New York Times bestselling author Sylvain Reynard returns with the fourth installment of the beloved Gabriel’s Inferno series. When Gabriel and Julia Emerson first lay eyes on their newborn daughter, Clare, they realize life as they know it will never be the same. Gabriel has vowed to be a good father when he suddenly receives an invitation to give a series of lectures in Edinburgh, … in Edinburgh, Scotland–an opportunity of high prestige—but that would mean leaving his wife and child in Boston. Hesitant to bring it up, he keeps the opportunity from Julia as long as he can, not knowing she has a secret of her own.
When a frightening situation arises that threatens their new family, both parents must make sacrifices. With the family in danger, the looming question remains: Will Gabriel pursue his lectureship in Edinburgh, leaving Julia and Clare vulnerable in Boston, or will he abandon the chance of a lifetime in order to ensure his family’s safety?
more
Gabriels Promise is a book that we all did not realize that we needed.
It has been years since Gabriel’s Redemption has come out and it feels like returning to old friends I hadn’t realized how muched I really missed.
The book picks up literally where the last book ends so there is no story skip.
This story follows the beginning life of new parents with humor and the trials that anyone who has been a parent whould understand.
Gabriel and Jullianne both have a bad habit of keeping thing from eachothe, because they don’t want to worry each other. This is a bad habit that can have dire consequecnes.
With great passion for eachother and the desire for self sacrifice, they learn of their deeper love and their story made me thirsty to know more of their story. (less)
I did something with this fourth book in the Gabriel’s Inferno series that I haven’t done in quite some time. I finished the book, then I sat back and stewed about it for a while. Then I stewed about it some more. I enjoyed the first three books in the series, and while it took me a bit in the first book to warm up to the contrariness that is Gabriel, warm up, I did, and I liked this couple together. Julia has this way of giving in to Gabriel while somehow, still getting her own way, and there is no doubt of his dedication to her. That dedication takes on a new element with Gabriel’s Promise. This pair is learning to be parents, and they’re both completely devoted to baby Clare. Gabriel, Julia, and Clare are just the sweetest family, and of course, we get lots of extended family as everyone gathers round to welcome the new baby, which means some catching up with favorites from the series. Of course, there’s a bit of angst with some secrets between our couple, but if you’re familiar with the series, and you really should be before starting this one, then a few disagreements between these two won’t be enough to do them in. Instead, we get some danger by way of a mystery character, one who may or may not be from Gabriel or Julia’s past. This is where I ran into problems, and it’s what brought about my stewing. What it boils down to is that the conclusion for this book is kind of open-ended, and it feels a little unfinished to me. Now, I don’t know if there are plans for another book in the series. Honestly, I expected this to be the finale for this couple, but now, I’m not so sure. If there is another book in the works, the unfinished ending along with unanswered questions would make sense because the series has been a continuing story. But, if this is the last book, I feel like the author took the easy way out with the suspense angle here. I really expected so much more, especially after a certain big thing happened. It really had great potential, but it ended up being a little like a secondary storyline just to have the mystery included, and it starts to fizzle after that above mentioned big event. To sum it up, I loved getting to revisit this couple, but I wasn’t sold on the suspense, especially with how it was left.
4 Stars!
Professor Gabriel Emerson is a well known Dante specialist from Harvard who made a name for himself at the University of Toronto. He’s now a full time professor at Boston University and lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with his wife Julia and new baby Clare. Gabriel and Julia were a few months away from their second wedding anniversary, and had come a long way since she was his graduate student. They’d survived scandal, and separation, and now life was about being a family. As they are settling in to being new parents they encounter unexpected drama, new opportunities, and academic challenges. Through everything they continue to put family and their love first.
Gabriel’s Promise is the fourth installment in the Gabriel Inferno series. It’s packed with passion, mystery and intrigue. I really enjoyed this story, and was happy to get more of the professor!
I totally enjoyed this book!
Author Sylvain Reynard picks up in this fourth book of the Inferno series right where we left off in Book 3, Gabriels Redemption.
This book gives all the feels of being new parents for Gabriel & Julia . with their newborn baby daughter Clare.
I enjoyed the love, suspense, and the drama they endure. This book did give me a rollercoaster of emotions when it came to the obstacles they had to overcome.
Overall I enjoyed every bit of being brought back into their world.
5 popped!
4 ‘My promise to you’ Stars!
ARC provided by the the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Starting 2020 next to Professor Emerson.. not a bad way to start, am I right? After quite a few years and many re-reads, Gabriel and his beloved Julianne are back! We weren’t expecting this at all when Sylvain Reynard announced it but it surely was a good surprise for me. I am not complaining because I still consider Gabriel one of the swooniest heroes in romance and trust me, you’ll melt all over seeing him as a Daddy. *sigh*
Gabriel’s Promise is the fourth installment in the series and you can grab it right this second if you want because it’s live today! It starts right after the end of Gabriel’s Redemption so if you still haven’t read that, please be aware there will be SPOILERS ahead. Gabriel and his Beatrice are happily married and with a new and adorable daughter (Clare) and this whole book is about their life as a family, their relationship evolving after marriage and with some suspense in between.
“I will never leave. I will be here with you both, my darling girls, for as long as I live.”
Gabriel Emerson is, in my opinion, one of the most romantic heroes I’ve had the pleasure to read. His love for Julia is so deep and beautiful and I love how he expresses it (with words and gestures and a whole lot of sexiness!). Well, imagine that love also with his baby daughter. Gabriel is such a good dad and husband and he adores and protects his two girls with his life. Of course, he also continues bringing a whole lot of burning chemistry with his wife. This couple still burns up the pages!
“Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair.” And I will never see anything on this side of Heaven more beautiful than you.
It’s obvious that I really enjoyed having these characters back and reading more about them. However, everything felt quite finished by the end of Gabriel’s Redemption so, was Gabriel’s Promise really necessary? Not really. Yes, as I said, I thoroughly enjoyed Gabriel and Julia’s newest story but sometimes I felt the storyline wasn’t developing anymore, the ending felt a bit rushed to me and some things were left in the air and unfinished. I wished the whole mystery would have been completely solved. Besides that, I loved going back to this story and these beloved characters.
“How fortunate I am to have married my Beatrice and to be lying by her side.”
Therefore, I am rating Gabriel’s Promise with 4 STARS because it gave us a new development of Gabriel and Julianne’s story, that wasn’t really necessary but it was still lovely and enjoyable to read. Seeing Gabriel and his beloved Beatrice as parents was so adorable and their heartwarming and burning chemistry is definitely still there! If you have enjoyed the other three books and you want a bit more of this wonderful couple, do not hesitate to grab this new installment guys!
I will post my review after its release in January. I don’t want to spoil the Journey for anyone. I do want to thank SR & Nina for the Advance Readers Copy & I cant wait to read it all over again in January. It was nice to be with old friends again.
As promised my Review: Gabriel’s Promise is like coming home and visiting with beloved family and friends. It picks up with all the angst that you were left at the ending of Gabriel’s Redemption. We get to see what a wonderful loving over the top protective Father & husband Gabriel has become. Sylvain Reynard writing will have you laughing, smiling & crying; and when you finish you will want to start this Journey all over again. I ways so happy & surprised when some beloved characters from Sylvain Reynard’s Florentine series & Man in the Black Suit make an appearance, honestly the interaction was how I imagined it would have taken place. Both Gabriel & Julia are keeping secrets with the intention of sacrificing, putting things on hold so the other can soar, but as in life secrets can cause tension & misunderstandings. They both receive individual loving guidance from Richard and others along the way. I don’t to say anymore for I don’t want to spoil your Journey. Thank you SR for continuing Gabriel & Julia’s story & touching our hearts with your beautiful words. Cheers KK
This tale, fourth in a series of beautiful and inspiring romance, is suffused with life wisdom and tenderness.
Always in paralellism with Dante’s life story and his poetic love for Beatrice, it builds on the events of the trilogy to continue this couple’s plight and happiness with marriage, parenthood, academic challenges and health threats. It is pure emotion, pure romance, and pure humanity.
In the lines of family warmth and loss, there are plenty of meaningful conversations and scenes that proove the power of bonds between people. It’s like a tapestry of all the needs and feelings we are made of. Despite the dangers and obstacles that plague Gabriel and Julianne in this vulnerable time of their lives, the atmosphere is so comforting and full of love because they stay together, love each other fiercely, support and get support from their friends and family. The relationship between them is so true and tender, and I sighed constantly with Gabriel’s take to fatherhood and laughed with his imperial sense of humour.
The world of academia, with its labyrinthine psychology, and some pressing dangers lurking in the shadows enhance the domestic bliss side of the story with a dark suspense touch. In addition, everything related to Dante and his infernal travels is remarkably enriching and appealing to me.
This author has a smooth, natural writing style that makes the ordinary feel like a solace.
I loved the artful combination of mysteries, academic pressure, blissful lovemaking, family relations and the always engaging world of Dante with his many secrets in the Divine Comedy.
This book pays homage to Gabriel and Julianne and their devoted fans, linking perfectly with all the previous works.
As a continuation to the main trilogy, it’s a beautiful rendition of domestic bliss as the couple has finally earned it, and the struggles and enigmas they now face seem to open up a new path for future books.
Definitely worth reading and savouring.
If you’ve followed me for any length of time on social media, you already know that Sylvain Reynard is one of my favorite authors. I’ve been a devoted reader of SR’s since 2010 and my love for Prof. Gabriel O. Emerson knows no bounds. When it comes to book boyfriends, no one comes close to The Professor. So when it was announced that “Gabriel’s Promise” would be published, my excitement went into overdrive.
The fourth book in this series picks up right where “Gabriel’s Redemption” left off. As a reminder, “Redemption” is a story in which The Professor seemingly has it all. But even as Gabriel and Julia navigate through their newlywed bliss, Gabriel remains convinced that his happiness is destined to be short-lived, that it could be ripped away at any moment. When his infant daughter, Clare, is born and placed in his arms for the first time at the conclusion of book three, we get a glimpse of how blessed Gabriel’s life will become by fatherhood.
“Gabriel’s Promise” takes this glimpse and fully immerses us in those first precious days and weeks of new parenthood. Gabriel’s love for Clare is limitless and it’s a joy to read. The Professor dotes on his Principessa as only he can, and I took it all in with a big smile. Seeing Gabriel achieve true happiness has been a long time in the making. He is an amazing dad. Naturally, there are some complications that arise for the Emersons during this time. What’s interesting to read is how Gabriel chooses to deal with his obstacles in “Promise” compared to the earlier books.
My only word of caution would be for those who haven’t yet read “The Florentine Series” or “The Man In The Black Suit.” There are elements from those books that have found their way into “Gabriel’s Promise” and might cause some mild confusion. That’s not to say that you need to read those books before diving into this one. Just be aware that some dots won’t be fully connected with this novel, and that you may want to move on to those other stories afterward.
“Gabriel’s Promise” is my first read of 2020, and as usual, SR sets the storytelling bar high for my subsequent reads this year. I’m giving this novel five stars for it’s heart, humor, sexiness, and the mere existence of the dazzling Prof. Gabriel O. Emerson.
(If you thought Gabriel was hot before, just wait until you spot him strolling through the Harvard campus with Clare in a fancy Swedish baby carrier.)
If you have followed along with Sylvain Reynard’s Gabriel’s Inferno series, you will devour this fourth installment. (If you are new to the series, make sure you read the first three prior to this one because Reynard develops characters and plots throughout those books that make Gabriel’s Promise far more enjoyable and understandable.)
Gabriel and Julia have their baby daughter, but of course Sylvain Reynard won’t let them enjoy parenthood without throwing in some angst and danger. The Emersons are under siege, both professionally and personally. One of those threats is resolved, the other left open at the end of this book.
Lest you think Reynard will let Gabriel and Julia get dull with parenthood, I can assure you that the heat and connection they felt through courtship and marriage remains strong. My favorite scenes are the quiet ones with them and baby Clare, where they adjust to parenthood and continue to discover each other.
Gabriel Emerson’s fans rejoice when we get to spend time with him, and I can’t wait for where Sylvain Reynard takes Gabriel and Julia (and baby Clare) next.
I am one of those crazies who never read the original trilogy. Yet I have been intrigued with Professor Emerson and his Julianne for quite some time, not realizing that this couple has the exact kind of love I crave. That being said, I am floored at how I never felt lost nor confused while reading Gabriel’s Promise. Mentions of the past are sprinkled in at the right times and I felt as if I could decipher just how much pain they endured through their struggles to be together. Every single accolade bestowed upon Sylvain Reynard since Gabriel’s Inferno was published are well deserved. The writing style is flawless as I found myself fully immersed almost immediately. I couldn’t stop turning the pages watching as the now very content Professor lives his happily ever after with the love of his life. He and Julia are true soulmates, having this glorious kind of connection that seems to only have grown deeper with the passage of time.
Their new family of 3 is a lovely adventure for both of them and my heart exploded more than once as I watched as Gabriel was reduced to a puddle of goo whenever Clare was in his presence. His reason for living his very best life is now off the charts as he and his wife wade through the world that is parenthood.
Reynard, though, doesn’t bore us with just a glimpse into this beautiful existence. Instead, there are decisions to be made with regard to both of Gabriel and Julia’s futures that will undoubtedly rock their nirvana as well as some troubling events that put them all on edge.
Perhaps it’s because this is my first time reading Reynard’s words, but I was completely immersed in all things Dante and love how Julia and Gabriel’s big brains explain the most complicated of works with ease. I was in awe of these two and just how brilliant they both are. And, obviously, with the author as well. The use of classic works, whether written, painted or sculpted, is pure genius and I’m still kicking myself knowing I have missed out on such a great series.
I am beyond hopeful there will be more as The Professor and Julianne since the ending was a bit open and is practically asking the reader to beg for more. So here I am, begging for more!
Truly well done, I happily give Gabriel’s Promise a huge 5 stars!
GABRIEL’S PROMISE is the fourth instalment in Sylvain Reynard’s contemporary, adult GABRIEL’S INFERNO erotic, romance series focusing on Professor Gabriel Emerson, and his wife Julianne Emerson. GABRIEL’S PROMISE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there are a number of references to previous events that affect the current time line.
Told from third person perspective GABRIEL’S PROMISE picks up immediately after the events of book three GABRIEL’S REDEMPTION wherein our heroine, Julianne Emerson has given birth to their daughter Clare, a difficult birth of which Julia is slow to recover. Not wanting to put her PhD dissertation on hold, Julianne will struggle with the future of her studies when her husband is offered/wins a prestigious position overseas in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Meanwhile the Emerson family is being stalked. From the numerous appearances of an unmarked car to the mysterious break-in at their once-secure home, Gabriel Emerson battles between head and heart knowing to turn down the prestigious offer means destroying his career in the blink of an eye. But his family comes first, in all matters of the heart and our hero is willing to walk away from his career to protect the people he loves.
There is a large ensemble cast of dynamic and familiar secondary and supporting characters including colleagues, family, and friends-former or otherwise.
GABRIEL’S PROMISE is a story of family, love, vengeance and betrayal. Once again, there are numerous comparisons of, and references to Dante’s Inferno and the Divine Comedy, Purgatorio and Paradiso, as is to be expected from our leading couple, as well as the author Sylvain Reynard. The series, in part, focuses on the writings of Dante Alighieri, and references many examples applying the poetry to Gabriel’s life.
Someone is hoping to destroy the Emerson family but the list of potential suspects is convoluted and long. From both Julianne and Gabriel’s exes, to the jealousy of colleagues and former friends, threats to Gabriel, Julianne and their daughter Clare force Gabriel to take drastic measures to protect the woman and child he loves. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is energetic and hot; the characters are numerous, colorful and energetic.
This is the fourth installment in the Gabriel’s Inferno series. You will need to read the previous books. I have read the other three books, however that was awhile ago. I didn’t re-read them before reading this book.
This book series is getting ready to show on Passion Flix not sure how many show each book will be.
In this book we have Gabriel & Julia Emerson. Julia has just given birth to baby Clare. The Emerson family is headed home to visit with friends and family.
Julia has taken maternity leave taking a leave from her school work from Harvard. Her dissertation should be ready only 1 semester late, but she is worried about falling behind.
Gabriel, has been given an invitation to be a guest lecture over in Edinburgh, Scotland. If he accepts this invitation he will be away a full year. He doesn’t want to leave Julia and Clare alone for that time. He doesn’t want them to be a commuting couple either.
Will Gabriel accept this guest lecture opportunity? Will he be able to leave Julia & Clare?
With Gabriel possibly leaving with Julia be able to finish her work for her degree and her future? Or will she be able to go with Gabriel and continue her studies?
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book from the publisher. I am freely leaving an honest review.
I am so excited to be back in this world with Gabriel and Julia, Paul, Rachel, the whole crew. While the whole feel of these books is unlike any I usually read (I mean seriously, the writing is way more poetic and academic than any others I gravitate towards) I love it.
And Gabriel as a daddy? Swoon. Put any doubts these two had about being parents aside- having children can bring out the best in you. Richard and Rebecca have potential, I could totally see them getting together. Rachel in this book is kind of a mess, she’s really struggling with things. And I need to know more about what’s going on with Paul. I thought things were resolved in one way, but now I’m thrown for a loop. And Julia gave me quite a scare earlier on.
While they are starting a new chapter in their lives and it seems, so are other characters, there’s a bit of suspenseful mystery. That doesn’t get resolved. So even though there’s an adorably happy ending, I’m betting money on another book coming our way! I can’t imagine leaving a few things open like that. So yay!
Review will be up as soon as I get cleared to put it up, no spoilers of course, but it’s a 5 fantastic stars!
SR I am truly honored for the privilege of reading this book so early, so thank you and Nina for the opportunity and friendship over the years. I missed Gabriel and Julia.
It’s been a while since Gabriel’s Redemption was published, but even then, I wanted more. Gabriel’s Promise is that more I wanted and much more. Gabriel and Julianne’s story has been a part of my life for a decade now. Sylvain Reynard story is one that will transcend time. Not only because the romance story behind it, but all the knowledge you get from them, you will find Dante Alighieri, Botticelli along with C.S. Lewis work within these pages. You get a music playlist that will make your emotions more real.
I have read hundreds of books since Gabriel’s Inferno, none of them have the elements I have found within the series. I suggest you read all of SR books, as you will find some connecting dots with this one.
Needless to say, this book is a must read more than 5 stars and a series you need to have on your shelf.
Don’t forget to sign up for Passionflix, as you will be getting this beloved story on screen soon!
Gabriel & Julia’s new story felt like coming home. Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
I have await and long thought of our wonderful couple. Beatrice has always say at the forefront of my mind due to this series. I loved revisiting our characters again and seeing this couple add another to their family. I certainly need more of their story and everlasting love!
5 Promising Stars
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
When I saw that there was another book coming out about Professor Gabriel Emerson, I knew I had to read it. I fell in love with the good professor from the very first book and my love for him is still going strong. Although I will share him with Julia and baby Clare.
When Gabriel receives a prestigious invitation to lecture in Scotland, he is conflicted about leaving Julia and baby Clare at home. Julia has a few concerns of her own after having the baby and she hopes they disappear before she has to tell Gabriel. But when a frightening situation happens at home, Gabriel is thinking about declining to go to Scotland so he can keep Julia and Clare safe.
Will Gabriel tell Julia his concerns and they decide what would be best? Will Julia explain her concerns before they get worse? Will the frightening situation continue to plague them?
With the way the story ended, I wonder if there might be a chance for another book? I hope so! I enjoyed seeing Gabriel and Julia adjusting as parents, Gabriel is even sexier as a daddy. I highly recommend you read from the beginning so you don’t miss a delicious second of the good professor. So sit back and enjoy all that is Gabriel’s Promise.
**Wicked Reads Review Team**
I was so excited when I heard we were going to be catching up with Gabriel and Julianne and this story did not disappoint, it was everything I expected and so much more.
Gabriel and Julianne are now proud parents and in this book we see a different side to the couple I love, you would think marriage and new baby will be all about happiness but as always with this author this couple have a few hurdles to cross, their relationship will be tested as they try and work out how to move forward possibly on different sides of the world…….
I’m not going to write a review full of spoilers you need to read this book first hand you need to have no preconceived ideas about how Gabriel and Julianna have matured and moved to the next stage of their beautiful love story. This is an emotional read with all the feels, it’s romantic, it’s steamy and it has the perfect mix of passion, suspense and mystery. Gabriel’s Promise ticked all my boxes and I’m sure if you are a lover of this very talented author it will tick all yours as well so all that’s left for me to say is start 2020 with a great read, you need to one click this must read.
Sylvain Reynard is one of my must read authors. Gabriel’s Promise has been a long time in the making, but worth every second of the wait.
Now, I have terrible bookzheimers, and I didn’t reread the previous books prior to diving in to book 4, so it took me a while to get my head back around where there story was at, but once I did it was full steam ahead for me.
We are back with our Professor and his lovely Julianne, their growing family and the intriguing world of Dante and his Beatrice.
A little bit of mystery and drama, grumpy professors, and a whole lot of dirty, sexy times had me turning each page.
I did find the first 25% or so a little slow, and a little heavy handed on the religion stuff – that’s just the athiest in me I guess! If it weren’t a Sylvain / Gabriel book, I am not sure if I would have kept on reading, however I knew it would be worth it to keep going.
And ugh, Gabriel/Julia – what was with the not telling each other stuff???
I know it makes it sound like I didn’t like this book, however that is not the case. Just my pet peeves showing!
What I really loved, was getting more of Paul – you know, the Angelf*&ker. I always liked him, and loved seeing his and Julia’s relationship moving forward.
The ending, to me, felt a little open ended – so fingers crossed that there will be more in the future. Please let us have more.
4.5-Stars ~ Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse & Rachel at KFF
Reynard offers his readers the fourth book in the highly popular Gabriel’s Inferno series, coming to our screens very soon. If you haven’t read the previous books, we recommend that you do as Gabriel’s Promise isn’t a standalone, but a heartwarming compliment to the Emerson family. We love the author’s prose and in this instalment, his male protagonist’s elegance, chivalrousness and impatient ways haven’t changed in the least. Still protective of his loved ones, still gorgeous.
“And you’re gorgeous.”
“You are infuriatingly charming.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
The storyline per se is an interesting one in the respect that the Emerson’s have a new addition to the family. Reynard dedicated a good part of the book to their new role, executing it exactly how we would have expected from him. Our beloved Gabriel is still the dedicated husband, and observing how he is with his daughter made us go weak at the knees. Julianne good-naturedly teasing her husband lightened up the mood, her sense of ridiculousness got us chuckling to ourselves. You’ll see what we mean when you come across the garden ornament scenes.
“Let’s talk about the abomination that’s now standing in our front garden.”
“I have no idea what you mean.”
The difference here is both husband and wife have to make difficult decisions regarding the course of their professional careers. At times it seemed Gabriel wasn’t going to be able to keep his promise because to do otherwise would spell failure. Danger lurking in the background doesn’t help matters and discovering why they’re being targeted not only triggers off a feeling of unrest, but is also a major concern. Alas, Reynard’s wish was to keep us in the dark, so we hope a follow-up will be in the offering. Also, seeing as Julianne’s talent has caught the attention of academics in the field she’s studying, it would be a crying shame if the likes of a certain person makes it difficult for her to finish what she’d started. Solutions exist; however, we’re still not sure if there will be interference from them in the future.
“I won’t let you sacrifice yourself for me. Never again.”
Gabriel clenched his jaw. “We make sacrifices for each other. That’s the point.”
It felt like going home, meeting up with other characters we’d learnt to cherish. Katherine is still her old self, always reliable and witty, and seeing the whole family together was a joy to be remembered. Reynard hasn’t left out the steaminess, the Emerson’s passion as strong as ever. But what we liked most was witnessing Gabriel and Julianne in married life. They have a deep-level admiration for each other which is conveyed throughout the story. Trait trivialities are of no importance, their love has no bounds.
“You’re my muse. You help me see things I can’t see. And you propel me to be a better man as well as a better scholar.”
We did find some of the banter a tad staid and felt the speech could have been a little less formal. And although the author has taught us a lot about Dante, Beatrice and The Devine Comedy, some of the technicalities and Gabriel’s interpretation of said work wasn’t easy to interpret. Saying that, we thoroughly enjoyed reading Reynard’s new story and for fans of this series, it’s a must-read.
“…Look at you— a beautiful, fierce goddess of love, who never takes except she gives tenfold more. Let me be your servant in love and desire.”