Awake

Reflections #3

by A.L. Woods

Raquel
It’s all a lie.
After everything he promised, after everything we went through.
He lied.
I’ll never be willfully blind to the truth again.
Sean’s no better than the rest of them, no matter what he says.
He ruined us. He ruined me.
And I let him.
So, I’ll do what I do best...
Run.

Sean
It was a lie of omission.
I didn’t do it to hurt her; I did it to get closer to her.
I’m not like them, and I’ll do what I can to make it right.
Raquel wants to run away from us, run away from me.
I’ll chase her across the country if I have to.
I’ll get her back.
’Cause there’s only one thing that drives me…
Love.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance

Unknown Binding

First published March 23, 2021

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

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear A.L. Woods, you can write me down as a fan girl (in permanent marker) and I'm super excited to see what you create next for us! Raquel has quite the past which has left her a bit broken, and totally a flight risk. She was well on her way to a happily ever after with Sean when she learned something about him that sent her packing (told you flight risk), with no trail of where she went. It broke both of them badly, and while I believe an omission is a lie, it wasn't necessarily that serious at the end of the day. I did like how she had to do work on herself before even thinking about a relationship, but I'm not sure it would have happened if it wasn't for a Pita named Rosa, who was determined to make sure this flight risk get back on track. This conclusion was seriously heavy on the angst so my emotions were running amok as it felt like the pain took my breath away. Oh, and by the way, you have to read the three books in order since it's a whole journey, so get to it because you don't want to miss out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL! 

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

✨ARC REVIEW✨ Oh my word. I don’t even know where to start. This trilogy has been everything and the writing is impeccable. She leaves out no detail. I have been so attached to these characters and the supporting characters. I hated the villains with a serious passion and at several points hated our female lead. BUT the depth of these characters, their past, their present and their future are all so well written that you become invested and when it’s over you miss them immediately.
✨
Sometimes our deepest wounds block us from seeing the future and the scars that we think have healed over those wounds are so thick because they didn’t heal properly that we have to revisit the hurt in order to fully heal. To see that not everyone has the worst intentions. To learn the difference between honest mistakes and betrayal. That is the journey you go on with Raquel in this final book.
✨
I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I’ll just say get ready for this rollercoaster and when it pisses you off, just hang on tight and finish the ride because the last hill is wild but the rush at the end will leave your eyes watering.
✨
I can’t wait for more books by Amanda! Well done!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new to me author with a wonderful hit!

Raquel is so distrustful of Sean. My heart went out to him. Can he convince Raquel that he's a good guy? I had both fingers and toes crossed hoping so!

She needs to think about more than just herself!

Highly emotional!

I will definitely be checking out more by this author! I really enjoyed this story!

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

“It almost seemed as if they’d designed the prolonged silence to draw me into madness. My heart took off on a gallop...My chest constricted.. I didn’t want to believe it...violating my privacy that way. “Is it true?”

betrayal.twist.heart palpitations.passion.

“How had I allowed myself to become so naïve all over again where I didn’t see the red paint on the stark white wall?”

Wow! This book is an emotional rollercoaster. It will drag you down to the low of lows and the next minute have you riding high. Things aren’t always as they appear. Sometimes facing them head on could save you so much grief and missed moments. But what fun would that be in the book world...hang on the ride will get bumpy, but worth it!

“Face the music and write a different life story, or succumb to the demons of your past. The choice is yours.”

I don’t know where A.L. Woods has been hiding her talent, but I am a huge fan. Each book in this trilogy gripped my heart and didn’t let go. She has pushed herself up to one of my fav authors. She definitely will be one that as soon as I hear about a new release I will not hesitate to download without needing to read a blurb. Her talent shined in this series.

[Roxanna C Revell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy of this book (having chosen to read the first two books myself) in exchange for an honest review.

A.L Woods is an amazing author. She created a strong but damaged, kick ass female that I loved from the get go. Then she created a strong, but damaged kick ass male to accompany her.

It took three books for Raquel & Sean to find their HEA, and they needed those three books. They needed to feel it all - the highs & the lows - especially Raquel, because she's denied herself from feeling anything real for so long.

Sean, on the other hand, though not as damaged as Raquel, denied himself his own life. Instead, he did everything to allow those he loved to live their dreams.

They both had layers & they both wore a mask. They met each other, they fell hard & then they tore each other apart. Yet, it was that pain - it was hitting rock bottom, that finally forced them to wake up.

I love the fact that they 'fixed' themselves while they were apart from each other & that they made their dreams a reality independently. That way, when they finally got themselves to a better place, they could see things more clearly & believe what they had was real.

They're not each other's crutch, yet they give each other strength, but only because they found their own, & that takes their relationship from something that was toxic, to something that will stand the test of time & be truly beautiful.

I love these characters. I love their strengths & vulnerabilities. I love that they're real, relatable people & the way Amanda brings you into their world & makes you feel their journey.

Awake is the third and final book in the Reflections series & I've enjoyed this journey very much.

[J.L. Lennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am blown away by the ending to this series! I don’t know when I have anticipated a book more... after Mirrors, I was counting down the days until Shattered and then Awake! Ms. Woods has a gift! I love flawed characters. There is beauty in the cracks. Raquel and Sean, and the journey they went on to find themselves as well their journey back to each other was heartbreaking and beautiful.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap, what a wild ride🤯. I absolutely loved this book and getting to see Raquel and Sean work on their own problems to get to a better place. The turn their relationship took broke my heart, however I could totally see why it had to happen. I really enjoyed getting to see Sean with his sisters, and Raquel develop more of a friendship with Dougie. Also, where can I find a best friend like Penelope?! I’m gutted this series is over as I have loved watching Sean & Raquel grow and develop within themselves. I cannot wait till Rain gets released as I adore Amanda’s writing style🖤.

[Carla Hoenshel · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC Review** WOW! I thought the first books in this set were full of surprises and mixed emotions... They can't begin to compare to "Awake"! Raquel and Sean go through so many ups and downs, miscommunications, lies, and emotions, making "Awake" a sometimes rough ride. It is a tumultuous journey running the gamut of emotions from happy to sad to frustrated as heck, not to mention the periods of self-preservation and self-awareness. Both characters enter a period of self reflection leading to modifications of their beings. Raquel has so many demons due to her upbringing, she seems unable to form and keep meaningful relationships as a result. Sean, too, has his own demons, including his 3 sisters' and mother's meddling. Even though Raquel researched Sean prior to meeting him, she is distraught that he did the same to her. As her modus operandi anytime she gets scared, she runs. Her best friend, Penelope, begs her to return since she is very pregnant and wants her BFF by her side. Will Raquel return? Will she and Sean reconnect and repair their lost love for each other? You'll have to read "Awake" because I refuse to spoil it for you!

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

AWAKE BY A.L. WOODS

✨✨✨✨ 4.5 angsty stars

✨ ANGSTY
✨ FORGIVENESS
✨ TRAGIC

Awake picks up were Shattered left off, and if you have been following Sean and Raquel journey you will be happy with this one. The first two books their relationship was a very much toxic, that was all Raquel knew, she never had a stabilized figure in her life. Sean came from a family of love her wanted to show and give Raquel that kind of love. For A.L. Woods debut trilogy I will say it well written and realistic, she did not sugar coat their relationships. Sean and Raquel have always had a trouble push and pull relationship and it wasn't going to take an overnight fix to overcome it. This books finally showed them dealing with their past and anger in a way that wasn't done in the first two. It was good to finally see Raquel grow up and take responsibility in a way she hasn't, I would have preferred more groveling but it was progress for her. If you give this series a chance you won't be disappointed, it is a raw emotional journey!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Awake, Raquel has to come to terms with her feelings, her worth, and what she wants to do with her life.. I really felt for her in all three books. She had been raised in a way that was hard for me to understand. Her upbringing made her the person she was. She didn’t see her worth and she didn’t trust anyone. This book showed her spending time with her self and her figuring out not only what she wanted out of life, but what she deserved. I hated that she and Sean had such a big falling out, but I think they needed it to become a stronger couple. I also enjoyed their best friends in this book. I’m really happy I read this trilogy and I highly recommend it to all my reading buddies.

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

This was a new to me author before this series and I am glad I took the opportunity to read these books. Raquel and Sean's story isn't easy to read and downright heartbreaking at times, however I think it is a story many of us can relate to on some level or another as many of us live with regrets and guilt about things that took place in our past. This book was roller coaster of emotions and when it was over I felt like I had run a marathon with the characters. I look forward to reading more books from A.L. Woods in the future. I was provided an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.

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

Omg this book I have no words. This author is new to me but after these 3 books that I have read I cant wait to see what else the author comes out with.
This book was a roller coaster of emotions and I’m so so happy that they are able to get there happy ever after because they definitely needed it.
The character development was beautiful because as you read the books you can see they are “fixing” them selves so that they can be together and be happy I loved they showed all of their strengths and weaknesses to one another I love seeing that in books.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful that I got to read the rest of Raquel & Sean’s story. Raquel & Sean’s journey had some ups & downs, but it was worth it in the end. I was captivated from the first page to the last!

A.L. Woods might be new to the writing community, but I think there are a lot more amazing stories to come by A.L. Woods in the future!

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Deni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.8/5

Holy crap what can I say other than this book left with a type of ache that I hadn’t felt in years. The type of ache that happens when you finish something at 3 am and you have nothing left but the silence of your room and the buzzing of your thoughts. As I read final words of the story and got hit with those big THE END words, I only kept thinking “what know?”, “what do I do with my life now?” “how do I move on from this?”. The author’s note did nothing but give me more ache and almost made me cry, it hit me right where I needed it most.

This book drained me, for better or for worse. It dangled a carrot stick right in my face and absolutely made me work my butt for it. It’s funny because I read Veritas first so I did know there was only one way this would end but holy mother Mary it still did not subside the rollercoaster of emotions their story pulled out of me.

I will say without spoiling that Maria and Jordan from Veritas do not hold a candle to the absolute clusterfuck that is Raquel and Sean’s relationship. And in a way it doesn’t need to since they have their own thing. But being from the same universe I cannot help but compare. Sean absolutely tops Jordan tho, I love them both tho.

I am still struggling on whether or not Raquel’s reaction was that warranted. Part of me feels like she truly blew it out of proportion but another part understands why she reacted with such force. When your life is littered by such severe pain and trauma and heartbreak and violence, someone like Sean feels almost like mirage, a sick trick of the mind that taunts you, meant to throw you off course and strike when you let your guard down. He did came off strong, that it true, at times his behaviour pissed me off because it felt like he himself didn’t know what he really wanted. He expected from Raquel a lot really fast that was done not out malice, but ended up creating a lot of issues. This is why they needed that time apart tbf.

Still I really felt for him and there were many moments where my heart clenched for him bc he really was in the worst pits of hell. It really messed him up by the end. Hell it messed me up, the constant push and pull where when Raquel was just ready to get back to him, it was him that he was retracing, and just when he was ready, she would do the same, almost killed me.
I wished I would’ve seen just slightly more of their relationship as an actual couple, maybe working through things, maybe actually seeing them going to couples’ therapy and hear their conversations would have been nice. But it’s fine regardless.

While the likes of Raquel are a dime a dozen, Sean feels a lot more like a unicorn. I am not saying that there aren’t men out there that wouldn’t got through hell for someone they love, but I don’t think there aren’t many men that would go through the specific set of circumstances Sean went through for someone who he wasn’t even sure truly reciprocated. In the end it almost broke him too, kinda actually did. 😭 What I also saying that the delusional part of me hopes to find someone at least half as good as Sean, while the more cynical part of me thinks he really only exists in books.
I love this trilogy. It broke me left me with so many emotions that I don’t even know what to do with, so I am probably just gonna hit the showers and got to bed lol

p.s. Now I understand why Sean behaves the way he does in Veritas and I kinda regret have read that story first. But this also means that I can have another excuse to re read it lol.

[Nine Cats · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I liked Veritas I wanted to like this one as well. Honestly it was too long and I simply got tired of repetitive back and forth between main characters and their manner of handling issues. Blowing this story up to a trilogy seems a bit excessive (the rating is for its entirety btw). Plus the big secret was so obvious. Now, I really liked Scopaesthesia - a short story published in Phobia anthology that featured Trina and Adam, and I would love to see how their story went but I was repulsed by some of the reviews (really not a fan of sharing), Allegra’s book described as a love triangle affair doesn’t have appeal for me either, so I’ll take a break from the author for now (even if I’d like to give her another go, I like the writing).

[Zuzihut · Rating 5 out of 5]

💔💔🥰🥰😍😍
I AM PROUD OF YOU AMANDA!
Fasten your seatbelts, pass the box of tissues whilst you embark on a rollercoaster journey off your life time! Never ever have I cried whilst reading ‘author’s note’!!!!!!!!!!

And as for the books? Oh boy! I can not stress enough how much I am infatuated by Sean. He’s everything what I hoped for and so much more. As for Raquel she is just a southie who started this amazing journey and changed beyond recognition. Being shaped by all the events happening in her life, her love of friends, acquaintances and a lover.

This is so much more than love story, this series is about soul searching, character shaping, love and hate.

No insta love here I’m afraid. But a hard work planted as a seed of love and friends’ relationship with steamy hot romance. And I mean hot hot hot!

I won’t lie I didn’t want this book to finish because I don’t think I will be able to find another such a well written story with this kind of a deep meaning. But....

You can measure time, but you can never stop it. These words never rang truer.
From the bottom of my heart Amanda I thank you for this series. But it’s not goodbye, it’s so long....

[Victoria Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Oh, Sean! I was rooting for you!"

This is all I kept shouting when I started AWAKE. I couldn't believe the turn that Raquel and Sean's relationship took.

I don't want to give too much away, but this book was heartbreaking in all of the right ways. AL Woods has outdone herself with the third book and painted a painfully honest portrayal of the messiness of relationships. This is by far my favorite installment of The Reflections Trilogy. Woods is known for carefully selecting words to evoke realistic, yet gritty, imagery. Her style has a way of pulling your heart out of your chest one minute, then filling the void with completely new emotions. It's truly an amazing experience and she is so talented with her use of language.

I am really sad that this series is finished but am so happy with the way that it ended. I loved the woman that Raquel became, especially since I found her to be so broken in the first two books. She used her pain to her benefit and came out stronger on the other side.  It is truly a beautiful series that you need to read.

I'm also intrigued to read her new book Rain as it promises to be something completely different from this series!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd and concluding part of this amazing trilogy. Raquel is convinced that Sean has betrayed her, and she does the only things she can and that is to run, while Sean feels that the lie was an omission, and he will follow her wherever he must and to put things to right between them again. Hitting rock bottom for both of them gave them the wake-up call needed, and the only way is up from thereon. When they reconnect, they are both in a better place, but will their relationship survive? This is a beautifully written storyline which has had me completely enthralled throughout this amazing and all-consuming tale, which is an emotional roller coaster, as well as having relatable characters, and love. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Saleha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 2.75/5
Smut: 3

Honestly, I was disappointed with this book.

Throughout the series thus far although I didn’t agree with a lot of Raquel’s decisions I tried to understand where she came from. And so while I may have not made the same decisions I could respect why she did what she did.

In this book however, I was constantly pissed off with her. A lot of her decisions in this book I feel like were so selfish and overall irritating that to some point it became pointless. Just to create drama.

I agree that raquel and sean needed time a part especially raquel to heal and grow into her own. But her reasoning behind it and the way she went about it pissed me off.


It felt like I was reading a YA book.

The only character I truly loved in this book was Dougie.

[Romantical_Booknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final book in the trilogy and I don’t actually have words. It was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. It brought out every emotion. I couldn’t put it down because my heart was being ripped out of my chest by the characters and I had to keep reading to put it back together.

I loved the highs and lows of the relationship, the lessons that are learned throughout the book and the lessons we can take with us. The ending is the sugar on top and the angst to get there is well worth it.

This author has become one of my favourites in such a short time. I read the trilogy in 4 days!!! I would highly highly recommend this author to anyone who loves real life romance stories.

[Kathleen Sousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy! What a ride! 24hrs later and I am still book hungover and processing it all.

One minute you are loving the story, the next frustrated as hell with the rollercoaster of emotions you will feel.. But it was so worth it.
There was no sugar coating what these characters were going through; it was raw and real. There is struggle. Life is messy. Love is hard. Somedays is just about survival and the next it is about fighting for you and your wants. Raquel and Sean’s story has left an imprint on my soul that will be there a for a very long time.

Amanda, congratulations on an extraordinary trilogy!

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raquel and Sean’s story is finished… and now I’m sobbing like a baby 😭

Together these characters have been through so much and their journey was absolutely incredible. I really loved seeing everything wrap up for them AND with their friends Pen and Dougie (who are literal goals 😍)

I am so happy to have found these stories and made an amazing author friend through A.L Woods. You have a gift that has inspired me so much and I can’t wait to see what is next for you!!

And just like that, the Reflections series is complete and I am beyond grateful to have been on the ride 🫶🏻

[Jennifer Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book was gut-wrenching in the best way. Every emotion they went through was felt through the author's words so strongly. I laughed, I got angry, I cried and I cheered. This book will rip you to pieces and then put you back together better than before. Buckle up! It's totally worth the ride.

[Claudia Arensdorff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!

The final book was a total shocker, I was not expecting Raquel to move and the act the way she's did but I'm glad that Rosa gave her purpose. I didn't think her and Sean will be together again but life has a way of turning things around and I liked the end...

[Karyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Raquel was sooooo annoying I barley finished this book. I was hoping Sean found someone else and they went their own way for good!!!

[xtina · Rating 3 out of 5]

"That if she was inconvenient, then I didn’t want simple."

[hannah | hannahh.readss · Rating 3 out of 5]

i did enjoy this trilogy however i wanted a lot more from this book, i feel like we barely got to see them actually in a relationship