Never Look Back

Bad Boys After Dark #2

by Gabi Moore

"When they kidnapped her, something dark inside me came bubbling to the surface. I knew I wasn’t afraid anymore. I wasn’t going to ignore my past any longer. I wasn’t going to run forever... I was going to fight."


WARNING: This book contains dark and disturbing themes, strong language and over the top sexiness that may be uncomfortable for some readers!

SOPHIA:

He was my perfect match, my redemption, my chance to finally make something of the broken pieces of my life.

So why was I pushing him away? Why was it so hard to do the one thing I needed to do – love him?

Everyone has secrets from their past. The trouble is, mine won’t leave me alone. They follow me everywhere, and they’re about to overwhelm the best opportunity I’ve had for a “normal” life.

My secrets are catching up with me, and though I pretend there isn’t something dark and sordid in me, clawing to get out, my body betrays me…

Maybe I’m not afraid of things falling apart anymore. Maybe, a small part of me wants to see just how far I can push it.

LEO

I had what you’d call a rough childhood. But I did what I needed to do to survive. I didn’t earn my MBA feeling sorry for myself, and I didn’t haul myself up my bootstraps by clinging to the past.

But one day, the past hunted me down and found me anyway.

Mob boss, Uncle Vito, had haunted me one way or another ever since I was a kid. The men of that seedy criminal underworld might have been my surrogate family a long time ago, but this was the now, and I wasn’t going to let dirt from my past threaten my future with my beautiful fiancé, Sophia...

When they kidnapped her, something dark inside me came bubbling to the surface. I knew I wasn’t afraid anymore. I wasn’t going to ignore my past any longer. I wasn’t going to run forever.

... I was going to fight.

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Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2017

Reviews

[Elise Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Look Back is a dark, dirty romantic suspense. The thing I enjoyed most about this book was the way the characters changed throughout. Leo and Sophia started off as your average suburban couple with respectable jobs – a coffee importer and a massage therapist – but it wasn’t long before their pasts caught up with them. Both tried to resist, but the darker sides of their personalities soon came through. Sophia had some rather unusual traits, but I actually liked her better that way.

The story started off quite slowly, but had a couple of nice twists towards the end, and the story wrapped up with a decent epilogue rather than leaving readers wondering.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good mafia style romance book. It had a lot of twists and turns that were a real page turner. It started out a little slow but, got better at a bit.

Leo has a lot of demons in his past and so does Sophia. Sophia sees stability in Leo which is something she craves but, she doesn't know about his mob connections. When Leo doesn't give into his Uncle Vito's demands he retaliates by kidnapping Sophia and there is nothing in the world that will prevent Leo from getting her back.

I voluntarily reviewed a arc of this book

[KelticKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia & Leo are 2 people trying to be the "perfect" person for each other. They think they want "Normal". What they don't know is that each has deep hidden secrets and pasts they are trying to run from.

The first part of the book, when each is trying hard to deny who they truly are, is was very painful and slow reading for me. I wanted to sit them down, bang their heads together and shout at them to STOP - it was frustrating to read. They seemed to be suppressing themselves and trying to be the person they thought the other wanted.

Once they stopped trying to convince & started being themselves, my e-reader started smoking! As always with this author, the sex is gritty, dirty and steamy. This couple was no different - I'm not sure how often I looked up, fanned myself, and checked to see if anyone had noticed me squirming in my seat, clenching my thighs and biting my lip.

This story was filled with thrilling action both in and out of the sheets (and other locations)!

I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't typically read a lot of mafia romances, but I love Gabi's work and of course, she didn't disappoint. Never Look Back is the story of Leo and Sophia. At the beginning, they seem like a normal, almost boring couple, but they have secrets - dark secrets. I wasn't sure where the story was going for a while, but I surely didn't expect where it went. This is not a Sunday afternoon, sunshiny romance, it's a twisted journey for Leo and Sophia and that journey kept me riveted, page after page.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read by Gabi Moore. Never Look Back is a fast-paced, well-written, dark mafia romance filled with secrets, kidnapping, violence, a haunting past, drama, twists you don't see coming, love, and a HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Kate McDonough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo’s past is full of violence and mafia ties that he fought long and had to severe.
Sophia’s past is one that she would rather forget, one that she would prefer stayed buried. It’s a post full of sex, drug addiction and bad decisions.
Sophia and Leo are perfect for each other, not all love it the same and not all love is sunshine and happy days but it works for them.
When Sophia get’s kidnapped Leo snapped and his dark past rears hit ugly head. Sofia’s past comes back to haunt her also. Sofia and Leo are forced to fight their demons and for each other.
Can two halves make a whole? Can love truly concur all including their dark pasts?

Never Look Back is a dark story but it is also funny, sexy, emotional and dangerous. The chemistry between the two main characters is hot! It’s not just a mafia bad boy story it is also a story about self-discovery and acceptance of one’s self flaws and all.

I would recommend this book to everyone
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few of this author's books but this one is my favourite. Every book from Gabi Moore is different, you don't know what to expect and this one was a very pleasant surprise. It's about 2 people in love but they both have a past that they have hidden from each other. They both want to be perfect for the other and this causes some tension between the two. Sophia is hiding the fact that she was a sex addict and Leo was once part of the mafia. Once Leo's past comes back to haunt him and Sophia is kidnapped.....the explosion of lust, desire, taboo explodes between the two...WOW. The pasts are no longer a secret between the two, no more hiding who they truly were and they finally realize that this is what they both want. Loved every page of it!
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book we meet a young couple who are already together thinking that they have everything and that life is all bliss. But as the story goes on we learn that they are both missing something and it's effecting their sexual relationship. The past comes back to haunt both of them but Leo's past the biggest effect on them. After a Sophia is kidnapped things take a turn in both of their lives. This book does have a HEA, and is a little different from Gabi's usual writing style but I still liked it.
Would I recommend this book YES

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read with characters who surprised you at almost every turn. Leo and Sophia are both trying to live their lives the way they think they should and not dealing with their pasts which could mean the end of them. There are many a jaw dropping moment in this book while they realize who they are and what they need in life to make it work and it was definitely a bit of a roller coaster ride that leaves you reeling but very satisfied at the end.

I received an ARC in exchange for an Honest review and was not compensated in any way.

[Violletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense

Ms. Moore knows how to write intense stories then rewards you with titillating sex scenes. And each book is so different. I was given an ARC but I bought the book anyway. Bravo!

[patricia fournier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story

This was not my favorite read.for some reason it did not hold my interest like many of the others. It was a free book And I am writing voluntarily. hope the next one is better

[Jennifer Denney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophia and Leo as a couple just didn't work for me. They both were trying to hard to be something they weren't. It wasn't that I don't think people can change, because I do but I also feel that if you don't accept that part of you then it's hard to form a relationship.
That being said I think that Gabi Moore is and exceptional writer and while this one wasn't my favorite because of the for mention reason I look forward to what she comes up with next.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great, dark, gritty book by Gabi Moore. Her characters are so believable you feel like you really know them. This is the story of Sophia who lives a life of addiction and Leo who has ties to the mafia and violence. Both are hiding their past from each other until it all comes to a head when Sophia is kidnapped. Then the real Leo comes out. Can Sophia and Leo survive their pasts and have a future together.

This book keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through the book. It's a well written book and an easy to read page turner. If you like dark romance books with lots of action, sexy men and women, this book is for you. I loved it.

I was gifted an ARC of this book and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[Tracie Simister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this Book a rating of 4.5 ✩’s
Title: Never Look Back
Series: Bad Boys After Dark Book 2
Genre: Bad Boy Mafia Romance
Author: Gabi Moore
Format: Kindle Edition
Published on: Jan 21, 2017

I voluntarily reviewed a Courtesy Advanced Reader Copy of this book
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Character’s Descriptions:
Sophia is a Massage Therapist
Leo owns an import-export company
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Summary Paragraph:
Sophia and Leo are an established couple already. However, both of them have a past that the other doesn’t know about. Sophia is an ex-drug addict and is also a sex addict. Leo used to work for the mafia, and now his past is back to haunt him.
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Quotes I liked from this Book:
Leo was the only other person I had ever met with completely heterochromic eyes. And while I was blue in the left, brown in the right, he was brown in the left, blue in the right. We were similarly quiet, soulful people. We both loved cats. We shared the same favorite things and had the same pet peeves. We had only known each other for a year or so. But when that year was so cram-packed full of signs and omens, did it matter?

Gabi Moore. Never Look Back (Kindle Locations 93-96).
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What I liked/Didn’t Like: This is not your normal romance, and that is what is so awesome about it. First off its about a couple that is already in a relationship and them discovering things about each other that they have each kept hidden. Gabi Moore is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read a few of Gabi Moore’s books I am certainly enjoying her writing style and was looking forward to getting stuck into this book.

‘Never Look Back’ is a brilliant mafia romance story that I give 4.5 stars. I did think it took a little bit to get going with the story but once it did it took off. Although I loved the characters it didn’t stop me from wanting to give them a good shake and tell them to get a grip but that only shows how engrossed I was with them.

Both characters change their persona in a sense throughout as they went from being what they thought they should be, to actually being who they were. The past always has a way of catching up with you and that was never more evident than for these characters.

Of course there was a significant amount of heat in this book and I do mean heat that I felt on my own face while reading as it was HOT. This was another great read by Gabi Moore.

[PointedlyBlunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophia and Leo have been together for over a year. They're put into a dangerous situation that exposes who they really are, and it's like they're meeting for the first time. They are my favorite Gabi Moore characters to date. I like that they are already a couple at the beginning of the story, but that you still get to experience them as if it's a new relationship. Since they both have dark pasts that they're ashamed of, they never allowed themselves to be completely honest and vulnerable with each other.
I thought Sophia's addiction was unique and risky, and I loved it. Not many romance heroines are given such naughty personalities, so it was refreshing. I adored Leo and how sweet yet domineering he could be. It was the best of two worlds. My only issue with the story was an inconsistency towards the end, where one character (don't want to give away too much) is said to have died, but in the epilogue states that the person later died in jail. It wasn't a huge deal, but it pulled me out and confused me for a minute or two. Otherwise, it was solid.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy Fudge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a good (and by good I mean "bad") Bad Boy Mafia story? Never Look Back does not disappoint! It grips you right out of the gate and holds on right up until the end. You won't be sorry you read this one! It's a can't miss read!

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. This is my honest opinion.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for Never Look Back and voluntarily reviewed this book. I have read several books by this author now, and she seems to have a knack of turning over rocks in people's minds and exposing their little nuggets of gold by writing very interesting mini psychological-thriller-style storylines about how they tick. This one is about two characters, Sophia and Leo, living a pseudo-fairy-tale happy life together, but both their pasts come roaring back when Leo's old neighborhood mafia kingpin contacts him to use Leo's warehouse as a holding area for his nebulous business dealings. Events come about that then force them both to shed their outer skins and realize that they are not really living or being true to themselves or each other when they close off the beastly parts of themselves that shaped them into who they are. They do really care for each other though, and when they dig their way out of their predicament, they find a way to be really themselves finally and make their way together. Another great story from Gabi Moore!

[Karen Durant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo had a tough upbringing & had to do what he had to do to survive, which caused him to toughen up and eventually he earned himself a MBA & started a successful business. While being young & trying to survive he went to Mob boss, Uncle Vito for help, which he now regrets as his past comes back to haunt him when Vito tracks him down. He's never told his fiancé, Sophia, about his surrogate family & their criminal underworld. Sophia's got her own secrets from her past, which won’t leave. In Leo she sees a normal life & love, which she never had, but she's scared it's catching up with her. When Leo refuses to help Vito, he kidnaps Sophia. This changes everything for Leo, he's not afraid anymore & isn't going to ignore his past any longer. He's going to fight to get Sophia back & he won't let Vito ruin his future with Sophia...
This is a very gripping mafia story, which i enjoyed thoroughly. Another great book from Gabi Moore.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two souls with a broken past learn they have to disclose everything to each other in order for their relationship to work. Leo has a past filled with things he wishes he could forget and that past is coming knocking again just as he is starting his new business. With a warehouse for his business a guy from his past is looking to use him again when he gets a request from Uncle Vito, the bad guy you always hear about on the news. Sophia has her own demons from her past with drug addiction and a sex addiction, that while still excites her also makes her feel ashamed, she is still trying to deal with. A year into their relationship and both can feel the spark dying, but neither want to loose the other. It will take the danger from Leo's past and the truth of both their pasts to bring them closer again. This was a good read from Gabi Moore. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

            I got this as an ARC and sighs deeply. I have been loving me my Mafia books as of late. I guess once you read one you just love to sneak back into the world of the dark side live. I was looking forward to reading this. SO I was ready to just jump right in and see what was going to happens next.
       Leo has pulled himself up and wants to do things his way. So he gets his masters degree and owns his own business. He treats Sophia good.  They both have dark and intense past that just will not seem to leave them be. It all comes back to haunt them when Sophia is kidnapped and Leo decides that he is not just going to stand by and allow this to happen. This time he is going to fight for what he wants and believes in. Sophia did not know about his connections to Uncle Vito and the mob. It all becomes a little to real for them both. Want to know the ending you are going to have to read and find out.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very dark, creative, emotional and gripping romance! From the first chapter I was pulled into a world of danger and excitement filled with some very interesting and strong characters. Not a dull moment in this adventure! Before I knew what hit me it was all over. Overall it is a very entertaining read, would recommend to anyone looking for action packed dark romance.

[Carissa Janes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fast-paced and full of dark twists and turns. Sophia and Leo seemed like a typical suburban couple, going through the motions of cooking dinner and having routine lovemaking sessions on a semi-regular basis, but there was so much more going on below the surface. Each had some deep dark secret that they tried to cover up by acting "normal" but really meant they were suppressing who they were. Once they decided to be themselves...holy gritty hotness! It had a lot of things going on pretty quickly, but it kept me reading and wondering what would happen next. Very satisfying read!

[Andi G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating dark romance story written in the unique style the author has accustomed us with. With twists and turns, action and a enchanting love story this book is bound to be one you will keep reading until the end.
I voluntarily reviewed for the arc team.

[Book-Lovin-Momma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pretty intense story of two people who had bad childhood experiences, and they're now adults and trying to make their way in the world. It was darkly intriguing, yet soul-searching and tough. Through it all Leo and Sophia hold each other up. Sophia's addiction was difficult - trying to move on from something like that was challenging, but she was trying to make a go of it with her massage school. Leo's violent history comes back to haunt him as he tries to build his own respectable business. Strength, love and perseverance saved them in the end. There were a few funny moments, but it was also smoking hot at times. It's dark, but it's also about healing. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Jackie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is interesting, I have read several book by Gabi Moore in the past, this one, was different, it had a bit of Mafia ties, addiction issues, troubled pasts, and love conquering all type themes ~ Darkness is definitely a strong point in Ms. Moores books,(at least the ones that I have read) normally one I take to her writing right away, this one took me awhile to get into, I found some parts a bit confusing, but the last few chapters really pulled the book together and made all the difference! This is fast paced, dark sexually charged read with a mafia twist~With and Excellent HEA
I Voluntarily read an advanced reader's copy of this book

[LovetheRhageBDB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo and Sophia are working on being successful adults, after growing up with troubled pasts. However, when both their pasts come back to haunt them, can they find a way through without being stuck in the past?

Well written story the draws you in until the very end. The relationship between Leo and Sophia grows throughout especially after some of the past secrets are revealed.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read. It's has drama, suspense with some twists and it's hot and steamy. Leo and Sophia both have dark pasts that they are trying to leave behind. Both are keeping secrets but the past and secrets are coming back to haunt them. Once Leo's past catches up it will put Sophia in danger. It has a great storyline.

[Shannon Davison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Leo and Sopie had similar backgrounds as children, had done things they weren't proud of, then vowed to be different, better people. Problem is the past always comes back, but sharing their dark sides with each other brings them closer.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has an interesting storyline for the most part, but very strange characters. I still don't know if I like either one. It has hot sex, action and drama. I didn't love it, but it wasn't awful.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest opinion of it.