feel alive and worthy of love, despite the past that he had. This element of finding peace is still kept in the second book, because Gabriel tries so hard to make her happy and proud of being his lover. He searches for redemption in Julia's arms and his efforts are truly admirable.

" I’m no miracle worker. But I love you."

"There was a time when I could have been led astray. But that was before I found you. I would rather spend the rest of my life drinking your love, then emptying all the oceans of the world."

I loved the way their relationship is accentuated in all its features, beginning with the sexual connection and ending with the deep feelings they have for each other. Gabriel talks about loving as a whole, loving completely and giving in in all its aspects. Sexual satisfaction can be considered lust, but love is more complex, and enraptures more feelings and sensations.

"I can tell that I please your body. But your body is not your mind, or your heart."
He takes care of her as a whole, body and soul, and this side of him is amazingly featured in the book.
Julia on the other hand goes trough a lot before finding her happiness with Gabriel. But these events made her grow as a women. I liked this strong side of her, the way she fights for what she wants, but also the way she let's go, trying to do the best thing for her and for Gabriel. Her loyalty to him is fierce and I admired her for her strength to move on. She begins with being a sweet young girl, to a women having to fight for her happiness and for the things she cares. She also has the dignity of moving on, even though her heart is telling her she can't.
If in the first book we witness the development of their relationship, in this one we get to see how they managed being apart, having to trust one another and in the end seek forgiveness for the mistakes they both did.

I truly recommend this book and others from Sylvain Reynard because he is amazing and has one of the best writing styles ever.

5 stars!!



For more reviews please check https://readwithloveblog.wordpress.com

[Aly is so frigging bored · Rating 2 out of 5]

Buddy read with Maru

Gave up at the 30% mark. Review for books 1 and 2.
The 2*(actually 1.5*) are for the hotness on Gabriel(I am very shallow) and for the movie references


Rant starts here:
I can't keep reading this book, it's nicely written(just not for me) and researched but it smacks too much of a low budget soap-opera. He said-she said behavior are getting on my nerves and all those people conspiring to keep them apart or to break them up were too way over the top.

Gabriel really is a big A-hole, never thought I'd say this but he's too much of a douche-bag! I have a very high tolerance of BS and drama but this book just has too much of it. Julia is behaves herself like a very nice doormat: stays there and takes it all. The straw that broke the camel's back was her ability to forgive EVERYTHING! This woman hasn't found no unforgivable thing in anything that Gabriel has done not even when she found out that he kept banging the crazy lady who had been pregnant wish his kid! I mean that was even lower then low!. All in all he was a cold A-hole and she was a Mary Sue heroine taken to the extreme.

Some of my notes(they are mostly very mean and for the first 15% or so) aka ranting:
-"The blue sky blushed to see such passionate lovemaking, while the Florentine sun smiled down, warming the lovers despite the gentle breeze. Beside them, Julia’s coffee and milk grew stone cold and sullen at being ignored." oh come on!!!
-this shoe fetish is getting out of hand, I wonder if Julia caught it...
-some of the word choices are too much! Jane Austen had nothing on this author!
-the only character where I don't find his jealousy hot(I hope it's the 1st and last time)

The only thing that I enjoyed in this series(2 books) were the pop culture references, those were great.

Now my dedications to:
Julia
->
Gabriel
->
All the other characters:
->

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

I feel so conflicted about this book.
The beginning 40% of the book was boring as hell and I felt as if I was forcing myself to keep reading. There were wayyyy to many religious references and conversations going on and it made me sorta uncomfortable (because religion is not something I like to read about).
Once the disciplinary trial occurred I was hooked and couldn't put the book down! It went from extremely mind-numbing boring to angsty and drama-filled! There was absolutely no transition at all and that drives me nuts!
Then at the 75-80% mark, Paul and Julia's relationship/friendship was breaking my heart!!! Paul is such a good guy and I really wanted them to work out! I never find myself rooting for the guy that's not the main character but I was definitely #TeamPaul this time.
What really annoyed me was that the conversation between Gabriel and Paulina (when he was on his journey of forgiveness) was never presented! Gabriel and Paulina's "relationship" went from super charged and somewhat awkward to completely forgiving all because of this magical conversation that took place between them. If the author would have included just a smidge of this conversation I would have felt like there was a smooth transition!
And now lastly...the ending of the book.
For the love of god I do not understand why the first book and now this book have a happy ending with no cliff hanger! It makes them seem like they are standalones and reading the next book/s in the series is not necessary! I absolutely love cliff hangers and I was expecting something huge to happen at the end of this novel to persuade me to read the third and last book in the series...but I ended up being underwhelmed.
Overall, I did not enjoy Gabriel's Rapture as much as Gabriel's Inferno but would still recommend readers to pick it up.

[Shurrn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Behold! A snarky review by a sorely disappointed reader...
Is this a curse of the sequel? Or is it possibly the product of an Author who was given an offer he couldn't refuse to produce a followup to an amazing book? I (still) love Gabriel's Inferno (you can read my review for that book HERE) but I am overwhelmingly disappointed by this follow up.



((Some Explicit Language... Be Warned...))

This was a re-read for me... That's right, I read it TWICE...
I don't remember being so dissatisfied with it when I picked it up in 2012...
I decided to re-read both books in preparation for reading the recently released final book, Gabriel's Redemption...

Because this work wasn't completely irredeemable, let's start with the things I enjoyed:
- It is a story filled with LOVE and angst... I do get the warm fuzzys from Gabriel when he isn't being an asshole.
- The writing is still marvelous; Sylvain Reynard presents a completely original writing style for modern Romance.
- The narrator has a quirky sense of humor which prevents the entire work from being unbearably pretentious.


I usually include this at the end of my reviews, but since I'm talking about the good things about this book, I's like to go ahead at tell you:

Some of My Favorite Moments:

“For me, your name is synonymous with orgasm. I’m going to start calling them Emgasms”

“I’m sorry about my heels.”
“What’s that?”
“I saw the marks on your backside when you were getting dressed this morning. I didn't mean to injure you.”
He grinned wickedly. “Occupational hazard for those obsessed with high-heeled shoes. I wear my love scars with pride.”
“I’ll be more careful next time.”
“No, you damn well won’t.”
Julia’s eyes grew wide at the sudden flash of passion in his eyes.
He captured her lips with his before whispering in her ear, “I’m going to buy you a pair of boots with even higher heels, then I’m going to see what you can do with them.”

In the semi-darkness of the room, he drank in her tempting curves. “You are an argument for God’s existence,” he murmured.
“What?”
“Your face, your breasts, your beautiful back. St. Thomas Aquinas would have had to add you as his Sixth Way if he’d ever been blessed enough to see you. You must have been designed and not merely made.”

“I breathe you,” he whispered. “You’re everything. You’re the air”

In her whole life, no one had ever looked at her like that. Like a blue tractor beam that froze her and pulled her in. Like she was the only woman in the room, in the world, the only woman ever. Like she was Eve.

“I love you. Madly.”
Something about the way her voice sounded in his ear made his heart quicken.
“I love you too. I love you far too much, I’m sure. But I don’t know how to love you any other way.” His final words were a whisper, but they burned in the air.
“I don’t know how to love you any other way, either,” she whispered back.
“Then God have mercy on us both.”

It would be safer, easier, to choose Paul. Her heart would heal with him. But in choosing Paul, she would be settling for the good and not the exceptional. And even if the exceptional eluded her for the rest of her life, it would be better, she thought, to live the life of a Katherine Picton, than to be like her mother. In marrying a good man without loving him passionately and completely, she would only serve to short-change him and herself. And she was not that selfish.

Gabriel’s eyes watered at the sound of her vulnerability and her courage. If he ever had a moment’s doubt that he would love and admire her forever, no matter whether she chose him or not, that doubt faded away like a wisp of smoke.

Julia wondered if such astronomical ass-like levels were humanly possible.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Quite frankly, I don't feel like I can write a standard review for Gabriel's Rapture, so I am going to revert to a petulant GIF filled listing of my grievances... Enjoy!


WHEN I PICKED UP BOOK TWO I WAS THINKING:



BUT I QUICKLY REALIZED THAT THIS BOOK WAS GOING OFF THE RAILS...



THE BOOK SOMEHOW MORPHED INTO A SERMON.
HEAVY HANDED,
RELENTLESS,
EXASPERATING...



THE INCLUSION OF LITERARY REFERENCES IN THE FIRST BOOK WAS ENDEARING, IT PRESENTED A GREAT PARALLEL.

HOWEVER, IN BOOK TWO THE USE OF RELIGIOUS ALLEGORY BECAME OVERWHELMING...



THE AUTHOR FAILED TO RECOGNIZE THAT HIS READERS ARE INTELLIGENT.

THERE WAS NO REASON TO BEAT THE THEMES OF REPENTANCE, REDEMPTION, SACRIFICE, AND LOVE INTO US!

THIS IS NOT HOW YOU IMPART INFORMATION:



LESS IS MORE.

WE UNDERSTOOD IT THE FIRST TIME,
AND SUFFERED THROUGH IT FROM THEN ON.

IT'S CONDESCENDING TO ASSUME THAT YOU NEED TO TAKE SO MUCH TIME TO PRESENT THESE THEMES...

OR THAT YOU NEED TO CONSTANTLY REPEAT THEM...



WE ALL KNEW WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN BETWEEN GABRIEL & JULIA...



WE ALL KNEW HOW GABRIEL WOULD REACT TO THAT...



AND, WE ALL KNEW HOW IT WOULD COME TOGETHER AT THE END...



...EXCEPT FOR JULIA FOR SOME REASON?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SPEAKING OF JULIA;

I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE CHARACTERS AS WELL...

JULIA:
She was starting to grow a backbone...
Then I had to watch her spine dissolve into a puddle of self-pity...



GABRIEL:
Quit trying to "protect" Julia by keeping secrets...
How many times has that worked for you?



PAUL:



CHRISTA:



* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I HAVE A THEORY:
IF THE AUTHOR HAD JUST WRITTEN A THOUGHTFUL EPILOGUE TO GABRIEL'S INFERNO, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO NEED TO WRITE A SECOND... OR THIRD... BOOK.



I'VE ALREADY PURCHASED THE THIRD BOOK...
SO I'LL BE READING IT.

I REALLY AND TRULY LOVED THE FIRST BOOK...
SO I CAN'T COMPLETELY ABANDON THE SERIES...

MUCH LIKE GABRIEL, I WANT TO GIVE THE AUTHOR A CHANCE TO REDEEM HIMSELF.

[Serendipitous · Rating 5 out of 5]

(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 separate pasts – 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.

[k · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Sticky Little Leaf Stars!


“When you love something, you don't see its flaws.”

Quoting Julia here, my thoughts for this sequel can be summed up in just 6 short words: 'Professor Gabriel “Overprotective” Emerson strikes again'. Just like I said after finishing the first book, this one was better the second time around as well!

"Your love makes me beautiful."
"Then let me love you forever."

Gabriel’s Rapture picks up right where Gabriel's Inferno left off. Gabriel and Julia are happy, in Italy and in love. We get a wonderful portion of the book with Gabriel teaching Julia the pleasures of sex, but as anyone who read the first novel knows, it's never just sex with Julia and Gabriel. Everything they do, they do with love and it was a beautiful thing to read...however when they return home their joy is threatened by multiple occurrences, and the hurt and mistrust that arises threatens to pull them apart...

"But if you were to tell me you’d fallen in love with someone else and that you were happy, I’d let you go. Even though it would break me.” He grimaced and dropped his voice to a whisper. “I’ll love you forever, Julianne, whether you love me or not. That’s my Heaven. And my Hell."

"She is not my equal; she is my better. She is my sticky little leaf."

I loved all of their interactions together! They just have this sizzling chemistry that leaps off the pages that makes me want to immerse myself within their poetic world.

"I would have done whatever it took to save you." His voice and his expression were grave. "Even if that meant I had to spend an eternity in Hell."

In conclusion, I'm not going to give an in-depth review for this book because it has a pretty big plot twist that I don't want to spoil for anyone who hasn't read it yet! Just know that I can't even begin to use all the quotes I highlighted and that this found a spot on my favorites shelf the minute I finished it! On to the highly anticipated conclusion...

“I love you. Madly"
“I love you too. I love you far too much, I’m sure. But I don’t know how to love you any other way.”
“I don’t know how to love you any other way, either,” she whispered back.
“Then God have mercy on us both.”

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It really is crazy how much I love this series. I find myself wanting to re-read these two book at least once a year. I think that this time make it the fourth time in total I have devoured this book. I don´t think I have re-read any book that many times. And every time, they get better. Crazy, I tell you. For me, Sylvian Reynord is nothing short of a genius. Embarrassing maybe, but true. And I love him for having writen these books."Gabriel´s Rapture" is one of the best sequels I have read. Ever. "Gabriel´s Inferno" was perfect and so was this book. I loved it so much. Every syllable, every sentence, every page. The heroine in books can either crash it or save it. Julia definitly did not crash it. Together with Professor Emerson, Julia is one of my favorite characters ever. Gabriel is more sexy then ever in this book. The Professor gets an A in the art of seduction..

This book is so brilliant on so many levels. It is smartly written, in a poetic kind of way. Since it is written in third person, it allows us to get many persons thoughts and reasons. The book not only focuses on the sexy, charasmatic Professor and his former student. It gives us a overview on events that is important for the story, it is refreshing and preferable not to only read one persons POV. Sylvain Reynard has really written an EXCELLENT book without any flaws. I cannot wait to read more about Julianne and Gabriel and their relationship in book 3. I was a bit sad to see the changes Sylvain had made in the book, compered to the online version. But these two books have been idel. Simply perfection.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Sylvain Reynard is one of my absolute favorite authors of all time!

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriel and Julia are off to Italy thinking they can finally be alone and get away from everything but sadly it's a small world.

We get a lot of answers in this book which made me really happy. Surprisingly, we even get some chapters from Christa's POV and what her reasonings are. Unfortunately, we know where things are going with her.

And this leads to the huge drama that there was just no escaping. It was interesting how things were handled but I was surprised/not surprised at what Gabriel did. Will he ever discuss things first?

Of course, I loved this type of drama even though I felt bad for Julia. I'm glad that she "womaned" up and took care of things!



I wanted more angst and drama though...or at least for it to go on longer. But I did love how Gabriel handled things as usual. He thinks of everything!

The book ends really well and just makes me wonder what could happen that could warrant another book? And the title freaks me out a little...what is his redemption? I'm just hoping it's an overall thing and not something more specific.



Favorite quote:

♥ "I would never have pegged you as a cuddler, Professor Emerson."

[Carmen de la Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

No puedo describir todos los sentimientos que me causo este libro. Y tengo una encrucijada conmigo misma ya que no logro decidir si este libro es mejor que el primero, ya que este me rompió el corazón.

Fue un libro tan intenso que no podía parar de leerlo hasta que muchas cosas se resolvieran. A mitad de la historia tenia el corazón en un hilo, creo que ha sido de los libros que más me ha provocado sensaciones, entre ellas la tristeza.

En el libro anterior la historia siempre fue evolutiva y en esta segunda parte lo mismo sucede (LO CUAL AGRADEZCO BASTANTE), siempre sucedía una cosa tras otra y te tenía demasiado a la expectativa, aunque algunas cosas llegan a ser predecibles, otras son una sorpresa y vaya que sorpresa!!!.

La mayor evolución que vemos, es precisamente la de Gabriel, madura, se perdona, deja varios de sus demonios atrás, pero sobre todo nos llega a enseñar una nueva forma de amar. Él esta dispuesto a ser infeliz el resto de su vida solo para proteger a Julia. *Inserta sonido de llanto*

Mientras que Julia se la pasa el 90% del libro con una desconfianza que parece no tener fin sobre si Gabriel la ama (menuda idiota) pero no llega a ser desesperante por todo lo que ella a vivido con él sabes que es normal que tenga esa clase de dudas.
En cierto momento llegue a pensar que Julia iba a dejar de ser una protagonista fuerte y convertirse en la damisela en apuros, pero no fue así (lo cual fue una sorpresa), ella sigue adelante (no como Bella que se la pasa meses en estado muerto tras la perdida de Edward, tenia que poner este ejemplo).
Aunque hay un detalle en este proceso de seguir adelante que no me gusto para nada, si lo han adivinado, Paul (alguien le puede prender fuego a este chico?), mientras Gabriel esta en su propio infiero, tratando de ser mejor hombre para Julia, esperando el momento para volver a la vida de esta. Julia termina dándole un beso a Paul (KHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE), es algo que no le voy a perdonar a Julia, ni a la escritora, ni a nadie, NO, NO, NO, NO. (Aunque Paul le haya declarado su amor, NO, NO, NO, NO).
Porque en los libros, en el 99% de los casos cuando la protagonista sufre una desilusión amorosa, o un rompimiento, como quieran llamarle, pasan este tipo de escenas? Donde la mujer se tiene que refugiar en otro hombre, o que otro hombre la apoye para seguir adelante? Es una clase de mensaje en el que tenemos que salir adelante tenemos que tener un hombre a nuestro lado? Lo siento por no es así, NO NECESITAMOS, NO TENEMOS que besarnos, refugiarnos con otros, para superar una ruptura o una relación, para seguir adelante.

Aunque Julia sabe perfectamente que con Paul nunca estará satisfechamente feliz (gracias por volver a tener cordura Julia), si me molesto como fue descrita la escena del beso, es que AGH! De verdad estas cosas cosas me ponen de malas. Necesitamos protagonistas fuertes, independientes TODO EL TIEMPO.

Antes de leer este libro leí una reseña donde al final decía y tras esta escena estoy de acuerdo, muchas veces en este libro, lo sentí mucho, que Julia no llega a ser la mejor mujer para Gabriel, es que él esta trabajando tan duro para ser mejor todo el tiempo, no solo para Julia, sino para su familia y la gente alrededor y Julia en realidad hace lo mismo por Gabriel? #IdontKnow.

Después de este trago amargo (en verdad a la autora nunca le perdonare esa escena), volvemos al momento más esperado de toda la trilogía, el final de este libro (NO LO CONTARE PORQUE ES UN GRAN SPOILER) pero me dejo muy satisfecha, me gusto, aunque me hubiera gustado que estas escenas se abarcaran más en este libro, pero bueno pensándolo bien, para eso tenemos un tercer libro en donde creo abarcara más la relación de Gabriel y Julia.

Espero el tercer libro sea igual de bueno que los primeros dos.

[Lovmebaby1 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible. Just horrible. I have a very high tolerance for fluffy books, predictable books, cheesy books etc. I only say this to stress what an easy book rater I am. In fact, I don't think I have given a book one star before. I rolled my eyes so much during this story I had to take medication for the pain.

Julia's naïveté and stupidity in this book overshadows any possible saving grace the story may have had. That paired with the constant attempts at *fishing for compliments* or constantly beating the reader over the head with their insecurities was just maddening and took up way to much of the book... So juvenile for a college student and professor to engage in ..' oh I love you so much.. Do u love me?'..' Oooh I love you so much but you're too good for me' or 'oooh I love you but you should be with someone better...' blah blah blah. The self deprecation from these 2 was suffocating.

Anyway, I usually just rate books because I'm not good with reviews so I'll end this with a simple statement - this book sucked. (First and second)

[Richa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you...

"I breathe you," he whispered. "You're everything. You're the air."

Could he be more romantic?

"I want to be your first and your last. I love you, Julianne. I offer you my heart and my life......Say you'll be mine. Forever."

Oh yes.....*ahem ahem* So yup, he can be.......

Gabriel's Inferno ended with Gabriel and Julia makin love for the first time. He introduces her to the pleasures of love making and she introduces him to the pleasures of love.

More to come. :)

[hugsandcookies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will post my review when I get around to reading the last book, since I'm doing a reread.

However,I'm just going to say *oh my ovaries* how can you not love Professor Gabriel Emerson, he just keeps growing more and more on me.

[Nicolette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forth read: November 11th 2022
4 Stars
Full book & movie review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M2zy...

Third read: June 1st 2020
4 stars
I legit couldn't help myself and had to reread it after reread the first book and watching the movie.

Second read: January 24th 2017
4 stars

First read: January 11th 2014
4 stars

[Z · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel bad leaving a negative review as my first review, but this book annoyed be so much I had to get it out.

The only reason I finished the book was because I need to know the end of something once I have started it, no matter how bad it is. I found myself skipping loads after awhile, just to rush to the end so I could get it over and done with. I read both books together and the first one was by far better.

I couldnt get over the level of cheese in this book, if they werent having stupid fights, all they were saying to each other was how much they loved each other. The conversations were tedious.

The religion thing really killed it for me, it was over the top for me. And Gabriel refusing to have sex once they got back together, until they were married, seemed more like blackmail.

Much of the book was unbelievable, and I love to read fantasy/paranormal so that says a lot. There has to be some suspension of disbelief when reading books, but this book asked for far too much. If the two main characters were real, I would have to slap them up side the head and tell them to get over their selves. Seriously, you would have to be a deluded romantic to sollow this story, no offense meant to those who liked it :). The author should of just stopped at the first book and we could have assumed that they got away with carrying out their romance and lived happily ever after. That would of been much better.

[Catarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Passionate Stars!



In this second book Julia and Gabriel’s story continues, and this time they will have to fight everything.
Since people in their past that are decided to not let them be together to a “anonymous” complaint about their forbidden relationship that will put them both in trouble in their academic and professional life. This are not looking pretty for them.



But the most difficult thing they’ll have to overcome is themselves, their pasts and their ghosts.
And eventually… all that is meant to be, in its own time it will be. And they will find that pretty soon.



This was a pretty sweet and beautiful book, altought not as much as the first.
In this book Julia annoyed me a bit and in a point, Gabriel started looking to cheesy. It was almost like going from 8 to 80.
Other than that, I really liked it and this is amazing written. The writing style is flawless and addictive and you can’t get enough of their story.
Can’t wait for the last book! ;)

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in August of 2012 and just re-read it in preparation for book 3 which will be released on December 3rd. It’s just as good the second time around. I love Gabriel's swoon worthy moments.

My Dearest Julianne,
Thank you for your immeasurable gift.
The only thing I have of value is my heart.
It’s yours,
Gabriel.

"I want to be your first and your last. I offer you my heart and my life."

December 3rd, I'm ready for you. BRING IT ON



SERIES:

No cliffhanger. Continuing story.

195th book of 2013

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS AT READING, EATING AND DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF

Gabriel's Rapture, the sequel to Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard, was absolutely brilliant. Written by an author with a fresh and passionate voice, Gabriel's Rapture was a beautiful, artistic novel that explores "suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption". Gabriel's Inferno intertwined Julia and Gabriel's past with their present, but Gabriel's Rapture took things a step further and intertwined Julia and Gabriel's past, present, and future.

Gabriel's Rapture picks up right where Gabriel's Inferno left off. Julia and Gabriel are in Italy, enjoying their freedom and each other. Once they return from Italy, however, they have to face reality and forces that are threatening to pull them apart. In this novel, Julia and Gabriel are both committed to one another, but they must face their pasts and overcome new, present hurdles in order to have a lasting future.

Julia and Gabriel are intelligent and witty characters. Their passion for art and literature and their all-consuming love for one another create a spellbinding love story. I highly recommend this artistic, sensual love story.

I gave Gabriel's Rapture (Gabriel's Inferno #2) by Sylvain Reynard 4 STARS (4.5 STARS). I rated Gabriel's Inferno (Gabriel's Inferno #1) by Sylvain Reynard 5 STARS. Don't let my lower rating fool you. Gabriel's Rapture was sensational. It's, without a doubt, a MUST READ. The only reason I rated this novel lower than its predecessor was because I missed Gabriel's sexy bad boy side. What can I say? I am a sucker for bad boys!

Reading this series has been "a beautiful, powerful and addicting journey". I strongly encourage adults to read Gabriel's Inferno and Gabriel's Rapture. They are two of my favorite books, and I look forward to re-reading them both many times in the future.
-XOXO

READING, EATING AND DREAMING

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Gabriel's Rapture' by Sylvain Reynard is book two in the "Gabriel's Inferno" series. This continues the story of Gabriel and Julia. Some people might be able to read this as a standalone book...it can be done but I really think you should read the previous book 'Gabriel's Inferno' that started their love story. This book does catch you up on some of what happened it the last book but I personally like reading this series in order.
We find that Gabriel and Julia are away on their trip which also had them further their relationship but making it physical one. They are so in love but not everyone is happy with them coming together...which starts their downward spiral in their love. They are having to deal with the outcome of their forbidden relationship of teacher / student.
This book was just as great as the first book! I can't wait to read the next book in their chapter of life.

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great 2nd book!
Sexy, exciting, frustrating, heartbreaking.
4.5 Stars only because of all that horrible religious talk and the overuse of the word PLEASE ☺
And of course it's all so very ridiculous. The whole book could be 200 pages shorter if they didn't repeat every argument a thousand times! It's all way too naive and stupid. Just talk to each other or just don't start the relationship at all - they could've waited five weeks!?!? Ugh. So many things that are stupid in these books - BUT I still love the people and the story ...

♥ GABRIEL ♥


♡ ♡

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick review:

Cover:Still Cute
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess Scorching
Thumbs Up: 5
Overall: Better than the first by far.
Characters: Awesomeness
Plot: When you love someone, you let them go.
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.???? (Series ender?)
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Gabriel

SUMMARY (60 words or less)

Gabriel showed us what love is and Julia grew a backbone. There was some predictability but I loved reading it all unfold. I read the first book back in Nov 11, so I didn’t remember much. Yet, as I read, I was reminded all that had happened in the first book without the author telling us. Great Job.

To see my full review and likeness of my book boyfriend, check out my blog post.

http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...

[Ana Breen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“No necesito tu agradecimiento. Tu amor me basta”

Gabriel y Julia siguen enamorándome, en esta segunda parte vemos lo mucho que se aman y como se va fortaleciendo su amor a pesar de algunos obstáculos que se presentan en su camino. Me gustó mucho ver qué Gabriel esta decidido a convencer a Julia con palabras y hechos lo mucho que la ama y como trata de ser digno de ella 🥰🥺. Julia en este libro hubo momentos en los que me exasperaba pero traté de entenderla por su difícil pasado y miedos que tiene. En general me gustó mucho el libro 💖.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one started of slow, introduced the characters. Book two I couldnt put it down. It was drama after drama, I loved it. I think as far as "love" story goes this is the best so far. Professor Emerson is so in love with Julia you can feel the emotions. At the end of the book I was on cloud nine.. Really good book.