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Mirror, Mirror

by Diamond (link)

Genre cest, drama/angst, romance, erotica
Pairings Isaac/Nikki, Taylor/Alex Greenwald, Taylor/Jarrod Gorbel, Taylor/Natalie, Zac/Alex Greenwald, Zac/Kate, Zaylor
Length prologue, 29 chapters and epilogue
Status Completed (second story in the Avenues series)

When a story ends on a happy note, it’s hard to imagine how a sequel is even necessary at all. However, I’m always a fan of throwing obstacles at a couple to prove that their relationship has what it takes to last, and Mirror, Mirror does that and more to the boys we met in Avenues.

This story picks up a few months later, quickly recapping how happy the boys have been despite Kate’s pregnancy and Taylor’s upcoming vow renewal. There’s still a melancholy present, though, mostly centered on Taylor’s struggles to come to terms with his age and position in life. It isn’t long before things–or, more accurately, people–from his past show up to dredge up even more painful memories and remind him more of all that bad choices he’s made.

While I know many readers weren’t all that pleased with the presence of these other boys, I’m always a fan of Alex Greenwald and I even grew to like Jarrod Gorbel, although I know nothing about him other than Diamond’s portrayal of him. Her Alex, though, is exactly how I like him–fucked up and ridiculous but strangely sincere.

Fucked up and sincere might be a good way to describe Mirror, Mirror, in fact. Although Zac and Taylor find their way back to each other by the end, it’s clear that their troubles are far from over, and the third portion of this series will only see them go through further heartbreaking, but often beautiful, trials.

Review by Bethany (website)