Reflected in You

by Sylvia Day

Published by: Berkley/ Penguin Publishing

My Rating: 

The hotly anticipated second book of the Crossfire Trilogy continues the sensual saga of Eva and Gideon that began inBared to You…the New York Times bestselling novel of “EROTIC ROMANCE THAT SHOULD NOT BE MISSED” (Romance Novel News).
Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn’t stay away. I didn’t want to. He was my addiction… my every desire… mine.

My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We’d never work. It was too hard, too painful… except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity. We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession…

My Review:

Wow.  It is difficult to know where to start with this review.  When Bared to You released, I loved the book, but I had questions as to whether Eva and Gideon would be able to turn their attraction into a lasting relationship.  One thing was made clear, whatever would come for Gideon and Eva, it wouldn’t come easy.

With eager anticipation and a healthy dose of curiosity I began Reflected in You.  I read the whole book in one sitting. Reflected In You grabbed me, sucked me in, pulled me along an emotional roller-coaster, and left me in awe.  Readers, if you sit down with this book hoping to walk away with that blissful, romantic feeling then this series may not be for you.  Gideon and Eva struggle.  Their relationship is plagued by their individual insecurities, communication breakdowns, and the demons of their pasts.  However, the rawness of the emotions between Eva and Gideon is striking.  One minute I was convinced that they would never be able to make it work.  A few minutes later, I was crying and hoping that they could just keep it together.

Reflected to You is a book that stands out in it’s genre.  I am convinced that part of the reason this book is notable is because of the realism of the story.  This book, this series, does not read like a fantasy romance.  The issues the characters face feel real, the emotions they deal with and turn to feel real.  The characters actions are understandable, in their own way.  The attraction and chemistry between Gideon and Eva heats the pages.  There is no question that this book is a smoking hot read with powerful, emotional, dominating sex.  However, Sylvia Day makes it clear, there is much more to this mesmerizing story than sex.  Gideon and Eva both have to deal with the ugliness that has plagued both of their lives and deal with harsh realities and nasty truths that they would rather stay hidden. The powerful, emotionally-charged sex between them can bring them together, but it could also push them apart.

Eva is very definitely high-maintenance.  She needs security and independence and her trust is not easily gained.  A stunning realization (for me) in this book was the realization that Gideon is so much like Eva.  They both need something from the other person that is the hardest to give, trust and truth.  There were places in the book where I could guess what was to come.  Nevertheless, I was still floored when these things actually happened.  There were places in this book where my own heart was breaking for the characters.  Even with the gut-wrenching emotions, I was very pleased with how the characters began learn and grow.  They both make plenty of mistakes, especially Gideon with his refusal to openly communicate.    However, they do begin to learn to make concessions for each other and learn more about each other throughout Reflected in You.  As I have said, nothing comes easily and there are always consequences.

Reflected in You got to me.  I felt like I was on this journey with Gideon and Eva, my heart breaking when they were sad, rejoicing when they were happy, feeling frustration at the difficulties.  It was not an easy book to read, but I loved every minute of it.  Reflected is a book that will stick in my mind for a long time; I am sure to read it over and over in the future.  The story is far from over though, they have much to work through and even more issues to uncover.

Gideon and Eva have an addictive relationship, they are addicted to each other, for better or for worse.  As for me, I am addicted to their story, their journey through dramatic highs and lows.  I am once again eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.  Keep it coming Sylvia Day, I can’t seem to get enough.

I recommend reading this series in order.  Book 1 was Bared to You (read my review), and it sets the foundations for the entire series.

You can find both Bared to You and Reflected in You at: