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Lily's Story #2
Don't Look Back
It is strongly recommended that you read He Loves Me Not (which is FREE) before reading Don't Look Back. The following product description contains spoilers for He Loves Me Not.
Hiding from her estranged husband Trevor, Lily Jamison has changed her name and settled in a small town in the California Central Valley. Though she continues to receive emails from Trevor that range from threats to professions of love, she tries to move on with her life.
To hide her identity she's had to lie to all those around her. To further protect herself she gets a dog and takes self-defense classes, but she lives in constant fear that all of her efforts will not keep her husband from tracking her down. Eventually she comes to realize that to truly put her past behind her, she needs to divorce Trevor. However, he has some demands of his own, including being involved in the life of the child Lily is carrying in her womb.
Don't Look Back does not contain any profanity or sexual content.
BONUS: Includes the first five chapters of Love At Last (Lily's Story, Book 3).
Hiding from her estranged husband Trevor, Lily Jamison has changed her name and settled in a small town in the California Central Valley. Though she continues to receive emails from Trevor that range from threats to professions of love, she tries to move on with her life.
To hide her identity she's had to lie to all those around her. To further protect herself she gets a dog and takes self-defense classes, but she lives in constant fear that all of her efforts will not keep her husband from tracking her down. Eventually she comes to realize that to truly put her past behind her, she needs to divorce Trevor. However, he has some demands of his own, including being involved in the life of the child Lily is carrying in her womb.
Don't Look Back does not contain any profanity or sexual content.
BONUS: Includes the first five chapters of Love At Last (Lily's Story, Book 3).
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2011
187 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
Christine Kersey
119 books321 followersChristine loves to read, but also loves to write suspenseful stories. She enjoys camping and hiking with her family and watching movies. Check out her website: christinekersey.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 13, 2013
Gosh, she is so dumb. Don't want to give any spoilers, but Lily is the girl that you scream at cause she's doing something stupid. Seriously, chance after chance to get it right. The book was a super quick read and the only reason I finished it was because I never stop reading a book once I've started unless it's too inappropriate or vulgar. The plus side is that it's a clean read. Well, if you don't count kissing another man when you're married.
October 5, 2017
Although I didn't like the end of Trevor who seemed to have a problems that can be solved if he was surrounded by Love and this is what he was looking for in Lily who did not seem to be patient enough to give him that.
At first place she rushed into the relationship.. Come on, I mean, Is there still any fool who falls in love for the colour of someone eyes? which seemed to be the only drive for her to love him, if you noticed , every intimate thought came up to Lily's mind was somehow related to Trevor's colour of eyes.
None the less the story in the second book seemed little better than the first and more reading friendly and the plot makes you keep reading. Yet the book could've been shorter without sacrificing the story itself, but the author meant to expand it to some certain unacceptable degree.
If you asked me whether I will choose to read for the writer again I will definitely say NO, although I enjoyed reading those two. I tend to like realistic stories and those that follows the reasoning, not just any kind of story that keeps you eager to know what happens. There is a life that I live and I like to connect what I read to it.
At first place she rushed into the relationship.. Come on, I mean, Is there still any fool who falls in love for the colour of someone eyes? which seemed to be the only drive for her to love him, if you noticed , every intimate thought came up to Lily's mind was somehow related to Trevor's colour of eyes.
None the less the story in the second book seemed little better than the first and more reading friendly and the plot makes you keep reading. Yet the book could've been shorter without sacrificing the story itself, but the author meant to expand it to some certain unacceptable degree.
If you asked me whether I will choose to read for the writer again I will definitely say NO, although I enjoyed reading those two. I tend to like realistic stories and those that follows the reasoning, not just any kind of story that keeps you eager to know what happens. There is a life that I live and I like to connect what I read to it.
October 1, 2013
I definitely liked the first book more. Here I just felt cross with Lily most of the time. Exactly how many awful things did Trevor need to do before she realised he was unredeemable.
At least she showed some sense taking a self defence course and getting a guard dog. But fancy letting Trevor alone in the room with her baby and then being shocked he attacked her. Lets not even mention taking Trevor into her home alone at night and having sex with him.
I can't agree with the reviewers who were disgusted she kisses Marcus while married. Hello? What do they think Trevor was doing with Amanda?
The writing did not really improve, but again, it was a compelling story that kept me reading hoping Lily would wise up. I can't imagine how there will be a 3rd in the series. Unless Amanda goes psycho and comes after Lily, I can't see what there would be to write about with Trevor disposed of.
At least she showed some sense taking a self defence course and getting a guard dog. But fancy letting Trevor alone in the room with her baby and then being shocked he attacked her. Lets not even mention taking Trevor into her home alone at night and having sex with him.
I can't agree with the reviewers who were disgusted she kisses Marcus while married. Hello? What do they think Trevor was doing with Amanda?
The writing did not really improve, but again, it was a compelling story that kept me reading hoping Lily would wise up. I can't imagine how there will be a 3rd in the series. Unless Amanda goes psycho and comes after Lily, I can't see what there would be to write about with Trevor disposed of.
December 30, 2014
I really liked this book. I liked how lily was sticking up for herself and made the right desition. When lily needs help with carrying the crib for her baby she meets her neighbor Marcus. Marcus has always been their for her. He was there for her when she had her baby. When lily professes her love for Marcus, Marcus thinks things are going to fast. When lily is at work one day Trevor finds her and try's to change her mind. When lily has her baby Trevor tries to take the baby away. When lily was fighting for her baby Trevor try's to kill hare and her dog Greta jumps on Trevor and kills him. Greta broke his windpipe. I thought that it was a good and bad thing that happened. I hope the next book is really good too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2018
I was glad that I finished this book even though I struggled at times. Overall I like that Lily is becoming a stronger individual. I just don't understand why she didn't get the police involved, even in the last book. It seems unrealistic to me in this day and age. I also had a hard time with all the lies she told. I understand her feeling she needed to conceal her identity, but I think she could have told one or 2 people who could protect her secret and would have been there for her more fully.
I will read the next one to see how things turn out.
I will read the next one to see how things turn out.
November 9, 2018
***Lily's Story: The Complete Saga books 1-4
4 stars
I purchased the boxset Lily's Story: The Complete Saga books 1-4 by Christine Kersey and this review was given freely.
A four part series based around familyless 20 year old college freshman Lily and the hardships she faces. Emotional and drama packed, this is a well balanced novel of lies,heartbreak, hope, friendship and a testament to inner strength.
*He Loves Me Not: book 1
5 stars
After her father dies,Lily starts college at age 20 hoping for the typical college experience but instead ends up in an abusive relationship isolated and pregnant. Emotional and drama packed, this is a well balanced novel of lies,heart break, hope, friendship and a testament to inner strength.
*Don’t Look Back: book 2
4 stars
Lily begins her new life in California including a dog, job, and a new love interest in ex-Marine Marcus only to found by Trevor. This is a complex and ever changing novel of deceit, fear, learning to be strong and protect oneself, and of blossoming love. Contains violence but the ending is happy.
*Love At Last: book 3
5 stars
After no contact since the wedding a year and a half ago, Trevor's family requests to see baby Natalie, a ship board romance, pressure from Trevor's family to move to Las Vegas, Lily's love for Marcus and Trish's belief that Lily is unsuitable create an emotionally conflicted story with romance, daily detailed descriptions and an epilogue including happy ending for all the characters.
*Life Imperfect: book 4
4 stars
Focused on Alyssa's broken marriage and Ty's gambling, the stress of Marcus losing his job,starting a new business with Lily's remaining money, and them moving in with his parents. Conflict, loss, stress, and health concerns test Lily and Marcus's marriage but the story ends happily.
4 stars
I purchased the boxset Lily's Story: The Complete Saga books 1-4 by Christine Kersey and this review was given freely.
A four part series based around familyless 20 year old college freshman Lily and the hardships she faces. Emotional and drama packed, this is a well balanced novel of lies,heartbreak, hope, friendship and a testament to inner strength.
*He Loves Me Not: book 1
5 stars
After her father dies,Lily starts college at age 20 hoping for the typical college experience but instead ends up in an abusive relationship isolated and pregnant. Emotional and drama packed, this is a well balanced novel of lies,heart break, hope, friendship and a testament to inner strength.
*Don’t Look Back: book 2
4 stars
Lily begins her new life in California including a dog, job, and a new love interest in ex-Marine Marcus only to found by Trevor. This is a complex and ever changing novel of deceit, fear, learning to be strong and protect oneself, and of blossoming love. Contains violence but the ending is happy.
*Love At Last: book 3
5 stars
After no contact since the wedding a year and a half ago, Trevor's family requests to see baby Natalie, a ship board romance, pressure from Trevor's family to move to Las Vegas, Lily's love for Marcus and Trish's belief that Lily is unsuitable create an emotionally conflicted story with romance, daily detailed descriptions and an epilogue including happy ending for all the characters.
*Life Imperfect: book 4
4 stars
Focused on Alyssa's broken marriage and Ty's gambling, the stress of Marcus losing his job,starting a new business with Lily's remaining money, and them moving in with his parents. Conflict, loss, stress, and health concerns test Lily and Marcus's marriage but the story ends happily.
November 7, 2019
I was disappointed
I read the first book and enjoyed it. It seemed somewhat predictable but the author made the victim kind of stupid. In the end, she got away so I decided to purchase and read Book 2. Spoiler alert.
I know that in domestic violence cases, the victims often end up back with their abuser but it’s often because they have nowhere else to go and/or have no money. In this case, she had both. You never really learn how the husband found her again; he just appears in the story again.
I really wish that authors could use a little more realism in their stories. I realize that it’s fiction but it could be so much better to make the story more like life. Develop the characters so you know who they are and how they come into the story again. When the victim got away, don’t make her stupid enough to continue to contact him or to go back to see him. And then to leave him alone with the baby.
Yes, I am fully aware of how a victim can fall into the traps of love bombing and gas lighting but she had escaped fully and then went back.
I read the first book and enjoyed it. It seemed somewhat predictable but the author made the victim kind of stupid. In the end, she got away so I decided to purchase and read Book 2. Spoiler alert.
I know that in domestic violence cases, the victims often end up back with their abuser but it’s often because they have nowhere else to go and/or have no money. In this case, she had both. You never really learn how the husband found her again; he just appears in the story again.
I really wish that authors could use a little more realism in their stories. I realize that it’s fiction but it could be so much better to make the story more like life. Develop the characters so you know who they are and how they come into the story again. When the victim got away, don’t make her stupid enough to continue to contact him or to go back to see him. And then to leave him alone with the baby.
Yes, I am fully aware of how a victim can fall into the traps of love bombing and gas lighting but she had escaped fully and then went back.
June 27, 2023
the second book in the he loves me not series and i honestly enjoyed this read more.
i still think the vocabulary is weak and it’s definitely catered to a teen audience level read, but i still love the book due to the nostalgia. i liked the growth of lilly’s character and liked the relationship between her & marcus. like i said with the first review of the first book in the series, i wouldn’t recommend this to a friend, BUT i also really enjoy the series because of the nostalgia and the themes of the book, but the way the layout of the book & the vocabulary is does deter me.
i still think the vocabulary is weak and it’s definitely catered to a teen audience level read, but i still love the book due to the nostalgia. i liked the growth of lilly’s character and liked the relationship between her & marcus. like i said with the first review of the first book in the series, i wouldn’t recommend this to a friend, BUT i also really enjoy the series because of the nostalgia and the themes of the book, but the way the layout of the book & the vocabulary is does deter me.
February 16, 2020
Running away for her safety
As lily runs away and tries desperately not to be found, she finally finds a house agoes on with her life with a few more threats from her ex. Then once the baby comes he goes all out and does the ultimate. But thankful lily was thinking ahead and had some back up plans.
As lily runs away and tries desperately not to be found, she finally finds a house agoes on with her life with a few more threats from her ex. Then once the baby comes he goes all out and does the ultimate. But thankful lily was thinking ahead and had some back up plans.
June 1, 2019
A little slow
This series tends to drag and get repetitive, but love where it's headed. Poor Lily could use a break and it seems a very attractive Ex marine will be just the break she needs.
This series tends to drag and get repetitive, but love where it's headed. Poor Lily could use a break and it seems a very attractive Ex marine will be just the break she needs.
May 22, 2022
Awesome book
Suspenseful and makes you want to keep reading. The characters are well thought out and relatable. You love some characters and others make your blood boil when they come back into the story.
Suspenseful and makes you want to keep reading. The characters are well thought out and relatable. You love some characters and others make your blood boil when they come back into the story.
November 8, 2017
I read this series and loved it! I couldn't put it down.
July 7, 2019
This was a great book from beginning to the end i give it 5 stars!
April 26, 2020
Read
A great weekend read for anyone...captivating from start to finish. Hard to put down once started. Can't wait for next book
A great weekend read for anyone...captivating from start to finish. Hard to put down once started. Can't wait for next book
September 22, 2025
Highly recommend
January 21, 2018
Second book in the series and I ended up reading all 4 books. Couldn't put it down!
May 31, 2014
This is a review for the entire series
The story was great. A fantastic idea.
The writing style? Not so much.
The author introduced so many guys in this book, it was a little back & forth for me.
1. Justin
2. Trevor
3. Marcus
4. Cameron.
Frankly, I was Team Justin in the Justin vs. Trevor, and Cameron in the Marcus vs. Cameron. Guess which one's she picked each time? Trevor & Marcus.
The Writing Style
Awful. She was way to descriptive & not enough dialogue. She went through everything step by step. "I walked into Natalie's room, and gazed into the crib & thought about how I almost lost her. Tears filled my eyes (this is months later, btw) and I pushed the emotion away as I reach in to pick her up. I bounced her on my hip & walked us downstairs to feed her."
1. She thinks about how she almost lost her at the most inopportune times. All the time. It's months later.
2. Just mentioning that you woke her up & fed her would be fine. It's this step by step all the time. "I walked to the door & looked in the peephole and was delighted to see it was Marcus. Then I remembered I couldn't have him. I pushed away the emotion & opened the door, smiling brightly."
How about: I went to go see who was at the door & felt conflicting emotions when I saw it was Marcus."
This book was just...too much. She thought about the same things over and over. There's also parts where the author builds up suspense where you think something's going to happen........nothing.
I also didn't like how Mary was pushed out of the story. She used to come over all the time, got people to donate furniture, and then I didn't hear from her until she told Lily she couldn't live there anymore. Trish kind of took her place, but I didn't like her. Not at all.
**I know this review is kind of spontaneous & just a lot of random complaints, but this isn't all, and I know they're random. I was more collecting my thoughts on the book than reviewing it.
****This book will either be a hit or miss for you, it was a definite miss for me.
The story was great. A fantastic idea.
The writing style? Not so much.
The author introduced so many guys in this book, it was a little back & forth for me.
1. Justin
2. Trevor
3. Marcus
4. Cameron.
Frankly, I was Team Justin in the Justin vs. Trevor, and Cameron in the Marcus vs. Cameron. Guess which one's she picked each time? Trevor & Marcus.
The Writing Style
Awful. She was way to descriptive & not enough dialogue. She went through everything step by step. "I walked into Natalie's room, and gazed into the crib & thought about how I almost lost her. Tears filled my eyes (this is months later, btw) and I pushed the emotion away as I reach in to pick her up. I bounced her on my hip & walked us downstairs to feed her."
1. She thinks about how she almost lost her at the most inopportune times. All the time. It's months later.
2. Just mentioning that you woke her up & fed her would be fine. It's this step by step all the time. "I walked to the door & looked in the peephole and was delighted to see it was Marcus. Then I remembered I couldn't have him. I pushed away the emotion & opened the door, smiling brightly."
How about: I went to go see who was at the door & felt conflicting emotions when I saw it was Marcus."
This book was just...too much. She thought about the same things over and over. There's also parts where the author builds up suspense where you think something's going to happen........nothing.
I also didn't like how Mary was pushed out of the story. She used to come over all the time, got people to donate furniture, and then I didn't hear from her until she told Lily she couldn't live there anymore. Trish kind of took her place, but I didn't like her. Not at all.
**I know this review is kind of spontaneous & just a lot of random complaints, but this isn't all, and I know they're random. I was more collecting my thoughts on the book than reviewing it.
****This book will either be a hit or miss for you, it was a definite miss for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2012
Craziness! Mad craziness! I think that if you run from your abusive husband, you should absolutely go to the police to document when he's hurt you and begin the divorce proceedings then! She should have pressed charges from him stealing her money and got him put in jail! Obviously she ended up in a great place, but I didn't like that she was willing to kiss a guy when she was still married. I also couldn't believe it when she actually let him hold her baby. No way! I can understand being torn, but this guy hunted you down and has threatened to take away your baby and you let him come and hang out with her? Yikes! I was glad when it ended the way it did, but I thought it was all completely crazy!
February 8, 2014
This was a great book. You can feel every emotion Lily goes through. Lily was so strong to stay away from Trevor. I give her credit for allowing Trevor to be around Natalie and part of her life while she was pregnant. I don't know if I could have done that. I did get a little mad at her with the way she kept flip flopping thinking that maybe she over reacted to the way Trevor treated her. I don't think she should have emailed him at all. On the other hand unless you are in that situation you don't know how you would handle it. Now I am going to have to break down and get book 3. I have to find out if Lily finally finds happiness and love with Marcus. I hope so. I think they could be so good together if his mother would just butt out!
September 9, 2016
I didn't like this book as well as its predecessor. I felt that in places the author was stretching things out (like how the painstakingly describes the painting process every time she paints a room in her house) in order to have a book-length work. I did feel, however, that the main character's feelings and actions were believable overall. If you liked the first book I think it is worth reading the second one.
January 1, 2012
This was a good closing to Lilly's story. I'm glad that in the end everything worked out for her, and Trevor was no longer a threat. I admit I got mad at her to think he would have changed his ways. She should have known better than to think she and her baby were safe around him. Nothing that he did surprised me. I was glad she was smart enough to not go back to him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2012
I suprised myself by how much I loved this book. I could not put it down until I finished it. It is one of the best books I have ever read. I was even able to get my mom hooked on it too. The author Christine Kersey has some really good other books you'd love if you loved this one. The great thing is that the author writes clean suspense books, which is really rare to find these days.
March 20, 2012
I thought this was a good read. It did end a little differently than what I was expecting, but it was still interesting. I always like to see how things play out since I have something already in mind. I thought the story was good, and it was a good message about being strong, even if you're alone. I think I'll be trying out some of her other books.
December 14, 2013
I'm glad I read this, but....I don't know...Lily is just not a heroine to me. I initially thought it was great, a girl who goes to college and has a plan, and obviously plans change, but to have her pregnant and running to hide, then consider getting back together with Trevor. I just felt stressed and couldn't wait for it to end. I feel bad giving a downer review, but I didn't like it.
December 21, 2014
I liked the book but it wasn't as much exciting as he loves me not. Lily is a smart girl. She ends up moving on from Trevor and dates her neighbor named Marcus. She takes her of her baby with marcus. I was happy that Trevor moved on too. Trevor was dating a friend of his named Amanda. Marcus has been helping out lily a lot. I thought the book was ok.
March 30, 2013
This is the second book in the series and is very good! It depicts a young pregnant woman who ran away from her abusive husband who ends up finding her. It tells about the strength she has in overcoming him and the courage to move on!
July 6, 2013
although I don't agree with every thing she did.She tried to live Trevor and beat for it.When he comes back around and is still drinking that would have been it for me too. He promised to quit from the beginning never even tried to.I loved this book.
July 29, 2013
I don't usually read books like this and had I known it was one of these I absolutely wouldn't have read it... BUT I have to admit He Loves Me Not kept me interested enough to want to read the sequel and the sequel was just as GREAT! I loved the books and I'm glad it ended the way it did :)
August 9, 2013
This sequel was good! It really had me at the edge of my seat, anticipating what Trevor would do. Kate (Lily) really woke up and realized who she was and who Trevor really became. Some parts were lackluster but overall a Good read!
October 30, 2013
this book was much better than the first! Maybe I just needed more dreams to keep me entertained! there was a much better sense of time in this one as well. can't wait till the next one comes out in 2014!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews