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Lavinia Lake and Tobias March #2
Don't Look Back
In this most entrancing tale of mystery and romance by the New York Times bestselling author AMANDA QUICK, lovers and partners-in-crime investigators Lavinia Lake and Tobias March continue their exciting newfound relationship, with its delicious mix of risky business, rising passion, and now--murder.
As if a head for business and a nose for trouble aren’t enough to distinguish fiercely independent Lavinia Lake from the other women of London’s fashionable Claremont Lane, there is one more feature to set her apart. Lavinia is also well versed in the practice of mesmerism, an extraordinary gift that far surpasses mere charm and physical appeal. Nobody knows this better than the usually coolheaded Tobias March, who seems to have fallen hopelessly under her spell. Fortunately for all, however, Lavinia uses her powers for good. And ever since a tragedy involving one of her subjects, she has even retired them in favor of her work with Lake and March, a joint venture providing “discreet private inquiries for individuals of quality.” Celeste Hudson, the stunningly beautiful young wife of a family friend and fellow mesmerist, would surely count herself among such individuals--were she still alive, that is. While mythology’s Medusa could turn men to stone, lovely Celeste was more accustomed to turning them to jelly. In fact, unbeknownst to her husband, Howard, the ambitious Celeste was planning to use her talents to forge a new future in Society--one that would not include him. Sadly, her plans were cut short when she was murdered. Only a gentleman’s cravat wound around her lovely neck remained for evidence--small compensation for the strange and priceless bracelet that may have been snatched from her wrist as she drew her last breath.
As a result, Lake and March are soon in Howard Hudson’s employ on the trail of the killer. But Tobias is convinced the dashing widower is more interested in tracking down the missing relic. If so, Howard is not alone. Any number of ruthless types are after the very same antiquity, whose centerpiece is an unusual blue cameo of inestimable value and supposed legendary powers--powers of immeasurable worth to anyone in Howard’s line of work.
Together, Lake and March undertake a tantalizing investigation that leads them from the glittering ballrooms of the ton to London’s seediest taverns to a mesmerist whose therapies include treating ladies suffering from “hysteria” is a a most unconventional method--and, not least of all, to the darkest reaches of men’s psyches. Along the way, Don’t Look Back becomes a completely mesmerizing read as the irrepressible Lavinia and Tobias mix business with pleasure....
As if a head for business and a nose for trouble aren’t enough to distinguish fiercely independent Lavinia Lake from the other women of London’s fashionable Claremont Lane, there is one more feature to set her apart. Lavinia is also well versed in the practice of mesmerism, an extraordinary gift that far surpasses mere charm and physical appeal. Nobody knows this better than the usually coolheaded Tobias March, who seems to have fallen hopelessly under her spell. Fortunately for all, however, Lavinia uses her powers for good. And ever since a tragedy involving one of her subjects, she has even retired them in favor of her work with Lake and March, a joint venture providing “discreet private inquiries for individuals of quality.” Celeste Hudson, the stunningly beautiful young wife of a family friend and fellow mesmerist, would surely count herself among such individuals--were she still alive, that is. While mythology’s Medusa could turn men to stone, lovely Celeste was more accustomed to turning them to jelly. In fact, unbeknownst to her husband, Howard, the ambitious Celeste was planning to use her talents to forge a new future in Society--one that would not include him. Sadly, her plans were cut short when she was murdered. Only a gentleman’s cravat wound around her lovely neck remained for evidence--small compensation for the strange and priceless bracelet that may have been snatched from her wrist as she drew her last breath.
As a result, Lake and March are soon in Howard Hudson’s employ on the trail of the killer. But Tobias is convinced the dashing widower is more interested in tracking down the missing relic. If so, Howard is not alone. Any number of ruthless types are after the very same antiquity, whose centerpiece is an unusual blue cameo of inestimable value and supposed legendary powers--powers of immeasurable worth to anyone in Howard’s line of work.
Together, Lake and March undertake a tantalizing investigation that leads them from the glittering ballrooms of the ton to London’s seediest taverns to a mesmerist whose therapies include treating ladies suffering from “hysteria” is a a most unconventional method--and, not least of all, to the darkest reaches of men’s psyches. Along the way, Don’t Look Back becomes a completely mesmerizing read as the irrepressible Lavinia and Tobias mix business with pleasure....
387 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
269 people are currently reading
1507 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Quick
94 books5,504 followersPseudonym of Jayne Ann Krentz
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
October 27, 2021
Enjoyable second instalment in the Lake and March trilogy. Good characters with an interesting plot that has multiple characters that the author successfully ties all together in the end. Good romance between the main character and the secondary characters add a lot to the story. The story slowed a bit in the middle so I rate it 3.5*. I have the next in the series and look forward to reading it.
April 17, 2021
Don't Look Back
4 Stars
In this second installment of the Lake and March trilogy, Lavinia Lake and Tobias March are struggling to find a balance between their professional partnership and their intense physical attraction. To make matters worse, an old acquaintance of Lavinia's reappears in her life and when his wife is found dead, requests her help much to Tobia's chagrin.
Another light and entertaining tale from Amanda Quick. Tobias and Lavinia have wonderful chemistry and their banter is delightful. The development of the secondary romance between Tobias's young brother-in-law and Lavinia's niece is also appealing and it is fun to see the mirroring with their older counterparts.
The mystery itself is interesting although the mesmerism trope is a bit overdone and doesn't really add anything to the plot or the characterization. Nevertheless, there are one or two surprising twists and the climax and resolution are satisfying.
Overall, an enjoyable story and I look forward to the final book in the trilogy.
4 Stars
In this second installment of the Lake and March trilogy, Lavinia Lake and Tobias March are struggling to find a balance between their professional partnership and their intense physical attraction. To make matters worse, an old acquaintance of Lavinia's reappears in her life and when his wife is found dead, requests her help much to Tobia's chagrin.
Another light and entertaining tale from Amanda Quick. Tobias and Lavinia have wonderful chemistry and their banter is delightful. The development of the secondary romance between Tobias's young brother-in-law and Lavinia's niece is also appealing and it is fun to see the mirroring with their older counterparts.
The mystery itself is interesting although the mesmerism trope is a bit overdone and doesn't really add anything to the plot or the characterization. Nevertheless, there are one or two surprising twists and the climax and resolution are satisfying.
Overall, an enjoyable story and I look forward to the final book in the trilogy.
November 15, 2020
Another awesome book by AQ. (4 1/2 stars) This was much more of a mystery than a romance. Loved the secondary romance between Anthony and Emeline...would love to see it developed. Looking forward to reading the last in this series (again).
Have to say AQ is my comfort read, so I am pretty biased when I do reviews for her :)
Have to say AQ is my comfort read, so I am pretty biased when I do reviews for her :)
December 25, 2021
3.25 stars
May 30, 2018
3.5/5
Me ha gustado más que el primero de la serie. La verdad es que esta pareja es de lo más entretenida.
Me ha gustado más que el primero de la serie. La verdad es que esta pareja es de lo más entretenida.
September 29, 2018
4 Estrellitas. Le llegó el turno a la segunda parte de ésta particular y divertida pareja de detectives. Como libro es muy del estilo del primero, y de muchos otros de Amanda Quick, así que supongo que la mayoría de los libros de ésta mujer siguen unas directrices muy parecidas. Protagonistas detectives, que juntos deben resolver un misterio por el que son contratados.
En el caso de "No mires atrás", volvemos a encontrarnos con la desaparición de una misteriosa joya de gran poder, y de un variopinto grupo de personajes que está tras ella. La conclusión del mismo me ha parecido algo más evidente que la del primer libro, pero el desarrollo de la trama y el misterio por descubrir el brazalete, me ha parecido mejor hecha que la investigación del primer libro.
En éste libro tendremos a una serie de personajes que surgen del pasado de Lavinia, un hipnotizador amigo de sus padres, y su misteriosa esposa, que esconde mucho más de lo que parece; otro personaje envuelto en el pasado más vergonzoso de Lavinia, y que le hizo rechazar su vocación, y unos cuántos más. Pero si nos creemos que sólo el misterio o el romance de sus personajes es lo único que hay en este libro, nos equivocamos. Tendremos algo más del romance floreciente y juvenil de Anthony y Emeline, adoro a ambos cuando están juntos, y también de Joan, la noble viuda que conocimos en el primer libro, y ¿Quién sabe? ¿Dejará de ser viuda?
Como digo, la trama sobre la investigación para descubrir el brazalete me ha parecido muy buena y lograda, me ha tenido enganchada a cada capítulo, intentando descubrir donde estaba ¿Quién lo escondió realmente y por qué? Y no sólo eso, si no también la investigación del asesinato de una mujer, que está muy relacionada con la desaparición del brazalete.
En cuanto al romance, es quizás lo único que ha podido decepcionarme del libro, no por el romance en sí, Lavinia y Tobias me parecen maravillosos cuando están juntos, hay las suficientes dosis de romance y pasión entre ellos, pero no los veo tan enamorados como querría. Hay cierta actitud en ellos que me repatalea un poco, y puede ser ésa obsesión por pisotearse el uno al otro para ser mejor; esto ya lo vi en otra serie: "Lady Julia Grey" de Deanna Raybourn (muy recomendable, por cierto). El protagonista masculino es el investigador por excelencia, es bueno en su trabajo, sabe lo que hace, y tiene una gran experiencia tras de sí. Como es normal, la protagonista femenina se ve arrastrada a este mundo y también quiere trabajar en ello, vale, correcto, te lo puedas creer o no al ser una novela histórica, donde ya sabemos que la historia no ha sido favorecedora con las mujeres. Pero a lo que voy ¿Cómo pretenden ser ellas tan buenas o mejores que el protagonista cuando son novatas en esto? Entiendo que quieran hacerse útiles, y ser buenas en su trabajo, pero ¿Por qué desconfiar del otro y ocultarle lo que estás haciendo? ¡Sois amantes! ¿No podríais compartir vuestro trabajo? Normalmente ellos son protectores con las protagonistas, y es normal que no quieran que ellas se pongan en peligro, pero me parecería más verosímil ver algo más de flexibilidad en sus actos.
A pesar de esto último me ha parecido una buena novela de misterio, y por supuesto recomiendo la serie si eres fan de la autora, porque estoy segura de que no decepcionará a nadie. Está bien escrita y se lee sola, el estilo de Quick es magnífico, y la investigación que se pega en cada novela también, solo por eso merece la pena leerla. Como no puede ser de otro modo, no creo que tarde mucho en leer el tercer volumen de la trilogía, esperando conocer la conclusión de éste romance, y también del de Anthony y Emeline.
En el caso de "No mires atrás", volvemos a encontrarnos con la desaparición de una misteriosa joya de gran poder, y de un variopinto grupo de personajes que está tras ella. La conclusión del mismo me ha parecido algo más evidente que la del primer libro, pero el desarrollo de la trama y el misterio por descubrir el brazalete, me ha parecido mejor hecha que la investigación del primer libro.
En éste libro tendremos a una serie de personajes que surgen del pasado de Lavinia, un hipnotizador amigo de sus padres, y su misteriosa esposa, que esconde mucho más de lo que parece; otro personaje envuelto en el pasado más vergonzoso de Lavinia, y que le hizo rechazar su vocación, y unos cuántos más. Pero si nos creemos que sólo el misterio o el romance de sus personajes es lo único que hay en este libro, nos equivocamos. Tendremos algo más del romance floreciente y juvenil de Anthony y Emeline, adoro a ambos cuando están juntos, y también de Joan, la noble viuda que conocimos en el primer libro, y ¿Quién sabe? ¿Dejará de ser viuda?
Como digo, la trama sobre la investigación para descubrir el brazalete me ha parecido muy buena y lograda, me ha tenido enganchada a cada capítulo, intentando descubrir donde estaba ¿Quién lo escondió realmente y por qué? Y no sólo eso, si no también la investigación del asesinato de una mujer, que está muy relacionada con la desaparición del brazalete.
En cuanto al romance, es quizás lo único que ha podido decepcionarme del libro, no por el romance en sí, Lavinia y Tobias me parecen maravillosos cuando están juntos, hay las suficientes dosis de romance y pasión entre ellos, pero no los veo tan enamorados como querría. Hay cierta actitud en ellos que me repatalea un poco, y puede ser ésa obsesión por pisotearse el uno al otro para ser mejor; esto ya lo vi en otra serie: "Lady Julia Grey" de Deanna Raybourn (muy recomendable, por cierto). El protagonista masculino es el investigador por excelencia, es bueno en su trabajo, sabe lo que hace, y tiene una gran experiencia tras de sí. Como es normal, la protagonista femenina se ve arrastrada a este mundo y también quiere trabajar en ello, vale, correcto, te lo puedas creer o no al ser una novela histórica, donde ya sabemos que la historia no ha sido favorecedora con las mujeres. Pero a lo que voy ¿Cómo pretenden ser ellas tan buenas o mejores que el protagonista cuando son novatas en esto? Entiendo que quieran hacerse útiles, y ser buenas en su trabajo, pero ¿Por qué desconfiar del otro y ocultarle lo que estás haciendo? ¡Sois amantes! ¿No podríais compartir vuestro trabajo? Normalmente ellos son protectores con las protagonistas, y es normal que no quieran que ellas se pongan en peligro, pero me parecería más verosímil ver algo más de flexibilidad en sus actos.
A pesar de esto último me ha parecido una buena novela de misterio, y por supuesto recomiendo la serie si eres fan de la autora, porque estoy segura de que no decepcionará a nadie. Está bien escrita y se lee sola, el estilo de Quick es magnífico, y la investigación que se pega en cada novela también, solo por eso merece la pena leerla. Como no puede ser de otro modo, no creo que tarde mucho en leer el tercer volumen de la trilogía, esperando conocer la conclusión de éste romance, y también del de Anthony y Emeline.
August 14, 2016
This was another fun read. A historical mystery with a bit of romance. Here the main characters are not the only characters that we follow as their relatives get involved with the mystery solving as well as their friend Mrs Dove. We get to see those characters develop more though really the best part is the banter and relationship between Tobias and Lavinia.
Here they are looking for a stolen artifact and trying to figure out how it factors into a murder. Tobias, of course, suspects someone that Lavinia has totally confidence in, so the head bumping begins. How all the people in their lives are trying to push them together and help them is quite fun too. They have the attraction, just not the idea of living together or working well with one another.
This couple is quite fun and cute. They are older so have more freedom to "be discrete", which pretty much means they don't go towards a goal in their relationship, though Tobias is working on trying. An entertaining read.
Here they are looking for a stolen artifact and trying to figure out how it factors into a murder. Tobias, of course, suspects someone that Lavinia has totally confidence in, so the head bumping begins. How all the people in their lives are trying to push them together and help them is quite fun too. They have the attraction, just not the idea of living together or working well with one another.
This couple is quite fun and cute. They are older so have more freedom to "be discrete", which pretty much means they don't go towards a goal in their relationship, though Tobias is working on trying. An entertaining read.
August 8, 2008
Anything by Amanda Quick, and her alter-egos, Stephanie James, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Jayne Castle are a must-read for me. Romance with the absurb, lots of laughs, and a great mystery and good plotting are her hallmarks. As you read, you can always feel this author winking at you with a big grin. Before you know it, you have a big grin, too. She plays to your intelligents, but also you sense of fun. It is the kind of romance all women wish they had. The heroes always admire the heroine's good sense and great mind as well as their bodies. The heroes always realize that they are the heroes, because a good woman recognizes their best.
June 18, 2018
Una delicia. Muy divertida. Ojo! no es ni Agatha Christie ni Conan Doyle. Es un Quick. Voy por el tercero para ver si estoy dos estabilizan su relación.
August 7, 2025
Book 2 in a Regency, romantic-suspense trilogy from 2002
This novel picks up a few weeks after the closing events of Book 1 in this trilogy. It has the same MMC and FMC. It is told primarily from their point of view, but the novel also includes the POV of multiple subcharacters. I provided crucial information about the overall backstory of this series in my review of Book 1, so I am not repeating that information here. These three books are basically one big, serialized romance novel, in the sense that there is a cliffhanger about the main plot, the romance, in Book 1 and this book, though there is not a cliffhanger regarding the main crime that is solved within each book. Book 1 is Act 1 of the romance plot, this book is Act 2, and the expected HEA, with marriage in the offing, is provided in Book 3. For that reason, it is important to read all three books, and to read them in order.
We finally learn in this novel how old Tobias is. He describes himself as "perilously close to 40," so he is probably 39, which is within the standard age range of 37-39 for the vast majority of Krentz's MMCs. It also becomes clear, due to various hints about years that have passed in her life, that Lavinia is around 30, which is within the standard age range, 29-31, for most of Krentz's FMCs.
The inciting incident for the suspense portion of this romantic-suspense (RS) novel occurs when Lavinia impulsively volunteers to track down the murderer of Celeste, the cheating wife of Howard, a professional mesmerist who was a friend of her deceased parents, who were also professional mesmerists. Lavinia has just begun a career as a private inquiry agent (PIA). In Book 1, she decided on this objective because her newly minted lover, Tobias, is a PIA, and she believes it will be an exciting vocation for her to emulate. But rather than viewing herself as his apprentice and maintaining some degree of rational humility as she engages in an inevitable learning curve, she immediately assumes that she is just as good as Tobias. In spite of the fact that he is a former spy with self-defense skills that she does not possess and years of experience doing investigations, Lavinia insists on being considered a full, equal partner in their investigation. But all Lavinia has to contribute to their partnership is a friendship she formed with a rich female aristocrat (her first client, whose case forms the central mystery of Book 1), who can help her suss out clues among the ton, her own ability as an extremely talented mesmerist (a skill that Tobias considers bogus throughout this series), and a foolhardy type of courage, based on constantly overestimating her nascent abilities as a PAI while drastically underestimating the murderer she is attempting to bring to justice. She is well aware, by this point, that Tobias is very protective of her, and he is not going to abandon her to pursue Howard's murder case on her own. But she does not admit to herself that she is committing a kind of emotional blackmail when she suckers Tobias into taking the case along with her, because he is determined to save her from herself.
I am not personally a fan of an arrogant RS FMC who consistently overestimates her crime-solving abilities and perpetually underestimates the danger involved in tracking down evil villains. Making the situation even more obnoxious is when she clearly expects, without admitting it to the MMC, that she is counting on him to back her up and save her, when she gets herself stuck in an untenable position.
It also irritated me that Lavinia refuses, throughout the novel, to suspect Howard of any kind of wrongdoing. It is obvious to Tobias, within minutes of meeting Howard, that the man is a scam artist who uses his handsome face, charisma, and supposed hypnotic skills to steal from his clients. But in spite of ongoing evidence in that regard that is presented to Lavinia throughout this novel, she continually wallows in confirmation bias, flatly refusing to accept any information that might contradict her entrenched opinion that sleazy Howard is an honorable man. For example, as a talented mesmerist herself, there is no way Lavinia could possibly avoid recognizing the fact that, on several occasions, Howard attempts to hypnotize her. And she does, in fact, realize this sufficiently to successfully resist being hypnotized. But she refuses to call Howard on it, insist that he admit that it was obnoxious and manipulative for him to do that to her and, most importantly, demand to know exactly why he is trying to control her. Worse, this willful passivity is entirely inconsistent with Lavinia's endless, vociferous resistance to even the slightest whiff of Tobias's urging her to please, please, please stop taking foolish risks with her safety.
Speaking of which, on multiple occasions, Lavinia gets into trouble because she behaves as if there is not a vicious murderer on the loose. In RS, I dislike any hint of the FMC's resembling a cliche, horror-movie, cannon-fodder female, who knows there is a monster in the metaphorical attic, but skips or trudges up the stairs anyway, to her inevitable doom. In the RS version, because the FMC, in this novel Lavinia, cannot die, when she survives her stupidity, it is because she puts the MMC, in this situation, Tobias, in unnecessary danger while riding to her rescue.
A pleasant feature of this novel, which retrieved it from being a 2-star read for me, is the inclusion of two secondary romances which I quite enjoyed. I liked all four of these lovers.
Unfortunately, in terms of the primary romance, I liked Tobias far more than I liked Lavinia in this book.
I experienced this novel in audiobook format, which I obtained for free through my Audible membership. Sadly, the fabulous Barbara Rosenblat, who narrated Book 1, does not narrate this book or Book 3. However, voice talent, Josephine Bailey, does an adequate job.
This novel picks up a few weeks after the closing events of Book 1 in this trilogy. It has the same MMC and FMC. It is told primarily from their point of view, but the novel also includes the POV of multiple subcharacters. I provided crucial information about the overall backstory of this series in my review of Book 1, so I am not repeating that information here. These three books are basically one big, serialized romance novel, in the sense that there is a cliffhanger about the main plot, the romance, in Book 1 and this book, though there is not a cliffhanger regarding the main crime that is solved within each book. Book 1 is Act 1 of the romance plot, this book is Act 2, and the expected HEA, with marriage in the offing, is provided in Book 3. For that reason, it is important to read all three books, and to read them in order.
We finally learn in this novel how old Tobias is. He describes himself as "perilously close to 40," so he is probably 39, which is within the standard age range of 37-39 for the vast majority of Krentz's MMCs. It also becomes clear, due to various hints about years that have passed in her life, that Lavinia is around 30, which is within the standard age range, 29-31, for most of Krentz's FMCs.
The inciting incident for the suspense portion of this romantic-suspense (RS) novel occurs when Lavinia impulsively volunteers to track down the murderer of Celeste, the cheating wife of Howard, a professional mesmerist who was a friend of her deceased parents, who were also professional mesmerists. Lavinia has just begun a career as a private inquiry agent (PIA). In Book 1, she decided on this objective because her newly minted lover, Tobias, is a PIA, and she believes it will be an exciting vocation for her to emulate. But rather than viewing herself as his apprentice and maintaining some degree of rational humility as she engages in an inevitable learning curve, she immediately assumes that she is just as good as Tobias. In spite of the fact that he is a former spy with self-defense skills that she does not possess and years of experience doing investigations, Lavinia insists on being considered a full, equal partner in their investigation. But all Lavinia has to contribute to their partnership is a friendship she formed with a rich female aristocrat (her first client, whose case forms the central mystery of Book 1), who can help her suss out clues among the ton, her own ability as an extremely talented mesmerist (a skill that Tobias considers bogus throughout this series), and a foolhardy type of courage, based on constantly overestimating her nascent abilities as a PAI while drastically underestimating the murderer she is attempting to bring to justice. She is well aware, by this point, that Tobias is very protective of her, and he is not going to abandon her to pursue Howard's murder case on her own. But she does not admit to herself that she is committing a kind of emotional blackmail when she suckers Tobias into taking the case along with her, because he is determined to save her from herself.
I am not personally a fan of an arrogant RS FMC who consistently overestimates her crime-solving abilities and perpetually underestimates the danger involved in tracking down evil villains. Making the situation even more obnoxious is when she clearly expects, without admitting it to the MMC, that she is counting on him to back her up and save her, when she gets herself stuck in an untenable position.
It also irritated me that Lavinia refuses, throughout the novel, to suspect Howard of any kind of wrongdoing. It is obvious to Tobias, within minutes of meeting Howard, that the man is a scam artist who uses his handsome face, charisma, and supposed hypnotic skills to steal from his clients. But in spite of ongoing evidence in that regard that is presented to Lavinia throughout this novel, she continually wallows in confirmation bias, flatly refusing to accept any information that might contradict her entrenched opinion that sleazy Howard is an honorable man. For example, as a talented mesmerist herself, there is no way Lavinia could possibly avoid recognizing the fact that, on several occasions, Howard attempts to hypnotize her. And she does, in fact, realize this sufficiently to successfully resist being hypnotized. But she refuses to call Howard on it, insist that he admit that it was obnoxious and manipulative for him to do that to her and, most importantly, demand to know exactly why he is trying to control her. Worse, this willful passivity is entirely inconsistent with Lavinia's endless, vociferous resistance to even the slightest whiff of Tobias's urging her to please, please, please stop taking foolish risks with her safety.
Speaking of which, on multiple occasions, Lavinia gets into trouble because she behaves as if there is not a vicious murderer on the loose. In RS, I dislike any hint of the FMC's resembling a cliche, horror-movie, cannon-fodder female, who knows there is a monster in the metaphorical attic, but skips or trudges up the stairs anyway, to her inevitable doom. In the RS version, because the FMC, in this novel Lavinia, cannot die, when she survives her stupidity, it is because she puts the MMC, in this situation, Tobias, in unnecessary danger while riding to her rescue.
A pleasant feature of this novel, which retrieved it from being a 2-star read for me, is the inclusion of two secondary romances which I quite enjoyed. I liked all four of these lovers.
Unfortunately, in terms of the primary romance, I liked Tobias far more than I liked Lavinia in this book.
I experienced this novel in audiobook format, which I obtained for free through my Audible membership. Sadly, the fabulous Barbara Rosenblat, who narrated Book 1, does not narrate this book or Book 3. However, voice talent, Josephine Bailey, does an adequate job.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2021
This was a wonderful reread of Don’t Look Back by Amanda Quick. I love the main characters AQ creates. The women are independent thinking, flexible, persistent, intelligent women regardless of their social standing or financial means; they believe in possibilities. The men may have rough edges, be of high social standing or not, they are hard working men of integrity who respect independent thinking women, even when they are challenged and frustrated by them. :D
Don’t Look Back’s main characters are no exceptions. Lavinia Lake and Tobias March begin their business and personal association in book #1, Slightly Shady, that truly starts with a “Bang!” The action and adventure continues in Don’t Look Back as they continue working together as private investigators investigating a new case involving murder and the disappearance of an item of antiquity. This investigation draws Lavinia and Tobias into the secret lives of both the upper and the lower classes. I love that Amanda Quick novels involve adventures with a touch of mystery, and that the FMC and the MMC must work together to resolve it, oftentimes putting themselves at risk. Yet there is always a guaranteed HEA.
Don’t Look Back is book #2 in a trilogy involving Lavinia Lake and Tobias March. Slightly Shady is #1 and Late For the Wedding is #3. I highly recommend this series to readers of historical fiction who enjoy strong, independent characters, a bit of adventure, a touch of humor between the main characters, low angst, and a cooperative effort toward a mutual goal. Each book in this series could be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend all 3 novels (in order).
Don’t Look Back does contain a few on-scene sexual situations between the 2 main characters which is somewhere between sweet and steamy (3 or so, on a 0 to 5, sweet to steamy scale) resulting from their growing attraction and mutual respect. It is not the main focus of the novel. Don’t Look Back contains some profanity, and although several individuals are murdered in Don’t Look Back I did not find it graphic in nature. Due to the aforementioned, I do not recommend Don’t Look Back to young readers or to those who would be offended by the content.
Don’t Look Back’s main characters are no exceptions. Lavinia Lake and Tobias March begin their business and personal association in book #1, Slightly Shady, that truly starts with a “Bang!” The action and adventure continues in Don’t Look Back as they continue working together as private investigators investigating a new case involving murder and the disappearance of an item of antiquity. This investigation draws Lavinia and Tobias into the secret lives of both the upper and the lower classes. I love that Amanda Quick novels involve adventures with a touch of mystery, and that the FMC and the MMC must work together to resolve it, oftentimes putting themselves at risk. Yet there is always a guaranteed HEA.
Don’t Look Back is book #2 in a trilogy involving Lavinia Lake and Tobias March. Slightly Shady is #1 and Late For the Wedding is #3. I highly recommend this series to readers of historical fiction who enjoy strong, independent characters, a bit of adventure, a touch of humor between the main characters, low angst, and a cooperative effort toward a mutual goal. Each book in this series could be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend all 3 novels (in order).
Don’t Look Back does contain a few on-scene sexual situations between the 2 main characters which is somewhere between sweet and steamy (3 or so, on a 0 to 5, sweet to steamy scale) resulting from their growing attraction and mutual respect. It is not the main focus of the novel. Don’t Look Back contains some profanity, and although several individuals are murdered in Don’t Look Back I did not find it graphic in nature. Due to the aforementioned, I do not recommend Don’t Look Back to young readers or to those who would be offended by the content.
February 4, 2020
The second book in Quick's Lake/March historical mystery trilogy is my favorite of the 3. A family friend from Lavinia Lake's past visits then quickly involve the pair in murder and stolen antiquities. The romance is my favorite in this one also as Lake and March learn to trust each other first as investigative partners then as lovers. While I wish the historical elements were at times more prominent to give a better sense of setting, this is a solid historical mystery trilogy.
August 4, 2018
Very much default three stars. I enjoy the main characters, but their respective assistants (niece and brother-in-law) are less fun. Mostly the problem is they're both really nice and kind and sensible, and therefore really, really bland and uninteresting. Also, the case got too convoluted in the end, I stopped paying attention. Enjoyable, but not great.
Read
November 3, 2017Wasn't sure how I'd feel about following the same hero & heroine through three books, but this trilogy worked. I liked each book better than the last! :)
Book 1 - Slightly Shady
Book 2 - Don't Look Back
*be sure to read in order*
Book 1 - Slightly Shady
Book 2 - Don't Look Back
*be sure to read in order*
March 31, 2018
Za odmor nakon posla, skroz ok.
November 24, 2025
/ „Kartais svajonės gali tapti tikrove. Tačiau tik tiems, kas pasirengęs už tai sumokėti.“ /
Antroji serijos dalis, kurioje toliau rutuliojasi žaviųjų veikėjų Lavinijos ir Tobijo santykiai bei dar vienas detektyvinis tyrimas, šįkart įtraukęs hipnozės ir mesmerizmo temas.
Baigdama skaityti pirmąją dalį „Abejotina reputacija“, tikėjausi, kad tolesnėse knygose pagrindinių veikėjų santykiai tik dar labiau vystysis ir augs, nes ten man jų kiek pritrūko. Ir pagaliau! Pagaliau veiksmas šiuo aspektu pajudėjo, ir čia turim du šmaikščius veikėjus, bandančius atrasti balansą tarp darbo ir asmeninio gyvenimo, kuris čia, oi, kaip banguoja! Niekada negalvojau, kad istorinis meilės romanas gali nuoširdžiai prajuokinti, bet čia autorė sugebėjo sukurti išties labai sąmojingus personažus, kurie vis bando apsimesti, kad vienas kitam nelabai ką jaučia, nors iš tikrųjų abiejų viduje verda tikras jausmų ir aistros mišinys.
Dažnai antraplaniai veikėjai būna blankūs, gana nuobodūs ir dažnai net erzinantys ar dar blogiau – įmesti lyg tarp kitko, niekuo nepapildantys pačios istorijos, tačiau čia viskas priešingai – skaityti apie Emelinos ir Entonio santykius, padedant Lavinijai ir Tobijui jų tyrimuose, buvo nepaprastai įdomu, ypač dėl to jaunatviško naivumo, paprastumo ir kitokio požiūrio į gyvenimą. Neslėpsiu, vietomis ši linija mane net labiau intrigavo nei Lavinijos ir Tobijo. Pagyrimas autorei, kad dvi meilės gijas sugebėjo sukurti vienodai įdomias ir kartu neužgožiančias viena kitos.
Kalbant apie tyrimo dalį, nors pati mesmerizmo tema ir buvo patrauklesnė bei labiau intriguojanti, visgi bendrai eiga, kulminacija ir atomazga man labiau patiko pirmojoje knygoje. Nesu didelė mitologijos ir panašių dalykėlių gerbėja, tai tas gal mane kiek sutrikdė, bet skaitymo malonumo tikrai nepagadino. Nepaisant to, vien už išskirtinesnę, nenusibodusią kryptį dedu didelį pliusą.
Kaip ir anksčiau, taip ir dabar pasikartosiu, kad Amanda Quick, įpindama detektyvinę liniją ir sukurdama charakteringus, nevengiančius „pasišpilkuoti“ veikėjus, istorinių meilės romanų žanrą pakylėja į kitą, aukštesnį, lygį. Tad ieškantiems kažko išskirtinio, bet kartu trokštantiems pagyventi aristokratiškų dramų ir skandalų apsupty, ši ir kitos serijos „Saldūs skandalai“ knygos, tikiu, bus idealus pasirinkimas!
Pirmoji dalis išsiskyrė įdomia detektyvine linija, ši (antroji) – šmaikščiais veikėjų dialogais ir santykių dinamika, tad labai smalsu sužinoti, koks laukia finalas trečiojoje dalyje.
Antroji serijos dalis, kurioje toliau rutuliojasi žaviųjų veikėjų Lavinijos ir Tobijo santykiai bei dar vienas detektyvinis tyrimas, šįkart įtraukęs hipnozės ir mesmerizmo temas.
Baigdama skaityti pirmąją dalį „Abejotina reputacija“, tikėjausi, kad tolesnėse knygose pagrindinių veikėjų santykiai tik dar labiau vystysis ir augs, nes ten man jų kiek pritrūko. Ir pagaliau! Pagaliau veiksmas šiuo aspektu pajudėjo, ir čia turim du šmaikščius veikėjus, bandančius atrasti balansą tarp darbo ir asmeninio gyvenimo, kuris čia, oi, kaip banguoja! Niekada negalvojau, kad istorinis meilės romanas gali nuoširdžiai prajuokinti, bet čia autorė sugebėjo sukurti išties labai sąmojingus personažus, kurie vis bando apsimesti, kad vienas kitam nelabai ką jaučia, nors iš tikrųjų abiejų viduje verda tikras jausmų ir aistros mišinys.
Dažnai antraplaniai veikėjai būna blankūs, gana nuobodūs ir dažnai net erzinantys ar dar blogiau – įmesti lyg tarp kitko, niekuo nepapildantys pačios istorijos, tačiau čia viskas priešingai – skaityti apie Emelinos ir Entonio santykius, padedant Lavinijai ir Tobijui jų tyrimuose, buvo nepaprastai įdomu, ypač dėl to jaunatviško naivumo, paprastumo ir kitokio požiūrio į gyvenimą. Neslėpsiu, vietomis ši linija mane net labiau intrigavo nei Lavinijos ir Tobijo. Pagyrimas autorei, kad dvi meilės gijas sugebėjo sukurti vienodai įdomias ir kartu neužgožiančias viena kitos.
Kalbant apie tyrimo dalį, nors pati mesmerizmo tema ir buvo patrauklesnė bei labiau intriguojanti, visgi bendrai eiga, kulminacija ir atomazga man labiau patiko pirmojoje knygoje. Nesu didelė mitologijos ir panašių dalykėlių gerbėja, tai tas gal mane kiek sutrikdė, bet skaitymo malonumo tikrai nepagadino. Nepaisant to, vien už išskirtinesnę, nenusibodusią kryptį dedu didelį pliusą.
Kaip ir anksčiau, taip ir dabar pasikartosiu, kad Amanda Quick, įpindama detektyvinę liniją ir sukurdama charakteringus, nevengiančius „pasišpilkuoti“ veikėjus, istorinių meilės romanų žanrą pakylėja į kitą, aukštesnį, lygį. Tad ieškantiems kažko išskirtinio, bet kartu trokštantiems pagyventi aristokratiškų dramų ir skandalų apsupty, ši ir kitos serijos „Saldūs skandalai“ knygos, tikiu, bus idealus pasirinkimas!
Pirmoji dalis išsiskyrė įdomia detektyvine linija, ši (antroji) – šmaikščiais veikėjų dialogais ir santykių dinamika, tad labai smalsu sužinoti, koks laukia finalas trečiojoje dalyje.
April 8, 2021
4/8/21- listened on audio:
3.5 for story (B-)
4.5 for narration by Josephine Bailey (A-)
Don't Look Back is typical Amanda Quick, but in this case it's a good thing. Since reading the Lake and March books years ago, I've always thought they were just that much better than Quick's average fare. Tobias March is a very entertaining hero, and Lavinia is smart, if stubborn, and is a worthy foil for March's sometimes overbearing ways. The mystery here is interesting if not complex, and has just a touch of Quick's ubiquitous paranormal elements. In this book,however,it isn't overwhelming like it is in the Vanza series.
Josephine Bailey does an excellent job with the narration. She has great male voices, and distinguishes between each one of the sizable cast of characters. Her voice is well modulated and pleasing though the prose portions of the story, and her inflections during the dialog portions are spot on.
Overall this was a fun little jaunt into the past for me.
.......
3.5* Grade B
Tobias has become one of my favorite JAK/AQ heroes! I love the bantering between Tobias and Lavinia. Lavinia sometimes comes across a little dense about how Tobias is trying to protect her, and I think her stubbornness goes a little too far, but overall I like her character almost as much as I like Tobias.
The secondary couple, Andrew and Emiline are great as well, and good for several laughs throughout the book.
The book makes me yearn for currant jam. ;-)
3.5 for story (B-)
4.5 for narration by Josephine Bailey (A-)
Don't Look Back is typical Amanda Quick, but in this case it's a good thing. Since reading the Lake and March books years ago, I've always thought they were just that much better than Quick's average fare. Tobias March is a very entertaining hero, and Lavinia is smart, if stubborn, and is a worthy foil for March's sometimes overbearing ways. The mystery here is interesting if not complex, and has just a touch of Quick's ubiquitous paranormal elements. In this book,however,it isn't overwhelming like it is in the Vanza series.
Josephine Bailey does an excellent job with the narration. She has great male voices, and distinguishes between each one of the sizable cast of characters. Her voice is well modulated and pleasing though the prose portions of the story, and her inflections during the dialog portions are spot on.
Overall this was a fun little jaunt into the past for me.
.......
3.5* Grade B
Tobias has become one of my favorite JAK/AQ heroes! I love the bantering between Tobias and Lavinia. Lavinia sometimes comes across a little dense about how Tobias is trying to protect her, and I think her stubbornness goes a little too far, but overall I like her character almost as much as I like Tobias.
The secondary couple, Andrew and Emiline are great as well, and good for several laughs throughout the book.
The book makes me yearn for currant jam. ;-)
September 8, 2023
The second in the Lavinia Lake/Tobias March trilogy, this book continues to please after several re-readings. Not quite as good as the first in the trilogy but close. Lavinia's niece Emeline and Tobias' brother-in-law Anthony become more central to the story, Joan Dove is re-introduced and given more scope, and Lord Vale makes his first appearance, all of whom add depth to the series. The way the males and females deal with each other in the three relationships is highly entertaining, while the mesmerism aspect of the plot is less so.
July 15, 2013
After finding the first book in the series completely by accident, I was quick to grab the next book in the series. Amanda Quick does not disappoint with the next book. Lake and March are two of my favorite characters. I love the quick witted and sharp tongued remarks that are made. Another great read by one of my favorite authors.
February 19, 2014
This is the second in the Lavinia Lake trilogy, and it's simply fantastic. An excellent mystery keeps the reader's interest as we follow Lavinia and Tobias on their latest. The romance between the two characters sizzle and the banter is delightful.
Honestly, I think Quick struck character gold when she wrote these two as a couple. They are my all-time favorite couple of her books!
Honestly, I think Quick struck character gold when she wrote these two as a couple. They are my all-time favorite couple of her books!
November 8, 2024
This book is #2 of the Lavinia Lake and Tobias March trilogy by Amanda Quick. This second book turned out to be more exciting than #1, with many characters and twists and turns and with many humorous parts. The #3 and final book in this series will continue this romance.
April 24, 2010
Not a big fan of the Lake/Marsh characters--which is rare for me, as I generally like all of Quick's protagonists.
April 30, 2016
I wish there had been more plot and fewer sex scenes (I can't say bedroom scenes, since they never got to a bed). I just can't stretch this to 3 stars.
March 5, 2017
Excellent! Liked it just as much as the first. The mystery was even better, as well. Lavinia and Tobias are so fun to read!
September 10, 2019
Listened to the audio book, narration was excellent, story engaging... Made waiting for buses that never show up bearable
May 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book.
October 19, 2019
Aburrida y menos romance que la anterior.
Sigue la historia de la pareja de detectives.
Es la que buscan asesinos tras una antigüedad de Medusa.
Es la que una prostituta es golpeada brutalmente por el Lord sospechado de asesinar a la esposa de otro, porque le dice a Pelling si estaba tan ansioso por verla que se había ido desvistiendo por el camino pues le faltaba la corbata. Una de las mujeres sospechadas murió ahorcada con una corbata.
Es la que Lavinia nuevamente hipnotiza al asesino con un “debe recorrer este laaaargo, laaaargo pasillo donde me veo tan chiquitita con la medusa en mi poder para recuperarla”.
Es la que habían perdido el brazalete de Medusa por medio de la hipnosis de la muerta por la corbata. Ella había deducido que el ladrón de joyas era un Lord y se asoció a él.
Es la que finalmente la difunta esposa suicidada, había fingido su muerte para huir de su cruel marido y aparece viva.
Sigue la historia de la pareja de detectives.
Es la que buscan asesinos tras una antigüedad de Medusa.
Es la que una prostituta es golpeada brutalmente por el Lord sospechado de asesinar a la esposa de otro, porque le dice a Pelling si estaba tan ansioso por verla que se había ido desvistiendo por el camino pues le faltaba la corbata. Una de las mujeres sospechadas murió ahorcada con una corbata.
Es la que Lavinia nuevamente hipnotiza al asesino con un “debe recorrer este laaaargo, laaaargo pasillo donde me veo tan chiquitita con la medusa en mi poder para recuperarla”.
Es la que habían perdido el brazalete de Medusa por medio de la hipnosis de la muerta por la corbata. Ella había deducido que el ladrón de joyas era un Lord y se asoció a él.
Es la que finalmente la difunta esposa suicidada, había fingido su muerte para huir de su cruel marido y aparece viva.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2020
What can I say? I needed an author whose last name starts with the letter Q. Those of you who know why recognize why and understand. Aside from why I picked this book to read, I did end up discovering a new author with a talent for writing a pleasant little mystery with decent character interaction. Never going to be a go to author, but I would gladly read another written by her.
June 6, 2024
Another great one. Lavinia was killing me, though, with her willful blindness regarding a family friend. It was great to see more of Emmaline and Anthony.
February 18, 2012
kali ini ceritanya ttg tobias yg cemburu banget pas teman lama nya lavinia, dr. howard hudson yg mesmeris juga datang nemuin lavinia....
seru banget....mana tobias dan lavinia berantem mulu...
eh walo berantem tapi selalu sempet ber-uhuk2 ria hehehehe....
en disini juga dikasih tau betapa tobias 'merindukan' kasur.....
pengen nya sekali2 dia bisa making love sama lavinia di kasur yang empuk, bukan di taman2 yang sepi (yg udah kayak layar tancep misbar...gerimis bubar :p) atau di atas kereta kuda sewaan (kasian banget ;p)
akhirnya dengan bantuan pelayan lavinia yang ngaku keluar beli kismis..bisa juga tobias ngerayu lavinia di kamar tidur nya....en abis gitu si pelayan sering di suruh tobias keluar mulu beli kismis wkwkwkwkwkw...
tinggal lavinia bingung....kok perasaan beli kismis mulu pelayannya hahahaha....
very2 funny dan interesting....
juga disini lavinia dan tobias meyelidiki gelang antik curian yang menyebabkan istri si dokter howard di bunuh (bitchy dan jahat sih..biarin aja !!!)
yg nunggu2 dan suka dengan anthony (adik ipar tobias) dan emmeline (keponakan lavinia), disini mereka juga makin dekat...*di buku 3 nanrti mereka menikah)
sementara tobias udah mengakui perasaannya kalo dia mencintai lavinia dan next di buku 3 tobias akan gencar mengajak lavinia merit juga ^^
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