This book was not exactly what I expected, however, it was very captivating. It is a lovely romance without being harlequinesque, sexy without being crude. The characters are very well developed and likeable. I found it easy to relate to both main characters. Overall, a well written book.

Emotional depth and discovery

John Morgan's voice and emotion brought Gabriel and his story to life. He sounded exactly as I would have imagined Gabriel with warmth and strength in his tone.

There were so many moments between these characters where I found myself clenching my fists, crying and swooning. Gabriel was hard and arrogant until he realized Julia was his Beatrice, who he thought only existed in his dreams. The moment the realization hit him the story shifted into high gear. Definitely a moving revelation.

As Julia chipped away at Gabriel's hard exterior, the depth of the main character was overwhelming. While he maintained the stone shield, she forced him to find the softer side of himself that he had been protecting all along. The underlying references to Dante truly took this story to the next level. If you are looking for your typical romance or smut story, this is definitely not it. The depth of this story really brought these characters to life for me.

I have listened to this book twice (if you notice the headline you can tell I have read/heard this story numerous times). This author is so intelligent it just pours onto the pages. The story is so eloquently written and smart, it is sweet, passionate, and a story of love through the darkest of times. The narrator performance the piece almost perfectly ("The Snarky Narrator"). Don't let the length dissuade from purchasing, it is well worth it!

If you've listened/read Twilight or Fifty Shades of Grey then you've already heard this book. It's the exact same characters, dynamics, insecurities, bipolar moodiness and slow pace. I thought if I suffered through this excruciating book it would pay off with hot, steamy sex scenes but there are no HOT, STEAMY SEX SCENES?!?! I was promised amazing sex but the book NEVER delivered. This book was a huge disappointment and a waste of time.

If you're looking for a long romantic love story, this is the book for you. You learn a lot of historical info from Dante and Betrice's story which mixes with the characters of Gabriel and Julia and makes the story interesting. The story was unpredicatable and captured my interest throughout, however, the last part of the story had me rolling my eyes saying, "Get on with it already!". Julia acts like more of a school girl in the bedroom than a woman. Not a lot of hot and heavy moments in this book till the very, very, very end. This book was more like a slow historical romance novel. Even though bits of the story were slow, it still motivated me to download the next series. Hopefully, in the next series, "Gabriel's Rapture", will have more hot and heavy moments, otherwise, I will be yawning for another 14 hours.

My dictionary describes melodrama as: A sensational dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions. That's this book in a nutshell.

Why was everything so over-blown, including the narration? We're meant to believe that Gabriel is in his 30's, but the character speaks like a 50 year old. The girl has lived a racy life, but acts like a gust of wind would blow her over. Another reviewer says there's some light S/M -- the only thing I found was the sense of masochism I felt from reading it.

God, I hated this book because of what it might have been, and wasn't. I don't understand the good reviews. This was awful.

Excellent story in its entirety. Both of the lead characters are definitely tortured souls but eventually find peace within themselves as well as the supporting characters. The love scenes are not raunchy in any capacity but still gave me butterflies

Gabriel of course.. He is definitely the most tortured soul of them all but he changes into something wonderful especially once you get to the third book

I was uncertain at first about having a male read this kind of book but honestly due to the way the book is written the male voice was perfect and very soothing. Mr. Morgan was spectacular

I couldn't get enough of the story and Mr. Morgan's soothing voice so yes

So far I have completed multiple books that I have enjoyed. At this point my favorite books/stories have been the following sequels:
50 Shades - By: E. L. James
This Man - By: Jodi Ellen Malpas
The Stark Trilogy - By: J. Kenner
Gabriel's Inferno - By: Sylvain Reynard

Each time I try a new book I have been both disappointed and impressed. The disappointing books are not listed above only the ones I loved. At this time I am now completely in love with Gabriel's Inferno which is "NOW" my absolute favorite of the 4 books listed above. I may change my mind once the third book for "This Man" is released but right now my comment stands.I love John Morgan's voice. I think he more than anything is the one who brought this story to life for me.
LOVE IT..

I loved how well written this book is. First of all, the character development is fantastic. I felt close to Julianne and her student life. She is a relatable character from her time spent in pajamas to how frustrated she gets with Gabriel.

The kiss in their office was one of my favorite scenes. It's sexy, yet sweet. I love how long it takes them to have a physical relationship.

No.

The voice messages Gabriel left after Julianna and him argued about the night where he was drunk.

FANTASTIC book. Great read. I really enjoy it.

I would give this book a B compared to all other books I've read so far. I really like that this series stay with the same characters. I loved watching them grow and evolve, also the slow build up of their romantic relationship, i'm glad these characters didn't just jump into bed.

This had been in my wish list for a while & I wish I hadn't waited so long to get it. Gabriel's character is so tense,dark & handsome that he would make any story line interesting. But to see how he falls in love with the girl whom he believes is a dream he once had is so romantic. The cast of characters surrounding him & Julia just adds to the drama and bit of suspense. While Julia's, at times, mousy demeanor is annoying it's wonderful to read about how hard Gabriel falls for her. Their attempt to heal each others hearts & soul's is touching.