I've said it before and I will say it again, this series is absolutely one of my all time faves. I've reread it multiple times and will continue to do so. This is truly a romance of epic proportions and the prose is superb.

The addition of a child to any family is a monumental event and it's no different for this fictional family, except it is. The Professor's love for his daughter Clare, is far more intense due to the demons and self doubt he harbors, and I LOVED every second of it! I also loved the ever present Dante references, they fascinated me, causing me to consult Google a time or two. I enjoyed the suspenseful plot, but unfortunately, I did not love the ending and wonder if we will possibly see another installment for these soulmates? I'm not sure I got the resolution I needed, I'm caught between letting this couple ride off into the sunset as is, or wanting another interlude.

Overall, I loved catching up with a beloved cast and spending time with them once again. A solid read as always.

I’ve been a huge fan of the Gabriel’s Inferno series for years now. Reynard has such a unique and elegant writing style, and I’ve come to love these characters completely. I wholeheartedly agree that you really need to read the others in the series before diving into this one. I guess you could read this alone but I think you’d be left wanting if you did. Also, there’s a movie in the works for this series through Passionflix, which I believe makes this book even more exciting!

Obviously, I’m a fan of the characters, and Gabriel’s Promise gives us readers a chance to look further into the lives of Gabriel and Julia. We get to see them settle in as new parents and take on new and exciting job ventures, but that was all this book was. It had some drama that, in my opinion, ended on a “wtf” note but all in all this was an okay book.

The story line was okay, but the plot just wasn’t there when looking at it from a drama/suspense view. This seemed more like a really long novella letting us readers get more without giving us a new plot line. I loved being updated on the characters and meeting Clare, their daughter along with seeing their relationship now and how it has evolved. So, my advice is to go into this just being happy that you have it, but don’t expect anything really new or suspenseful.

Overall, I enjoyed it even though I expected a little more. I will always be up for getting more glimpses into the Emerson’s lives because I love these characters that much.

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’m not going to lie it’s been so long since I've read the trilogy but it’s Gabriel so why not indulge in some hot sensual reading again, Reynard’s style.

Every chapter made me warm up for what was yet to come and everything Gabriel’s came back to me. And actually add a little more of what I was missing.

Gabriel as a dad. His devotion to Clare was perfect like all the songs he chose ;) Loved his devotion to Julia as well and what Julia accomplish.

Loved the sense of family. Everyone joining in to ease all Gabriel’s and Julia's issues/troubles.

This book didn’t disappoint in therms of story, some things are still yet to tell.

Family priorities, work drama in the Dante world, stalkers and sisterhood flamingos :) captivated me. Had some good laughs as well.

I hope this is to be continued.

Thank you Sylvain Reynard for taking this journey for us!

Simply amazing! I first read Gabriel’s trilogy after reading 50 Shades and looking for something similar. I soon realized that this author’s writing was not like any other and I fell in love Gabriel’s trilogy. The author’s writing is unique- he makes you feel as though you are along for the ride. It is smart and thought provoking and I couldn’t help but think about it and smile for days after. I emailed the author hoping for a 4th book a long time ago and was thrilled when I was lucky enough to receive an arc. This book is the perfect addition. Sylvain is able to write such beautiful and emotional passages. The relationship between Gabriel and Clare has always been my favourite but now that they are a family, reading how devoted Gabriel is to his family after the person he once was just opened my heart. They have always had more then their fair share of unexpected issues to deal with but this book held lots of suspense and mystery which I liked. These books are a slow read but if you allow them to take you away into Gabriel’s world you will no doubt love them too. Absolutely recommend.

It has been so long since I've read the original three books, but when I picked this up, it was as if I'd never left their world. With every paragraph more and more came back to me. This wasn't my favorite book in the series, but it gave me a lot that we were missing before!

Although this book wasn't my favorite, I loved so many things about it. I absolutely loved the sense of family in this book. There were so many rocky parts to Gabriel and Julia's relationship with their families, that it was so heartwarming to see everyone together so much. We got to spend a few different holidays, and the birth of the beautiful Clare. Bringing in Katherine and Rebecca, who also were like family, it was so great!

Speaking of Clare, my absolutely favorite part of this book was Gabriel's devotion to Clare. He was the perfect father, the father that we'd hoped he'd be, and the father that he feared he wouldn't be. Per the usual, Gabriel was equally devoted to Julia. Seeing him be the perfect father was everything I had ever wanted for him. The amount of love that Julia and Gabriel have for each other is definitely a love of the century.

Their referral to Julia being Gabriel's Beatrice was something special too. I have loved learning more about Dante and Beatrice through these books and we got to see a lot more of those references in this one. I am not familiar at all with Dante and his work, so I really appreciated the explanation and stories that were told. It really made things click for me, much more so than before.

Just like the others, there were so many layers to this story. From the family problems, to a crazy stalker, to drama in the Dante teaching world. I was on my toes all of the time, and par for the course, we still didn't get all of our answers. I really hope that she continues this journey for us!

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.”

It's been years since I've last stepped inside the sexy Professor Emerson's world, and it took this latest release for me to realize just how much I missed him and his beloved Julianne. Enamored with this couple from their first enchanted night spent under the stars in the apple orchard, through all the trials and tribulations they endured, they have become some of my most cherished storybook characters. Beyond thrilled to see their journey was continuing. A new chance to witness, once again, the love they share strengthen as well as seeing their family grow with the adorable Clare. As expected, there was a whirlwind of drama surrounding this couple that had me on edge and totally captivated, as the overly passionate and protective Gabriel promises to keep his loved ones safe.

Happily married and now a new dad, a gentler side of Gabriel emerged. It was heartwarming to see how his character evolved from the self-centered man that was introduced in book one, to the selfless and caring hero obsessively committed to his family. His change was all thanks to the soft-spoken yet strong-willed Julia, his heart and soulmate. She and Clare are the centers of his world, and he would stop at nothing to guard them, even sacrificing himself if necessary. A true hero in every sense of the word. As if I could not adore him more, he had me absolutely swooning throughout this entire read as my Gabriel had not lost a bit of his intensity, his penchant for high heels, public displays of affection, and raw sexual magnetism.

Brilliantly written, Gabriel's Promise was a delightful addition to the series as Reynard is a masterful storyteller. I appreciated the time this author dedicated to explaining past circumstances and characters, whenever they arose, reminding me of Gabriel and Julianne's history. There was a heavy focus on the academics and theories involving Dante and Beatrice, a bit much at times, as I found myself a tad distracted from this couple's love story. Like with previous novels, the plot was a delicious slow-build, laced with a scorching hot passion, oodles of drama and mystery that had me totally consumed. My only gripe was I did not want the story to end, especially leaving some matters unresolved. I do hope that there will be another sequel soon, that would tie up all loose ends.



Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this publication.

"He was Clare's father, and perhaps that was Professor Emerson's most important title of all."

For all of you that fell for the sometimes snobbish and affluent professor, just wait until you see him as a father. His baby girl has him wrapped around her tiny finger and could convince him to do just about anything. No, of course, he doesn't do baby-talk. He's a scholar and that just wouldn't do, right? But, oh my, prepare to have your ovaries explode...sigh.

As was established in the very first book in this series, Gabriel and Julia have an unexplainable connection. —he reached for her instinctually, as if their souls were so in tune with one another, he could sense her presence even while sleeping." They are soulmates that for some reason can't just enjoy being together, they must continually be challenged and forced to fight for each other.

Gabriel's Promise continues in the same way. Their studies and careers, as well as their lives, are threatened and they must decide what is most important and face separation...again. Will they sacrifice their careers to be together? Will they sacrifice being together for their careers?

I really enjoyed spending time with Gabriel and Julia again. Their love is inspiring and their dry humor is amusing. Their baby girl brings out the best in both of them and the three of them together had me melting into a puddle of goo. I can only guess, but things are pointing to the series continuing as there are quite a few unresolved issues that left me with unanswered questions.

Sylvain Reynard has brought the duo back in Gabriel's Promise. And it is definitely promising.

I know that I absolutely enjoyed reading about Gabriel and Julia in the previous books. They had so much passion for each other that you could not stop reading. Their chemistry was crazy hot just like their drama. And it seems their drama is catching up to them in this book too.

Sometimes too much drama can be too much. And that was the case in Gabriel's Promise. I just wish that the author tone it down just a bit. And had them working it out especially they are entering a new era between the two.

But anyways, Gabriel's Promise is still a promising romance read besides the drama going on. And read will get to read about the sweet baby moments with Gabriel.

Four Stars.

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 <i>Gabriel's Promise</i> 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.

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.)

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 happy 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!

This is the fourth book in the series. Gabriel and Julia have just had their first child and are adjusting to being parents. Gabriel receives an incredible offer that could make his career. However he is reluctant to take the position if Julia and baby Clare can't come with him. Julia is struggling with some health issues that she is keeping from Gabriel as well as the fact that someone seems to be stalking them.
I loved meeting up with Professor Emerson and his beloved Julia again. The story seems to coincide with the happenings in the Florentine series also by Sylvain Reynard. The ending also leads me to believe that there might be another book in this series which I would be onboard with.

Not my first read by the author & will not be the last. She was one of my first reads waaay back many moons ago and I have loved this series since the first few pages of Book #1 that said I DID NOT WANT TO READ THIS BOOK, why? Because if I do then it’s truly over, over for this series and I wasn’t ready to let it go haha!! It was a struggle! Also, this is Book #4 in a series and can not be read as a stand alone, you will ruin the series by reading this first, I’m only saying it because enough people I know have.

Alright, this starts of with you crying because it’s so so so sweet! The Professor is magical and sweet and just EVERYTHING! I personally don’t want to say why in my review because I think it would ruin the whole series too much, just know that the beginning of this is based on another being and it super sweet will melt your heart away! But as always nothing given comes without a price. For Mr & Mrs. Emerson this comes in a form of an e-mail. You get the old professor as well as the now new professor, same old beautiful, smart sassy and funny Julia (his Beatrice).

This book contains the previous book characters, some new and a lot of mystery, suspense and romance and as always the most important which the careers of them both, curve balls and hurtle to overcome this time….oh and SEXY scenes, mmmhm yes please! It’s catching, keeps you going and the words, this author, if you’ve read her you know that every word of hers in well thought of and beautiful. To say that this killed me, is an understatement because again, I didn’t want it to end. Just wait till you get the familiarity along with the new, you’ll want to read faster! What a beautiful ending…wish it could go on forever but for now, farewell one of my favorite hero & heroine!!
Little warning: watch out for Cecilia *insert eye roll*

TOP 2019 MUST READ
Rating: ★★★★★
Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Type: Book #4 of Series
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY!
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦

Gabriel and Julia are in the thick of it again. Their careers, family, and relationship are tested. Will they be found lacking?

The answer is no. However, this book may not be for all Gabriel/Jules fans. I had the unique experience of getting a copy of Gabriel's Promise before it released. It motivated me to finally start the series; Gabriel's Inferno having been on my TBR for quite sometime. I read all the books in an end of year binge around Holidays and illnesses. I developed a fondness for a certain grumpy professor and his muse. I enjoyed learning all about Dante, googling Italian, and dreaming of going to Italy along side these two. So it was with great enthusiasm that I started Gabriel's Promise on New Year's Eve but as I type this on New Year's Day having pondered it for quite some time, I have to say I'm disappointed.

Reynard types Fin at the end and in the case of Gabriel's Promise it clearly isn't the end. Each of the books in the series has ended with Fin but in this case I think to be continued is more appropriate. Gabriel's Promise lacks the pretty packaged, brightly wrapped ending we normally get. Its plagued with unanswered questions that would drive our beloved Professor conpletely batty. Even Wonder Woman would bot be amused by the many unanswered questions and unsolved problems.

I understand that I am most certainly not the author and in no way drive the story but I feel like Reynard let all those on Team Emerson down this time. I'm sure her intention was to spark interest in her other series (it worked to an extent). It certainly made me ponder purchasing them but I feel like the story lines should be forced on the reader and that perhaps the author is trying to lead us around on a leash. I am too stubborn to be dragged into reading it at this time because I'm too frustrated with the end of Promise.

I want to devour all things Gabriel And Julia Emerson. I want to be a part of their story. I just feel like this novel was the author's attempt at throwing us a carrot when the readers need a substantial bone to sink their teeth into. It's as though we are being given a gorgeous meal at one of those ridiculous restaurants that Katherine Picton hates. Some tiny little quater of a truffle is the meal we have been given when we thought we were getting a five course feast.

Was it a fun read? Yes. If you can get past too many things still up in the air.
Will I continue to read future Team Emerson books? I honestly don't know.

I’m not sure how I’ve went from Gabriel’s Inferno being my favorite story several years in the running to this book not holding my attention at all. I don’t think it’s a slight on the book at all, but more so my tastes changing over the past 3 years. I have a hard time understanding the whole Dante/Beatrice stuff, Italian language, and just the slow timeline here.

Again, I’m sure it’s 100% me and a change of literary taste and I wish all the success for Sylvain Reynard upon the release of this book.

I love Gabriel. Plain and simple. I remember falling instantly when I first read Gabriel’s Inferno when it first came out. I was sucked into the beauty of his words and the world around him.

I am happy that him, Julia, and baby Grace, are moving forward together. It was nice to see how things turned out after she had the baby. And I loved to see all their family and what’s going on with them. But I feel this book still left so many open holes. And I’m left wanting more, and yet not.

That being said, this was a nice addition but it was unnecessary, in my eyes. I was happy with the first two books and didn’t feels the third needed to be written and not years later we get a forth. Time to move on. I liked getting glimpses of them throughout SR’s other series but I found myself skimming this one. And you DON’T do that to Gabriel!

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.