Two Steps Back

Moving Forward #2

by Emily R. Pearson

Two simple words sent Seth’s world crashing down around him. He’s gone.

The truth begins to unravel as Seth and Dawson discover just how deep Richard's betrayal went. With the help of Detective Sterling, they race to stop the monster that destroyed their pasts. Together they find that family isn’t always blood, but rather a dysfunctional mesh of unexpected friends.

With Ava gone, Seth struggles to get back the woman he loves. Will he be able to keep his promise to stop James from destroying their futures? Or will he lose his grip on reality, setting off a chain reaction?

Sometimes, in order to move forward from the wake of a disaster, you have to take two steps back.

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

I suppose you want to hear about how Emily enjoys long walks on the beach, a nice glass of wine, and wants a man with... Oh wait. This isn't her dating profile. *Ahem* I will start again. When Emily isn't nose deep in her latest and greatest writing adventure or in over her head with her spitfire daughter; you'll find her emerged in the latest book to catch her eye. She doesn't judge, she reads it all and hungers for more. She has been declared a Pinterest queen by some, and is one of the few people you'll ever meet to actually pull off those easy looking recipes; the ones that the rest of us burn. She'd love to hear from you so feel free to hit her up on www.match *nevermind....you'll find the links below!

Reviews

[Stormy Udell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily doesn't disappoint with the second installment of this series. While I'm not usually a fan of a story told from a different perspective with the same storyline Emily pulled this off perfectly and I wouldn't want to read the series in any other way. I loved seeing things through Seth's point of view. I loved seeing Ava though his eyes...even though at times I just wanted to strangle her for him. Tons of action, lots of self discovering, millions of emotions-some I was shocked to experience- and the kind of love that brings tears, laughs, and cursing. Emily takes you on another wild ride. Happy Reading!!!!

[Tina Yankovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't get my hands on this book fast enough! I was given an advanced copy for an honest review and here it is...I loved it! I really enjoyed the first in the series and thought Seth seemed too good to be true and a little too perfect. This book is entirely from his POV and although he's still boyfriend material he's showing he isn't perfect which is a good thing. I thought I had pegged a few characters correctly and Ms. Pearson threw me for a loop and kept me guessing. You also get a much better idea of how Seth and his family became the way they were. This book had me feeling a plethora of emotions ranging from excited to just wanting to strangle some of the characters. You also get a more in-depth view of Dawson and Sterling so this installment was a lot more insightful than just boy meets girl, have a few problems followed by a HEA...this story has depth and emotion. I read the book in a short amount of time but that's because I couldn't stop. I HAD to see where this book was going to take me. Great follow up and I appreciate there wasn't this huge gap from book 1 to book 2!

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an early copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review...

Seth thought he had finally got his happy ending only to have it come crashing down around him when Ava disappears...but he refuses to believe it's the end and works through with Dawson and Sterling to unravel the years of secrets and lies that his father created, and finds himself the target of James anger and frustration at having Ava slip through his fingers once again.

Two steps back is a page turning, riveting tale of what secrets and lies does to a happy normal family and how many people truly end up affected by it all. Seth discovers how deeply his father and those around this story were truly affected by one very bad decisions.

As far as a happy ever after, Ava and Seth may have found their way back to each other by the end of this book, but their story as well as the twisted parts that James plays in their lives is far from over. A cliff hanger was definitely added to the end of this book and has me excited to see what the author comes up with next!

[Kelly Mccurdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

~~I received this book in exchange for an honest review~~

This is the second book in the Moving Forward series. It picks up right where it left off in Moving Forward. So IF you haven't read Moving Forward, STOP right there and go and get that book!!! Now, here are my thoughts on the book. Emily has packed this book with a ton of edge of your seatness (yes it is a word, or it is in my dictionary).

There aren't enough words to express how much I love this book. You get a better look at what Seth goes through while Ava is away. This book is more about Seth than Ava. How he is coping with what transpired in Moving Forward and what happened or is happening now.

Emily again has not let me down. Many new authors, when they write their second book, they kind of lose that momentum of the story from the first book. Not Emily. She kept it up. And she doesn't disappoint at all! I can't wait for the next book from her!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of Two Steps Back. Thank you Emily for the chance to read another of your amazing books. Two Steps Back is an emotional read for sure, but a great one. I was so stressed, frustrated, sad and angry for most of this book! I was ready for them to find James, to know where Ava was (even though I was angry at her for leaving) and for the mysteries to be revealed. I think I even yelled at Seth (when you read it you'll know why), wished James dead and then cringed during the end of this book. But most of all my heart actually hurt for the characters and all they had to go through. Now I'm left with a cliffhanger!! Ugh... I can not wait for the next book!! I NEED to know what happens next!

[Helen Stothard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kind of knew what to expect from this book, after all I'd loved book one, but I have to say it exceeded my expectations.

I was lucky enough to find myself on a long train journey with no interruptions to my reading time.

It's one of those books where telling you about it would spoil your own experience of it.

Same great characters as before, more history comes to light, it's cleverly packed full of suspense, and I didn't want to put it down.

In other words - just go out and buy it, you'll love it!

[Lori Clark cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Pearson has absolutely knocked my socks off with Seth's story. Ava's story will break your heart but this one, it stole my breath. I don't want to give the story away here but I will tell you that the evil James lives up to expectations and you will want to join the ranks of those wanting him dead!

[Kathy Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! I sat on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading Two Steps Back!
I felt the anguish and desperation Seth was suffering along side him. I was angry at Ava for her choice to leave. And hated James even more in this book than the last wanting to help the person, whether Dawson or Seth kill the bastard! A must must READ

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved book number two!! Everyone needs to read this book! You won't be able to put it down!

[Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog*** · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimenty copy of this book through Crazy Cajun Book Addicts for an honest review.
I have been looking forward to reading this sequel for ages and let me tell you it didn't dissapoint, it was as good if not better than book 1 Moving Forward. Two Steps Back picks up a week later from where Moving Forward finishes and we find that Ava and Carissa have both disappeared but this time of there own free will, Ava loves Seth so much but feels that while ever she is around his life is in danger and she also wants to feel what it's like to live her life without fear even if only for a short while her only contact with Seth is a postcard she sends him every few days so he knows she is alive and well. This book centres more on Seth and officers Dawson and Sterling as they do everything in their power to find James and rid him from their lives once and for all but James always seems to be one step ahead of them. Throughout this book Seth rages with his feelings toward his father as secrets and lies unfold but the one thing that never changes are his feeling for Ava and he will do whatever is nessasary to get her back.  The ending of this book had me in termoil and hopefully there is at lease one more book still to come.

I would definitely recommend you read this series it is worthy of 5* if not more. 

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a 5 star contemporary romantic suspense must read & only the 2nd book for this new talented Author! ... It continues from her first book, 'Moving Forward' which I also felt was a 5 star must read ! ... I am so amazed by this up & coming future best selling Author! ... Her style of writing is so advanced for such a young age :) ... The suspense kept the pages turning as well as the likable characters while despising at least one villain! ... Even though I was not happy with the ending, I am sure Emily left it open-ended on purpose, which I hope will be for book 3 to continue where this left off :) ... Yes, I was given this to read from the author in exchange for an honest review :) ... I absolutely do recommend both these books & would have bought them at full price just for the extreme pleasure of reading this gifted writer's work :) ... So get them both while you can!

[Emily Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep up to date with teasers and a sneak peek at Chapter One on my FB page
www.facebook.com/emilypearsonauthor

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out this review and others at
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Two Steps Bach by Emily R. Pearson
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
AHHH This book!!!! So I don’t even know where to begin for this review….I guess to move forward *snickers* we gotta look back? This book starts the exact minute book 1 stopped. Ava and Carissa are GONE like POOF outta here. Seth is not thrilled to see AVA again make decisions for him without consulting him. He teams back up with Dawson and Sterling to try and find James before he finds Ava.
WOW Friends..James has a big roll in this book. We see Richard’s roll in his demise along with just how CRAY CRAY he is for Ava. This entire book is a cat and mouse game…Will James find Ava or will Seth. Will James kill ANYONE and staple a note to their head like last book before Seth can figure out the mess that was their father…errr his father and the monster who sent James away.
This entire book we are looking for Ava and getting messages from Ava but not really seeing Ava or her POV. This book is ALLLL Seth. I gotta admit that was pretty cool. Another thing about this book that I really loved was the history of Richard and James…WOW I mean WOW!!!
When the book ends were are kind left on egg shells and we are worried about everyone and then BOOM the new twist happens and I was screaming WWWHHHAAATTTT does this mean? WWWWHHHAAATTTT is going on!!! I even messaged Emily to get the next books because there is nooo way I can stop reading this series since I know all 4 books and the novella are out….NO WAY!!! But friends the novella is next and ……..wellllll….it’s gonna be tough because it’s all James POV about why he is the way he is. I feel the lump in my throat already because we see a glimpse of him and his sister Molly…..Not good, Not good at all!!

[Ashley Jasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Moving Forward, I had to get my hands on the next installment. With the ending of the last book I had to know what happened.

I loved getting to see Seth's journey and struggle to come to grips with everything that had happened. My heart broke for him, more than once at the suffering he had endured. Both at the hands of his father, his crazy brother-James and even from Ava. He had endured so much heartache and Ava's internal battle, and need to push him away hurt him so much more than anything else had.

I was so proud of Seth for going to Dawson to figure out what was happening. The interactions between Seth, Dawson and Sterling brought some much needed lightness to the book. Yes, this book is heavy- there are so many issues that all the main characters have to sort through.

When James makes his reappearance, my heart was pounding. I knew this time around that things would only be more intense. The showdown in the firm caught me completely off guard. I was not expecting that level of hate and violence- but it is exactly what the book warranted.

Emily R. Pearson did it again, she left me hanging with a cliffhanger that had me furiously clicking to find another, hidden page to the story. I need the next book NOW!
Comment

[My Secret Book Spot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Steps Back by Emily R Pearson
4 of 5 stars

Two Steps Back starts one week after Moving Forward ends, you really need to read the first book in this series in order to enjoy this one. Ava and Carissa are on the road. They have taken off and left everyone behind in order to protect those they care about from James. Seth is in turmoil, he understands Ava's thinking but at the same time he wants to protect her.

More secrets get uncovered and more lies get told. James is determined that he and no one else will have Ava including his own brother- no matter what.

This story ends in a cliffhanger. Usually two is my limit unless it is a new storyline but I will read the third only because I am determined to see James DEAD!!!!

I would recommend this book. It is a quick, moving, entertaining story.

*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review*

Susan, My Secret Book Spot

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and is told in Seths point of view this time around. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about the change but Emily pulled it off flawlessly. It picks up exactly where the last book left off. It was nice to see things from the guys point of view. I was happy to get more depth into Dawson and Sterling. Although I feel there was no definite resolution and I was left feeling a bit frustrated and wanting to shoot James myself, I can't wait for the next book in the series. I do wish I could've had a little more from Ava's point of view I'm curious for her side of things. Also something Seth does in this book made me like him a bit less and I'm not sure I can really over look it despite his reasoning. This was also somewhat of a cliff hanger being that things were left open. But it was not as abrupt as the first book and I could deal with it well enough. Also the next book is already out so im glad about that.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the first book in this series, Moving Forward, but was very disappointed in this second installment. Read more like an Abbott and Costello without the humor. No clear planning by the main characters on how to deal with James and getting Ava back from him. Every time the 3 main players sat down to plan their next move, they would decide to drink because they couldn't figure out what direction to go. Was filled with lots of anger and cursing in almost every sentence. Not impressed at all and, unless there are major changes, I won't read any more of this series. Would not recommend.

[For the Love of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well what can I say, except Emily R Pearson you have done it again, provided me with a gripping and emotional read. This book is a suspense story but to me, at its core is love. And it is this love which drives the story forward. I'm not just going to do a retelling of the story as this would spoil it for you, but I am going to say that this story is full of sexy and strong alpha males with equally strong and independent females. Ava and Carrissa you show that us girls sure can fight when we need to. Thank you Emily R Pearson for an amazing story. But now I want more, please tell me we will be getting more?

[Linda Rimer-Como · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not read the first book in this series, but did not have trouble following the story. Ava's journey to escape from a madman is full of intrigue and suspense. The story is told from Seth's point of view as he struggles to uncover family secrets and rescue Ava. The story moves along nicely as mysteries are unraveled, but is it finally over? Great story, great characters, great author!

Received copy for review.

[Eye Candy Bookstore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not read the first book in this series, but did not have trouble following the story. Ava's journey to escape from a madman is full of intrigue and suspense. The story is told from Seth's point of view as he struggles to uncover family secrets and rescue Ava. The story moves along nicely as mysteries are unraveled, but is it finally over? Great story, great characters, great author!

5 stars

Reviewed by: Linda Como

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book one and holy moly I loved this one too. This book continues from book one so make sure you read it before you start this one.

This is told from Seths point of view which I loved. It's another brilliant rollercoster story from this author I found myself going through so many emotions reading this. I felt as if I was holding my breath while reading it.

Really hope this ending means there is another book coming soon. Brilliant read that I highly recommend.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is a way to feel heartbroken, terrified, deep love and relief in one book Emily will make you feel each of those things and then some. I am absolutely in love with this series and these characters. I cannot wait to see what else she has I store for Seth, Ava and all of us!!!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. It being told from Seth's POV was fabulous. You really know how to write like a guy! I can't wait for the rest of the story... Seth and Ava, Sterling and Carissa, Dawson and of course James.
Kudos to you on this series :)

[Lacey Stoecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazinggggg

Ahh! I loved this book! Ava.. I hope I'm half the women she is someday! Been through so much yet can still put a smile on her face! I'm recommending this book to EVERYONE