Book Review: Before you Go by Clare James

PLEASE NOTE: This is now a part of a connected series. This review will be updated appropriately shortly! (May 12, 2014)
 Synopsis (from Goodreads.com):
Paralyzed by the past and terrified of the future, Tabitha Kelly is broken.
After a public sex scandal at her college, Tabby moves to a new city with a new school, convinced she can start over. But she soon realizes the changes are not enough. Tabby must take action to help her heal and move on from the past.
And though it sounds crazy, she believes a one-night stand is the best way to take back what’s hers.  If she can choose where, when, and most importantly, who … maybe she can regain control.
First, she needs a willing participant.
She finds more than that when she meets Noah Adler.
Unfortunately, she can’t go through with it. And when she tries to forget about the plan—and the guy—it becomes impossible.
Noah quickly weaves his way into her new life and her heart.  But as he comes dangerously close to discovering her secret, Tabby’s at risk of losing it all.

Review:

I’ve been on a New Adult binge lately and this was just one of the many I have devoured in the last few weeks. Unfortunately it wasn’t one of the best I have read, but I definitely enjoyed it.

What stopped me from giving it 4 stars was the fact that it seemed rushed in parts. Despite the book only being ~115 pages on my Kobo, it still felt like a full novel. It was just that in some parts, things I would have liked to have seen more developed were over quickly (mostly stuff with her mother) or appeared suddenly. The ending I thought was also a bit rushed and I would have liked to have seen a cleaner finish (maybe some more about Jules and Foster??) but I was satisfied with what was given.

I liked the characters and I liked the plot. Both Tabby and Noah were relatable and I could see the chemistry between the two. Their feelings weren’t “love at first sight” which is a major bonus for me and it added to the realistic and believable storyline presented. I could easily see how the situation Tabby was in could happen in today’s society and I appreciated how it was handled.

UPDATED (May 12/14): There is now a sequel that will focus on Jules and Foster called More. I will probably read this though it will be at the bottom of my “to-read” list for quite some time.

Conclusion:

I would recommend this to anyone who wants a quick New Adult read filled with characters coping with their past and a cute couple. It reminded me a lot of J. Lynn‘s book Wait for You only shorter and lighter on the subject matter but I book I also recommend nonetheless.

Rating: 3/5

Shorthand Stats:
Genre: New Adult; College; New Student; Emotional Abuse
Heat Rating:  warm
Recommended for: 18+
Similar Books: Wait for You by J.Lynn

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