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Carte Blanche
The Mirror
Sometimes what you see is not what you get…
Charlie may be the manager of the kink club Ropes and frequent an underground, members-only erotic performance venue, but he’s definitely the guy you’d take home to Sunday dinner. Assuming you had a home with a family who hosted Sunday dinners. That’s something Charlie grew up with, but not Gabby.
Gabby is a “me against the world” kinda gal. She has been hiding behind her killer wardrobe, sequined stage outfits, and sassy attitude for so long, she’s almost forgotten who the real Gabby is. The soft, quiet, Gabby who loves to read and wants nothing more than a safe home and someone to love. That version of Gabby would never make it in the real world.
When the two lock arms at the airport for what Gabby assumes will be a weekend fling, Charlie sees right through the mask to the woman underneath. He wants to get to know the real Gabby, but his “nice guy” past is concealing scars of his own.
When his traumas flare up at the most inopportune moment, will Gabby let him walk away? Or will looking in the mirror with Charlie change her life forever?
The Mirror is a steamy romance that deals with themes of self image, voyeurism, and working through past traumas. There is threat of SA, but no actual assault on page. If you are sensitive to these themes, please visit the author’s website for more content info.
Charlie may be the manager of the kink club Ropes and frequent an underground, members-only erotic performance venue, but he’s definitely the guy you’d take home to Sunday dinner. Assuming you had a home with a family who hosted Sunday dinners. That’s something Charlie grew up with, but not Gabby.
Gabby is a “me against the world” kinda gal. She has been hiding behind her killer wardrobe, sequined stage outfits, and sassy attitude for so long, she’s almost forgotten who the real Gabby is. The soft, quiet, Gabby who loves to read and wants nothing more than a safe home and someone to love. That version of Gabby would never make it in the real world.
When the two lock arms at the airport for what Gabby assumes will be a weekend fling, Charlie sees right through the mask to the woman underneath. He wants to get to know the real Gabby, but his “nice guy” past is concealing scars of his own.
When his traumas flare up at the most inopportune moment, will Gabby let him walk away? Or will looking in the mirror with Charlie change her life forever?
The Mirror is a steamy romance that deals with themes of self image, voyeurism, and working through past traumas. There is threat of SA, but no actual assault on page. If you are sensitive to these themes, please visit the author’s website for more content info.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 7, 2023
Reality bites, and sometimes love hurts
Lore Townsend's sequel to her wonderful kink romance, The Ropes, features characters from that novel, ad has peripheral references to the BDSM world, but Charlie, who works for Ropes' parent company, and its founder, isn't really into kink (aside from mild voyeurism). He has other issues: flawless and utterly loyal performance his working life, but outside of that? Let's just say there are a few "performance issues." When Gabby latches on to him at an airport, he's immediately and totally "taken" by and with this woman, who may well be IT for the celibate workaholic. Gabby has no performance issues - she IS a performance. Since childhood it has been her life's MO to be whoever and whatever others needed want her to be. Keep them happy, keep the wanting her for whatever niche she can fulfill. Gabby, the woman, is buried beneath a never-ending tour de force performance as" The Star of the Show." She's not easy to like; she's a tough nut to crack, and Charlie, hiding behind his loyal helpful, etc. Boy Scout persona, is no good at nut cracking. But he loves her, so he has to try. She's so slow to admit her feelings for him it becomes a frustration for the reader as much as for Charlie, but this is a heart-rending, almost Romeo-and-Juliet level tale of star-crossed lovers who manage, just, to avoid the mistimed poison at their ending. There are maddening, hair-pulling, frustrating moments, and there are soul-saving, illuminating epiphanies, and there's some pretty smoking erotic bits that prove orgasms aren't the be-all and end-all of sex.
Honestly, had I not been given an ARC and volunteered to give an independent review, I might have quit too early to be able to say this: This book's gonna take some courage and persistence to read through, but it is, I promise, worth the pain.
Just like Charlie's and Gabby's love.
Lore Townsend's sequel to her wonderful kink romance, The Ropes, features characters from that novel, ad has peripheral references to the BDSM world, but Charlie, who works for Ropes' parent company, and its founder, isn't really into kink (aside from mild voyeurism). He has other issues: flawless and utterly loyal performance his working life, but outside of that? Let's just say there are a few "performance issues." When Gabby latches on to him at an airport, he's immediately and totally "taken" by and with this woman, who may well be IT for the celibate workaholic. Gabby has no performance issues - she IS a performance. Since childhood it has been her life's MO to be whoever and whatever others needed want her to be. Keep them happy, keep the wanting her for whatever niche she can fulfill. Gabby, the woman, is buried beneath a never-ending tour de force performance as" The Star of the Show." She's not easy to like; she's a tough nut to crack, and Charlie, hiding behind his loyal helpful, etc. Boy Scout persona, is no good at nut cracking. But he loves her, so he has to try. She's so slow to admit her feelings for him it becomes a frustration for the reader as much as for Charlie, but this is a heart-rending, almost Romeo-and-Juliet level tale of star-crossed lovers who manage, just, to avoid the mistimed poison at their ending. There are maddening, hair-pulling, frustrating moments, and there are soul-saving, illuminating epiphanies, and there's some pretty smoking erotic bits that prove orgasms aren't the be-all and end-all of sex.
Honestly, had I not been given an ARC and volunteered to give an independent review, I might have quit too early to be able to say this: This book's gonna take some courage and persistence to read through, but it is, I promise, worth the pain.
Just like Charlie's and Gabby's love.
January 10, 2023
The Mirror by Lore Townsend
Exceptional. So masterfully written it makes me wish I gave four stars to most books I recently rated five stars, compared to this book's 5.
For me, the one thing that indicates it is an incredible book is when you get so invested in the story and in the characters that you forget that these aren't real people. The story follows Charlie and Gabby, the extent of their respective traumas, how similar yet different are their past experiences, how they perceive themselves, and what they expect from a relationship(if anything at all).
Most of it is told in Gabby's POV, Charlie's just a bare minimum, just to keep the story moving. He stays somewhat of a mystery and therefore Charlie's inner world, personality, and reasons are a little bit more difficult to understand.
But I must say that both Gabby's and Charlie's personalities are developed in multilayered detail. At first Gabby was infuriating. I liked her so much better in The Ropes. Now I saw her as utterly fake, always putting on a show or a mask. She was so stubborn, so hung up and so deeply wallowing in her own traumas and insecurities that she hurt not only herself but (unintentionally) Charlie as well. I kept thinking Why? Charlie, why Gabby? I simply couldn’t put myself in Charlie's shoes and understand his motives. Then, maybe suddenly, maybe gradually I started to like Gabby, to understand her. She stayed true to her beliefs about men and didn’t relent or change her mind the moment Charlie showed care and affection. This book evokes so many emotions, and I love it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Exceptional. So masterfully written it makes me wish I gave four stars to most books I recently rated five stars, compared to this book's 5.
For me, the one thing that indicates it is an incredible book is when you get so invested in the story and in the characters that you forget that these aren't real people. The story follows Charlie and Gabby, the extent of their respective traumas, how similar yet different are their past experiences, how they perceive themselves, and what they expect from a relationship(if anything at all).
Most of it is told in Gabby's POV, Charlie's just a bare minimum, just to keep the story moving. He stays somewhat of a mystery and therefore Charlie's inner world, personality, and reasons are a little bit more difficult to understand.
But I must say that both Gabby's and Charlie's personalities are developed in multilayered detail. At first Gabby was infuriating. I liked her so much better in The Ropes. Now I saw her as utterly fake, always putting on a show or a mask. She was so stubborn, so hung up and so deeply wallowing in her own traumas and insecurities that she hurt not only herself but (unintentionally) Charlie as well. I kept thinking Why? Charlie, why Gabby? I simply couldn’t put myself in Charlie's shoes and understand his motives. Then, maybe suddenly, maybe gradually I started to like Gabby, to understand her. She stayed true to her beliefs about men and didn’t relent or change her mind the moment Charlie showed care and affection. This book evokes so many emotions, and I love it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2023
Gabby and Charlie work at the same place but don’t connect until a trip to Amsterdam where they spend 2 days together. When they get back, Charlie tries to reconnect, but Gabby ghosts him. Time passes and they cross paths, Charlie is still interested but Gabby isn’t.
Gabby is a showgirl who lives an image she has created for herself, not getting involved emotionally with men or women, always hiding behind a facade, becoming what she believes people expect of her and trying to make everyone “ happy”. She doesn’t believe anyone can really like her if they see who she really is, a victim of many events in her past.
Charlie also has his own past traumas, but fewer insecurities, more aware of himself and his feelings and his needs. And he wants Gabby.
Both go through a wide range of emotions and self talk as they have more and more interactions and connections, some satisfying, some not, before getting to a place to begin to trust each other.
It is interesting to hear all the thoughts running through their heads, many destructive ones when trying to process a situation, especially Gabby. I found myself getting frustrated with her at times, but her trying to process her thoughts and feelings without the image of who and what she thought she needed to be did make it easier to accept.
An interesting read with a HEA, finally.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Gabby is a showgirl who lives an image she has created for herself, not getting involved emotionally with men or women, always hiding behind a facade, becoming what she believes people expect of her and trying to make everyone “ happy”. She doesn’t believe anyone can really like her if they see who she really is, a victim of many events in her past.
Charlie also has his own past traumas, but fewer insecurities, more aware of himself and his feelings and his needs. And he wants Gabby.
Both go through a wide range of emotions and self talk as they have more and more interactions and connections, some satisfying, some not, before getting to a place to begin to trust each other.
It is interesting to hear all the thoughts running through their heads, many destructive ones when trying to process a situation, especially Gabby. I found myself getting frustrated with her at times, but her trying to process her thoughts and feelings without the image of who and what she thought she needed to be did make it easier to accept.
An interesting read with a HEA, finally.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 27, 2023
I was intrigued to see the relationship between Gabby and Charlie after getting a glimpse of it in book 1. I loved how we get to go back at the beginning of book 2 and see their time together. It is magical and like fate put each other in their path. And then they go back to real life.
Both Gabby and Charlie have some major baggage from previous relationships. Charlie needs to be able to trust his partner before going all in. The reason is heartbreaking. Gabby doesn't want to be left again so she keeps relationships at surface left. Get in, get off, move on. They both have a good time and go their separate ways. Except Charlie is not moving on, and some deep down part Gabby doesn't want him to.
I was disappointed to see Gabby fall back with her ex. But I guess it is like an alcoholic relapsing- we want to be better and stronger but sometimes old habits are hard to break. I was cheering her on as she found her way to the person she wanted to be.
Charlie's kink is not like the previous book, but is still hot and very steamy. I liked the change and how it matched his personality.
Looking forward to more from this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Both Gabby and Charlie have some major baggage from previous relationships. Charlie needs to be able to trust his partner before going all in. The reason is heartbreaking. Gabby doesn't want to be left again so she keeps relationships at surface left. Get in, get off, move on. They both have a good time and go their separate ways. Except Charlie is not moving on, and some deep down part Gabby doesn't want him to.
I was disappointed to see Gabby fall back with her ex. But I guess it is like an alcoholic relapsing- we want to be better and stronger but sometimes old habits are hard to break. I was cheering her on as she found her way to the person she wanted to be.
Charlie's kink is not like the previous book, but is still hot and very steamy. I liked the change and how it matched his personality.
Looking forward to more from this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2023
Charlie and Gabby have both worked at Ropes for a while, but they really haven't had a chance to interact until they take a trip to Amsterdam. They have a good time together on the trip, but when they get back and Charlie wants to get together again, Gabby basically ghosts him. He doesn't give up, but it's a while before their paths cross again. Charlie lets Gabby know that he's still interested; she really isn't and tries to communicate that to her. But Gabby doesn't stop thinking about Charlie either; she's just got bigger things that she is trying to work through. Both of these characters have a face that they show to the public and then there is how they think and feel in private. When those sides come out in unexpected ways, will these two be able to find a way communicate and connect?
June 7, 2023
This has been one of my best reads this year. A new to me author that delivered two perfectly flawed characters. There is always something about books that centre around a sex club. When they are good, they are amazing. I'll start with the MCs Gabby, belief that her only value is her body, to look at or use. Only finding value within her self but being used. Only believing her worth lies if a man wants her. MC 2, Charlie in the nicest of men, with his on demons. Wondering after so much chemistry Gabby has no interest in pursuing something with him. I will not add anymore details because I think it will take away from the experience. This is unconventional romance and some may find it not to their taste. I really enjoyed and will be reading this author in the future. I received an ARC review from Book Boyfriend BuZz and this is my review.
January 13, 2023
Great story about Charlie, a kink club manager, and Gabby, a woman he falls for. This intriguing story concerns two grown ups with serious problems in their past lives, problems that cause both physical and mental health issues: issues that affect their new relationship. This relationship should be doomed but Charlie is persistent and Gabby eventually learns to trust.
I liked the fact that erectile dysfunction is a topic here, not something you read about too often, and it was sensitively dealt with. Add to that Gabby, who has her own demons to deal with in the shape of an abusive ex partner and you have a bloody good, tension filled romance.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the fact that erectile dysfunction is a topic here, not something you read about too often, and it was sensitively dealt with. Add to that Gabby, who has her own demons to deal with in the shape of an abusive ex partner and you have a bloody good, tension filled romance.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2023
The Mirror is the 2nd story in the Carte Blanche series and continues straight on from The Ropes. Still, Charlie's and Gabby's love story can be read as a stand-alone. The title is very fitting in many ways, because ultimately, both main characters have to learn to like the person they see in their mirror and to do that, they have to reflect on what others see and feel. For all their superficial easy-goingness, they are very complex people, deeply hurt by events in their past which are only slowly revealed, making same of their actions really frustrating at first. So, I'd say that this book is not an easy read, but a rewarding one with a very satisfying HEA.
I received an ARC through Booksirens and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
I received an ARC through Booksirens and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
February 28, 2023
The Mirror”- The Carte Blanche Series: Book 2” By Lore Townsend Is The Story Of Charlie & Gabbie …Two Damaged Individuals Who ..By Chance …Discover Each Other..& In Spite Of The Odds Against It …Peer Into The Mirror Of Self-Reflections To See Past Their Faults To Their True Selves & A Bond The Two Of Them Never Thought They’d Ever Find. Excellent Story Of A Flaunted Couple Finding A HEA!!! Read and See. Much Enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I Voluntarily Reviewed An Advanced Copy Of This Book.
February 5, 2023
First of all it did take me a bit to get into the book. But once I did I felt so sorry for Charlie! Nice guys finish last! Then I realized Gabby had so many hang ups. Then so did Charlie. I loved the storyline in this one and the layering of the characters personalities really made them real to read. The author did a great job with that.
I enjoyed the way the story wrapped up and the HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the way the story wrapped up and the HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 15, 2023
I chose to read and review this book. I enjoyed reading this one. It is well written. I liked the interactions between the characters. I also liked the emotions and feeling between each one and how they changed within chapters. They are complex but nice easygoing personalities. After I finished it I was surprised wish to read the rest of it, however, this isn't an easy one for people looking for HEA
January 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet love story. The MMC and FMC both had traumatic past relationships that left deep emotional scars. It was a bumpy road but in the end they got their HEA. Even though the MMC works for a BDSM club the steam level is a 3/5. It is the second book in a series but could be read as a standalone. There is some character cross over from the first book.
June 15, 2023
I really loved this book! I could relate to the MC's so much, and I love that in a story. Heartfelt emotions, anger, fear and love all packed in a great storyline. So yes, 5 stars!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. So thankful to have had this opportunity!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. So thankful to have had this opportunity!
May 23, 2023
This was a great story. The characters were so layered and had so much deep emotional baggage. They were very interesting to read about.
The storyline was so deep and engaging I was sucked into before I knew it I was more then half way thru the book.
The storyline was so deep and engaging I was sucked into before I knew it I was more then half way thru the book.
October 1, 2023
The Mirror: An Enemies-to-Lovers, Steamy Slow-Burn,...
Book 2 of The Carte Blanche Series
Lore Townsend
The story and characters were well written and nicely developed. I really enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey. Great read.
Book 2 of The Carte Blanche Series
Lore Townsend
The story and characters were well written and nicely developed. I really enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey. Great read.
October 18, 2023
An enjoyable read. This is book two in this series, and you will enjoy it. The story flows well, easy to read. The characters are likable and fit well together. I enjoyed this book and the previous one. I am looking forward to reading the next installment.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2024
Good story
Gave a 4 because the epilogue is not part of the book. A reader should t have to go hunt for it. Other than it was a perfect real life story.
Gave a 4 because the epilogue is not part of the book. A reader should t have to go hunt for it. Other than it was a perfect real life story.
January 19, 2023
Just finished this book and I loved it! I can't say I've ever been as happy for someone to get an erection as I was for Charlie! I'm already looking forward to reading the next book and to seeing where the story takes the other characters that get mentioned in this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2023
"You gotta leave them before they leave you."
So, best thing about this book is Charlie. I mean seriously, where can I find one? He was pretty much perfect. Gabby is an extremely fortunate woman. And speaking of Gabby, this woman drove me nuts. I know, I know, she had serious issues and past trauma but the reality was, she was her own worst enemy. Not to mention she was kind of arrogant and self-centered. While Charlie certainly was great for her and helped heal her and learn to not be angry at the world, I questioned if he didn't deserve someone better than her. But he loved her and she was what he wanted. Since I loved him I just wanted him happy.
This is the second book in the series and it contains tons of spoilers for the first. There were also times where if you haven't read the first book you might be a bit confused at first. This book also let us witness the first meeting between the couple in the next book, which I can't wait to read.
So, best thing about this book is Charlie. I mean seriously, where can I find one? He was pretty much perfect. Gabby is an extremely fortunate woman. And speaking of Gabby, this woman drove me nuts. I know, I know, she had serious issues and past trauma but the reality was, she was her own worst enemy. Not to mention she was kind of arrogant and self-centered. While Charlie certainly was great for her and helped heal her and learn to not be angry at the world, I questioned if he didn't deserve someone better than her. But he loved her and she was what he wanted. Since I loved him I just wanted him happy.
This is the second book in the series and it contains tons of spoilers for the first. There were also times where if you haven't read the first book you might be a bit confused at first. This book also let us witness the first meeting between the couple in the next book, which I can't wait to read.
February 13, 2023
It’s Charlie and Gabby’s turn
Gabby has been rejected all her life. Except for a select few, she keeps everyone at arm’s length emotionally. So, when she first sees Charlie, she’s confused about what she feels for him. And then there was Amsterdam. She ghosts him when they get back but circumstances keep throwing them together. What’s happening here?
Charlie grew up in a loving, safe home and he wants that for himself. But he’s losing hope of that ever happening. Then he meets Gabby. He’s sure she’s the one. Now all he has to do is convince her.
Gabby has been rejected all her life. Except for a select few, she keeps everyone at arm’s length emotionally. So, when she first sees Charlie, she’s confused about what she feels for him. And then there was Amsterdam. She ghosts him when they get back but circumstances keep throwing them together. What’s happening here?
Charlie grew up in a loving, safe home and he wants that for himself. But he’s losing hope of that ever happening. Then he meets Gabby. He’s sure she’s the one. Now all he has to do is convince her.
February 5, 2024
I found that this novel delved into several emotional issues and past scars that both Gabby and Charlie brought to the relationship. There was some spice and romance but the characters had to work to make their feelings known and their past traumas and how they saw themselves played off of one another to make the issues difficult. I liked Charlie’s character and how he built his home into something whimsical and a haven for himself! Overall a good addition to the series.
April 21, 2024
Ugh, these two! So frustrating in their hangups but so satisfying to see them work through them and finally emerge on the other side.
I have found this entire series about exploring and overcoming sexual issues very interesting and eye-opening. Definitely worth reading.
I have found this entire series about exploring and overcoming sexual issues very interesting and eye-opening. Definitely worth reading.
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