Review: Can she move past her pain????
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 07 9, 2013
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.My Review...I gave Before You Go 3.5 out of 5 Stars*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.*Tabitha Kelly (Tabby) is a young girl in college trying to figure out life, when she gets swept up in a horrible rumor/sex scandal that nearly cripples her. She tries to cope by fading in to the background at a new school, in a new place. And we all know that this rarely ever works. In Tabby's mind all she needs is a distraction to take the pain away. She makes the decision to go to a local bar and scope out a willing HOT guy for her one night of pain free indulgence. This is where we meet Noah Adler, who is FAR from pain free himself.  Somehow these two form something that isn't secure, or indulgent.  At first...When Tabby sees Noah she is well aware of her target, so she induces a Mojito mess on her liver in order to gather the courage to talk to him. When they finally speak she learns that he is a writer, and even better looking up close. Of course he is! Hence, her mission is set: "Take Back the Night!"  Tabby and Noah end up playing Bar Bingo, and discussing old books together. They even have cute nicknames from these said books, Holden & Scout.  Did I mention that neither of them knows one another's actual name at this point? So as the night goes on they obviously grow more intimate by dancing, and she gets her first whiff of MAN... He smells like winter, which I love by the way! I love when my book guys smell like winter!  Anyhow, He gives her a ride home and things heat up but Tabby is so afraid of losing control that she clinches up and chickens out feigning illness. Noah, the sweet guy that he is sticks around to take care of the big Faker that is Tabby, and ends up falling asleep. Which is nice until Tabby wakes up and reality hits her in the gut."The plan was a one-night stand, not a lingering affair that bleeds into daylight"As this story moves along Tabby is enrolled in her new school, and would like to avoid Noah at all costs which is seemingly impossible considering he is the TA to her father at the college newspaper. We meet various characters which I loved... Well not ALL of them. Jenna to be exact...Bitch!  You'll see, there is always that little moth that won't stay away from the light. Yep the moth is Jenna, and the light is Noah. Although he is partly at fault, He really needs to learn to cut the cord!Her stepmom Amy is awesome! I loved her because she reminded me of my own relationship with my stepmom.  These characters often get over looked, OR are turned into villains.  It was really refreshing to see a Stepmom in a role that was so influential and meaningful to the main character! Tabby's dad was great too, but Amy was probably my favorite!Moving on... The story progresses nicely and of course secrets are revealed that bring up all kinds of crappy situations.  Clare did a nice job of not drawing them out, or making them too short.  And Tabby finds it easier to let Noah in her heart, very cautiously. I thoroughly enjoyed both Tabby and Noah and found myself REALLY rooting for them to do well! Especially since Noah seemed to truly want to fight for Tabby regardless of his own pain and circumstances. I really wanted the last chapter to have a little more Ummph  to it, maybe a little more angst... But ultimately it was a really good story, with a sweet ending.Here are some of my favorite quotes..."This has helped me more than you'll ever know.  To be able to be with you this way. To trust you with my body, my heart.  I never thought I'd have this again. It means everything to me.""I don't have to think, my body simply reacts, doing what it's supposed to do. I'm not damaged with him. I'm not broken.""And that guy at the bar? He is my brother, you pretentious d*ck."That last quote is just the tail end of a good rant that Tabby had.  Definitely my favorite!