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The Looking Glass #3
His Heart's Desire
As the keeper of a magic mirror that shows those lucky few their one true love, Simon dreams of the day it will show him his. He never dreamed it would be a punk-assed kid with ripped jeans and rainbow-colored hair. Devastated, Simon tries to push Alex away, refusing to tell him they were fated, but Alex keeps coming back, showing all the signs of a man drawn to his soulmate. Realizing he’s made a terrible mistake, Simon figures the only way to fix it is to be the man Alex wants because Alex is the man Simon needs if he’s ever to have a future.
Never before has Alex fallen so hard for a man who obviously doesn’t like him, but Alex is sure there’s a passionate man beneath Simon’s prickly exterior. Peeling away Simon’s layers is like ripping off a bandage, but it’s worth it when Alex finally has Simon in his arms. The problem is, though he may have Simon’s body, he doesn’t have his heart, and that’s the part Alex wants most. Until he finds out Simon has lied to him.
Never before has Alex fallen so hard for a man who obviously doesn’t like him, but Alex is sure there’s a passionate man beneath Simon’s prickly exterior. Peeling away Simon’s layers is like ripping off a bandage, but it’s worth it when Alex finally has Simon in his arms. The problem is, though he may have Simon’s body, he doesn’t have his heart, and that’s the part Alex wants most. Until he finds out Simon has lied to him.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Penny Brandon
19 books98 followersPenny is a complete romantic who believes everyone can fall in love if only they’ll open their heart to the possibility, which is why she writes those hot, erotic stories that will always have a happily ever after. However, it doesn’t mean she’ll necessarily make it easy for her men to get there. A lover of things that go bump in the night, Penny’s imagination can sometimes run riot, so magic mirrors and evil dolls are only the beginning.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 1, 2017
Simon has been waiting over ten years to finally look into the mirror in his shop and see his true love. But when a young man with dyed hair and raggedy clothing walks into the shop and sees Simon in the mirror, Simon knows that his hopes were for naught. It shouldn’t matter, for being Alex’s true love surely means that Alex would be Simon’s, but it does matter. To Simon at least. He feels like he lost his chance at something, something magical and important…and so he breaks the only rule he has had ever since he became the keeper of the mirror, and doesn’t tell Alex that the man in the mirror, Simon, is his true love. In fact, Simon does just about everything he can think of to get rid of Alex. But Alex, despite not knowing the reason for Simon’s weird behavior, feels pulled towards the man. And the more he learns about him the more he feels certain that there is something special there. But will finding out the whole truth make him more likely to fall for Simon, or will the lies and secrets that Simon can’t seem to keep hidden chase away his only chance at true love—and the only way he will ever be free from the mirror and the shop that he is bound to never leave while keeper of the mirror’s secret?
I was so happy to see that this book was coming out. Ever since I read the first book in this series, Choices, I have desperately wanted to know what happens to Simon. And finally, after waiting all these years I finally got to know.
For the most part I really liked this story. It has been a while since I have read the two previous books, but I still think this is the best written of the three. The story was really engaging, and I enjoyed the interactions between the two main characters quite a bit. I loved the whole idea that Simon was physically as well as mentally tied to the mirror and that he was unable to leave the shop. It really made Simon’s desire for see someone a lot more understandable. Most people want to find someone to love them, but the hold the mirror has on Simon is much more than just loneliness and want. He literally can’t leave. And while I can see that at the beginning of Simon’s relationship with the mirror that could have been a bit of a relief—to finally have a place to live and work that is not going to be snatched right back out of his hands—after years and years of it I think it would become its own form of subtle torture. It certainly didn’t help in the long run with his fears and mental issues. Just kinda delayed having to deal with them.
Alex was also very interesting. I found his job (basically he runs a type of undercover security company to catch shop lifters) rather cool. And I always love when I can read about the less talked-about professions in books. Personally Alex is a great fit for Simon. He showed off strength without becoming annoyingly pushy, which was nice, and while Simon might not have originally seen himself with someone like Alex, I kinda could.
I must admit at first that I was a little confused why Simon was so upset that he was not the one that saw his true love in the mirror. After all, it should go without saying that if Simon was Alex’s true love, then the reverse was also true. But I think that the book did eventually explain it.
and
I may not agree with Simon about his reasoning, but I did at least finally get why he was freaking out so badly. What he lost out on was the certainty, the absolute knowledge that Alex was destined for him. What he was left with was having to trust that Alex really saw what he saw, and as we learn in the book, trust does not come easy for Simon. What had originally been really confusing to me about all this actually became one of my favorite things about this book once Simon started to explain himself.
To be honest, this book should probably have a higher rating than it does. I really enjoyed it, and it is probably the best of the series. However…this one part of a conversation late in the book kinda pissed me off and cost the book almost a whole star.
Was this really necessary? Like, can we please stop equating not wanting to have sex with someone with some type of horrible deficiency as the person. If Simon didn’t want to have sex that wouldn’t in any way make him frigid. IT WOULD MAKE HIM SOMEONE WHO JUST DIDN’T WANNA HAVE SEX. Not wanting to engage in sexual activity for any and many reasons does not make you unfeeling or uncaring or a horrible person. The whole issue with Simon not wanting to have sex is a big part of this story, so I can see why the whole conversation came about, but really, was it absolutely necessary for the whole “of course I want to have sex with you, I’m not some frigid bitch” part to even happen? Would taking that part out make the conversation any less impactful in any way? I don’t think so. And all it did do was piss this one person off. So…yeah.
That aside…I still liked it, and do recommend it. I don’t think you need to read the other books in the series either. You might get a bit more about how the mirror impacts its viewers from reading them, but on the whole this was a pretty self-contained story. Don’t know if we are going to get a book four, but that ending has me really wanting to know what happens with Brody.
And, dammit, its like the whole cycle has started all over again!
3.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I was so happy to see that this book was coming out. Ever since I read the first book in this series, Choices, I have desperately wanted to know what happens to Simon. And finally, after waiting all these years I finally got to know.
For the most part I really liked this story. It has been a while since I have read the two previous books, but I still think this is the best written of the three. The story was really engaging, and I enjoyed the interactions between the two main characters quite a bit. I loved the whole idea that Simon was physically as well as mentally tied to the mirror and that he was unable to leave the shop. It really made Simon’s desire for see someone a lot more understandable. Most people want to find someone to love them, but the hold the mirror has on Simon is much more than just loneliness and want. He literally can’t leave. And while I can see that at the beginning of Simon’s relationship with the mirror that could have been a bit of a relief—to finally have a place to live and work that is not going to be snatched right back out of his hands—after years and years of it I think it would become its own form of subtle torture. It certainly didn’t help in the long run with his fears and mental issues. Just kinda delayed having to deal with them.
Alex was also very interesting. I found his job (basically he runs a type of undercover security company to catch shop lifters) rather cool. And I always love when I can read about the less talked-about professions in books. Personally Alex is a great fit for Simon. He showed off strength without becoming annoyingly pushy, which was nice, and while Simon might not have originally seen himself with someone like Alex, I kinda could.
I must admit at first that I was a little confused why Simon was so upset that he was not the one that saw his true love in the mirror. After all, it should go without saying that if Simon was Alex’s true love, then the reverse was also true. But I think that the book did eventually explain it.
He didn’t want to be the one who was seen as incapable or unworthy or needy. Was that how the mirror saw him? Would Alex see him that way, if Simon told him about the mirror?
and
He’d had something taken from him— that chance to know with unequivocal certainty that the man he was to love would unconditionally love him back.
I may not agree with Simon about his reasoning, but I did at least finally get why he was freaking out so badly. What he lost out on was the certainty, the absolute knowledge that Alex was destined for him. What he was left with was having to trust that Alex really saw what he saw, and as we learn in the book, trust does not come easy for Simon. What had originally been really confusing to me about all this actually became one of my favorite things about this book once Simon started to explain himself.
To be honest, this book should probably have a higher rating than it does. I really enjoyed it, and it is probably the best of the series. However…this one part of a conversation late in the book kinda pissed me off and cost the book almost a whole star.
“Do I really come across as that frigid? That’s twice you’ve indicted I might not like sex.” Simon meant it as a joke, but Alex seemed to take it very seriously.
Was this really necessary? Like, can we please stop equating not wanting to have sex with someone with some type of horrible deficiency as the person. If Simon didn’t want to have sex that wouldn’t in any way make him frigid. IT WOULD MAKE HIM SOMEONE WHO JUST DIDN’T WANNA HAVE SEX. Not wanting to engage in sexual activity for any and many reasons does not make you unfeeling or uncaring or a horrible person. The whole issue with Simon not wanting to have sex is a big part of this story, so I can see why the whole conversation came about, but really, was it absolutely necessary for the whole “of course I want to have sex with you, I’m not some frigid bitch” part to even happen? Would taking that part out make the conversation any less impactful in any way? I don’t think so. And all it did do was piss this one person off. So…yeah.
That aside…I still liked it, and do recommend it. I don’t think you need to read the other books in the series either. You might get a bit more about how the mirror impacts its viewers from reading them, but on the whole this was a pretty self-contained story. Don’t know if we are going to get a book four, but that ending has me really wanting to know what happens with Brody.
And, dammit, its like the whole cycle has started all over again!
3.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
February 7, 2017
This series is like crack to me. I don't know why but I just love it. We've been waiting for poor Simon's story and this did not disappoint. Not quite as great and book 2 for me but definitely worth a read. Hopefully this series continues with our new keeper! :)
February 28, 2017
This review and much more can be found at The Novel Approach
Simon is the keeper of a magical mirror. Men come to his antiques store—really, are compelled to walk in the door—and Simon shows them the mirror. The mirror does not show a reflection of the viewer, but rather, the picture of the viewer’s one true love—his soul mate. For nearly ten years, Simon has been faithfully executing his duties as the mirror’s keeper.
One day, a youngish guy dressed in street clothes, with rainbow dyed hair, approaches his desk at the shop. He asks him about the trick with the mirror, at which time Simon is dismayed as he hadn’t even heard the man come into the shop, or head toward the mirror. As they approach the mirror together, the man asks again how the trick is done, and why he is seeing Simon in the mirror rather than himself.
Simon is nearly apoplectic with this revelation. All these years, he thought he would see his one true love, not that he would be the image that another would see. He’s shocked and outraged; it seems to him that for once the mirror has gotten it all wrong. He’s furious and kicks the man, Alex, out of the store.
But, Alex will not be deterred. He continues to seek out Simon at the store, and win him over. It’s truly a hard sell, but Simon does begin to soften towards him, over time, which Alex takes as a positive sign. Simon is still confused and not sure he believes that Alex is his soulmate, but he definitely feels a pull towards him. He reveals details of this past to Alex that he’s not shared with another soul. He does begin to trust Alex even though that’s the last thing he thought would happen.
Then, another customer who is drawn by the mirror comes into the store. He tries to flirt with Simon, but when the mirror’s purpose is explained to him, and he sees his boss reflected there, he freaks out. Alex grows a bit suspicious, but Simon manages to get the man out and explain away the conversation.
Of course, Simon being less than honest with Alex is bound to cause problems, and boy, does it! When Alex finally discovers the truth of the mirror and realizes that Simon hasn’t exactly been forthcoming about the mirror or his job at the antiques shop, he does not react well. Simon isn’t sure how to fix what has happened, but he’s determined to try.
I enjoyed this third installment of this series. The first book, Choices, is still my favorite (the books are best read in order), but I was intrigued to find out details about Simon, the keeper of the mirror. This is truly a case of not judging a book by its cover. Simon completely reacts to Alex’s exterior and his expectation for the mirror and himself. Alex is a good guy who fights for Simon—even though he’s not really sure why. I liked watching Alex try to figure out how to worm his way into Simon’s good graces, and Simon try to resist—to no avail. Recommended for fans of the series and lovers of romance with a bit of magic.
Simon is the keeper of a magical mirror. Men come to his antiques store—really, are compelled to walk in the door—and Simon shows them the mirror. The mirror does not show a reflection of the viewer, but rather, the picture of the viewer’s one true love—his soul mate. For nearly ten years, Simon has been faithfully executing his duties as the mirror’s keeper.
One day, a youngish guy dressed in street clothes, with rainbow dyed hair, approaches his desk at the shop. He asks him about the trick with the mirror, at which time Simon is dismayed as he hadn’t even heard the man come into the shop, or head toward the mirror. As they approach the mirror together, the man asks again how the trick is done, and why he is seeing Simon in the mirror rather than himself.
Simon is nearly apoplectic with this revelation. All these years, he thought he would see his one true love, not that he would be the image that another would see. He’s shocked and outraged; it seems to him that for once the mirror has gotten it all wrong. He’s furious and kicks the man, Alex, out of the store.
But, Alex will not be deterred. He continues to seek out Simon at the store, and win him over. It’s truly a hard sell, but Simon does begin to soften towards him, over time, which Alex takes as a positive sign. Simon is still confused and not sure he believes that Alex is his soulmate, but he definitely feels a pull towards him. He reveals details of this past to Alex that he’s not shared with another soul. He does begin to trust Alex even though that’s the last thing he thought would happen.
Then, another customer who is drawn by the mirror comes into the store. He tries to flirt with Simon, but when the mirror’s purpose is explained to him, and he sees his boss reflected there, he freaks out. Alex grows a bit suspicious, but Simon manages to get the man out and explain away the conversation.
Of course, Simon being less than honest with Alex is bound to cause problems, and boy, does it! When Alex finally discovers the truth of the mirror and realizes that Simon hasn’t exactly been forthcoming about the mirror or his job at the antiques shop, he does not react well. Simon isn’t sure how to fix what has happened, but he’s determined to try.
I enjoyed this third installment of this series. The first book, Choices, is still my favorite (the books are best read in order), but I was intrigued to find out details about Simon, the keeper of the mirror. This is truly a case of not judging a book by its cover. Simon completely reacts to Alex’s exterior and his expectation for the mirror and himself. Alex is a good guy who fights for Simon—even though he’s not really sure why. I liked watching Alex try to figure out how to worm his way into Simon’s good graces, and Simon try to resist—to no avail. Recommended for fans of the series and lovers of romance with a bit of magic.
January 14, 2017
Simon is a pretty unhappy, fairly judgmental man who for ten years has been the keeper of the mirror. A special mirror, one that shows people their soulmate, the one they are destined to fall in love with. He’s been waiting ten years for the mirror to show him his own soulmate but it never does. He is starting to get sick of it all when a young man dressed in grunge with rainbow hair is too casual around the antiques in the store and asks why he has seen Simon in the mirror. Oh boy. Simon is so quick to judge Alex based on his clothes. He is also in a snit because he has always wanted the mirror to show him the soulmate, not the other way around.
The whole of this story is Alex and Simon, with the mirror as a background supporting character. At times it is difficult to connect with Simon because he is so very bitter about the mirror showing Alex and he definitely takes it out on Alex, even to the detriment of himself. It was funny to me that Simon treats Alex so atrociously, pushing him away, being rude, refusing to talk, yet if Alex did anything Simon considered poor behavior he was immediately offended. And Alex kept apologizing!
Simon does begin to come around, of course, and we get more of the backstory of how he came to be the keeper of the mirror, really the slave to the mirror at this point. The problem continues in that Simon doesn’t actually tell Alex what the mirror does, so even as Alex is courting him and Simon is beginning to believe, there is that fear in the back of Simon’s head of what will happen if Simon finds out.
This story is very character based and we get to know Simon very much. A little less of Alex, who is drawn to Simon by the mirror and I couldn’t help but wonder at times, would he have wanted Simon without that? There is the issue of Colin, a man who is sees his soulmate in the mirror and definitely is not impressed. This causes yet more questioning on Simon’s part.
I found the story very interesting and I felt for Alex – he feels the pull but doesn’t really understand why. As for Simon, he has a difficult past and has been literally bound to the mirror’s place for ten years, so you can understand things will be difficult.
The whole of this story is Alex and Simon, with the mirror as a background supporting character. At times it is difficult to connect with Simon because he is so very bitter about the mirror showing Alex and he definitely takes it out on Alex, even to the detriment of himself. It was funny to me that Simon treats Alex so atrociously, pushing him away, being rude, refusing to talk, yet if Alex did anything Simon considered poor behavior he was immediately offended. And Alex kept apologizing!
Simon does begin to come around, of course, and we get more of the backstory of how he came to be the keeper of the mirror, really the slave to the mirror at this point. The problem continues in that Simon doesn’t actually tell Alex what the mirror does, so even as Alex is courting him and Simon is beginning to believe, there is that fear in the back of Simon’s head of what will happen if Simon finds out.
This story is very character based and we get to know Simon very much. A little less of Alex, who is drawn to Simon by the mirror and I couldn’t help but wonder at times, would he have wanted Simon without that? There is the issue of Colin, a man who is sees his soulmate in the mirror and definitely is not impressed. This causes yet more questioning on Simon’s part.
I found the story very interesting and I felt for Alex – he feels the pull but doesn’t really understand why. As for Simon, he has a difficult past and has been literally bound to the mirror’s place for ten years, so you can understand things will be difficult.
April 2, 2017
4.5 Stars
This one was by far my favorite of the three books in this series and Simon and Alex were my favorite MCs.
Simon's prickly personality at the beginning made me wish I could smack him. He had his reasons for being that way but thankfully it didn't take long to see the frightened, anxiety ridden man underneath. I loved his character and Alex was perfect for him.
As much as I loved this book there were still little things that bothered me a bit. They were enough for me to take off a half star but not nearly enough to dampen the enjoyment I got from reading Simon and Alex's story.
February 27, 2017
Simon is the keeper of a magical mirror. Men come to his antiques store—really, are compelled to walk in the door—and Simon shows them the mirror. The mirror does not show a reflection of the viewer, but rather, the picture of the viewer’s one true love—his soul mate. For nearly ten years, Simon has been faithfully executing his duties as the mirror’s keeper.
One day, a youngish guy dressed in street clothes, with rainbow dyed hair, approaches his desk at the shop. He asks him about the trick with the mirror, at which time Simon is dismayed as he hadn’t even heard the man come into the shop, or head toward the mirror. As they approach the mirror together, the man asks again how the trick is done, and why he is seeing Simon in the mirror rather than himself.
Simon is nearly apoplectic with this revelation. All these years, he thought he would see his one true love, not that he would be the image that another would see. He’s shocked and outraged; it seems to him that for once the mirror has gotten it all wrong. He’s furious and kicks the man, Alex, out of the store.
But, Alex will not be deterred. He continues to seek out Simon at the store, and win him over. It’s truly a hard sell, but Simon does begin to soften towards him, over time, which Alex takes as a positive sign. Simon is still confused and not sure he believes that Alex is his soulmate, but he definitely feels a pull towards him. He reveals details of this past to Alex that he’s not shared with another soul. He does begin to trust Alex even though that’s the last thing he thought would happen.
Then, another customer who is drawn by the mirror comes into the store. He tries to flirt with Simon, but when the mirror’s purpose is explained to him, and he sees his boss reflected there, he freaks out. Alex grows a bit suspicious, but Simon manages to get the man out and explain away the conversation.
Of course, Simon being less than honest with Alex is bound to cause problems, and boy, does it! When Alex finally discovers the truth of the mirror and realizes that Simon hasn’t exactly been forthcoming about the mirror or his job at the antiques shop, he does not react well. Simon isn’t sure how to fix what has happened, but he’s determined to try.
I enjoyed this third installment of this series. The first book, Choices, is still my favorite (the books are best read in order), but I was intrigued to find out details about Simon, the keeper of the mirror. This is truly a case of not judging a book by its cover. Simon completely reacts to Alex’s exterior and his expectation for the mirror and himself. Alex is a good guy who fights for Simon—even though he’s not really sure why. I liked watching Alex try to figure out how to worm his way into Simon’s good graces, and Simon try to resist—to no avail. Recommended for fans of the series and lovers of romance with a bit of magic.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach Reviews
One day, a youngish guy dressed in street clothes, with rainbow dyed hair, approaches his desk at the shop. He asks him about the trick with the mirror, at which time Simon is dismayed as he hadn’t even heard the man come into the shop, or head toward the mirror. As they approach the mirror together, the man asks again how the trick is done, and why he is seeing Simon in the mirror rather than himself.
Simon is nearly apoplectic with this revelation. All these years, he thought he would see his one true love, not that he would be the image that another would see. He’s shocked and outraged; it seems to him that for once the mirror has gotten it all wrong. He’s furious and kicks the man, Alex, out of the store.
But, Alex will not be deterred. He continues to seek out Simon at the store, and win him over. It’s truly a hard sell, but Simon does begin to soften towards him, over time, which Alex takes as a positive sign. Simon is still confused and not sure he believes that Alex is his soulmate, but he definitely feels a pull towards him. He reveals details of this past to Alex that he’s not shared with another soul. He does begin to trust Alex even though that’s the last thing he thought would happen.
Then, another customer who is drawn by the mirror comes into the store. He tries to flirt with Simon, but when the mirror’s purpose is explained to him, and he sees his boss reflected there, he freaks out. Alex grows a bit suspicious, but Simon manages to get the man out and explain away the conversation.
Of course, Simon being less than honest with Alex is bound to cause problems, and boy, does it! When Alex finally discovers the truth of the mirror and realizes that Simon hasn’t exactly been forthcoming about the mirror or his job at the antiques shop, he does not react well. Simon isn’t sure how to fix what has happened, but he’s determined to try.
I enjoyed this third installment of this series. The first book, Choices, is still my favorite (the books are best read in order), but I was intrigued to find out details about Simon, the keeper of the mirror. This is truly a case of not judging a book by its cover. Simon completely reacts to Alex’s exterior and his expectation for the mirror and himself. Alex is a good guy who fights for Simon—even though he’s not really sure why. I liked watching Alex try to figure out how to worm his way into Simon’s good graces, and Simon try to resist—to no avail. Recommended for fans of the series and lovers of romance with a bit of magic.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach Reviews
July 20, 2018
I mostly enjoyed the book until the very end. I have to admit that early on Simon was horribly judgmental and I almost stopped reading because I didn't like him. Which is silly, because I love characters who grow, so I told myself, "Get back in there! He'll figure it out!" Ah well, I could live with that. Then, at the end when the truth is revealed, there's a big fight. But the whole "realization" period is skipped! We don't connect with the characters again until all the soul searching and learning and growing is done.
I felt robbed.
Again. Just like in the second book in the series when the major plot crisis is handled off stage and everything is just suddenly hunky-dory, but I never got to experience the blinding happiness of the change -- and it didn't seem adequately explained, either. Penny Brandon did this a lot in this series. It may be other peoples' cups of tea, but it doesn't work for me. Even so, thanks so much for the free copies in exchange for honest reviews.
I felt robbed.
Again. Just like in the second book in the series when the major plot crisis is handled off stage and everything is just suddenly hunky-dory, but I never got to experience the blinding happiness of the change -- and it didn't seem adequately explained, either. Penny Brandon did this a lot in this series. It may be other peoples' cups of tea, but it doesn't work for me. Even so, thanks so much for the free copies in exchange for honest reviews.
June 17, 2018
My absolute favourite book in The Looking Glass series!!
Simon, the mirror's keeper, has grown somewhat bitter that the mirror still hasn't shown him his own true love. When Alex shows up in the store, looking nothing like what Simon imagines he wants his true love to look like, and he is shown Simon's reflection in the mirror, Simon is not pleased...at all. He feels betrayed and thinks the mirror has made a mistake.
I loved that the tables were turned on Simon, so to speak, and that he resisted the mirror's "information", while he of all people should have known better. Even going so far as to sabotage his true love, by not informing Alex of the mirror's purpose.
Alex is drawn to Simon, in spite of his prickly and less than welcoming manner. He succeeds in breaking down Simon's walls though, and I really liked the way these two men get to know each other and slowly fall in love. Slowburn stories are the best!
I feel the emotions in this book are far stronger than in the previous two. The chemistry and connection between these two MC's is very intense and gripping. I think because reality intrudes a bit more, and the love arc depends less on the magical/fairytale like aspect of the mirror.
I really loved this story! Had a great time reading it.
Simon, the mirror's keeper, has grown somewhat bitter that the mirror still hasn't shown him his own true love. When Alex shows up in the store, looking nothing like what Simon imagines he wants his true love to look like, and he is shown Simon's reflection in the mirror, Simon is not pleased...at all. He feels betrayed and thinks the mirror has made a mistake.
I loved that the tables were turned on Simon, so to speak, and that he resisted the mirror's "information", while he of all people should have known better. Even going so far as to sabotage his true love, by not informing Alex of the mirror's purpose.
Alex is drawn to Simon, in spite of his prickly and less than welcoming manner. He succeeds in breaking down Simon's walls though, and I really liked the way these two men get to know each other and slowly fall in love. Slowburn stories are the best!
I feel the emotions in this book are far stronger than in the previous two. The chemistry and connection between these two MC's is very intense and gripping. I think because reality intrudes a bit more, and the love arc depends less on the magical/fairytale like aspect of the mirror.
I really loved this story! Had a great time reading it.
June 9, 2018
Simon is the keeper of the mirror, showing people their fated love. It also turns out Simon is a rude, selfish butthead. He has kept hoping to see his future in the mirror but when Alex is shown Simon he falls apart. He was the one supposed to see his mate not the other way around. He is supposed to be the strong one in the relationship. He can't believe this rainbow haired boy is for him. He absolutely refuses to accept Alex.
Alex knows he has some kind of connection to Simon but just doesn't know what it is. He keeps coming to the shop. Slowly wearing Simon down. Simon knows he needs to tell Alex the truth but he keeps putting it off. When Alex finds out the truth he says terrible things and leaves Simon alone. Simon knows he has to do something to get Alex back. When he is presented with an answer, will it be enough?
I spent half of this book not liking Simon. The author did petulant child very well! Simon did redeem himself. Good book.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Alex knows he has some kind of connection to Simon but just doesn't know what it is. He keeps coming to the shop. Slowly wearing Simon down. Simon knows he needs to tell Alex the truth but he keeps putting it off. When Alex finds out the truth he says terrible things and leaves Simon alone. Simon knows he has to do something to get Alex back. When he is presented with an answer, will it be enough?
I spent half of this book not liking Simon. The author did petulant child very well! Simon did redeem himself. Good book.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
June 19, 2018
For ten years, Simon has been the overseer of the magic mirror that shows chosen men an image of their true love. He's waited patiently for the mirror to show him his own perfect man, and he knows that he will remain in the antique shop where the mirror resides until that time. His patience is running out when Alex comes in, all casual and sloppy, and sees an image of Simon in the mirror. Simon does not handle this well.
Thankfully, Alex is a really good man who sees that the prickly shopkeeper is hiding pain under his attitude and disdain. He refuses to give up on Simon, and his efforts will make the reader fall in love with Alex, while waiting for our fearful Simon to come to his senses.
This book, like First Kiss, is often painful to read, but I am so glad Simon has been given his love story. It is also interesting to learn how he came to be the keeper of the mirror, and what his life in the shop is like. The ending of this story (and series) still has me smiling!
Thankfully, Alex is a really good man who sees that the prickly shopkeeper is hiding pain under his attitude and disdain. He refuses to give up on Simon, and his efforts will make the reader fall in love with Alex, while waiting for our fearful Simon to come to his senses.
This book, like First Kiss, is often painful to read, but I am so glad Simon has been given his love story. It is also interesting to learn how he came to be the keeper of the mirror, and what his life in the shop is like. The ending of this story (and series) still has me smiling!
June 19, 2018
Simon, the keeper of the mirror that shows men their soul mates, is horrified to learn that Alex, someone younger than he is and with rainbow hair and tattered clothing, is his soul mate. Simon wanted to be the one who takes care of his mate and he rejects Alex, although he knows deep down that he's wrong. Alex is not deterred, although he doesn't understand the attraction to Simon he feels a pull and follows his instincts and keeps coming back. I have to say that this is the least favorite of the three books, but I still enjoyed the story and by the end, the HEA made me smile.
May 16, 2019
My favorite
This was probably my favorite of the three books in this series. I liked how Simon's first impression of Alex was so strongly negative that he was able to convince himself that he was being punished when Alex saw him in the mirror. He knew the mirror's magic was infallible, and yet he wanted to impose his will on its choice. And yet, when he acknowledged that the mirror was right, it didn't immediately get better, they both still had to work on being perfect for each other.
This was probably my favorite of the three books in this series. I liked how Simon's first impression of Alex was so strongly negative that he was able to convince himself that he was being punished when Alex saw him in the mirror. He knew the mirror's magic was infallible, and yet he wanted to impose his will on its choice. And yet, when he acknowledged that the mirror was right, it didn't immediately get better, they both still had to work on being perfect for each other.
June 15, 2018
Great book where we finally get Simon's story of finding his true love. Although he definitely didn't get what he expected! Alex seems like the total opposite of who Simon would want so he doesn't tell Alex about the magic mirror's meaning and tries to discourage any relationship between them. Alex is persistent and exactly what Simon needs, but will he be able to forgive Simon his deceit.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 19, 2018
This is the third book in The Looking Glass Series. A delightful book the writing was good. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters likeable. The characters were developed and thought out. Simon and Alex are the MC’s of this book. There was humor, antiques shop, attacks, security, mirror, arrest, takeout and more in this book. I can recommend as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
June 15, 2018
this was so interesting.. it had a whole other dynamic to it.. it had pain.. and fear.. and hurt.. it made me happy and sad all at one time. i really liked it
January 12, 2017
This was a good read but kind of on the sad side also.
Simon did not have an easy life from the ages of sixteen to just shy of nineteen. He lived on the streets, he stole to survive, and one night after trusting the wrong person was abused and almost died. He found himself after that in the shop that he currently living in and was given instructions as to how to survive within the shop and to watch over the mirror. That the mirror holds the power of showing those people that draws them to it there one true love.
Over the past ten years that is what Simmon has done. He has witnessed many come and find out the love of their life and then leave again and over that time he has. It given up hope that he he will to look one day and find the love of his life. But it has NOT happened for him.
A man named Alex comes in dressed grungy with multicolored hair and asks why it is that he sees Simmon in the mirror when he looks in it. To say that Simmon is not impressed is like saying that the sun is green. Simmon was beyond livid at the man and the mirror. He felt betrayed and robbed of his right to see his true love.
Alex did not understand why Simmon was mad nd at him it seems but Alex would not give up because he immediately felt drawn to Simmon and even if he did not understand why, he knew he had to get to know the man.
Simmon eventually starts to cave and gets to know the real Alex and not the person he thought he was and over the short period of time finds himself falling for Alex. The problem is Simmon has not been honest with Alex and when Alex finds this out, Alex feels betrayed and no longer wants anything to do with Simmon.
So could the mirror be wrong afterall? Will Alex ever forgive Simmon for not being completely honest with him? Can they get over the deception on Simmons part or will Simmon end up alone once again?
This is the first book I have read in this series but I have too say that I really enjoyed this read even though it is sad. The reason I say that it is sad is because the things Simmon has been through has truly affected him and not in a good way and just when he finally starts to trust someone he messes it up by not trusting him with the truth sooner. It is definitely a book that shows that trust is just as important as love is. Really was a good story. Look forward to the next one in the series.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Simon did not have an easy life from the ages of sixteen to just shy of nineteen. He lived on the streets, he stole to survive, and one night after trusting the wrong person was abused and almost died. He found himself after that in the shop that he currently living in and was given instructions as to how to survive within the shop and to watch over the mirror. That the mirror holds the power of showing those people that draws them to it there one true love.
Over the past ten years that is what Simmon has done. He has witnessed many come and find out the love of their life and then leave again and over that time he has. It given up hope that he he will to look one day and find the love of his life. But it has NOT happened for him.
A man named Alex comes in dressed grungy with multicolored hair and asks why it is that he sees Simmon in the mirror when he looks in it. To say that Simmon is not impressed is like saying that the sun is green. Simmon was beyond livid at the man and the mirror. He felt betrayed and robbed of his right to see his true love.
Alex did not understand why Simmon was mad nd at him it seems but Alex would not give up because he immediately felt drawn to Simmon and even if he did not understand why, he knew he had to get to know the man.
Simmon eventually starts to cave and gets to know the real Alex and not the person he thought he was and over the short period of time finds himself falling for Alex. The problem is Simmon has not been honest with Alex and when Alex finds this out, Alex feels betrayed and no longer wants anything to do with Simmon.
So could the mirror be wrong afterall? Will Alex ever forgive Simmon for not being completely honest with him? Can they get over the deception on Simmons part or will Simmon end up alone once again?
This is the first book I have read in this series but I have too say that I really enjoyed this read even though it is sad. The reason I say that it is sad is because the things Simmon has been through has truly affected him and not in a good way and just when he finally starts to trust someone he messes it up by not trusting him with the truth sooner. It is definitely a book that shows that trust is just as important as love is. Really was a good story. Look forward to the next one in the series.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
February 1, 2017
Really enjoyable. Simon has spent the past 10 years watching others find love, all the while hoping his time would come. And when it does, he's not as accepting as he tells others to be.
Alex is patient and he's willing to wait for Simon. I really loved Alex, he's a perfect match for Simon.
Alex is patient and he's willing to wait for Simon. I really loved Alex, he's a perfect match for Simon.
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