Gabriel's Inferno

"This is -- complicated.  And dangerous." Julia willed herself to forget the feeling of his lips on hers and to focus on their insurmountable problems.  But is was impossible, especially since the memory of the sounds he made while kissing her still echoed in her ears. ~Gabriel's Inferno, pg. 239.

Synopsis:
Enigmatic and sexy, Professor 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.

What I Loved:
This book is beautiful.  It is lyrical even.  The words flow through the pages like a song.  I can't remember when I loved a book this much.   Gabriel's character is well written, well developed and well done.  Julia is adorably shy, smart and strong.  Her meekness is endearing because we see underneath her timid exterior is a survivor, a strong independent soul with a heart of a tiger. Their love story is classic.

I loved all the art, music and literature mentioned in the book.  It gave the book substance and educated the reader in the process. 

Favorite quotes:
“So drop the Mr. Rochester-Mr. Darcy-Heathcliff British stuck-uppity and treat her like the treasure she is” 

 “When a man kneels before a woman, it’s a gesture of chivalry. When a woman kneels before a man, it’s unseemly.” 

 “Addictive personalities can latch on to anything: drugs, alcohol, sex, people…what if you become addicted to me?”   
“I am already addicted to you, Beatrice. Only you’re far more dangerous than cocaine.” 

 “Please let me love you."
"As if I could even contemplate living without you.” 

Book in the Freezer moment:
The part in the book that made me stop take a breath and collect myself was the morning Julia leaves Gabriel's apartment after she rescues him from Gollum.  I was so upset with Gabriel for being so blind and cruel to Julia.  I had to stop put the book down for a bit and tell myself that everything was going to be OK :)

Favorite Scene:
My favorite scene in the book was the confrontation during the Dante Seminar.  I love the passion in their fight!