4.5/5* A Nice book! I liked Gabriel-Strong, handsome, a jerk in the past but caring now, troubled past but moving towards a brighter future. I love a character that grows and changes. The heroine, however, I didn't like much. She was far too insecure and always staring at the floor- that's kinda annoying.(I hope she changes and grows more confident) The story was great, a little slow but that's alright since I was looking for a long story where the characters can really grow and tell their story. I enjoyed reading the little German words put in and was glad to see my German classes are paying off.LOL. I also enjoyed the literature references made but, and this is a big BUT, sometimes it felt just a teeny bit too much. I felt like I was back in college listening to a lecture and I, personally, like to keep my literature reading topics and recreational reading themes separate. In fact I read books to take a break from all the literary reading matter that I need for my degree so I would have been happier if there wasn't so much of it(this was the only reason I rated it 4.5 and not 5 stars). Though, it obviously took a lot of effort and research to write this book. Now about the part I really, Really, REALLY LIKED -> The-Oh-So-Good-Kisses! I've read a lot of Erotic Romances but none of them have made me squirm and feel tingly, with butterflies in the stomach as this one has; And It's Not Even Sex! The last scene was also incredibly sweet, what with Gabriel's care and gentleness. SR has a really knack for writing and I look forward to reading book 2.