Review: Good but wanted more
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 08 1, 2013
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.*No Going Back is the follow up to Moving Forward, although it focuses on a different couple it is best enjoyed after the first book as Seth and Mallory feature heavily in it and that's where their journey really begins. Book two hits the ground running, Seth and Mallory's foundation has already been set so their relationship (or lack thereof) continues where book one left off. Just when you think Seth and Mallory might get their act together and Mallory actually declares how she feels, a face from the past puts a spanner in the works. So Seth and Mallory are forced apart and then tragedy strikes, that part in the story was well written and a real tear jerker. My heart ached for Mallory. Admittedly I wasn't happy with Seth's behaviour afterwards, I wanted him to be with Mallory but instead he did the old 'stay away to protect her' thing. No dude don't be a martyr just go and get the girl!So you would think Seth and Mallory would soon be on the right track but unfortunately not, both of their lives went off on tangents before they finally got back together and stopped running from the inevitable; they were truly meant to be. My favourite parts of the story where when Seth and Mallory were together, they had a fun banter between them and were perfectly suited for each other. If any couple deserved happiness it was them. I loved Mallory in book one and continued to love her in this story, she had me laughing out loud with her straight talking mouth. Seth didn't bowl me over as book boyfriend, sure he was extremely hot with tattoos and piercings (and he was like a horny teenager) but sometimes I was frowning at him more than I was swooning.It was great to see Jesika and Derek again, they were truly a great support unit to both Seth and Mallory and I was glad their meddling gave the couple a well needed push. The ending was a little surprising with an expected note for Jesika so I am intrigued for the next book.This book had a lot going on, and there were a lot of time jumps to cover it all. I did lose track of how much time it actually covered, by my last count it may have been over two years. It did jump months at a time and I was left wondering what happened in the interim. For the story to remain coherent I felt perhaps a few key events could have been focused on and given more importance than a lot of events dotted throughout. Seth and Mallory had been put through the wringer and yes it did make me appreciate the outcome in the end but my attention waned in the middle with the back and forth and the avoidance of their real feelings.Another note I feel I must mention (as with Moving forward) is the labelling of the book, I'm not sure it's clear how it is categorised. In my opinion this wasn't a New Adult story, if my calculations are correct Seth was aged 30 and Mallory 24? (I'm unsure with the time jumps), they were both well into their careers and dealing with adult issues. This story and it's content had a heavy mature theme to it with some sad issues. You don't get the same as the fun, fast paced sexy NA novels out there but what you do get is a deep, love story about not settling for second best and achieving your goals in life. Sometimes if it's unclear I feel readers may miss out.  Again I wouldn't class it as erotica either. Sometimes I feel it can deter readers to give books a try. Yes Mallory and Seth had a very hot and healthy sex life ;) but none more so than the next steamy book so don't by pass it if you see the erotica label. Seth and his sexy tatts and piercings are not to be missed.Although I preferred book one as I felt it flowed better and perhaps had a lighter, fun feel to it. No Going Back was a heart warming book. I am glad Seth and Mallory got their story and the ending they deserved. Both had been through so much together and individually so I was really pleased they never gave up on their love for each other (even if it took them a while to get their act together ;)). Fans of the series will love this book and if Seth didn't win you over in book one then he will have you squirming in your seat in book two ;) ~Ava