Gabriel's Rapture

Wow! I actually needed a day or two to digest and process what I’d read, before I could write a review. This was such an intense read for me. The depth of emotion was indescribable and words just fail to suitably describe what a profound read this is. Silvain Reynard has a way with words, that I’ve never encountered before, despite my prolific reading. This had me highlighting numerous passages in the novel, like the three I have included below“Thus, we have the icons of agape, eros, philia, and storge all represented by a single face, a single woman—Simonetta. To put this another way, one could argue that Botticelli sees in his beloved muse all four types of love and all four ideals of womanhood: saint, lover, friend, and spouse.“Anyone who has ever been in love knows the difference between eros and lust. There’s no comparison. One is an empty, unfulfilling shadow of the other. “Of course, one might object that it is impossible for one person, one woman, to represent the ideal of both agape and eros. If you will allow my indulgence for a moment, I will suggest that such skepticism is a form of misogyny. For only a misogynist would argue that women are either saints or seductresses—virgins or whores. Of course, a woman, or a man for that matter, can be both—the muse can be lover to both soul and body.“I’ll love you forever, Julianne, whether you love me or not. That’s my Heaven. And my Hell.”I also found the pacing a bit more to my liking, as compared to Gabriel’s Inferno, as the story is fleshed out more. My hat off to Sylvain Reynard, as he takes me on a journey through the different stages of love within a relationship.This novel was a deep, soulful, profound read, that I know will stay with me long after I read the last word. I think with time I will also go back and re-read these books, something which very few authors have inspired me to do. I do believe reading the first book again, will prove to be an even deeper, thought provoking read.It was also wonderful to see the contrast as to how different people react and change, when their souls are tortured. A read like never before and probably like never after either.

The entire series is amazing. Romantic story only made sexier by the Italian Stallion Guilio....

** spoiler alert **Continued right off after the first book. This one contained more angst than the first one. When I read the first book I had a question of how are they going to keep their relationships a secret. How could no one never see them coming or leaving each other's apartments? As the author said in the book, after all Toronto was a small town. Well, I had that answer in this book. I wonder no one doubted how Christa had an access to the security camera at the Lobby. I even wonder why Gabriel didn't contact the Lobby concerning the problem.Once again, I was glad that the author ended the book with a happy ending. I look forward to reading Gabriel's Redemption which will be released on Dec 3, 2013.

Wonderful read! I love the characters and the story line. Can’t wait to see it come to life on Passionflix this year!

Gabriel Emerson is the Dante specialist a beautifully sculptured man with deep blue eyes. He has his tormented past, which hunts him and he would like to share and find some peace and maybe redemption. He is also afraid to lose the love he found once again his beloved Beatrice aka Julia.Their passionate love which is actually a secret, except for their family is threatened by conspiracy, academic rules. Gabriel decides for save Julia's academic year. He is enrolling "Dantenian" roll, or does as Dante himself, retreats. Is Gabriel Dante or will he fight for his beautiful Julia? This is the second part of a beautiful love story that entwines soul, love and body together and touches your whole spirit.

Loved it! Even more beautiful and romantic than the first book. Left me longing for a man like Gabriel who would love me unconditionally.

This book was well written (something that is lacking from a lot of other books in this genre), but lacked much in the way of "spark" or excitement. It seems like Gabriel and Julia may have the most mundane illicit relationship ever. My wife commented as we were reading, "The conversation in this book is weird...nobody really talks that way in these situations". I appreciated the allegorical attempts with Dante, but most of the references were above me (and I don't feel like I am uneducated), and frankly didn't really seem important. Finally, if you are considering this book for titillating scenes like with Fifty Shades...don't bother.

Loved all the books!