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Emi Lost & Found #3
Never Look Back: Book Three of the Emi Lost & Found series
Emi Lost & Found series - Winner of the Best Happily Ever After of 2013 - HEA Bookshelf
“Thankfully, by the end of the series, my heart had been slowly put back together. Just as it had been broken, it had healed through Emi's journey. The ending was BEAUTIFUL. I found myself crying, uh-gain, but this time, they were happy tears.” - Lydia, HEA Bookshelf
To say Emi Hennigan’s life over the past two years has had its share of peaks and valleys is an understatement – and her friends and family would agree. With the unanticipated romance with her best friend, and the unforeseen friendship with her brother’s acquaintance, Emi sees a new future unfolding right before her pale green eyes. Her optimism returning, she is gaining more confidence in her emotions, and she welcomes her newfound happiness.
Jack Holland is elated that Emi has allowed him into her life. For him, it was love at first sight when they met in college, and after years of keeping his feelings in check at the advice of his best friend, he is finally free to express to Emi exactly how she affects him. Always practical and level-headed, the growing romance inspires Jack to let down his guard.
His patience rewarded, everything appears to be falling into place until Emi delivers shocking news to Jack that will force him to reevaluate his priorities. Knowing what he’s always wanted in life, he has to decide what he’s willing to sacrifice to be with the woman he loves – even if he’s not always certain his feelings are returned.
In the conclusion to Emi Lost & Found, Jack guides Emi through a year of self-discovery, and teaches her that faith in true love – and in soul mates – can yield happiness from even the darkest of places.
Photography and cover design by Christi Allen Curtis, assisted by Katrina Boone
“Thankfully, by the end of the series, my heart had been slowly put back together. Just as it had been broken, it had healed through Emi's journey. The ending was BEAUTIFUL. I found myself crying, uh-gain, but this time, they were happy tears.” - Lydia, HEA Bookshelf
To say Emi Hennigan’s life over the past two years has had its share of peaks and valleys is an understatement – and her friends and family would agree. With the unanticipated romance with her best friend, and the unforeseen friendship with her brother’s acquaintance, Emi sees a new future unfolding right before her pale green eyes. Her optimism returning, she is gaining more confidence in her emotions, and she welcomes her newfound happiness.
Jack Holland is elated that Emi has allowed him into her life. For him, it was love at first sight when they met in college, and after years of keeping his feelings in check at the advice of his best friend, he is finally free to express to Emi exactly how she affects him. Always practical and level-headed, the growing romance inspires Jack to let down his guard.
His patience rewarded, everything appears to be falling into place until Emi delivers shocking news to Jack that will force him to reevaluate his priorities. Knowing what he’s always wanted in life, he has to decide what he’s willing to sacrifice to be with the woman he loves – even if he’s not always certain his feelings are returned.
In the conclusion to Emi Lost & Found, Jack guides Emi through a year of self-discovery, and teaches her that faith in true love – and in soul mates – can yield happiness from even the darkest of places.
Photography and cover design by Christi Allen Curtis, assisted by Katrina Boone
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First published August 8, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
April 8, 2014
3.5 stars
I won't be doing an individual review for this book. Point is, I never got over book 1 to even process what happened here so of course I'm biased with what I wanted Emi to do.
I won't be doing an individual review for this book. Point is, I never got over book 1 to even process what happened here so of course I'm biased with what I wanted Emi to do.
February 28, 2019
This review is spoiler free and for the entire series.
Emi Lost & Found is an experience, a journey. This beautifully written series is full of heartbreak, healing, and love. You will cry an ocean of tears, but feel so happy and fulfilled when it’s all over. This is the type of book that will stay with you for a long time, maybe forever. It will consume you. You will feel like you are a part of these characters lives, living their experiences with them.
“I will cherish all the moments I have to share with other people. I will never let another day pass me by. I will live in the present, not mourn for the past or dread the future. I will trust my instincts, and I will act on them, not ignore them out of fear.”
It’s so refreshing to find a new author that writes a beautiful story that’s free from tropes and formulas. Just an authentic story with real emotions, real pain, real healing, real characters, and real love.
This author is able to deliver an unforgettable love story WITHOUT insta-love, alpha males, overused dirty talk, gratuitous sex scenes, contrived conflict, OW drama, etc, etc. All these cliches and tropes are so played out and just plain exhausting.
This series definitely delivers an HEA. But the journey to get there wasn’t easy. But it was really worth it. Worth the pain and worth the tears.
Emi Lost & Found is an experience, a journey. This beautifully written series is full of heartbreak, healing, and love. You will cry an ocean of tears, but feel so happy and fulfilled when it’s all over. This is the type of book that will stay with you for a long time, maybe forever. It will consume you. You will feel like you are a part of these characters lives, living their experiences with them.
“I will cherish all the moments I have to share with other people. I will never let another day pass me by. I will live in the present, not mourn for the past or dread the future. I will trust my instincts, and I will act on them, not ignore them out of fear.”
It’s so refreshing to find a new author that writes a beautiful story that’s free from tropes and formulas. Just an authentic story with real emotions, real pain, real healing, real characters, and real love.
This author is able to deliver an unforgettable love story WITHOUT insta-love, alpha males, overused dirty talk, gratuitous sex scenes, contrived conflict, OW drama, etc, etc. All these cliches and tropes are so played out and just plain exhausting.
This series definitely delivers an HEA. But the journey to get there wasn’t easy. But it was really worth it. Worth the pain and worth the tears.
December 19, 2012
"Never Look Back" is the final installment in the "Emi Lost & Found" series, and it is brilliant.
Jack--the man who fell in love with Emi one night a decade ago, only to find her again--narrates"Never Look Back," and gives us insight into his true feelings for Emi. It would have been so easy for author Lori L. Otto to blow it with the concluding book, but she didn't.
That Jack and Emi love each other wasn't an issue. Their friends and family all knew it, as did they. What this book so beautifully portrays is how relationships are never like a slick Hollywood film. People who love each other can fight over everything from the huge--should we have kids? Should we buy this house?--down to the minutiae of one drink too many, or "does this dress make my ass look too fat?"
For two people in this world--in this age--to share unending bliss and smooth days and nights...yeah. It doesn't work like that. We humans are fragile beings, with egos and dreams, both of which can be crushed by an unintentionally cruel word or inopportune eye-roll.
Jack and Emi seemed right for each other, and their love seemed permanent. Then the Big Questions popped up, and an ex-lover showed up to muddy the waters further.
I've said in my reviews of the first two "Emy Lost & Found" novels that this is not my usual type of book. I'm not sure how I picked up volume one in the first place.
And each of the three installments has, at times, aggravated me to distraction with the characters' occasionally stupid behavior, because relationships increase individual stupidity exponentially. For example, if I do something stupid, it's just me being an idiot--I do that frequently.
However, if I do something stupid when I'm with my beloved, or something that affects her life as well as mine--even something minor after she's had a crappy day at work--then it can explode. And escalate. And soon, we're questioning our love for each other.
When you're a participant in a relationship, you can't always see how ridiculously you behave sometimes. Reading these three books, where the characters are so real, I couldn't help but marvel at how stupid I've been over the years.
The story boils down to Nate, Emi, and Jack, and the complicated interaction between them. Nate narrates the first book; Emi, the second, and Jack the third. Each book covers a sequential period in time--they happen in order, with no real gaps. What this narrative device does is give us insight into each character's nature. Nate and Jack both love Emi. It's how they love her that's different, and the circuitous routes they take to get there.
I don't want to reveal too much, but "Never Look Back" ends the series on a happy note. As I read, I kept thinking of three or four horrible ways an author could end this long, convoluted, bittersweet story. Fortunately, Lori Otto didn't use any.
Actually, the very last chapter in "Never Look Back" switches back to Emi's point-of-view. This is fitting, for she has had the greatest journey over the three books. She looks back at events, some memories of sad times, then steels herself, and moves into a future she never thought she'd be granted.
She moves on, smiling.
Awesome series.
Jack--the man who fell in love with Emi one night a decade ago, only to find her again--narrates"Never Look Back," and gives us insight into his true feelings for Emi. It would have been so easy for author Lori L. Otto to blow it with the concluding book, but she didn't.
That Jack and Emi love each other wasn't an issue. Their friends and family all knew it, as did they. What this book so beautifully portrays is how relationships are never like a slick Hollywood film. People who love each other can fight over everything from the huge--should we have kids? Should we buy this house?--down to the minutiae of one drink too many, or "does this dress make my ass look too fat?"
For two people in this world--in this age--to share unending bliss and smooth days and nights...yeah. It doesn't work like that. We humans are fragile beings, with egos and dreams, both of which can be crushed by an unintentionally cruel word or inopportune eye-roll.
Jack and Emi seemed right for each other, and their love seemed permanent. Then the Big Questions popped up, and an ex-lover showed up to muddy the waters further.
I've said in my reviews of the first two "Emy Lost & Found" novels that this is not my usual type of book. I'm not sure how I picked up volume one in the first place.
And each of the three installments has, at times, aggravated me to distraction with the characters' occasionally stupid behavior, because relationships increase individual stupidity exponentially. For example, if I do something stupid, it's just me being an idiot--I do that frequently.
However, if I do something stupid when I'm with my beloved, or something that affects her life as well as mine--even something minor after she's had a crappy day at work--then it can explode. And escalate. And soon, we're questioning our love for each other.
When you're a participant in a relationship, you can't always see how ridiculously you behave sometimes. Reading these three books, where the characters are so real, I couldn't help but marvel at how stupid I've been over the years.
The story boils down to Nate, Emi, and Jack, and the complicated interaction between them. Nate narrates the first book; Emi, the second, and Jack the third. Each book covers a sequential period in time--they happen in order, with no real gaps. What this narrative device does is give us insight into each character's nature. Nate and Jack both love Emi. It's how they love her that's different, and the circuitous routes they take to get there.
I don't want to reveal too much, but "Never Look Back" ends the series on a happy note. As I read, I kept thinking of three or four horrible ways an author could end this long, convoluted, bittersweet story. Fortunately, Lori Otto didn't use any.
Actually, the very last chapter in "Never Look Back" switches back to Emi's point-of-view. This is fitting, for she has had the greatest journey over the three books. She looks back at events, some memories of sad times, then steels herself, and moves into a future she never thought she'd be granted.
She moves on, smiling.
Awesome series.
August 10, 2016
If you haven't read the other two books, please stop reading and go read them. Then come back and read my review. Okay? Okay.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. The Emi Lost and Found series is one series that EVERYONE needs to read. Instantly, I fell in love with the the characters, Emi, Nate, and Jack. Not to mention, the wonderful side characters that are introduced throughout the series. I am so thankful that I was introduced to this series by some wonderful bloggers. I hope you take my advice and take part in the magic that is the Emi Lost and Found series. Reading through this series was an emotional journey. Along the way, I felt happiness, sorrow, love, anger, frustration, and nostalgic.
I was so elated to see Jack's point of view when I started book three. I was swooning the whole time. I didn't think I could love him more, but I totally do. Seeing how Jack saw Emi from the very, very beginning was incredibly touching and helped me let go of the past. (Yes, I was still clinging the past. Don't judge me).
"...it was her smile that really drew me in, red lipstick highlighting the most perfect lips, curled up in that way that made it seem like she had a secret that no one else could know. I immediately wanted to know that secret, know every secret that she kept."
The book opens with Jack's point-of-view of Chris's, Emi's brother, engagement party at which he delivered the toast and that seemingly jerk-like wink to Nate. Then we get the frat party scene from his point of view. I loved seeing that scene from his point-of-view after getting Nate's side of the story. Even then, the connection between Jack and Emi was there.
"I felt numb and incredibly aware of every sensation, all at the same time. My body was alive with energy, aching to burst free from the confines of my skin, yet I could no move an inch, wouldn't move an inch away from her."
SQUEEEE!!!!
In Time Stands Still, the focus was on Emi's healing and the beginning of her and Jack's relationship. In Never Look Back, Jack wants to take their relationship for the next level. He wants to get married and have kids. But is Emi ready for that? In this book, the events of the last book still haunt her. But not in the way you think. There were new complications that broke my heart.
In this book, we find out a lot about Jack that we didn't know before. Jack has been engaged before, but he broke up with her because she didn't want kids. Kids and family are very important to Jack and also to Emi. They want to have a family together. Everyone around them has kids - Jack's sister, Emi's sister, and Emi's brother.
I love how opposite Jack and Emi are. Jack is so practical and logical. Every decision he makes he analyzes. He is also very old-fashioned and utterly charming, which only made him even more appealing to me. I am huge fan of beta males, the softies who are sweet and loving without being domineering. Jack is perfect, but not in an annoying "Oh my God you don't exist" sort of way.
"And I love finding new pieces, finding the right place for them, each one making you a little more...more visible to me. There are so many facets to you, Emi. And each one...each and every one reveals something completely new about you. Every time I learn something new, I realize there is so much more I don't know. And I thirst to know everything...understanding that I never can...that I never will...that you will always surprise me.
See, where you need stability, I need a little unpredictability. It keeps me on my toes...and it keeps me completely enthralled with you. That's why we're so good together."
The biggest issue in this book was communication between Jack and Emi. At one point, Emi began to withdrawal. She started acting strangely for no reason. And instead of talking to Jack, she lets him go on his business trip across the world - a trip that he had planned on taking her with him. They were separated by thousands of miles and Emi's lack of contact drove Jack (and me) crazy. I was screaming at them to PLEASE TALK. I was so frustrated with Emi at this point. On one hand, I completely get why she withdrew after her issues were revealed. But at the same time, I wish she would have talked to Jack instead of ignoring him. There was a moment where I really admired Jack for finally speaking up and tell her off (nicely). She needed to hear those words and Jack needed to let it out for once.
Never Look Back was the perfect conclusion to the Emi Lost and Found series. The ending was bittersweet for me (well, more sweet than bitter). I loved it! I'm glad that these characters got their happily ever after.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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May 13, 2014
*Some spoilers ahead*
I really wanted to like Never Look Back. I mean it is from Jack's point of view. I loved Jack in the second book. Absolutely loved him, but man this book just dragged on and on and on. I thought it was never going to end. Jack's voice was different from the others, way too many useless descriptions and stuff. I just...I was hoping for more.
In this book you do get to see Jack's point of view the first time Emi and him kissed and that New Years Eve before the car crash, and a bit of what it was like for him that night with Emi in the hospital and all. I did enjoy those parts, enjoyed seeing how he thought of the situations. I still liked him in this book, but man Emi seemed to be all over the place. She was always so...not really ready to move on. Always seemed to be looking for a way out or something. She was just annoying, and this book was like trying to be 400 pages of heartbreaking intense conversation which just didn't work! I just got to the point where I was like when is this going to be over?!?!
There is the whole Emi cannot have a baby anymore, which is pretty obvious that will be the shocking news, which made me want to bang my head against the wall. Emi just pulls away from Jack and doesn't tell him what is going on. She is so...she just keeps hurting him throughout the book and I didn't like it. Then she uses the not able to physically have their children as a way to try and push him away, My favorite part of the whole book was when Jack goes off on Emi and leaves her in the ER with her brother. I just thought finally! Yes! She is acting like she wants out and using anything she can to keep from moving forward with you. How much are you actually willing to take from her, how much hurt and heartache, before you move on too. It was just like I wish he would have called her out on the way she was acting sooner. Then she doesn't show up at the airport in time for the flight! Really? Really. You had pain pills and didn't set an alarm. Okay. That is just...really? You didn't set an alarm. This meant so much to you that you didn't do everything you could possibly do to make sure you are there to see Jack? I just...Jack was in a bad place because you couldn't be bothered to set an alarm. I know it would have been better had his phone not broken and he could have taken her calls, but still. I really didn't like Emi much in this third book.
Then the end was just a little too easy and perfect. They are getting married on New Years day. On Christmas Eve they are at the children's hospital reading to the kids and magically both fall in love with the most perfect little girl who's mom had just recently passed away and so she was in foster care and they were able to pretty quickly adopt her. Yeah. It always seems like it is easy to just find an amazing kid who is perfect and adopt them. I mean people don't wait years trying to find a baby to adopt. I have never personally looked into it, but I have always been lead to believe it is difficult to adopt a kid and takes time. I just...it seemed too sunshine rainbows everything is perfect ending. With the rest of the story not like that it just felt like it was trying too hard to be perfect.
I'm not really sure why everyone loves this series. I had heard so many great things about it, but overall I was just very disappointed. The first book I didn't enjoy at all. I didn't love Nate like everyone else seemed to. I didn't think he was right for Emi at all. Then the second book I did enjoy a lot more, but still it wasn't amazing. I was hoping this last book would be amazing so it would make sense, but it just was way too long and drawn out. Really I feel like the second and third book could have been combined into one and it would have been much better. I just don't get all the praise for this series...
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
I really wanted to like Never Look Back. I mean it is from Jack's point of view. I loved Jack in the second book. Absolutely loved him, but man this book just dragged on and on and on. I thought it was never going to end. Jack's voice was different from the others, way too many useless descriptions and stuff. I just...I was hoping for more.
In this book you do get to see Jack's point of view the first time Emi and him kissed and that New Years Eve before the car crash, and a bit of what it was like for him that night with Emi in the hospital and all. I did enjoy those parts, enjoyed seeing how he thought of the situations. I still liked him in this book, but man Emi seemed to be all over the place. She was always so...not really ready to move on. Always seemed to be looking for a way out or something. She was just annoying, and this book was like trying to be 400 pages of heartbreaking intense conversation which just didn't work! I just got to the point where I was like when is this going to be over?!?!
There is the whole Emi cannot have a baby anymore, which is pretty obvious that will be the shocking news, which made me want to bang my head against the wall. Emi just pulls away from Jack and doesn't tell him what is going on. She is so...she just keeps hurting him throughout the book and I didn't like it. Then she uses the not able to physically have their children as a way to try and push him away, My favorite part of the whole book was when Jack goes off on Emi and leaves her in the ER with her brother. I just thought finally! Yes! She is acting like she wants out and using anything she can to keep from moving forward with you. How much are you actually willing to take from her, how much hurt and heartache, before you move on too. It was just like I wish he would have called her out on the way she was acting sooner. Then she doesn't show up at the airport in time for the flight! Really? Really. You had pain pills and didn't set an alarm. Okay. That is just...really? You didn't set an alarm. This meant so much to you that you didn't do everything you could possibly do to make sure you are there to see Jack? I just...Jack was in a bad place because you couldn't be bothered to set an alarm. I know it would have been better had his phone not broken and he could have taken her calls, but still. I really didn't like Emi much in this third book.
Then the end was just a little too easy and perfect. They are getting married on New Years day. On Christmas Eve they are at the children's hospital reading to the kids and magically both fall in love with the most perfect little girl who's mom had just recently passed away and so she was in foster care and they were able to pretty quickly adopt her. Yeah. It always seems like it is easy to just find an amazing kid who is perfect and adopt them. I mean people don't wait years trying to find a baby to adopt. I have never personally looked into it, but I have always been lead to believe it is difficult to adopt a kid and takes time. I just...it seemed too sunshine rainbows everything is perfect ending. With the rest of the story not like that it just felt like it was trying too hard to be perfect.
I'm not really sure why everyone loves this series. I had heard so many great things about it, but overall I was just very disappointed. The first book I didn't enjoy at all. I didn't love Nate like everyone else seemed to. I didn't think he was right for Emi at all. Then the second book I did enjoy a lot more, but still it wasn't amazing. I was hoping this last book would be amazing so it would make sense, but it just was way too long and drawn out. Really I feel like the second and third book could have been combined into one and it would have been much better. I just don't get all the praise for this series...
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
January 23, 2013
I never cry when reading a book. In the past 12 months I have read around 150 books and only one other book has made a tear come down my face. This book did it to me!
I am so happy I picked up this series to read. I feel like I rode an extraordinary emotional rollercoaster this weekend.
I am so happy I picked up this series to read. I feel like I rode an extraordinary emotional rollercoaster this weekend.
May 8, 2013
Ugh I just had to quit reading at 91% done. I couldn't read this crap anymore. Was this supposed to be a love story? All I wanted to do was punch these characters since book one.
November 23, 2018
After having my heart put through a meat grinder and then shoved back in my chest while reading Time Stands Still, I wasn't sure how it was going to go with this one. I won't lie and say that it was all happy sappy shit with Emi and Jack, but then again I would have been pissed if it was. Why? Because Nate was special and deserved to still be mourned even a year later. Maybe it would have been different had I not read the books back to back over a period of 3 days and had time to accept what happened with Nate, but I still am not was not ready to let him go just yet. Jack was such a sweetheart and more than patient with Emi, but I am and always will be team Nate.
Before all of you team Jack ladies set your tampons on fire and throw them at me, know that I love Jack and am so happy that Emi ended up having him in the end. But let's face it, had Nate still been there then Jack would not have had a chance. Maybe I will look at it differently in a few months but for now I am still pretty raw over Nate. All you have to do is look at my review for Time Stands Still to see what a blubbering freaking idiot I was after reading it.
For the sake of continuity from my review of the previous book, I have to list the moments/things that punched me in the gut and made mestart crying all over again almost start crying. Fortunately there weren't as many with this book as with the last one.
* Emi commenting the bed was "uncomfortable" and that she should get a new one. Don't ask me to explain why that one hit me so hard. I just know I couldn't go there with Jack on that bed either.
* The giraffe with Nate's voice recorded in it for the baby. Who he didn't have to wait to meet. *sniffle* Still not f*cking right.
* Letting go of the loft. I understand why she did so, but I still wanted her to hang on to it. So what. I'm allowed to act like a fucknut about this if I want to. Even if she did do the right thing.
* Nate's mom's reaction to selling the loft. The way she just knew it had to be let go of. I just wanted to hug her every time she was mentioned.
* All of his things that were found from the storage space in his apartment building. Especially the painting. *sob*
For about the first half of the book, I was still reading with a knot in my chest and would get all teary every time Nate's name was mentioned. Lord help me, I still wanted him back. Once again, Ms. Otto wrote in such a way that it was easy to sympathize with Emi's hanging on to Nate, albeit less and less, while wanting to move forward with Jack. She knew she needed to let go in order to move forward but had so many conflicting emotions while trying to do that. What was beautiful with this book was that Ms. Otto was able to convey all that Emi was experiencing through Jack's POV so that we can understand what they are both feeling. Reading her POV in the previous book gives us a reference for the depth of her grief making her actions, words and reactions understandable in this one.
Even though this is written in Jack's POV, it is easy to see the growth that takes place in Emi as she comes to terms with the situation, her grief and the conflicting emotions she has had to try and sift through. Over the course of the book, she comes to many realizations such as how she loves them both dearly but in different ways and that moving forward with Jack does not mean she is leaving Nate behind. He is still and always will be a part of her, but he is (sadly) a part of her past. She realizes she can move forward with Jack and still carry her love for Nate with her without actually living in the past. Oh, and sweet, sweet Jack. He already knew all of this, he just needed her to realize it herself and actually choose to be with him because she wanted to and not because she felt she needed to.
I still hurt for Nate at the end and still had my freaking nerd-girl-crying-for-a-book-guy moments because I am awesome like that. Shut up. Most of the book, however, really did focus on Emi healing and moving on as opposed to simply grieving without any progress like this weepy reader was doing. Contessa may be technically a YA book, but I am looking forward to rejoining the lives of the characters that Ms. Otto made me become attached to.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update
Okay, this is just f*cked up on so many levels. I'm all, "La dee da, Emi and Jack are happy. Nate is at peace with their little girl. There is place for kids where Nate's memory will live on. I'm ready to read Contessa and see how things have gone with Livvy. All is right in my book world now.I'm a raving dorknut."
And then I read In the Mind of a Dying Man. F*ck me.
Excuse me while I go and take an extra dose of Prozac.
Before all of you team Jack ladies set your tampons on fire and throw them at me, know that I love Jack and am so happy that Emi ended up having him in the end. But let's face it, had Nate still been there then Jack would not have had a chance. Maybe I will look at it differently in a few months but for now I am still pretty raw over Nate. All you have to do is look at my review for Time Stands Still to see what a blubbering freaking idiot I was after reading it.
For the sake of continuity from my review of the previous book, I have to list the moments/things that punched me in the gut and made me
* Emi commenting the bed was "uncomfortable" and that she should get a new one. Don't ask me to explain why that one hit me so hard. I just know I couldn't go there with Jack on that bed either.
* The giraffe with Nate's voice recorded in it for the baby. Who he didn't have to wait to meet. *sniffle* Still not f*cking right.
* Letting go of the loft. I understand why she did so, but I still wanted her to hang on to it. So what. I'm allowed to act like a fucknut about this if I want to. Even if she did do the right thing.
* Nate's mom's reaction to selling the loft. The way she just knew it had to be let go of. I just wanted to hug her every time she was mentioned.
* All of his things that were found from the storage space in his apartment building. Especially the painting. *sob*
For about the first half of the book, I was still reading with a knot in my chest and would get all teary every time Nate's name was mentioned. Lord help me, I still wanted him back. Once again, Ms. Otto wrote in such a way that it was easy to sympathize with Emi's hanging on to Nate, albeit less and less, while wanting to move forward with Jack. She knew she needed to let go in order to move forward but had so many conflicting emotions while trying to do that. What was beautiful with this book was that Ms. Otto was able to convey all that Emi was experiencing through Jack's POV so that we can understand what they are both feeling. Reading her POV in the previous book gives us a reference for the depth of her grief making her actions, words and reactions understandable in this one.
Even though this is written in Jack's POV, it is easy to see the growth that takes place in Emi as she comes to terms with the situation, her grief and the conflicting emotions she has had to try and sift through. Over the course of the book, she comes to many realizations such as how she loves them both dearly but in different ways and that moving forward with Jack does not mean she is leaving Nate behind. He is still and always will be a part of her, but he is (sadly) a part of her past. She realizes she can move forward with Jack and still carry her love for Nate with her without actually living in the past. Oh, and sweet, sweet Jack. He already knew all of this, he just needed her to realize it herself and actually choose to be with him because she wanted to and not because she felt she needed to.
I still hurt for Nate at the end and still had my freaking nerd-girl-crying-for-a-book-guy moments because I am awesome like that. Shut up. Most of the book, however, really did focus on Emi healing and moving on as opposed to simply grieving without any progress like this weepy reader was doing. Contessa may be technically a YA book, but I am looking forward to rejoining the lives of the characters that Ms. Otto made me become attached to.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update
Okay, this is just f*cked up on so many levels. I'm all, "La dee da, Emi and Jack are happy. Nate is at peace with their little girl. There is place for kids where Nate's memory will live on. I'm ready to read Contessa and see how things have gone with Livvy. All is right in my book world now.
And then I read In the Mind of a Dying Man. F*ck me.
Excuse me while I go and take an extra dose of Prozac.
September 11, 2013
When I thought I couldn't cry anymore BAM!!!
So I started this book with one thing on my mind. I HATED JACK!! Duh that's because I am so Team Nate!!
Yes, I read this book a bit slower. Why, you ask.... well at this point I was still upset that Nate was gone. I knew Emi would end up with Jack (who I hate lmao) and I knew that eventually they would have a happily ever after..
In this book we get to meet jacks family and get to know him better. Jack is such a sweet heart (Im still Team Nate) he tries so hard to get Emi to move on. Again she annoys me, its like she cant ever get it together. Her second guessing is just damn annoying. Also I used to think Anastasia from FSOG used to blush too much. BUT damn Emi took that one.. seriously every other paragraph the girl is blushing I just couldn't take it.
As I read this book I was able to understand why Jack was in love with Emi and how understanding he is of her. I see his frustration with her and not letting go. Again lori breaks my heart when Emi finds out she cant conceive anymore...
This last book made me shed some tears as we read about memories of Nate!
Anyways like I said we get the happily ever after!!
Please read this series I totally recommend it!! It has a place in my top 5 best series ever!!! Lori you are an amazing author!!
So I started this book with one thing on my mind. I HATED JACK!! Duh that's because I am so Team Nate!!
Yes, I read this book a bit slower. Why, you ask.... well at this point I was still upset that Nate was gone. I knew Emi would end up with Jack (who I hate lmao) and I knew that eventually they would have a happily ever after..
In this book we get to meet jacks family and get to know him better. Jack is such a sweet heart (Im still Team Nate) he tries so hard to get Emi to move on. Again she annoys me, its like she cant ever get it together. Her second guessing is just damn annoying. Also I used to think Anastasia from FSOG used to blush too much. BUT damn Emi took that one.. seriously every other paragraph the girl is blushing I just couldn't take it.
As I read this book I was able to understand why Jack was in love with Emi and how understanding he is of her. I see his frustration with her and not letting go. Again lori breaks my heart when Emi finds out she cant conceive anymore...
This last book made me shed some tears as we read about memories of Nate!
Anyways like I said we get the happily ever after!!
Please read this series I totally recommend it!! It has a place in my top 5 best series ever!!! Lori you are an amazing author!!
January 26, 2013
An amazing ending to an amazing trilogy, telling an amazing story with amazing characters by an AMAZING author!!!
After Lori Otto completely broke my heart in book 2, (I still tear up), by 15% of the way through this book I was - Nate who???? Now whilst that may make me look fickle I'd rather interpret it as all credit to the author, she moves Emi's story on so well and so effortlessly you can't help but be swept along, Emi struggles at times but doesn't seem as self destructive in this book and when she does push the self destruct button briefly I could empathise with her rather than want to shake her, I also didn't have a clue what her secret was - again credit to the author, I love that her writing is always against the norm, twists and turns and little surprises and although this book is not as angst filled, I still found myself catching my breath at times, thinking oh god no, please don't spoilt it, just knowing she was going to shake it up and tie me in knots all over again.
Jack is just delicious, he loves hard, he plays hard and he's fiercely loyal to his nearest & dearest, this couple are the true soulmates & I still stand by that this was the premise from page 1 of book 1 - it's just meant to be, siiiiigh.
Lori has shot straight to the top of my top authors list, I see big things, I cannot recommend this series enough.
After Lori Otto completely broke my heart in book 2, (I still tear up), by 15% of the way through this book I was - Nate who???? Now whilst that may make me look fickle I'd rather interpret it as all credit to the author, she moves Emi's story on so well and so effortlessly you can't help but be swept along, Emi struggles at times but doesn't seem as self destructive in this book and when she does push the self destruct button briefly I could empathise with her rather than want to shake her, I also didn't have a clue what her secret was - again credit to the author, I love that her writing is always against the norm, twists and turns and little surprises and although this book is not as angst filled, I still found myself catching my breath at times, thinking oh god no, please don't spoilt it, just knowing she was going to shake it up and tie me in knots all over again.
Jack is just delicious, he loves hard, he plays hard and he's fiercely loyal to his nearest & dearest, this couple are the true soulmates & I still stand by that this was the premise from page 1 of book 1 - it's just meant to be, siiiiigh.
Lori has shot straight to the top of my top authors list, I see big things, I cannot recommend this series enough.
December 31, 2012
Still more tears!!!! However some of them ended up happy tears. Jack found a way into my heart as Emi's "soulmate" (I still am Team Nate). Jack grew on me. Emi and Jack had several mountains they had to climb throughout their relationship. This was a great ending to the series. I no longer felt cheated because Emi found love and happiness. I still feel cheated about Nate, but I can't blame the author. She made me connect to a book series more than I have ever connected to a series and characters. I seriously discussed the book and characters as if they were real people. I felt THAT connected to them. Only an amazing and talented author can do that! I would definitely recommend this series to anyone. Even if you don't want to continue after the first book. Take a breather, but finish the series. You will not be left disappointed!
January 30, 2013
I don't know how to start... I'm crying happy tears right now. Emi and Jake, I didn't think it was possible for anyone to love Emi more than Nate, but I was wrong. I cried, I laughed, and my heart broke. What Emi finds out is completely heart breaking. I can imagine how she felt.
Jake proves to be the love of her life. Never gave up. He was there for her even when she didn't want him to be. There were a few times I wanted to reach though my ereader and slap a little sense into her.
I just wish they could of proved the doctors wrong but Livvy was just meant to be there's.
I couldn't be happier about the ending. They both deserved there happily ever after.
5 plus stars for me on this book
A MUST READ! Even if you think that after the first book you can't go on, you must, you will not regret it.
Jake proves to be the love of her life. Never gave up. He was there for her even when she didn't want him to be. There were a few times I wanted to reach though my ereader and slap a little sense into her.
I just wish they could of proved the doctors wrong but Livvy was just meant to be there's.
I couldn't be happier about the ending. They both deserved there happily ever after.
5 plus stars for me on this book
A MUST READ! Even if you think that after the first book you can't go on, you must, you will not regret it.
December 31, 2014
If you've read my previous reviews, you will know that I love this series and you will also know that I can't give you a brief over-view of the story because I don't want to spoil it. I will say that book 3 in the series does not disappoint. The tears have stopped (just!) and the story continues and ends beautifully. Please don't think you are safe from the tears completely. Don't be in too much of a hurry to put the tissues away....but as always, I loved it. I'm off to read "Contessa" now, so let's see where it takes us....
September 11, 2013
I just finished Never Look Back, the 3rd book in the Emi Lost & Found series by Lori L. Otto, and I LOVED this series!!! I will say that the 1st part of book one was kind of annoying, but in the end it all made sense. I was so emotional through books two and three and was totally in love with the characters. Never Look Back ends on a beautiful note. I highly recommend this series!
August 20, 2013
Oh my goodness. What a great series! I just love how this series is all about healing and working around obstacles in life. I cannot tell you how many times I laughed, bitched, and cried. Love it.
October 6, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this series! Such a wonderful journey!!!
June 13, 2013
**This Review originally appeared on wwwturnthepagebookblog.blogspot.com a book review blog focusing on Indie/self-published authors!!**
My Review: 5 out of 5 Stars. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!
So obviously you see the natural progression of my rating throughout this series. With each book I enjoyed the series more. I will say at the start, that again this book seemed a bit longer than it really needed to be and there were times when it just lagged, but, the totality of the story, the characters, and the ending just made it all worth it...
I felt a wider range of emotions with this final book in the series. I am not sure I have ever cried so much throughout one book, as I did with Never Look Back. Sad tears, happy tears, sad tears, happy tears... the cycle continued on until the last page. During the final 25% pretty much never stopped crying and I think my husband might have actually thought I was having a breakdown.... but this is what made this series so good. There were times, that again Emi's actions frustrated me. I realized she was never really good at coping or dealing with major things without the help of someone else. From her brother, to Nate, and then Jack - someone was always helping her through these situations, which is great, but it was always after she handled it badly. But I suppose this is why we love her so much - she's real!!
I LOVED that this final book was told from Jack's point of view. It was nice to get inside his head and really see him. I loved how he let Emi grieve for all of her losses, never pushed and while there were times he felt pangs of jealousy, he understood and he was willing to allow Emi to cling to this love and loss she could not let go of. Not too many men out there would be capable of living with those kinds of ghosts - being compared to a great love that could have been.
I loved Jack's family - Matty and Lucas were my favorite! Steven made me SO mad in Colorado and then redeemed himself thereafter. I guess we can all appreciate protective siblings, but man he came on strong. I loved Donna's continued relationship with Emi and her tie to Jack. It was obvious that this was a difficult place for Emi, but Donna was warm and loving... only wanting what was best for Emi.
And without saying too much, what Jack does for Emi and Nate -both with the stuff left in storage and well, for those who have read the series... you know the thing I mean, and for those who haven't, hopefully you will soon enough. I was left speechless and bawling like a baby over Jacks selfless actions for Nate and Emi. He re-affirmed what a wonderful man he was.
As for the storage unit stuff, I loved his willingness to let Emi enjoy the memories. I loved his willingness to share in those memories and learn more about her through them. As for the um, who know... "I can't say anymore part", I loved Jack's secretiveness while he pulled it all off, I loved how giddy he got when he was able to reveal it to Emi and how he was so willing to let her have this part of her life. He never once tried to force her to let it go...
And Contessa.... Mmmmmm! I can hardly wait to start this other series of books that actually ties into this series. Lori surely fulfills the series whore in me, wow! I loved this whole aspect. I loved how it all unfolded, I loved that we got to see the start of this relationship in this series and I LOVED that it completed everything. While things worked out for Emi in the end, it wasn't without substantial loss throughout the series or enormous heartache and regret. We saw so many characters; Emi, Nate, Jack, Chris, Anna, and Jenn grow throughout this series. I felt such an attachment to them all. The series as a whole to me was fantastic and would get 5 out of 5 stars!
I praise Lori for her writing, for her bravery, and for bringing these wonderful characters into my life.
Praise for Lori Otto and her beautiful Emi Lost & Found Series, I am a true fan!!
***This next paragraph contains SPOILERS... PLEASE DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE SERIES!!!**
I hate writing spoilers, but this series was wonderful and I wanted to touch on Nate without giving anything away to readers who haven't read it. I loved Nate. While I didn't like his behavior in book #1, I still loved him. I was so devastated when he was killed and to watch Emi go through such heartache - to lose her love and their baby was just so raw and emotional. I cannot say enough how happy I was that throughout the second and third book we still see Nate - through Emi's memories, the storage items, the wonderful paintings he's done, and the gallery that Jack gives Emi. I remember feeling slightly cheated at the end of book #1. Just when Emi and Nate finally find love and happiness together (after two books), it is taken away. But it was what made the story so beautiful. Like I said started to say before, but couldn't, if Nate and Emi had ended up together, the story wouldn't have gone very far.
The whole series was emotional and while I loved Nate and missed him constantly throughout the story, I fell more and more in love with Jack as a person and companion for Emi. It is situations like this where first we wonder why and then we see the bigger picture. That our life may not be fated the way we believe... death is a harsh way to force your true hand of fate, but life is like that. At a really young age I was diagnosed with cancer and it brought my young adult life to a screeching halt... for years, while I was sick, I wondered why why why???? And then when I was finally better, finally in remission, I headed off to college (at 25) rather than 18 and met the man I would marry, my soul mate - who was 7 years younger than me. It wasn't until after we were married that I realized, that had it not been for my life coming to a standstill, there would have been no way we could have been in the same place (in totally different parts of the country) at the same time... but fate found a way to bring us together. Some people may think this seems crazy, but you know, it's makes me appreciate what happened to me so much more, it makes the "whys" easier to understand....
Again, praise for Lori Otto and her beautiful Emi Lost & Found Series, I am a true fan!!
My Review: 5 out of 5 Stars. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!
So obviously you see the natural progression of my rating throughout this series. With each book I enjoyed the series more. I will say at the start, that again this book seemed a bit longer than it really needed to be and there were times when it just lagged, but, the totality of the story, the characters, and the ending just made it all worth it...
I felt a wider range of emotions with this final book in the series. I am not sure I have ever cried so much throughout one book, as I did with Never Look Back. Sad tears, happy tears, sad tears, happy tears... the cycle continued on until the last page. During the final 25% pretty much never stopped crying and I think my husband might have actually thought I was having a breakdown.... but this is what made this series so good. There were times, that again Emi's actions frustrated me. I realized she was never really good at coping or dealing with major things without the help of someone else. From her brother, to Nate, and then Jack - someone was always helping her through these situations, which is great, but it was always after she handled it badly. But I suppose this is why we love her so much - she's real!!
I LOVED that this final book was told from Jack's point of view. It was nice to get inside his head and really see him. I loved how he let Emi grieve for all of her losses, never pushed and while there were times he felt pangs of jealousy, he understood and he was willing to allow Emi to cling to this love and loss she could not let go of. Not too many men out there would be capable of living with those kinds of ghosts - being compared to a great love that could have been.
I loved Jack's family - Matty and Lucas were my favorite! Steven made me SO mad in Colorado and then redeemed himself thereafter. I guess we can all appreciate protective siblings, but man he came on strong. I loved Donna's continued relationship with Emi and her tie to Jack. It was obvious that this was a difficult place for Emi, but Donna was warm and loving... only wanting what was best for Emi.
And without saying too much, what Jack does for Emi and Nate -both with the stuff left in storage and well, for those who have read the series... you know the thing I mean, and for those who haven't, hopefully you will soon enough. I was left speechless and bawling like a baby over Jacks selfless actions for Nate and Emi. He re-affirmed what a wonderful man he was.
As for the storage unit stuff, I loved his willingness to let Emi enjoy the memories. I loved his willingness to share in those memories and learn more about her through them. As for the um, who know... "I can't say anymore part", I loved Jack's secretiveness while he pulled it all off, I loved how giddy he got when he was able to reveal it to Emi and how he was so willing to let her have this part of her life. He never once tried to force her to let it go...
And Contessa.... Mmmmmm! I can hardly wait to start this other series of books that actually ties into this series. Lori surely fulfills the series whore in me, wow! I loved this whole aspect. I loved how it all unfolded, I loved that we got to see the start of this relationship in this series and I LOVED that it completed everything. While things worked out for Emi in the end, it wasn't without substantial loss throughout the series or enormous heartache and regret. We saw so many characters; Emi, Nate, Jack, Chris, Anna, and Jenn grow throughout this series. I felt such an attachment to them all. The series as a whole to me was fantastic and would get 5 out of 5 stars!
I praise Lori for her writing, for her bravery, and for bringing these wonderful characters into my life.
Praise for Lori Otto and her beautiful Emi Lost & Found Series, I am a true fan!!
***This next paragraph contains SPOILERS... PLEASE DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE SERIES!!!**
I hate writing spoilers, but this series was wonderful and I wanted to touch on Nate without giving anything away to readers who haven't read it. I loved Nate. While I didn't like his behavior in book #1, I still loved him. I was so devastated when he was killed and to watch Emi go through such heartache - to lose her love and their baby was just so raw and emotional. I cannot say enough how happy I was that throughout the second and third book we still see Nate - through Emi's memories, the storage items, the wonderful paintings he's done, and the gallery that Jack gives Emi. I remember feeling slightly cheated at the end of book #1. Just when Emi and Nate finally find love and happiness together (after two books), it is taken away. But it was what made the story so beautiful. Like I said started to say before, but couldn't, if Nate and Emi had ended up together, the story wouldn't have gone very far.
The whole series was emotional and while I loved Nate and missed him constantly throughout the story, I fell more and more in love with Jack as a person and companion for Emi. It is situations like this where first we wonder why and then we see the bigger picture. That our life may not be fated the way we believe... death is a harsh way to force your true hand of fate, but life is like that. At a really young age I was diagnosed with cancer and it brought my young adult life to a screeching halt... for years, while I was sick, I wondered why why why???? And then when I was finally better, finally in remission, I headed off to college (at 25) rather than 18 and met the man I would marry, my soul mate - who was 7 years younger than me. It wasn't until after we were married that I realized, that had it not been for my life coming to a standstill, there would have been no way we could have been in the same place (in totally different parts of the country) at the same time... but fate found a way to bring us together. Some people may think this seems crazy, but you know, it's makes me appreciate what happened to me so much more, it makes the "whys" easier to understand....
Again, praise for Lori Otto and her beautiful Emi Lost & Found Series, I am a true fan!!
August 12, 2013
I wasn’t going to review each book individually. I thought my review of the complete series would be satisfying, but it’s not. These characters and this story WILL NOT LET ME GO. I’m going to apologize for the rambling and possible incoherence in advance. It probably won’t be in any sort of order – just my thoughts and feelings as I think them. There also may be some spoilers in the mix, so beware!
Never Look Back is the conclusion to the series and now we see Jack’s side of things. Annnnddddddd just when I think this book will be better, I get slapped in the face with the loss of Nate and I’m sobbing again. We never got the full story of what happened after the accident and I almost wish I didn’t know. The wound was reopened and salt was poured in. And knowing that Jack had wished Nate was out of the picture minutes before everything happened… I was so mad! As irrational as it was, I wanted him to wallow in the guilt he felt. He deserved it! Okay, maybe he didn’t but you tell my shattered heart that one.
I really began to appreciate and like Jack in this book. I loved meeting his family. I loved how he took care of Emi. He was genuine and honestly loved her. She deserved nothing less after what she had gone through. It seemed like it was time to move forward and be fully committed to Jack. Emi was hesitating and as frustrated as it made him, he hung in there. The guy is amazing. He did the sweetest things for her constantly and it was easy to accept him as her future. Until you thought of Nate.
For me, one of the hardest scenes was when they looked through the items in his storage unit. I broke down immediately when she pulled out the giraffe. I was taken back to when Anna brought his tie to her. I was lost all over again. When she was going to sell the loft, I was pissed off and devastated all over again. NO! You cannot give up the place you both loved. His memory is there and it felt wrong to have a stranger invade that space. I couldn’t get over that decision and was praying she’d figure out an alternative. But once again, Jack to the rescue! His thoughtfulness and respect in this situation made me fall in love with him. My love for Nate will always be greater, but I can admit that Jack comes close. And my biggest wish was for my girl Emi to live the rest of her life happy. She managed to upset me a few times when she was pulling away, but once you find out the reason for her actions, it’s heartbreak All. Over. Again. It makes you wonder just how much she can go through and still be whole. Her love and child had been taken from her and now she’ll never have biological children??? Come on! Give this woman a break! I fully admit that for the rest of the story, I was hoping for a miracle. I was sad it didn’t end up my way, but I’m okay with the outcome.
Never Look Back did a wonderful job of giving us closure. We got to see a happy Emi and we learned to love Jack. I never got over the loss of Nate. Most likely, I never will. But I am glad that these characters survived tragedy and were given a second chance at happiness. It’s bittersweet because as much as you want to get to the end, you’re sad for the loss by the time it’s over. You really feel as If you are friends with these people/characters and feel the loss of their story. This was a perfect ending to the most emotional series I have ever read. Brilliant.
Never Look Back is the conclusion to the series and now we see Jack’s side of things. Annnnddddddd just when I think this book will be better, I get slapped in the face with the loss of Nate and I’m sobbing again. We never got the full story of what happened after the accident and I almost wish I didn’t know. The wound was reopened and salt was poured in. And knowing that Jack had wished Nate was out of the picture minutes before everything happened… I was so mad! As irrational as it was, I wanted him to wallow in the guilt he felt. He deserved it! Okay, maybe he didn’t but you tell my shattered heart that one.
I really began to appreciate and like Jack in this book. I loved meeting his family. I loved how he took care of Emi. He was genuine and honestly loved her. She deserved nothing less after what she had gone through. It seemed like it was time to move forward and be fully committed to Jack. Emi was hesitating and as frustrated as it made him, he hung in there. The guy is amazing. He did the sweetest things for her constantly and it was easy to accept him as her future. Until you thought of Nate.
For me, one of the hardest scenes was when they looked through the items in his storage unit. I broke down immediately when she pulled out the giraffe. I was taken back to when Anna brought his tie to her. I was lost all over again. When she was going to sell the loft, I was pissed off and devastated all over again. NO! You cannot give up the place you both loved. His memory is there and it felt wrong to have a stranger invade that space. I couldn’t get over that decision and was praying she’d figure out an alternative. But once again, Jack to the rescue! His thoughtfulness and respect in this situation made me fall in love with him. My love for Nate will always be greater, but I can admit that Jack comes close. And my biggest wish was for my girl Emi to live the rest of her life happy. She managed to upset me a few times when she was pulling away, but once you find out the reason for her actions, it’s heartbreak All. Over. Again. It makes you wonder just how much she can go through and still be whole. Her love and child had been taken from her and now she’ll never have biological children??? Come on! Give this woman a break! I fully admit that for the rest of the story, I was hoping for a miracle. I was sad it didn’t end up my way, but I’m okay with the outcome.
Never Look Back did a wonderful job of giving us closure. We got to see a happy Emi and we learned to love Jack. I never got over the loss of Nate. Most likely, I never will. But I am glad that these characters survived tragedy and were given a second chance at happiness. It’s bittersweet because as much as you want to get to the end, you’re sad for the loss by the time it’s over. You really feel as If you are friends with these people/characters and feel the loss of their story. This was a perfect ending to the most emotional series I have ever read. Brilliant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2013
I remember saying I wouldn't pick any teams here...well I won't but after this book I really miss Nate :(
Emi pissed me off sometimes but we can see that she's grown a lot and so did Jack.
I still like him but it was difficult to me to remember Nate in rhis book...i tought this one was dragging a bit and right towards half the book things got interesting again! I loved finding Nate's things or Emi's tough...
I was already emotional today but after this I feel sad but somehow a "good" kind of sad...
From now on I'll remember the first ook as a stand-alone because I really liked Emi's and Nate's love story. And Emi's and Jack's is completely different so I'll think of it as another different story, the characters are very changed anyway...
I'm just glad I got to meet all of them...
Nate and Jack are very very different and I'm more drawn to Nate's passion, even with me still feeling tahat in almost all of the first book I thought he was being imature (and he was, he says himself!)...Jack on the other hand is way more mature but he needs a little bit more passion...i believe that the true soulmates here are Emi and Nate even if the transcendent kiss was between Emi and Jack...as I said before...one kiss don't make up for your soulmate and 13 years of love and frienship...i thought Jack was pretty mean when he asked Emi to choose who she loved more, him or Nate and I loved her explanation of it being Nate...because if nothing had happened she wouldn't even know about Jack..yeah they might've met again but she would be totally Nate's...I think Emi and Jack are good together but I also feel the loss of Nate and what could have been...
I feel like I really knoe than and like I feel all that Emi's feeling or felt...I'm glad she had to have her story with Nate, but why couldn't her first guy be someone less lovable??? I know, not picking teams but...Nate's still my number one ;)
Emi pissed me off sometimes but we can see that she's grown a lot and so did Jack.
I still like him but it was difficult to me to remember Nate in rhis book...i tought this one was dragging a bit and right towards half the book things got interesting again! I loved finding Nate's things or Emi's tough...
I was already emotional today but after this I feel sad but somehow a "good" kind of sad...
From now on I'll remember the first ook as a stand-alone because I really liked Emi's and Nate's love story. And Emi's and Jack's is completely different so I'll think of it as another different story, the characters are very changed anyway...
I'm just glad I got to meet all of them...
Nate and Jack are very very different and I'm more drawn to Nate's passion, even with me still feeling tahat in almost all of the first book I thought he was being imature (and he was, he says himself!)...Jack on the other hand is way more mature but he needs a little bit more passion...i believe that the true soulmates here are Emi and Nate even if the transcendent kiss was between Emi and Jack...as I said before...one kiss don't make up for your soulmate and 13 years of love and frienship...i thought Jack was pretty mean when he asked Emi to choose who she loved more, him or Nate and I loved her explanation of it being Nate...because if nothing had happened she wouldn't even know about Jack..yeah they might've met again but she would be totally Nate's...I think Emi and Jack are good together but I also feel the loss of Nate and what could have been...
I feel like I really knoe than and like I feel all that Emi's feeling or felt...I'm glad she had to have her story with Nate, but why couldn't her first guy be someone less lovable??? I know, not picking teams but...Nate's still my number one ;)
November 16, 2013
4.25 Stars. Never Look Back is the final installment of the Emi Lost & Found trilogy by Lori Otto. Although this series centers on Emi Hennigan, this particular novel is told from the point of view of Jack Holland. Readers of this series will have previously read the scene in Emi Lost & Found when Emi and Jack shared their first kiss at a college fraternity party. Emi only has vague memories of that kiss because she had been excessively drinking that night. Although she does not remember Jack Holland, she never forgot how that kiss made her feel and has never experienced anything like it since.
At the beginning of Never Look Back, readers are able to experience the events that actually occurred between Jack and Emi at that college fraternity party and learn of the profound effect to Jack of the kiss they shared. He was never able to forget about Emi. We see past events through his eyes and move forward into the future. Emi continues to struggle with loss in this novel, while Jack is supportive, patient and loving. One step forward, two steps back, and Emi begins to pull away. For reasons unknown, she puts distance between them, and Jack has given all he can give of himself.
I struggled with Emi in this novel, but I think Lori Otto may have wanted readers to experience this inner conflict. Readers see her behavior through Jack's eyes and thoughts, and he was pushed to his limit. Although not my favorite novel in this trilogy, I still enjoyed Never Look Back. Stick with this series to the end because it is worth it.
At the beginning of Never Look Back, readers are able to experience the events that actually occurred between Jack and Emi at that college fraternity party and learn of the profound effect to Jack of the kiss they shared. He was never able to forget about Emi. We see past events through his eyes and move forward into the future. Emi continues to struggle with loss in this novel, while Jack is supportive, patient and loving. One step forward, two steps back, and Emi begins to pull away. For reasons unknown, she puts distance between them, and Jack has given all he can give of himself.
I struggled with Emi in this novel, but I think Lori Otto may have wanted readers to experience this inner conflict. Readers see her behavior through Jack's eyes and thoughts, and he was pushed to his limit. Although not my favorite novel in this trilogy, I still enjoyed Never Look Back. Stick with this series to the end because it is worth it.
October 5, 2013
Congratulations, you have made it this far!! It’s quite an emotional journey, right? Holy Crap! The way Ms. Otto builds you up and brings you to a happy, sweet place right before she takes a sledgehammer to your heart, obliterating it to dust, is actually slightly cruel, albeit genius. You probably wanted to hunt her down and punch her in the face; I know I did. But somehow she manages to vacuum up every last piece of that vital organ and, particle by particle, reconstruct you a new one….via Jack.
I cannot even being to describe how fantastic Jack is, and just like in the first book, Emi grates on my nerves throughout this one. He is the most patient, compassionate and loving man. It’s infuriating. When he finally—finally—had enough of her behavior, I was proud and crushed, simultaneously.
At the close of the book, after the series has run you through the gamut of every emotion possible, you will be happy. Ecstatic. Things will feel right—even if you were reluctant for them to ever be right again.
And if you thought Jack was too amazing for words throughout this series….just wait until you read Contessa.
I cannot even being to describe how fantastic Jack is, and just like in the first book, Emi grates on my nerves throughout this one. He is the most patient, compassionate and loving man. It’s infuriating. When he finally—finally—had enough of her behavior, I was proud and crushed, simultaneously.
At the close of the book, after the series has run you through the gamut of every emotion possible, you will be happy. Ecstatic. Things will feel right—even if you were reluctant for them to ever be right again.
And if you thought Jack was too amazing for words throughout this series….just wait until you read Contessa.
September 12, 2013
So it took me a while to finish book 3. Not sure why. I guess I didn't want this series to end. After Time stands Still I already knew I was Team Jack all the way. When I started Never look Back I knew I was going to LOVE it. I love how you get to meet Jacks family and get to understand how much he loves Emi. His love for her is amazing. He is patient and always willing to do whatever it takes to make her happy. This book will take you though a good amount of emotions. Anger, happiness and of course what Lori does best Sadness. I seriously couldn't get through one if the obstacles Emi and Jack go through. It hit me harder than I thought it would. The ending was a perfect ending. Happy and of course I cried. Again. Thank you Lori for this amazing story.
October 21, 2013
Jacksons Book
The last book in this series and it's Jacks YEAH!!! I love him plan and simple....
I did not cry as much with this one as I did with book 2 but I had moments.
I fell in love with Jack in this one more than before. He is such a sweet, reliable, patience, understanding, loving man.
I'm going make this short and say that I loved the way they grow together and he continues to always be there for Emi, I'm glad at one point he finally gets tired of her not completely giving him herself 100% and stands up for himself, I love how he surprises her with .
I love the ending and this very emotional story will stay with me forever!!
READ THIS SERIES
The last book in this series and it's Jacks YEAH!!! I love him plan and simple....
I did not cry as much with this one as I did with book 2 but I had moments.
I fell in love with Jack in this one more than before. He is such a sweet, reliable, patience, understanding, loving man.
I'm going make this short and say that I loved the way they grow together and he continues to always be there for Emi, I'm glad at one point he finally gets tired of her not completely giving him herself 100% and stands up for himself, I love how he surprises her with .
I love the ending and this very emotional story will stay with me forever!!
READ THIS SERIES
December 21, 2012
This was a really great series that I would recommend to anyone. I think what I loved most was how realistic it was. You slowly become invested in the characters and you felt what they felt. Nate didn't die and Emi just moved onto the next best thing, it took a long time for her to come to terms with his death and trust herself to love Jack fully. Even then Nate was never forgotten. You saw how torn she was to move on after Nate and how he was torn because he wanted Emi to love only him but understood that she might not be able to.
This series was just amazingly well written! I would definitely read more by this author.
This series was just amazingly well written! I would definitely read more by this author.
February 15, 2012
Oh, this is such a beautiful story!!! I really, really like it. When I finished the second book I liked Jack but in this book he won me completely, what an amazing character. This book melt my heart more than once because it is about what most of all dream about: finding that perfect person for you (yeah, I know, how cheesy of me!!, ha ha ha). Anyway I highly reccomend this book if you want a wonderful, romantic story with an unforgetable ending.
March 21, 2013
What an amazing series!!! I am blown away emotionally with this series!! Absolutely loved it!! My heart literally broke in this series but in the end saw happiness!! Story is full of every possible emotional out there! This author does an amazing job telling this story! I felt like I was there living it with the characters!
Definitely 5 Stars for me!!!!
Definitely 5 Stars for me!!!!
August 15, 2013
Now that is how you finish off a series.. beautiful ending.. Emi and Jack face some pretty heavy stuff.. issues that I relate to on a very very personal level.. I wonder how much one person can possibly have to go through before finding her Happily Ever After... I am very happy with the way this ended.. thrilled.. although my heart may never be whole again!
February 6, 2012
I completely ignored my family for an entire day simply because I couldn't put this story down. I HAD to finish it. My emotions ranged throughout. I loved the ending and CAN NOT wait for the 4th installment!
August 17, 2013
Loved, loved, loved how the author mended my heart right along with Emi's. Don't get me wrong, my heart is still Nate-heavy because somewhere along the way I completely fell in love with him but the continuation of Emi's journey could not have had a more perfect ending!
August 15, 2014
The BEST emotional rollercoaster I've ever been on and I must say, the books were WORTH EVERY CENT I spent! Lori Otto sure knows which strings to pull to get those tears flowing on and on. This might be the first book I've ever ugly cried. Lol! But seriously though, BEST SERIES EVER WRITTEN.
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