Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard

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 sweet and innocent Julia Mitchell enrolls as his graduate student, his attraction and mysterious connection to her not only jeopardizes his career, but sends him on a journey in which his past and his present collide. An intriguing and sinful exploration of seduction, forbidden love and redemption, "Gabriel's Inferno" is a captivating and wildly passionate tale of one man's escape from his own personal hell as he tries to earn the impossible...forgiveness and love.

Initial Thoughts:
I was so hesitant to read this book, even though it appeared at the top of my recommended lists on Amazon and Goodreads for months now. I don't know why I was so hesitant about this book. Maybe the memories of the most horrible Dante's Inferno group project ever my sophomore year of high school? Possibly.

The Pros:
Now, I'm a big Fifty Shades fan. And there are a few similarities in the two series, but holy cow if this book wasn't way better than Fifty. This book is intelligent, beautifully written, and emotional.

Gabriel has nothing but the utmost respect for Julia. His attitude towards her is one of reverence, and I found that incredibly attractive. Nothing is sexier than a man who treats a woman right.

Believe it or not, this book was written by a MAN. I think it definitely adds something different to this book.

The many literary references in the book had me recalling my literature classes in high school and college, and I was shocked to find that not only did I remember most of them, I had a intrigue to read them again.

The way that the past has so greatly influenced the present is a great example of how every choice you make has consequences you must face.

Not only is Gabriel smart (he's a Dante professor for pete's sakes!), but Julia is smart as well. Highly intelligent characters in a romance novel are hard to come by.

The book was long. I love long books.

The Cons:
I'm not sure how I felt about the constantly changing points of view. One paragraph it was Gabriel's POV, then the next was Julia's, and then out of nowhere it was Paul's, and then back to Gabriel, etc.

Gabriel came across so angry and hostile in the beginning of the book that I was immediately turned off by him.

I didn't like Paul. I felt like he was an unnecessary character.

The Wrap Up: 5/5
I freaking LOVED this book. I stayed up way too late on a work night just so I could finish. If you loved Fifty Shades, but craved a more intelligent spin, this is the book for you. I'm pretty sure this book has eclipsed Fifty for me.

Favorite Quote:
"Bad things happen to everyone. Not that this was an excuse or a justification for wronging another human being. Still, all humans had this shared experience - that of suffering. No human being left this world without shedding a tear, or feeling pain, or wading into the sea of sorrow."

Believe me, you're going to want to click here to get your copy.