A trusted source told me to read this book. And I don’t regret it one bit. In fact, I find myself missing it now that it’s over.
Gabriel’s Inferno by Sylvain Reynard toes the delicate line between chick lit and romance in a way I really enjoyed. The cover is lustful and steamy – a total turnoff for me – but the writing inside is worth diving into.
The story begins with Julie starting graduate school in Canada. She quickly gets off on the wrong foot with her professor in a Dante Seminar. But she seems to know more about him than befits a new student. It’s confusing at first, but as the tale unfolds we quickly learn Julie and The Professor have a rich past he remembers nothing about.
I try not to be too much of a tease, but the story is so captivating I hate to give any of it away here. Let’s just say they’ve had a passionate past where the lines between love, hate, rage and passion begin to blur.
Julie is a strong female character; Reynard gave her depth and intelligence, aspects that are key to a great
chick lit novel. The Professor is equally intriguing, making them a fascinating duo. Too many books let the male character serve as only a prop for the woman to grow, but this gives us a glimpse into both psyches creating a clever (albeit lustful) read.
Vin Parfait Red Wine’s erotic aromas of ripe red cherry and raspberry reduction complement this steamy yet sharp novel. The flavorful blend of wines matches the combination of Julie and Professor Emerson’s dynamic personalities. Sip a glass of this enchanting red while daydreaming of your very own professor feeding you chocolate cake (see p. 226 – trust me), and cozy up with The Professor in Gabriel’s Inferno.
We’re giving away this holiday Must Read! To enter to win, leave a comment here about why you love chick lit.
♥ Syrah
I’m so glad you loved it, Syrah! A truly sensuous read. The wine you paired it with sounds delicious.
This is my first visit. Love the combo of two of my fave things, wine and books!
I just found out about this book and I can’t wait until I get payed to read it. I just got some great recommendations for several books and I am learning about wine. I guess I have been under a rock or locked up not to know about wines, a great soft blanket, and a great book to top it all off.
I love the combo!! I read the whole story while it was on fanfiction!! Can’t wait to find out more about the book!
There’s a description on pps. 32 – 33 in Gabriel’s Inferno of Julia sampling wine. Sylvain Reynard chronicles each small nuance with the precision of a watch maker’s movements. Each action taken singly builds upon the former and enhances the next and ultimately delivers the sensation of taste to new heights. The wine proffered to Julia is savored by her. The degree of care she demonstrated while sampling it was a compliment of the highest order.
Just as Julia exhibited knowledge and station while enjoying the wine, this superb novel is one that deserves to be savored in the same manner as Julia’s wine was. The use of the English language is done with meticulous attention. The depth and breadth of the characters presented are tantalizing to one’s intellect. The story offers great angst that rips the heart and elicits a magnitude of tears and then brings effusive joy to one’s soul. Seldom have I read about a first sexual experience that was as tender as the one here is that blends desire and satisfaction for both partners and ends in euphoria. The setting is described so realistically that one can envision it clearly as it blends into the story flawlessly. All of this is then combined with the quality of music that continues to add to a story that won’t be easily forgotten. The journey of this captivating novel doesn’t stop there. References to great art and classic literature garnish this feast of words. This novel is a treat that is layered with everything that is enjoyable to read.
What a win/win to combine this novel with great wine. They enhance each other. They will leave the reader very satisfied for having taken the time and effort.
Im looking forward to getting lost in this story! Sounds so great! Thanks!
Love dreamy escape books like this!
I NEED this book!!! I started reading it when it was on fanfiction, but I never finished it! It’s killing me that I never finished it! Even though I did not finish the book, I do know that everyone needs to read it!
I love wine recs. I found a good Cab Sauv goes great with Gabriel and throw in some good quality chocolate for the angsty parts. One thing I love about G is his ability to romance/flirt/love/seduce his lady with food and drink. I raise my glass to GI!!
I love chick lit because I can get lost in it. I love getting lost on a good read, the type you can’t put down with a good romance that leaves me tingling and warm all over. I can’t wait to read this story, I missed it while it was on fanfiction.net but have heard great things.
Love getting lost in a good read like this. I love when you just can’t put a book down and you get warm and tingly all over just reading it. I missed this story on fanfiction.net but have heard so much about to and can’t wait to read it. Chick lot rules!!
Love this book and am DYING to get my hands on a full copy. I’ve only mangaed to reads bits from sites and friends copy. Deffo would make my crimbo complete
Combining wine and Chic lit? Oh yessir 
what’s not to like! Girlfriends, good books and wine….perfection!
I bought this when it was published and didn’t read it until this review. Though, I don’t know whether to thank you or slap you! I stayed up all night reading and skipped work. Lol. Well done to Sylvain and i can not wait for the sequel!!!!!!!
I need this book! Magnificently, wonderfully, and awesomely good font! (Just kidding.) Amazing. One of the best I read this year. Holding on tight to my kindle and wanting to get a hold of a paperback (so i can sleep with it at night). Always had a fetish for authoritative relationships….
(Um, Sequel, do you have a name? Maybe I can get your digits, for your release…)
There are two reasons why I love chick lit: 1) I finally started to understand wine; 2) whien you are read posts/articles, it brings you such a warm feeling, the kind of you get, when Christmas is just behind the corner.
P.S. This book is one of my all time favourite. The only bad thing about ‘Gabriel’s Inferno’ – it ends:)