Gabriel's Rapture

Gabriel's Inferno, Book 2

By: Sylvain Reynard

Narrated by: John Morgan

Length: 14 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

National best-selling author Sylvain Reynard continues the story of Gabriel and Julia, two lovers bound together by their darkest desires.

But those very desires may destroy them....

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 listener’s mind, body, and soul, forever.

©2012 Sylvain Reynard (P)2012 Penguin Audio

Learning Curves with a Happy Ending

I've learned a few things from this series: 1. is that if you are familiar with the Italian poet Dante and Beatrice's story along with other famous poets then this is the book for you and you will appreciate the quotes used throughout the story. I'm not familiar with famous poet's quotes so I had to really think about the meanings of the quotes and how it applies to the storyline. 2. is that you have to have A LOT of patience. This book is not only long, but aggrevating for me at times because I have little patience and I found myself pounding my fists on my desk in frustration because Julia is so naive and insecure with her relationship with Gabriel. I can't believe the things she says or feels after all they've been through. 3. but alas, if you have patience to listen to the first book, then you will have patience to listen to this book which will result in a happy ending. It was an enjoyable listen during the end and I look forward to the next book in the series.

wonderful narration

What does John Morgan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

like the first book in series better but narrator has voice to sit back and enjoy. I would not have gotten same pleasure from reading either of the titles.

Loved It!

Once again, beautifully written & read. I look for to listening to the final book.

Excellent read

I enjoyed this even more than the first as I enjoyed the transformation of Gabriel. His change from self indulgent to generous and caring of others made him even more desirable. Julia on the other hand irked my soul inexplicably. Her immaturity, lack of insight (even after multiple explanations) along with her insecurities were annoying beyond belief. I do not feel she grew up at all and her continued attempts at punishing him for " leaving her" even after he explained why and she was given all evidence in writing made her appear whiny and pouty like a child. I really feel she is out of Gabriel 's league as she is still extremely naive about the challenges and realities of life and not mature enough to be his wife. I enjoyed it and cannot wait for the screen adaptation. I KEPT SEEING GUILIO BERRUTI WITH EACH SCENE, how yummy it will be to see him portray the transformed Gabriel ☺😊😍

love

just love this series. own it in paperback but it is wonderful listening to this gentleman read the story.

Gabriel's Rapture!

I love this series. I am glad to reread the books. Its been a few years since I last read or listened! Terrific characters. And narration is wonderful!

Brilliant

I don't want this story to ever end. I am so captivated by the writing. I have learned so much.

A Story That Will Remain With You Forever

If you could sum up Gabriel's Rapture in three words, what would they be?

Sylvain Reynard is a brilliant writer, a master with words who draws you into his story on the first page. I never wanted it to end. The saga is a journey about two compelling people, Julianne and Gabriel whose love survives through years of uncertainty and times of sorrow and loss. I fell in love with Gabriel. It also made me want to brush up on my Italian and remember my many trips to my favorite country to vacation, Italy. The reader will also be educated in the story about Dante and Beatrice during the Italian Renaissance. SR is currently writing book 3 in this unforgetable love story. I anxiously await its release.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character has to be Gabriel. His troubled journey shows his strength to dispel his addictions and achieve something better in life. It results in his finding his one true love. Gabriel is a man who loves like no other. He's willing to make great sacrifices because of his deep love for Julianne.

What does John Morgan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I loved John Morgan's narration. He's a gifted actor. His deep voice made one visualize the male characters more distinctly, especially Gabriel. I could sense his powerful image. As far as the female characters, a little less. It took a while to get used to it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had a box of tissues next to me because I did cry quite often. There were times I laughed as well. SR is such a master with his words that one minute I had tears running down my cheeks, the next I was laughing. And, quite often I was swooning because of Gabriel's expertise in lovemaking. OH MY!

Any additional comments?

I have listened to this story three times and will listen to it again. I cannot get enough of Professor Gabriel Owen Emerson and Julianne in this enduring love story.

Great #2 ...ready for #3

Where does Gabriel's Rapture rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Pretty high.. maybe a 8 out of 10

What other book might you compare Gabriel's Rapture to and why?

Different elements remind me of other books like Reflected In You.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Same as the first book... just did not go with the book. The voice just didn't feel right for this one.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

Still Under the Spell of Gabriel's Rapture

I just finished reading this second entry in the Gabriel Emerson series, and I am so sorry it is over! I haven't even deleted it yet, because I do not want to come out from the spell it has me in. Fascinating yet flawed characters you care about, want-to-be-there locations, and all given depth and sensual appeal with the beautiful language of poetry , mouthwatering descriptions of food, and a background of music that can be quickly downloaded from Amazon (I doubt I am the only one out there with a Gabriel Emerson play list!!!); all adding up to a listening experience that can virtually surround you.

If you loved the first book, you will love this one even more and will probably wind up, like me, eagerly awaiting the next installment...it can't come soon enough for me!The narrator of Gabriel's Rapture, John Michael Morgan, is the perfect voice to tell the story; his American English is perfect, without any suggestion of regionalismHis readings of scripture and poetry, as well as romantic declarations and sexual descriptions sound natural and moving and are delivered with complete believability. His narration is just....well.....elegant! He really was the perfect choice.

Readers will find so many aspects of both of the Emerson books to be familiar ones:tensions, fears, worries, desires and longings. If you are like me, you will want to be in the places that the characters visit and inhabit. I really appreciate the spiritual life that the characters have and that they grow in, particularly Gabriel, as Juliann becomes an anchor to him, drawing him into the light. How great is it to read about characters who do not feel that their growing in their relationship with God precludes them from the delights of the senses; but increases the wonder and beauty of what they share, be it food or music or sex. I also thank the author for including the main characters coming to terms with who they are through therapy, since some of the advice given to Juliann, regarding the fact that partners bring different things to a relationship, and even if one person does not bring an equal amount of financial support to the relationship, that one thing alone is not the measure of their worth or importance. I am not expressing it as well as the therapist, but the advice is some thing that really helped me with feelings I have been dealing with for years. It may sound silly, but those few paragraphs were like wings to me, and very literally took a weight off of me.

Well, enough, I know...I will just say that for so many reasons, I love this series, and this book even more than the first. I will be waiting for the third!!!!! Recommended, to say the very least!!