Mirrors

Reflections #1

by A.L. Woods

Raquel
I live my life by one fight to survive.

I don’t like people; I don’t like my job, and I definitely do not like the broody man I’m interviewing.

I’ve built up these walls to keep me safe, Sean’s presence in my world would only complicate things.

He wouldn’t know what to do with me if I came with an instruction manual–because women like me don’t get the happily ever after.

He might just be the one to break the mirror of my fragile identity.

And if I’m not careful? I’ll let him.

Sean
I live my life by one family is everything.

I do this for the money; I don’t care about flipping houses, and I don’t like being interrogated about it by this wannabe Hemingway.

But I can’t deny my immediate attraction towards her, it fills my mind with what if’s–and I only just met her.

Raquel doesn’t know what she wants, but I know what she needs.

I’m ready to give her it all.

Even if she needs to hate me first.

Genres: Romance, Dark, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary

298 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2020

About the author

A.L. Woods is an international bestselling author of dark and contemporary rollercoaster romances, caffeine aficionado, and collector of Sailor Moon paraphernalia.

She lives outside of Toronto, Ontario with her 9lb larger-than-life miniature dachshund, Maia.

She believes that burritos should be in their own food group, loves the fall, winged liner, and listening to metalcore at an offensive level.

Website: https://amandawrites.ca/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/a-l-w...
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaLWrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandalwrites/
Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/22739...

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,8. It’s a good story, the characters are strong and they know what they want!
It’s worth the reading.

[Corinne [hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book cannot be read in one sitting. It is not a fluffy read. It is dark, sometimes hard to read, raw, realistic and poignant. The whole atmosphere is heavy. The writing is very descriptive, sometimes too much so as it can take from the story flow. Heavy on character development and details, you will either love or hate it.
Raquel is a loner. She's had a hard life, a lot of loss. She is hardened, she settled for a job she hates and she had only one real friend. Sean buys old houses, restores them and then sells them back for profit. He is as much a pragmatic as Raquel is. He's given up on his dream to become a chef in order to support his family.
Raquel and Sean meet on site of his latest project and they immediately start this cat and mouse game. They feel this insane attraction towards each other but act like crazy kids a lot of the times.
The book is very heavy on the details and there are a lot of side characters. All characters are so realistically portrayed and are highly relatable and that's why it can be difficult to read. I had a lot of times where I had to stop and take a break from the intensity. The scenes where Raquel and Sean are together are amazing and powerful. Their sexual tension is palpable and their banter is witty and fun.
Mirrors is a serious book. It reflects on a lot of topics. Proceed with an open heart!

***Thanks to Netgalley and Valentine PR for the ARC

[Nisha's Books and Coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been so excited for this book by @amandalwrites and it did not disappoint. Her writing is impeccable and her words so descriptive in every way. With these two characters, especially Raquel, I feel like many of us can relate on some level to her feelings about life or certain aspects of life. I think that’s what initially drew me in from the very first few pages. She’s struggling in life, in the friend department, the guy department, job, family....you name it. You want to yell at her that everything WILL be ok but isn’t that what we want to yell at ourselves sometimes too?!

Sean is a dreamboat but I’ll let you read about him for yourself. ☺️The banter between Raquel and Sean was everything. I’m so excited that this will be a trilogy. I can’t wait for what comes next because I need more of Sean and Raquel!

[SS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for this book for about 2 months. I found it so randomly, one lazy morning at 6 am as I scrolled through Instagram. I liked the short description so I went on the authors page, and fell in love.

I liked like a stalker going through her old pictures & stories and holding down the Instagram just so I could read the book in the background. To say I was obsessed was putting it lightly.

I’ve been waiting ever since, and boy did it surpass my expectations. I knew I would love it, I just didn’t know how much I would. Amanda wrote an amazing book.

I fell in love with Raquel and Sean. The way they interacted from the very beginning had me smiling and laughing the entire book. I squealed like a little girl reading this book. I loved being able to experience their thoughts , seeing the reason behind each action. It’s like I seriously fell in love with them & their relationship as I read.

Definitely one of my favorite books ever. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!!

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page turner! All around a solid read, it's wonderfully written and the pacing and character development is on point. There's nothing better than becoming completely encapsulated in an author's world, and this one is intriguing and sexy. Definitely recommend and can't wait for the next in the series!

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was honestly a wild ride. From despising characters to liking them (not all of them, some are just an ass). If you want a good dose of entertainment that will make you feel a vast range of emotions, this is for you

[Victoria Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. I can't stop thinking about it.

I decided to read Mirrors because it was recommended by a blogger. I was immediately transported into the world of Raquel and Sean. Woods painted an elaborate picture of the life of a woman whose life had been riddled with hardship. Raquel is a complex character who had a rough upbringing and never quite learned to stop blaming herself for some of the things she experienced, until she met Sean. He is the only son in a Portuguese family and has done everything he could to fulfill the responsibilities that are expected of him. As a result, he's had to sacrifice his own dreams to meet the duties that were unfairly placed on him.

Raquel and Sean have a beautifully complicated relationship. It’s not an easy one as the two are stubborn as hell. Raquel is an expert at picking fights with her vulgar mouth and Sean is an expert at getting her to “knock it off”. They drive each other crazy which only leads to the best chemistry ever. Their interactions were steamy and left my heart racing. I couldn’t get enough of their attraction.

I was blown away by the "realness" of this book. I found myself reading each word carefully, savoring the emotion behind the author’s choice of words. I could visualize Raquel’s childhood home and I could smell the food that Sean’s mother cooked. These characters truly came to life.
This is Woods’s first book, yet in my opinion she has already mastered the art of carefully thought-out scenes. She has successfully captured an honest and gritty account of a modern-day love story.

It ends on a cliff-hanger that leaves you wanting to read Book 2 (Shattered) immediately. I am already glued to the second book and never want it to end.

[Laura ( Latteandbookz ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author and wow, it was a crazy ride that’s for sure.
Raquel and Sean have this complicated relationship but at the same time it’s a beautiful mess.
Sean is the only male in his family and due to that he is trying to fulfill all of the responsibilities that are expected of him, and because of that he sacrificed his own dreams. One of the things that I enjoyed was how determined he was to prove to Raquel that is capable of love and be able to accept it.
Raquel is someone that is closed off and covers her feelings with anger because she wants to keep people away. I loved her sarcasm that she has, kept me laughing.
This book is packed with all the emotions that you would expect from a slow burn romance.

[J. Ockenhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raquel and Sean are the kind of characters that are like a bag of potato chips, once you get a taste you can't stop until you devour it all up.


Like life this book has it all. Including that major cliff. Please don't be deterred because Raquel and Sean are so worth getting to know and experience life with.

I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/14/2021)! 🎁

[Mom's Guilty Pleasure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Struggle. Fight. Survive.

“I’m a quick learner. I’ve got the patience of a saint, and the prowess of a god.”

This book is so flipping amazing. Your heart will be pounding. You’ll be frustrated. You’ll be praying things go the direction you want and ready to lose your mind when it doesn’t.

“I had been riding a wave, a high so unlike anything I had ever experienced, only to watch that undertow claim me again and drag me under. I wasn’t allowed to swim, I was only permitted to flounder.”

You’ll love the banter, humor, chemistry, steaminess, struggles...this author is new to me and I’m thrilled I gave her a chance!

Fight for yourself.
Fight for me.
Fight for what I know could be an us.

“I wasn’t the woman who got the fairy tale ending; I was the one who got the war.”

Just a warning there is a holy mother of a cliff-hanger ending...so get book two, Shattered downloaded so you don’t go off the deep-end when you finish this book!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in a trilogy. Raquel knows through love and loss that she can only depend on her self in life, in a dead end journalist job she hates, she is just flittering through the days of her existence. Sean gave up his dream of becoming a chef to support his family in flipping houses. when these two meet on Sean's latest project sparks fly but their game of push and pull leaves them both questioning what they want and need. This story is heartbreakingly relatable, of conquering your demons no matter the struggle and finding something worth fighting for. the story is highly descriptive and well thought out and presented with characters that develop through out the book. this book does end on a cliff hanger!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends.

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars



Sean is a real estate investor. He buys run-down homes at rock bottom prices and "flips" them through renovations, then sells them at a profit. He intends to sell his current property quickly and move on to the next project. Too bad markets are down, and he is having trouble bringing inquiries to the said property.

In comes Raquel Flannigan, a journalist at a small-town newspaper, to the rescue. As a favor to her best friend, Penelope - coincidentally hired as the interior stager for the property Sean is selling, Raquel agrees to promote the property. Her first encounter with Sean was electric to both of them but was an odd interview. There was no denying the tension radiating in the. When it all came out, it was explosive and spectacular! It raised the standards in steam and angst!

Raquel is a complex character. She went through a tragic past that changed her. Filled with much guilt and torturing emotions, Raquel was crumbling from the inside while maintaining a calm, no-nonsense, tough journalist facade. Outside of her job, her life is pure chaos that Sean seems to be willing to dive into to "save her."

Without giving so much, readers will surely get the gravity of Raquel's situation midway through the book. It is dark and sinister. It will change how you perceive things. I did not like the road that Raquel took to "save" the people around her. I was frustrated with her reckless decisions. Yes, she had terrible things happen to her and her family, which she blames was her doing. Because of this, she lost herself, her passion and decided that she was not worthy of peace and happiness by taking on the "bad things" in her life as penance.
Sean has his issues, but it's a lot safer than what Raquel had around. He gave up his dreams to be able to support his family after a tragic loss. It was not uncommon, but now, his family is on him going back to pursue his passion and think of himself. It was driving him crazy because Sean believes he is fine where he is...or so he thinks.

The theme of "mirrors" or "self-reflection and perceptions" runs well into the book. There is a lot of "push-pull" in Sean and Raquel's lives for their daily interaction with family and friends - how they see themselves - potential, ambition, and expectations.

I like to note that I love Raquel's best friend and forever confidant, Penelope. She and Raquel are opposites but bonded together in college when they became roommates. Penelope has gone through a lot with her family and background, but they become an unstoppable team with Raquel's support. Penelope also is integral in having Raquel realize the destructive path she was heading towards. Without that realization, this story would turn out badly.

Mirrors is a poignant, slow-burn, enemies-to-friends story. It is a gut-wrenching story that dives into two broken characters' lives: one accepting it while the other is in denial. Both need each other to find their redemption and healing to move to live with their choices.
The scenes and points of view are very detailed. The writing may get overwhelming at times, so I had to sit and reflect. This book took me longer than expected to finish because of the immense information coming from interesting characters - each detail of a scene, person's points written and described in vivid word descriptions.
There is a lot of character development that will surely make readers also reflect and empathize with them. Note that the plot is heavy and complex, with various issues between Sean and Raquel. Expect the book to be pulling out all types of "feels" for readers.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I didn’t know I needed this book in my life until I read it. The writing was amazing and I felt like these characters were real people that I knew. Raquel has had a tough upbringing and struggles daily to process her emotions and Amanda has done an incredible job at showing this. I’m certain there’s something within this story that you’ll be able to relate to in one way or another. Sean comes into her life and stirs up feelings for Raquel which leads to a complicated but beautiful relationship that they try to work through. I’m so invested in these two and can’t wait to see where they go, especially after that ending😲.

[R&C Christiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn with off the chart angst!

This book has a strong, emotionally charged storyline with realistic characters who have faced some of the tragic circumstances life tends to hand people. There is a hot chemistry that builds over time between Raquel and Sean, although Raquel is extremely closed off to the idea of reopening old wounds, afraid be hurt all over again. She covers her fear with anger and cynicism which was portrayed beautifully. Sean on the other hand, is the witty, charming, and on some levels almost dominant man who won’t give up trying to show her that she can learn to love and live again. He’s definitely swoon worthy and the book was a page turner. It’s told through both MCs eyes which I loved and now I will have to get started on book two to see what happens next because I’m not done with these two just yet.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

MIRRORS BY A.L. WOODS

✨✨✨✨ 4 stars

✨ SLOW BURN
✨ ANGSTY
✨ TROUBLED PAST
✨ TROUBLED HEORINE

The book moves a little slow in the beginning as explains and draws you in to the characters past. Raquel is a writer for a small town paper in Boston and as a favor to her friend she writes an article about Sean. Sean runs his late dads construction company and has been trying to sell a house. He is not thrilled to have Raquel interview him. When he meets her he is easily attracted, Raquel runs away from him and everything that makes her feel. This was definitely a push and pull book, I felt sorry for Sean always chasing Raquel. I have mixed feeling about Raquel she was little selfish. Overall it was a good building of the story.

[Deni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Premise, my very first book read from Woods was Veritas. I had chosen it for the very simple reason that it was a standalone book. I did not have the energy to delve into a whole multi series that would suck too much time out of me so it seemed like a safe choice. And at it’s base it was.
Veritas can absolutely be read on it’s own with no real need to catch up on any other book and it will satisfy you just fine.
But I was so enthralled and smitten with the characters and the storyline that I needed more. I need more of these characters, more of the Tavares, more of this world.

Because here’s the thing about Woods’ writing that I’ve caught up so far. While the main characters definitely do take the centre stage, the secondary/side characters are just as important and well balanced into the story. They are not just there to artificially fill the blank spaces of the world building. They’re not just there to elevate the main characters, they are full fledged characters on their own accord. The world spins for them too, stuff happens to them too, stuff that gets you curious, wanting to know what happens from their own perspective. When they aren’t around, what are they doing?
The side characters in Veritas did just that, so when I found that Veritas was just one book, one story in a whole universe of other storylines that in one way or another intertwined, I knew I was royally fucked. Because yeah I could’ve just read Veritas and be done, but what about Sean? And Raquel, Penelope and Dougie? (Even if I still hate his ass lol)

So beginning the Reflections series was a no brainer. I needed to know about Sean and Raquel, who in Veritas were just side characters, just like now Maria is one in Mirrors. Thrilling.
Truth being if you read Veritas you do basically get spoiled, but somehow that did not stop Mirrors from keeping on my toes, despite knowing how it ended.

Sean gave me major whiplash. His character in Veritas gave me an entirely different idea of him that completely flipped once I got to read his story here in the first book of trilogy. Same with Raquel, who Veritas had already gave a brief summary of her life, but not remotely as close as I got to know her now in her own story. The slow burn was just slow enough to keep me on my edge, without dragging too much. I already was smitten with all these characters so it would’ve been pretty hard to mess it up to me. I liked it. I liked them, they were stinking cute and had me giggling and kicking my feet. While Jordan is definitely more book “boyfriend”, Sean is more akin to someone that would imagine by my side in real life. Willing to pursue what he wants with fervour, but also knows when to back off, take his time, do right by you. But once you’re under his grasp, his teeth will sink deep and won’t let go. At least that’s the energy I am getting from him in book one. Again whiplash from Veritas, where, without spoiling, he’s more akin to a Labrador Retriever lol
Good stuff, already sinking my own teeth into the next book as I am writing this review.

[Roxanna C Revell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book - actual rating
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

Raquel's sarcasm made me smile on the first page so I knew that I was going to like her, even though she does her best to make people not like her.

I've said it before & will no doubt say it many times again. I hate it when a female lead is just snarky & supposedly sassy but is actually just irritating.

Raquel is snarky because she genuinely wants to keep people away. She's not about sass, she just doesn't want people to see her.

You could easily think that she hates the world & wants everyone to be miserable, but in reality, she hates herself. Everything she does is about punishing herself & sabotaging anything that could lead to her own happiness.

In walks Sean. Sean likes a challenge. Which is good because that's what Raquel is. He's got his own demons, though nothing like Raquel's, and (with a little bit of outside help) he sees beyond Raquel's mask and starts to try to break down her walls.

It ended on a bloody cliffy & I have my suspicions about where it's going & I'm about to head into book 2 to find out.

Slow burn with lots of angst, pain, loads of chemistry & some heat. Characters facing their demons & trying to change the course of their lives & the promise of lots of action in book 2. I definitely recommend getting into this series.

[Saleha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75
Smut: 1.75/5

I liked this book but I didn't love it.

The issues I had with this book were with the writing. Most of the chapters are like 12/15 pages and on a kindle it feels even longer. I personally prefer shorter chapters but more no. of chapters if that makes sense? Also, the style of writing it not easy. Like Veritas its very “uppity” English. In Veritas I sort of let it slide because it kinda made sense considering how educated and what their jobs were. But in this book it feels so unnecessary. So with the super long ass chapters constantly looking up words is making it even longer. Like it makes for a unclear/bumpy read. For me anyway and i’m just like ugh, tired of it kinda.

I love sean, he has a dry sarcastic kinda humour. He takes it too far sometimes when he gets carried away and it makes me want to punch him. But yeah.. lol.

Raquel is actually very intuitive and good at reading people. It makes sense considering observation is kinda her job.

They both have had tough lives. But Raquel more so. She has much baggage.

Overall, I it was a good read. If the style of writing is something you can get past I recommend this book.

There are many mysteries in this book, which I look forward to getting the answers to in book 2.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s confirmed A.L. Woods creates magic in every universe she makes ✨

Raquel is a 28 year old woman going through the motions. After the deaths of her father and sister, the only thing she has left is herself (and her run-down journalist job). That is until one day her best friend, Penelope, asks her to write an article about a new house for sale in town. It’s only when she arrives at the house does she meet the one and only Sean

Sean feels something the moment he lays eyes on Raquel, though she may need a bit more convincing. But he is willing to do everything in his power to prove they are more than their damaged pasts. There is no denying the chemistry between them, but is that enough for a happily ever after? 🙈

I am OBSESSED with everything about this story! I loved these characters and the side love story between Penelope and Dougie (they are also so stinkin cute!) I cannot wait to continue the next two books in the Reflection series! ⭐️

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st in a trilogy and what a fantastic beginning Sean and Raquel’s story is. Sean is the only son in his Portuguese family and has had to sacrifice his dreams to fulfil the responsibilities and duty that is expected of him. Raquel is complex and has had a tough life and blames herself for some of her hardships. When these two meets the sparks fly, and the chemistry is intense and undeniable, but they are both stubborn, and challenge each other. This is a well-paced storyline, which is humorous, entertaining, and with witty banter which all leads to an addictive and all-consuming page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Romantical_Booknerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. It is also the first book in the trilogy and I wasn’t sure what to expect. This book was the slowest of burns but really worth it.

I really loved the background development of each character and how their lives are so intertwined but so different. I really enjoyed how the author broke down the walls of the main characters to reveal them as they should be. So real and so perfect.

The book ends on a massive cliff hanger and so there is no hesitation to start reading the next book

[Terra Drynan-Werder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author that I have read and I went into it blind without reading any blurbs or reviews. It took me a bit to get into the story, however once I was hooked I was all in. Raquel and Sean's story is very well written full of emotional ups and downs. I knew I was in for a cliff hanger, just not the one I got. I look forward to seeing where this story takes us in book 2. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raquel is hardened by life. She has been through so much heartache in her life. She is at a job she hates, she doesn't have any friends and she refuses to admit she's attracted to the guy she's interviewing for a job. Sean buys old houses and restores them. He is in it for family. These two don't seem to fit but they end up having so much in common and with a love like no other.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable inspirational romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela Choi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raquel and Sean are good characters and the way that their relationship develops is perfect! The two of them are so fun to read about!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Con Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good story that had likable and relatable characters. The journey was emotional and heartfelt and the story was gripping. The storyline was well-written and poignant. Looking forward to the next book.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mirrors was my first book by this author. It was pretty slow for me, but I was interested to see what was going to happen with Raquel and Sean So I decided to finish it and now I am looking forward to the next book.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a slow build.... And the ending makes you think what the heck happened?? Raquel a woman who doesn't have it easy since childhood... And Sean who had a good childhood but has lost sight of what he really wants

[Jennifer Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching

This book draws you in and doesn't let go. You will love these characters, sometimes in spite of yourself. There were moments when I wanted to scream at them and moments when I wanted to hold them. I can't wait to see what happens next.