Professor Gabriel Emerson, a specialist in Dante and the art of seduction, believes he has already earned his exile to the lower circles of hell. Since redemption is impossible, there is no reason to refrain from indulging in a life of pleasurable sin, using his notorious good looks and sophisticated charm as a means to gratify his every whim. But when he meets Julia Mitchell, a brilliant, lovely, and innocent grad student with the achingly familiar eyes of an angel, all of his cynical convictions are challenged. Her mysterious allure and the havoc she wreaks on his self-satisfied existence cause him to lash out at her, while her quiet beauty and innate goodness consistently undermine his control, tempting him beyond measure. Despite surviving a traumatic childhood, nothing has shaken Julia's faith that redemption is possible for everyone-everyone but her. Her unworthiness torments her, since the only man she will ever love has managed to forget her very existence, failing to even recognize her when they reconnect. Too naive to see that Gabriel's hostility is a mask for his increasing obsession with her, Julia forces him to come to grips with his past while she continues to unwittingly torment his senses. His fascination grows into a dangerous preoccupation, for Julia is forbidden fruit . . . Will Gabriel survive the inferno, or will he succumb to the flames?
*****
I really enjoyed this book. It was definitely on the intense side. The two protagonists had their share of troubles. Her's (Julia) from an S.O.B of an ex boyfriend who did such and emotional number on her, and Gabriel from his childhood issues into growing up.
If you're looking for tawdry this isn't it, if you're looking for love scene after love scene this isn't it. This book was erotic, yet beautiful. Gabriel was patient and wonderful and Julia was an innocent in the true sense of the word even though she wasn't "innocent".
I have to say, the similarities between this and Fifty Shades was unreal for me. While Gabriel wasn't full BDSM, he was controlling like Christian in the fact of wanting to make sure she ate, kept pulling her bottom lip from her teeth, texting, amazing.
Enjoyed it, recommend it, there is another coming, but this works fantastic as a stand alone.
4 1/2 cannolis
You are worst than me, lol. You read this because of all the comparisons to Christian, hahahaha I only knew the title because of discussions.
ReplyDeleteFifty Shades Freed is out in Jan, 2 more months :-)