~Review: Reflection (The Chrysalis Series #2)~

The much anticipated follow up to the award-winning 'Awakening' - a compelling novel of discovery and desire. Bridget Ross is a woman with a shameful secret. Despite a life full of success and close friends she denies herself her true desires in penance for the crimes she can't take back. Connor Reynolds is a man without a purpose. His own tragic past prevents him from putting down roots and pursuing his dreams. Their paths collide forcing them to face the ultimate question ... is their love worth fighting for?








Overall Rating:  3 Rockin’ ★★★

We all have our hidden past, but sometimes it never stays in the past.  Bridget has never been able to let go of a night that happened during her college years, night when she was drugged and raped by someone that she had trusted.  Connor could not forget his parent’s death in a car accident that left him as the only survivor and without anyone but two elderly grandparents. 

“You don’t know what it’s like to be broken because every moment you’re there trying to be intimate the shadow of you rapist is between you.  Making you question your own judgment about, not just men, but yourself.”

Bridget is being harassed by her boss at work, the Dean of her department.  He is asking for sexual favors and holding her tenure ransom for her agreeing to his demands. 

“What are you thinking about, Ross?  Me, I hope.” The low, elegant voice of her boss and Dean of the School of Sciences, Dale Whittier, scraped across her skin like nails.  She instantly tensed as he continued, “We do have your tenure review at the end of the semester, after all.”

Connor had cooked dinner for Bridget at his loft.  He had to tell her that he was a janitor at the college and not an artist.  His art was for his eyes only and she was one of the few people he had shared it with.  Connor was afraid that she would no longer want to see him when she found out what he did for a living.

“I’m not a professional photographer.  I’m a janitor.  At Pinewood, ironically.” “Why did you lie to me?”

…”I am a photographer, Bridget.  It is a passion and something that I do.  That I don’t make my living at it really shouldn’t matter.”

Bridget agrees to a relationship with Connor and she shares her past with him.  She still does not open herself completely to him, keeping a wall between them.  Connor realizes that she is not willing to give him all of herself and he needs more than just sexual gratification. 

“I understand your fear, Bridget.  But if you don’t trust yourself in this, why don’t you consider trusting me until you do?”

Connor and Bridget finally understand that both have been hiding and that it is time to let the past go.  Maybe there will be a future for both of them if they can.

Hero –Connor Reynolds: 3 stars

Heroine –Bridget Ross: 3 stars

Steam: 3.5 stars 

Plot: 3 stars 

Cliffhanger: No

Would I recommend this book: Yes! If you a book that shares how two tormented souls find resolution and each other this book is for you.  There is also some kinky sex and true love that heals past wounds.

Would I read other books by this author: Yes! I would read other books by this author.

***Received an ARC of this book from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review***