Never Again (Lei Crime; Defining Moments,#1) by Julie C. Gilbert

Never Again (Lei Crime; Defining Moments,#1) Reviews

• 
  Mary

  I am a fan of the Lei Crime Series, so I was a bit confused when I started this book, thinking it would be about Lei. I even checked my Kindle to make sure I was reading the right book. Silly me. This story explains the reason why Michael Stevens became a cop and would go on to feature in the Lei Crime Series. Genius!
  
  This was a good story, I liked the characters, it was funny and smart and really well done!
• 
  Gail

  This is my first book by Julie Gilbert and it won't be my last one. I loved every minute of it. Such a fast paced story and you never know what will happen next. What a surprise ending too! Alana is being stalked by her ex-boyfriend Nate, who cheated on her. He will do whatever it takes to get her back even if it means he has to kill her best friend Michael. What end up happening will astound you and you will never see that coming. I look forward to reading Julie Gilbert's other books.
• 
  Linda

  This was a short story. It was a sad ending. It's a story about stalking like you hear so many times in the news.
• 
  Karla

  Oh my goodness! This story kept me on the edge of my seat and my eyes glued to my Kindle. What starts out as Alana, a college junior, breaking up with her boyfriend Nathan after finding him kissing another woman soon turns into a scary tale of stalking with Nathan showering Alana with unwanted gifts, phone calls and stake-outs. Julie C. Gilbert does an eerily amazing job taking us into Nathan's head so that we can see his gradual meltdown. Gilbert also handles the topic of military post traumatic stress syndrome in Michael, Alana's best friend, with similar aplomb. I won't tell any more about the story so as not to spoil it and highly recommend reading it yourself. This was a great story and the first from Gilbert that I've read - but it definitely won't be the last. It appears this is book one of a new series for her and I eagerly look forward to book two.
• 
  Corinne

  Loved beta reading Julie's take on the Lei Crime Series Kindle World!
  
  When Alana breaks up with her cheating boyfriend, he doesn't take no for an answer. His possessive nature doesn't just stop with Alana though, he's convinced her best friend, Michael Stevens is the real reason why he can't get Alana to come back to him. The solution: kill him!
  
  This was a fast paced story with a lot of energy, and a stalker that rang true. If you like suspense and creepy nail-biting, this one's for you!
  
  
• 
  M.L. Doyle

  Julie Gilbert isn’t afraid to give you an unexpected ending. A great glimpse into the early years of Michael Stevens, one of my favorite Lei Crime characters. This prequel does a good job of demonstrating where he came from and why he's the strong person we know in Toby Neal's books. Years ago I had a stalker who would call me at all hours of the night and show up at unexpected places. It was frightening and strange and an experience that I’m sure many people have faced. Gilbert captures it well here giving us the why and all the consequences.
• 
  Christine Nolfi

  I was honored to beta read this novella prior to release. Current, gripping, the story follows seemingly ordinary college-age adults as they confront events that are anything but ordinary. Gilbert takes you on an emotional ride as the end of a romance leads to disastrous results. Highly recommended.
• 
  Eden Baylee

  ***GREAT EMOTIONAL PULL***
  
  Never Again touches on an important subject—stalking. The story draws in the reader slowly, akin to the insidious way a stalker marks his prey. I really felt for the heroine of the story. Alana is likeable and smart, and young women will relate to her. Ms. Gilbert writes with a strong emotional voice and tugs at your heartstrings. Well done.
• 
  BJ

  No, never again
  
  KU borrow. I first read this as a KW novella 2years ago. It filled a gap in the life of a main character then; it fills a different gap now.: A deranged ex-lover who can't seem to let go. Alana's best friend, Jacob, can see that Nate is no good for her but she's not convinced -yet. As the story goes, it has a somewhat tragic ending, but one with determination to right a wrong. A well -told story, one worthy of a thoughtful read.
• 
  jules0623

  Quick read which meant you don't get at all invested in any character. The ending would have had much more of a punch if this story had been fleshed out. Writing was ok. Felt a bit like I was reading fanfic rather than published fiction, though.
• 
  Linda

  An action packed story about the perils of stalking. A great story for anyone who enjoys love stories gone wrong.
• 
  Mareena

  College junior Alana Adams would never have believed that one breakup could cause such problems; yet for her ex-boyfriend Nathan their breakup was just the beginning. It all begins when Alana catches him passionately kissing another woman after she comes home from her class. After she unleashes an angry and emotional tirade against Nate and his bleach bottle blonde bimbo, Alana promptly dumps Nathan and turns to her best friend, Michael, for advice and emotional support.
  
  Nathan is initially shell-shocked and utterly dumbfounded by what he sees as Alana's obvious overreaction to the situation. At first, he apologizes and showers Alana with gifts in an effort to win her back. Then, as time passes, Nate convinces himself that although Alana may have had a legitimate reason for her initial treatment of him, her continued avoidance of him is becoming entirely unacceptable. Nate tries his best to get her to see reason - he tries to convince Alana that they truly belong together; that they are ultimately meant to be - yet she still insists on being stubborn.
  
  When all his subsequent efforts to win her back fail - and as Alana's rejection further sinks in - Nate concludes that the only real obstacle to their relationship seems to be Michael. Apparently, if they are to have any hope of a lasting relationship and a bright future together as a couple, Alana needed to forget about her best friend. Eventually, Nathan comes to the sobering realization that there is only one viable solution to their problem: kill Michael Stevens.
  
  This is the first book by Julie C. Gilbert that I've ever read. In my opinion, this was a really thought-provoking, totally believable story. The plot was realistic and well-developed, filled with a poignancy that touched me. While the scenario described in the story has never actually happened to me - and I hope that it never does - this story still resonated with me.
  
  The characters were well-developed and reacted plausibly within the story; and I truly felt that I could relate to them. Overall, I really enjoyed reading Never Again, and look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I give this book an A+!
• 
  Alicia

  ***** Lei Crime Series Kindle World Novellas "Never Again" by Julie Gilbert
  
  What a well written and wonderful novella. Full of humor, friendship and mystery. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
  
  The friendship between Alana and Michael is a strong and very special one. A friendship her ex-boyfriend has never appreciated or liked. And one he believes is keeping Alana from getting back together with him.
  
  While Nate sets out to try and win Alana back, he also puts a plan in motion to get rid of Michael.
  
  From the very beginning the author has the reader engaged in the novel and introduces us to two of the main characters. The reader will fall in love with Alana. She is witty and fun and smart and has a good head on her shoulders. The reader will not be a big fan of Nate's. He is a cheater and conniving and self-centered, amongst other qualities. Nor is he thrilled that Alana just broke up with him.
  
  Despite having just broken up with her long time boyfriend, again, Alana is determined that this time it is for good she relies on her best friend Michael for support initially and then advice as Nate seems to become more obsessed, per Alana, and groveling, per Michael, who is trying to put Alana at ease. The reader will also fall in love with Michael and will be taken in by the relationship he and Alana have.
  
  Julie Gilbert presents the reader with very strong and well developed characters. The reader has no problem relating to them and easily understands their actions, behaviors, and thought patterns.
  
  The author has written a very strong novel that is fitting for the setting, the situations, and the minor and major story lines. Her novel is realistic and relatable from beginning to end. It was engaging to the point that I never put the novel down and read it straight through.
  
  She uses a variety of means of engagement between her characters and a variety of techniques in her writing that truly make this novel come alive.
  
  I would highly recommend this novel to both males and females ages 15 and older. A definite must read in this series and novel not to be missed.
  
  
  
• 
  Brenda Perlin

  
  Never Again, Defining Moments, Episode I in the Lei Crime Series by author Julie C. Gilbert is an intriguing, well-paced mystery thriller. I enjoyed the smart writing style and the clever plot line. Very smooth and easy to get absorbed into. The author writes an entertaining story that kept me curious.
  
  I loved how the author shares more than one view point. The characters are realistic and came across authentic. Even though Nathan, the "irredeemable louse" infuriated me, I liked knowing his thoughts and what made him tick, no matter how dark and undesirable. His side of the story along with Alana's and Michael's made for a very well-rounded tale that had me emotionally involved in the ensuing drama.
  
  Never Again is a suspenseful tale that had me on the edge of my seat all the way through. I loved the easy escape into the abyss.
  
  Quote ~
  
  
  "This isn't what it looks like." Nate breathed the statement in a tone best suited for talking down somebody waving a lit match over barrels of gasoline. He held his hands out slightly, fingers splayed as if he could will away her anger with his mind.
  
  
• 
  Donna Thompson

  "Never Again" by Julie C. Gilbert is an intriguing look into the life of one of the Lei Crime world series characters before the events in Toby Neal's books. We meet Michael Stevens when he is still a young man, prior to any training in police work. This is a heartfelt story of the tragic events that led him down the path of becoming a cop. It also makes you think about the tragic consequences of not taking threats seriously or dismissing things without realizing how grave a situation truly is. I would highly recommend this read for any fans of the series or anyone who wants a great story that will linger after the last page has been turned.
  
  **I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**
• 
  Georgiann Hennelly

  Alana Adams is a college junior. She catch's her boyfriend Nathan passionately kissing another women. She dumps him and turns to her best friend Michael for emotional support and advice. Nathan apologizes and gives her gifts to try to win her back. But when his efforts fail he blames Michael her best friend. Nathan believes the solution to the problem is to kill Michael and Alana will come back to him.The ending will shock you . You'll never see it coming. A truly fascinating story about stalking. If you enjoy suspense and creepy plots i highly recommend you read Never Again By Julie Gilbert.
• 
  Geneva

  Ladies who have been harassed or stalked by ex-boyfriends or ex-husbands, & even men who have been stalked my an unhappy female in their lives, can relate to this story. Very well written by Julie Gilbert, keeps the story moving and is not too graphic or harsh wording, so the book would be suitable for YA to the Adult audience. Lovely ending, showing love and heartbreak at losing someone special. Sadly our society is not lacking in this type of human stalking. Julie Gilbert gives us insight into what triggers Michael Stevens actions in Toby's Lei Crimes series, I understand why he became a cop. I will certainly put Julie Gilbert on my TBR authors list.
• 
  Sue

  I was asked by a friend if I would accept gifts of several of the novellas in the Lei Crime series to review. This is one of them and my reaction can be summed up in one word: Wow! What a thrill ride. This had everything I'm looking for in a story - gripping plot, well thought out characters, and one of those endings that leave you yearning for more. I will definitely be reading more of Gilbert's work in the future.
  
  The fact that this novella was a gift has no bearing on this review - I would have very gladly paid for it.
• 
  Becca Frank

  What an incredible read. Because Julie Gilbert defined her characters so extremely well, I went through every emotion that they did. Which I freely admit at times it had me reaching for a tissue. Understanding the sad event which lead Michael Stevens on his path to entering the law enforcement field and eventually work for the Hawaiian Police Department was a stroke of genius. For a novella, Gilbert smoothly added twists and turns to her story that I would only expect from a full novel. I look forward to reading many,many more books from this author.
• 
  Anima

  Cap and Trip
  
  The Lei Crime series is one of my favorites and the addition of the Kindle Worlds books just make it that much more enjoyable. This one by Gilbert focuses on Michael Stevens before he became the awesome detective he is in the series. Told mostly from his best friend, Alana, it captures their friendship and the reason he became that honored cop. While this story gives another insight to Stevens it's not necessary to have read any of the books.
• 
  Rachelle

  Never Again was gifted to me by the author, and I want to shout out a huge "Thank You, Julie Gilbert!"
  When I thought I knew where the story was taking me, it switched direction. The ending brought tears to my eyes!
  Highly recommended!!
• 
  Stacey

  A very good, tention filled novella. I love the short stories that give insight into the Lei Crime series. Genius.