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Gabriel and the Devil
Flirting with the devil can lead to a helluva good time.
Gabriel is a regular angel. The former altar boy plans to graduate from college, become an accountant, get a good job, find a wife, and live a faithful Catholic life.
But one Halloween night, the devil pops in out of nowhere, challenges everything he believes, and heats up Gabriel’s lonely life.
Marcello is full of the devil. He’s lusted after Gabriel forever, but what he really wants is Gabriel’s eternal soul. Still, his mischievous sense of humor, along with his tricks and jokes, leads to a misunderstanding that could condemn him to hell on Earth. Only the truth will let these souls find true love and happiness.
Gabriel is a regular angel. The former altar boy plans to graduate from college, become an accountant, get a good job, find a wife, and live a faithful Catholic life.
But one Halloween night, the devil pops in out of nowhere, challenges everything he believes, and heats up Gabriel’s lonely life.
Marcello is full of the devil. He’s lusted after Gabriel forever, but what he really wants is Gabriel’s eternal soul. Still, his mischievous sense of humor, along with his tricks and jokes, leads to a misunderstanding that could condemn him to hell on Earth. Only the truth will let these souls find true love and happiness.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 4, 2021
I find it very difficult to review this novella without basically giving away the premise of the story, so I'm going to apologize in advance for revealing the full plot. You have been warned. Proceed with caution.
Read the blurb very carefully for Robert P. Rowe's "Gabriel and the Devil" because it's easy to assume that you know the premise, which is what I did in beginning this tale. A story about a devil corrupting an angelic fairly naive young man by tempting him with devilishly good sex? Sign me up!
I really enjoyed the first part of the book where Gabriel is tempted by Marcello and realizes that giving up his eternal soul really isn't that bad a deal. The two young men have a very real sexual attraction and the story definitely held my interest. I also loved how Rowe discusses theology along the way, presenting Marcello's contention that evil is needed in the world as a means of contrasting good, and he presents some interesting ideas that evil in the world in fact brings about good.
Until ... we learn that Marcello really isn't the devil; he's a shy young man who has had a crush on Gabriel since they were both young men and in wearing his devil's costume on Halloween and introducing himself to Gabriel, he though Gabriel was in on the joke. But naive Gabriel, raised Catholic and a former altar boy, truly believed Marcello was a devil.
Okay. At first I felt duped. Darn it, I was promised a story about a devil and an angel! But after carefully reading the blurb, I realized that wasn't the case. Then I grew to admire Robert P. Rowe's writing in that he dupes us the way Marcello duped Gabriel and it added another layer to my understanding of the story.
Overall, Rowe totally had me at the theology and the "twist" worked for me. I ended up liking "Gabriel and the Devil" and gave it 4 stars, but I think other readers may have a different perspective. Read this one and let me know what you think!
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Read the blurb very carefully for Robert P. Rowe's "Gabriel and the Devil" because it's easy to assume that you know the premise, which is what I did in beginning this tale. A story about a devil corrupting an angelic fairly naive young man by tempting him with devilishly good sex? Sign me up!
I really enjoyed the first part of the book where Gabriel is tempted by Marcello and realizes that giving up his eternal soul really isn't that bad a deal. The two young men have a very real sexual attraction and the story definitely held my interest. I also loved how Rowe discusses theology along the way, presenting Marcello's contention that evil is needed in the world as a means of contrasting good, and he presents some interesting ideas that evil in the world in fact brings about good.
Until ... we learn that Marcello really isn't the devil; he's a shy young man who has had a crush on Gabriel since they were both young men and in wearing his devil's costume on Halloween and introducing himself to Gabriel, he though Gabriel was in on the joke. But naive Gabriel, raised Catholic and a former altar boy, truly believed Marcello was a devil.
Okay. At first I felt duped. Darn it, I was promised a story about a devil and an angel! But after carefully reading the blurb, I realized that wasn't the case. Then I grew to admire Robert P. Rowe's writing in that he dupes us the way Marcello duped Gabriel and it added another layer to my understanding of the story.
Overall, Rowe totally had me at the theology and the "twist" worked for me. I ended up liking "Gabriel and the Devil" and gave it 4 stars, but I think other readers may have a different perspective. Read this one and let me know what you think!
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
January 30, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This sweet novella had a few interesting turns that kept me engaged. The question of Marcello’s motives and humanity were on the forefront of my mind throughout. I’m not going to spoil the biggest twist, but there’s a deep, divinely-inspired love growing here. Expect some sexytimes on the page, but it’s quiet and tender. Gabriel is a virgin—obviously—and Marcello’s love for him is so amazing. There’s a transcendence to the story that really lifted me spiritually, and I liked how the confidantes worked with both Marcello and Gabriel to reinforce the concept that God gives us all love, and we shouldn’t reject it because it’s unexpected—or from an unexpected source. Honestly, I was guessing on some aspects of the plot until the very end.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This sweet novella had a few interesting turns that kept me engaged. The question of Marcello’s motives and humanity were on the forefront of my mind throughout. I’m not going to spoil the biggest twist, but there’s a deep, divinely-inspired love growing here. Expect some sexytimes on the page, but it’s quiet and tender. Gabriel is a virgin—obviously—and Marcello’s love for him is so amazing. There’s a transcendence to the story that really lifted me spiritually, and I liked how the confidantes worked with both Marcello and Gabriel to reinforce the concept that God gives us all love, and we shouldn’t reject it because it’s unexpected—or from an unexpected source. Honestly, I was guessing on some aspects of the plot until the very end.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
April 14, 2019
Temptation can take many shapes, and it is usually most “effective” on those who try to resist it. Gabriel grew up as a good little Catholic boy, he has tried to do the right thing all his life, but then he meets Marcello, dressed up as a devil, just before Halloween, and Gabriel begins to question everything. Marcello does a good job at playing the devil and remaining mysterious, and the result is a story filled with tension, some interesting theological arguments, and a very cute romance.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 4, 2019
4 Stars Overall
(5 Stars for Marcello, 3 for the rest)
This was a bit of a different read. I'm not sure what I expected and frankly, at times I wasn't sure what was going on, but I do know that I couldn't put the book down, mostly because of Marcello.
The author did a fabulous job with Marcello. He was sweet and mischievous and mysterious as all hell (no pun intended). Like Gabriel, I wasn't sure what to make of him and I was almost disappointed when he didn't turn out to be what he boasted to be at first. Still, even when the book is told from Gabriel's POV, Marcello was the driving force, the soul of this story. Without him, I don't think I would have read past the first few chapters.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same about Gabriel. I was fed up with him and his running away when things got a bit too real for him, with his inability to accept what he was to his parents even when he said he loved Marcello. Marcello and Gabriel had chemistry and were hot together, but I wanted more for Marcello. I guess that's one of the downfalls of building such a charismatic, lovable character. No one would be good enough.
I also loved Father Christopher, if more priests were like him, maybe so many people wouldn't be trying to find an alternative to Catholicism. And I liked Gabriel's parents, especially his mother. I only wished he'd come out to them and that part hadn't been left so open-ended.
Overall, the book was entertaining, the ending was a bit abrupt and I would've liked a bit more closure, but it's worth a read if only to meet Marcello.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
(5 Stars for Marcello, 3 for the rest)
This was a bit of a different read. I'm not sure what I expected and frankly, at times I wasn't sure what was going on, but I do know that I couldn't put the book down, mostly because of Marcello.
The author did a fabulous job with Marcello. He was sweet and mischievous and mysterious as all hell (no pun intended). Like Gabriel, I wasn't sure what to make of him and I was almost disappointed when he didn't turn out to be what he boasted to be at first. Still, even when the book is told from Gabriel's POV, Marcello was the driving force, the soul of this story. Without him, I don't think I would have read past the first few chapters.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same about Gabriel. I was fed up with him and his running away when things got a bit too real for him, with his inability to accept what he was to his parents even when he said he loved Marcello. Marcello and Gabriel had chemistry and were hot together, but I wanted more for Marcello. I guess that's one of the downfalls of building such a charismatic, lovable character. No one would be good enough.
I also loved Father Christopher, if more priests were like him, maybe so many people wouldn't be trying to find an alternative to Catholicism. And I liked Gabriel's parents, especially his mother. I only wished he'd come out to them and that part hadn't been left so open-ended.
Overall, the book was entertaining, the ending was a bit abrupt and I would've liked a bit more closure, but it's worth a read if only to meet Marcello.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
January 5, 2019
Gabriel and the Devil is an interesting read and it is difficult to review without spoiling the entire plot. I will say that while the plot is surprising, it left me completely underwhelmed. It was almost a cop-out.
Character development was sufficient as the reader is able to get a good sense of who the MCs - Gabriel and Marcello - are. Gabriel is a very religious college senior who denies his homosexuality due to his strong views. Through his relationship with Marcello, he quickly comes to terms with it, and as a reader, I was a bit disappointed with how quickly he resolves his struggle and accepts his sexuality.
Marcello brightens the book for me. I love a snarky, witty character and Marcello brings that to this story. He brought the chuckles and laughter, to the point that the ending of the book was almost incongruous to the character the author had developed all along. As a reader we were asked to see Marcello completely differently. He lost all I liked about him.
Overall the story was very readable and, for the most part, I was invested to see how it all turned out. I think Gabriel was a bit one-dimensional and not entirely likable, but Marcello was fun and interesting. The plot was unlike anything I’d read before, but I simply did not care for the ending.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Character development was sufficient as the reader is able to get a good sense of who the MCs - Gabriel and Marcello - are. Gabriel is a very religious college senior who denies his homosexuality due to his strong views. Through his relationship with Marcello, he quickly comes to terms with it, and as a reader, I was a bit disappointed with how quickly he resolves his struggle and accepts his sexuality.
Marcello brightens the book for me. I love a snarky, witty character and Marcello brings that to this story. He brought the chuckles and laughter, to the point that the ending of the book was almost incongruous to the character the author had developed all along. As a reader we were asked to see Marcello completely differently. He lost all I liked about him.
Overall the story was very readable and, for the most part, I was invested to see how it all turned out. I think Gabriel was a bit one-dimensional and not entirely likable, but Marcello was fun and interesting. The plot was unlike anything I’d read before, but I simply did not care for the ending.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
February 9, 2019
Well this book will make you think for sure. If it doesn't…..well, I'd be shocked. Everyone has free will to believe or not to believe in a higher power. Or something in between. Often times I've found life changing events changes a person's perspective as well. And it does in this book. It's a book of discovery in so many ways. A test of faith, if you will. And finding where you and your heart belongs, no matter what anyone, especially a church has to say.
Gabriel has done all he can to live his life right and good. Raised Catholic, he feels that the church is where he belongs. Little does he know in that same little church, for YEARS, he's been watched. By a dark headed boy who thinks he's an angel.
Marcello has tried to get Gabriel's attention for a long time. In church, in school, and just in passing. Sometimes he's so close to giving up but one late night he gets his wish and he can't resist playing a bit of trickery. Pretending to be a devil after Gabriel's soul, Marcello opens Gabriel's eyes to many things. Sex, love, and more. But because Marcello isn't being completely honest, what they are doing is causing Gabriel a crisis of faith. Gabriel believes being with a guy is wrong or he's been told it is by the church. But Gabriel's heart tells him it's right. But the guilt is adding up and Gabriel doesn't think he can continue seeing Marcello. And Marcello finds it's time to tell the truth before he loses his angel for good.
This book was kind of hard for me. Although, I'm not Catholic, I did grow up in church. I was preached at that it was wrong and all that. But to me, people are people. And they all deserve love. I admit my views on some things have changed as I've gotten older and seen things in a different light. And that's what happened to Gabriel. When that stuff is drummed in your head your whole life, it's hard to break away from it. And Marcello was only trying to show Gabriel that maybe there's a different way to think and see things. Because how can something feel so right be so wrong? Gabriel ran many times, but little by little he started to think on his own. Question things. He sought council but sometimes we have to find things out on our own. Gabriel had to learn to deal with the guilt. And learn to trust that maybe Marcello had a point to things he was saying.
This was definitely a different read. But good. I like books that make you think. Amd this one does
http://lovebytesreviews.com
Gabriel has done all he can to live his life right and good. Raised Catholic, he feels that the church is where he belongs. Little does he know in that same little church, for YEARS, he's been watched. By a dark headed boy who thinks he's an angel.
Marcello has tried to get Gabriel's attention for a long time. In church, in school, and just in passing. Sometimes he's so close to giving up but one late night he gets his wish and he can't resist playing a bit of trickery. Pretending to be a devil after Gabriel's soul, Marcello opens Gabriel's eyes to many things. Sex, love, and more. But because Marcello isn't being completely honest, what they are doing is causing Gabriel a crisis of faith. Gabriel believes being with a guy is wrong or he's been told it is by the church. But Gabriel's heart tells him it's right. But the guilt is adding up and Gabriel doesn't think he can continue seeing Marcello. And Marcello finds it's time to tell the truth before he loses his angel for good.
This book was kind of hard for me. Although, I'm not Catholic, I did grow up in church. I was preached at that it was wrong and all that. But to me, people are people. And they all deserve love. I admit my views on some things have changed as I've gotten older and seen things in a different light. And that's what happened to Gabriel. When that stuff is drummed in your head your whole life, it's hard to break away from it. And Marcello was only trying to show Gabriel that maybe there's a different way to think and see things. Because how can something feel so right be so wrong? Gabriel ran many times, but little by little he started to think on his own. Question things. He sought council but sometimes we have to find things out on our own. Gabriel had to learn to deal with the guilt. And learn to trust that maybe Marcello had a point to things he was saying.
This was definitely a different read. But good. I like books that make you think. Amd this one does
http://lovebytesreviews.com
January 8, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Okay, the blurb for this book was interesting and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had trouble with the beginning of the book and the whole devil/angel thing as it was actually more of a joke but Gabriel wasn’t able to see it. Once I pushed myself through the first quarter of the book I started to see the bits of the real Marcello though Gabriel still seemed blind to it.
I felt bad for Gabriel as he continued to beat himself up over how he was feeling about Marcello and what not. I wish that we would have been able to see Marcello and Gabriel in the real relationship they ended up in once Marcello told Gabriel the whole truth and the time it took Gabriel to come to terms with it. I assumed some things about Marcello but never learned the truth til almost the very end of the book which made it hard to connect with him. While the story was okay for me and the writing wasn’t bad I just don’t feel that this type of book was really for me.
The cover art by Tiferet Design is nice though the picture of Marcello is of a much older man than he is.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Okay, the blurb for this book was interesting and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had trouble with the beginning of the book and the whole devil/angel thing as it was actually more of a joke but Gabriel wasn’t able to see it. Once I pushed myself through the first quarter of the book I started to see the bits of the real Marcello though Gabriel still seemed blind to it.
I felt bad for Gabriel as he continued to beat himself up over how he was feeling about Marcello and what not. I wish that we would have been able to see Marcello and Gabriel in the real relationship they ended up in once Marcello told Gabriel the whole truth and the time it took Gabriel to come to terms with it. I assumed some things about Marcello but never learned the truth til almost the very end of the book which made it hard to connect with him. While the story was okay for me and the writing wasn’t bad I just don’t feel that this type of book was really for me.
The cover art by Tiferet Design is nice though the picture of Marcello is of a much older man than he is.
February 2, 2019
3.5* sweet but weird--not sure anyone could be as naive/foolish as Gabriel. The big drama moment was very far-fetched but the writing was good and the couple was sweet. I do wish there had been a little less sex and more relationship development.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews