Reflected In You picks up where the
story of Eva and Gideon left off with Bared To You with more outside
forces – their families, friends, shrink, and mainly previous relationships – and
more action and more drama getting involved along the way.
This sequel digs
deeper on the effects and repercussions of the traumatic sexually abusive pasts
of both central characters, acknowledging the fact that in the first novel said
history was only introduced and barely discussed. In great connection, trust
issues are brought up once more. But above and beyond all their problems, this
book shows how deep their love for each other has gotten into them physically,
emotionally, mentally, and romantically.
“You’re the
greatest risk I’ve ever taken. And the greatest reward.” – Gideon Cross
First off, this book
is too graphic! There was too much sex happening! And it did not fail to
document every detail of how things went down where that aspect was concerned. Haha!
I mean I knew what I was in for, but it still surprised me when I read line
after line after line of raw and carnal sex. Haha!
“Because of
you, the world makes sense to me in a way it didn’t before. I have a place now,
with you.” – Gideon Cross
If Eva and Gideon
have proven anything, it is that them holding on to the love they have for each
other, no matter how quirky and crazy it is, is worth everything. Though their appreciation
for and treatment of each other are quite hard to dig and relate to, the
resulting actions of their extreme degree of love is still pretty romantic
stuff. Indeed, love knows no bounds.
Talking about quirks
and craziness, their fights became tiring at times. It was sometimes hard to
empathize because it felt more like an exhausting game, going from attachment
to detachment and back, between Eva and Gideon with all their trust issues and
lack of communication and impulsive reactions all throughout the story. And I was
just helplessly observing and there was nothing more I could do.
Truth be told, it
took me a longer time to finish reading this one because I paused for moments since
apparently the hassles of their relationship got into me, and I just felt tired
after every heavy argument, which was the least of what I’d wish to feel while
into a book.
Halfway through Reflected
In You, I realized it was not as romantic and tear-jerker for me as it
should have been. Sure, there were sweet exchanges of promises and acts of love
but they did not overshadow nor equal to the stresses and problems of them as
individuals and as a couple.
“People get
over love. They can live without it, they can move on. Love can be lost and
found again. But that won't happen for me. I won't survive you, Eva.” – Gideon
Cross
This was why I was surprised
to be facing suspense near the end of the book. It was in the last pages
leading up to the murder and investigation when I regained my interest to
continue with it. I had to find out what had happened, and when I did, I could not believe
it. Damn. Now, there really is something to look forward to in the final novel.
I didn’t expect that
the plot would build up to such conclusion, and it left me intrigued enough to
want to get started with the last book of this trilogy asap. I’m ready!
Are you done reading this book? Share
your thoughts!
xx