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Falling #1
Before I Fall
Stay focused. Get a job. Save her father’s life.
Beth Lamont knows far too much about the harsh realities of life her gilded classmates have only read about in class. She’ll do whatever it takes to take care of her father, even if that means tutoring a guy like Noah – a guy who represents everything she hates about the war, soldiers and what the Army has done to her family.
Noah Warren doesn’t know how to be a student. All he knows is war. But he’s going to college now to fulfill a promise and he doesn’t break his promises. Except he doesn’t count on his tutor being drop dead gorgeous and distracting as hell. One look at Beth threatens to unravel the careful lies Noah has constructed around him.
A simple arrangement turns into something neither of them can deny. And a war that neither of them can forget could destroy them both.
Beth Lamont knows far too much about the harsh realities of life her gilded classmates have only read about in class. She’ll do whatever it takes to take care of her father, even if that means tutoring a guy like Noah – a guy who represents everything she hates about the war, soldiers and what the Army has done to her family.
Noah Warren doesn’t know how to be a student. All he knows is war. But he’s going to college now to fulfill a promise and he doesn’t break his promises. Except he doesn’t count on his tutor being drop dead gorgeous and distracting as hell. One look at Beth threatens to unravel the careful lies Noah has constructed around him.
A simple arrangement turns into something neither of them can deny. And a war that neither of them can forget could destroy them both.
300 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2015
337 people are currently reading
3402 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Scott
30 books1,279 followersSign up for Jessica’s newsletter https://jessicascott.net/subscribe/
Jessica Scott Jessica Scott is a USA Today bestselling American author of more than 20 novels, including Because of You which launched Loveswepts Digital Imprint in 2011 as well as Homefront, and Before I Fall. She is an Army veteran, a veteran of the Iraq war, the mother of two daughters, a small zoo consisting of too many cats, dogs and the occasional domesticated rodent, and wife to a retired NCO.
Her novels comes from her personal experiences as a soldier, a mother, and an army wife and often explores themes of family, the legacy of war, challenges of military life, and includes contemporary military romances, psychological suspense, and nonfiction works.
Follow Jessica
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaScottAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicadscott09/
She's also written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/New Dawn and has had the honor of serving as a company commander at Fort Hood, Texas twice.
She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and she's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012.
Author photo courtesy of Buzz Covington Photography
Learn more at https://www.jessicascottbooks.com
Jessica Scott Jessica Scott is a USA Today bestselling American author of more than 20 novels, including Because of You which launched Loveswepts Digital Imprint in 2011 as well as Homefront, and Before I Fall. She is an Army veteran, a veteran of the Iraq war, the mother of two daughters, a small zoo consisting of too many cats, dogs and the occasional domesticated rodent, and wife to a retired NCO.
Her novels comes from her personal experiences as a soldier, a mother, and an army wife and often explores themes of family, the legacy of war, challenges of military life, and includes contemporary military romances, psychological suspense, and nonfiction works.
Follow Jessica
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaScottAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicadscott09/
She's also written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/New Dawn and has had the honor of serving as a company commander at Fort Hood, Texas twice.
She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and she's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012.
Author photo courtesy of Buzz Covington Photography
Learn more at https://www.jessicascottbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
March 3, 2015
4.5 - "You've definitely made the day a little brighter." Stars!
I am not a new reader to Jessica Scott’s writing, but this is the first full length book I have read by her. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about Before I Fall, it was beautifully written, the characters were well developed, the flow of the story itself was steady and the revelations came along at all the right points. Even though I kind of expected some of them, others came out of left field and offered just the right amount of surprise to keep me up well past my bedtime finishing this one.
”Kitty has claws.”
This isn’t a pretty hearts and flowers love story; it deals with a lot of aspects of returning to civilian life with life changing injuries, after time spent in the forces, it’s a bit gritty, dark, and what I fear is possibly a little uncomfortably honest in certain aspects of its portrayal. Beth is dealing with it in the fact that her father is pretty much incapacitated 24/7 with a back injury that he bought back with him, from his last mission, and the Military’s failure to ensure that he received the proper treatment to make a full recovery after leaving.
I wasn’t looking for anything but a paycheck. It looks like I’ve gotten way more than I bargained for.
Noah is dealing with it firsthand having just left the military to continue life as a student at the college Beth is also a student at; it turns out the injuries you see on the outside may not necessarily be the ones that have the deepest impact overall.
”I want to be here with her, but the war won’t let me go. It intrudes into every moment of peace I try to hold onto.
I think the strong theme that runs through this book is honesty, or the lack of it (even if it is just by omission) and the effect it has on us and those around us. Beth lies to herself about her father, his injury and his coping mechanisms for it. She also omits the truth about her situation to others as a way of avoiding them seeing what the actual reality of her life is. Noah, god I loved this guy, lies to himself to justify his actions and lies to others to cover them up. Eventually as you can imagine all the lies, omissions of the truth and avoidance catch up with everyone, in a pretty cataclysmic way.
”You don’t run when things get a little bumpy. That’s not how life works. You stick. If you care about people, you stick.”
The build-up, the blow-out and the subsequent restoration of everything for this couple as well as those around them really does pull you into their story. This book is pure romantic drama, although the issues are pretty deep it didn’t feel overdone or angsty, the characters were dealing with the life they had been dealt, and trying to make the best of what they had been given. Jessica Scott really does know how to write romance with a Military theme running through it, and she does it exceptionally well.
"You came home... You're home."
I cannot wait for the next book in the Falling series, Abby and Josh get their story told in Break My Fall and if its predecessor is anything to go by it will be another absolute winner, so fingers crossed I don’t have to wait too long for its release
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
I am not a new reader to Jessica Scott’s writing, but this is the first full length book I have read by her. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about Before I Fall, it was beautifully written, the characters were well developed, the flow of the story itself was steady and the revelations came along at all the right points. Even though I kind of expected some of them, others came out of left field and offered just the right amount of surprise to keep me up well past my bedtime finishing this one.
”Kitty has claws.”
This isn’t a pretty hearts and flowers love story; it deals with a lot of aspects of returning to civilian life with life changing injuries, after time spent in the forces, it’s a bit gritty, dark, and what I fear is possibly a little uncomfortably honest in certain aspects of its portrayal. Beth is dealing with it in the fact that her father is pretty much incapacitated 24/7 with a back injury that he bought back with him, from his last mission, and the Military’s failure to ensure that he received the proper treatment to make a full recovery after leaving.
I wasn’t looking for anything but a paycheck. It looks like I’ve gotten way more than I bargained for.
Noah is dealing with it firsthand having just left the military to continue life as a student at the college Beth is also a student at; it turns out the injuries you see on the outside may not necessarily be the ones that have the deepest impact overall.
”I want to be here with her, but the war won’t let me go. It intrudes into every moment of peace I try to hold onto.
I think the strong theme that runs through this book is honesty, or the lack of it (even if it is just by omission) and the effect it has on us and those around us. Beth lies to herself about her father, his injury and his coping mechanisms for it. She also omits the truth about her situation to others as a way of avoiding them seeing what the actual reality of her life is. Noah, god I loved this guy, lies to himself to justify his actions and lies to others to cover them up. Eventually as you can imagine all the lies, omissions of the truth and avoidance catch up with everyone, in a pretty cataclysmic way.
”You don’t run when things get a little bumpy. That’s not how life works. You stick. If you care about people, you stick.”
The build-up, the blow-out and the subsequent restoration of everything for this couple as well as those around them really does pull you into their story. This book is pure romantic drama, although the issues are pretty deep it didn’t feel overdone or angsty, the characters were dealing with the life they had been dealt, and trying to make the best of what they had been given. Jessica Scott really does know how to write romance with a Military theme running through it, and she does it exceptionally well.
"You came home... You're home."
I cannot wait for the next book in the Falling series, Abby and Josh get their story told in Break My Fall and if its predecessor is anything to go by it will be another absolute winner, so fingers crossed I don’t have to wait too long for its release
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
April 13, 2015
I’m addicted to Jessica Scott’s writing. Her romances are realistic, beautifully written and passionate! Before I Fall was no exception.
Noah is back from military service and attending college. His lieutenant pulled strings to get him into school and he doesn’t want to squander his opportunity. Stats class is like a different language to him so Noah takes his professor’s advice and hires a tutor, Beth. She’s beautiful and driven, and not at all friendly when they first meet, but after they get to know each other a little there’s no denying the intense attraction they feel. They have immediate chemistry, and Noah is definitely drawn to Beth, but more than that he’s in awe of her strength of spirit with all she faces and deals with on a daily basis. The more he falls for Beth the more Noah’s worried about her reaction when she finds out that PTSD and injuries have made prescription pills necessary to cope, especially since more and more are needed just to get by.
Beth is focused on finishing school and getting a job that can provide health insurance to her father, an injured veteran. Her father is in severe back pain, reliant on heavy prescription drugs. The way the VA (Veterans Affairs) has categorized her father’s injury makes it so they won’t completely cover his meds or the back surgery he desperately needs. Beth spends countless hours fighting with them, hours she doesn’t have when she works to support them in addition to going to school. Understandably, Beth is angry at the government and everything the war did to her family. Beth has no desire to tutor a soldier, but can’t refuse the money it will bring. However, Noah is nothing like she thought he’d be. He’s sweet, sympathetic and irresistible, and soon she finds herself falling hard.
Before I Fall was not only a romance, but a poignant look at the life of a soldier after he comes home. I felt terrible for Beth who had to deal with her father’s pain and addiction on her own since the age of sixteen, and unfortunately the powers-that-be made their lives even more difficult. If this is what happens in real life, I feel for the men and women who’ve served and then come home to find limited support. Noah’s presence and support lifts a little of the crushing weight off of Beth and I was happy they found each other. Noah had his own demons thanks to the war, so he understood her situation better than most people would. Beth is like a balm to Noah’s soul, a calming influence when the war has made him feel edgy and out of place in the civilian world. She sparks his desires, and motivates him to get control and embrace life.
Their romance stole my heart! It was very hot and sensual, but also tender, and I longed for the happy ending both Beth and Noah deserved. While I got my wish, I would love to “see” Noah and Beth a little further in the future and find out how they’re doing.
Jessica Scott writes realistic feeling relationships beautifully, making you truly care for the characters and the problems they face.
A copy was kindly provided by the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at The Readers Den
Noah is back from military service and attending college. His lieutenant pulled strings to get him into school and he doesn’t want to squander his opportunity. Stats class is like a different language to him so Noah takes his professor’s advice and hires a tutor, Beth. She’s beautiful and driven, and not at all friendly when they first meet, but after they get to know each other a little there’s no denying the intense attraction they feel. They have immediate chemistry, and Noah is definitely drawn to Beth, but more than that he’s in awe of her strength of spirit with all she faces and deals with on a daily basis. The more he falls for Beth the more Noah’s worried about her reaction when she finds out that PTSD and injuries have made prescription pills necessary to cope, especially since more and more are needed just to get by.
Beth is focused on finishing school and getting a job that can provide health insurance to her father, an injured veteran. Her father is in severe back pain, reliant on heavy prescription drugs. The way the VA (Veterans Affairs) has categorized her father’s injury makes it so they won’t completely cover his meds or the back surgery he desperately needs. Beth spends countless hours fighting with them, hours she doesn’t have when she works to support them in addition to going to school. Understandably, Beth is angry at the government and everything the war did to her family. Beth has no desire to tutor a soldier, but can’t refuse the money it will bring. However, Noah is nothing like she thought he’d be. He’s sweet, sympathetic and irresistible, and soon she finds herself falling hard.
Before I Fall was not only a romance, but a poignant look at the life of a soldier after he comes home. I felt terrible for Beth who had to deal with her father’s pain and addiction on her own since the age of sixteen, and unfortunately the powers-that-be made their lives even more difficult. If this is what happens in real life, I feel for the men and women who’ve served and then come home to find limited support. Noah’s presence and support lifts a little of the crushing weight off of Beth and I was happy they found each other. Noah had his own demons thanks to the war, so he understood her situation better than most people would. Beth is like a balm to Noah’s soul, a calming influence when the war has made him feel edgy and out of place in the civilian world. She sparks his desires, and motivates him to get control and embrace life.
Their romance stole my heart! It was very hot and sensual, but also tender, and I longed for the happy ending both Beth and Noah deserved. While I got my wish, I would love to “see” Noah and Beth a little further in the future and find out how they’re doing.
Jessica Scott writes realistic feeling relationships beautifully, making you truly care for the characters and the problems they face.
A copy was kindly provided by the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at The Readers Den
March 1, 2015
This beautiful story took me completely by surprise. Beth has the weight of the world on her shoulders. She's in school, works, takes care of her injured vet father and tutors. She's barely hanging on, trying to find help for her dad who can't get the help he needs through the VA. Noah returns to college after being injured in the war. He has secrets and demons and he struggles every day. The chemistry between these characters is pretty amazing from the beginning. What really surprised me about this book was the level of emotions I felt while reading this. My heart really broke for both Beth and Noah and the struggles they both were going through but at the same time, this was such a gorgeous love story. Beth and Noah are the type of couple you really root for. Noah is so damaged but he has such a good heart. He's a really good guy who suffered through something awful and is just trying to survive day to day (side note - he's also not a manwhore! YAY!.) Beth is selfless and you really just want to see her catch a break. Big props to the author in the writing of this book because I really did not want to put this down, it's fast-paced and engaging from the first page and I can't wait to read more by this author. I'm really looking forward to more books in this series! I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good romance!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
March 3, 2015
| ARC kindly provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you a lot! |
"I love you," I whisper in his ear. "I love you."
I don't know if he believes it. If he feels it deep in his soul like I do. But I will say it every day until the end of time if that's what it takes.
Because I will never leave him alone again.
I'd love to say that I adored the book and I really liked the characters. All of them but what I did not like was how the chapters were put together. Why? Because they were too short and I didn't feel like having two POVs like that helped at all. I think it would've been better having the first half of the book told by Beth and the other half told by Noah or just don't have them next to each other. I couldn't feel what I was supposed to feel because I was inmidiatly switched. That's my only complain about this book, yes.
Alright so, first we have Beth, a college student who has a lot on her plate. She works really hard and also has a part-time job so she can afford the meds her veteran father needs in order to stop feeling pain. Right now his insurance is next to crappy and every day is a new battle for them. There are good days and bad days, but there are usually way more bad ones.
I liked Beth a lot. She was strong and man, she has so many things going on. Thing is I couldn't actually enjoy her that much. Drama was like a shadow when it comes to her but I really admire her. What she was going through isn't exactly easy.
And then we have Noah, an ex soldier who just got back from Iraq and he's dealing with PTSD. He takes a bunch of pills, has nightmares and he just got back to college. He thinks of Beth as his salvation, something pure in this damaged world.
Noah was a complex character who I really liked but I couldn't feel a connection with. Not because of him, but because there were like a lot of things going on.
I wanted to know more about how a soldier struggles to get back to reality. That was such an interesting and sad topic but I wanted to know more about it.
I don't know how I feel about this book.
I didn't hate it but I didn't love it.
Like I said, my main struggle was how the book was built, not the characters.
I feel like there were chapters that needed to be told from Beth's POV and then the next one and the next one and then it could go back to Noah's and stuff like that. That was what kept me from really getting myself involved in their story.
Overall it was a really enjoyable book and I'm actually looking forward to next story.
"I love you," I whisper in his ear. "I love you."
I don't know if he believes it. If he feels it deep in his soul like I do. But I will say it every day until the end of time if that's what it takes.
Because I will never leave him alone again.
I'd love to say that I adored the book and I really liked the characters. All of them but what I did not like was how the chapters were put together. Why? Because they were too short and I didn't feel like having two POVs like that helped at all. I think it would've been better having the first half of the book told by Beth and the other half told by Noah or just don't have them next to each other. I couldn't feel what I was supposed to feel because I was inmidiatly switched. That's my only complain about this book, yes.
Alright so, first we have Beth, a college student who has a lot on her plate. She works really hard and also has a part-time job so she can afford the meds her veteran father needs in order to stop feeling pain. Right now his insurance is next to crappy and every day is a new battle for them. There are good days and bad days, but there are usually way more bad ones.
I liked Beth a lot. She was strong and man, she has so many things going on. Thing is I couldn't actually enjoy her that much. Drama was like a shadow when it comes to her but I really admire her. What she was going through isn't exactly easy.
And then we have Noah, an ex soldier who just got back from Iraq and he's dealing with PTSD. He takes a bunch of pills, has nightmares and he just got back to college. He thinks of Beth as his salvation, something pure in this damaged world.
Noah was a complex character who I really liked but I couldn't feel a connection with. Not because of him, but because there were like a lot of things going on.
I wanted to know more about how a soldier struggles to get back to reality. That was such an interesting and sad topic but I wanted to know more about it.
I don't know how I feel about this book.
I didn't hate it but I didn't love it.
Like I said, my main struggle was how the book was built, not the characters.
I feel like there were chapters that needed to be told from Beth's POV and then the next one and the next one and then it could go back to Noah's and stuff like that. That was what kept me from really getting myself involved in their story.
Overall it was a really enjoyable book and I'm actually looking forward to next story.
January 23, 2020
3.5 stars.
This was an interesting CR with a premise that has never been more relevant: how soldiers cope with PTSD and how returned veterans struggle, not getting the financial support they deserve but never seem to get from their typically ungrateful governments.
The problems that drugs can bring along with their relief from pain and anxiety are explored here as well. (I do need to add that I'm glad I don't live in the US and need to buy medication. Health care just seems so insanely expensive there, without a national health care scheme that subsidises the cost of most common drugs and provides free hospital beds for those who need it, like we have here in Australia).
A sweet story, but a bit choppy, with the short chapters jumping their POV from her to him back to her and so on. Whiplash!
In the end, it's a story about how healing the right person in your life can be. A story that is well-told and quite moving. Well worth a look.
This was an interesting CR with a premise that has never been more relevant: how soldiers cope with PTSD and how returned veterans struggle, not getting the financial support they deserve but never seem to get from their typically ungrateful governments.
The problems that drugs can bring along with their relief from pain and anxiety are explored here as well. (I do need to add that I'm glad I don't live in the US and need to buy medication. Health care just seems so insanely expensive there, without a national health care scheme that subsidises the cost of most common drugs and provides free hospital beds for those who need it, like we have here in Australia).
A sweet story, but a bit choppy, with the short chapters jumping their POV from her to him back to her and so on. Whiplash!
In the end, it's a story about how healing the right person in your life can be. A story that is well-told and quite moving. Well worth a look.
March 10, 2015
4 Solid Stars
So I finished this today and although the first half or so of the book was a 4.5-5 star, the latter half had me drop a 1/2-1 star and I will tell you why. There is no doubt about it that Noah was a GREAT character for me, I mean I LOVED this guy from start until finish and never wavered at all on my love for him. He was so broken but yet he had a heart even though he didn't realize it....yes he was hot, sexy, swoon-worthy, sweet and just oh so damn caring..... My heart broke for him with all of his internal struggles but oh my, this guy was every woman's dream despite his issues!!!!!! Now Beth, hmmmm, I started out loving her. She was so broken by her circumstances yet she was as tough as nails too and her story and how she was surviving day to day had me crying on the inside for her! I thought together they were good for each other but I did have some issues....
Beth's character for me did a 360 too fast for me.... I mean she started out one way and then changed so damn fast... now don't get me wrong, I loved that she changed her mind, lol, but it was done so fast that it just didn't seem realistic and I felt I couldn't appreciate it when she did. Ya, I know this is a book, not a real story, lololol, but still for me I wanted "more".... The latter half of the book, I get why she felt the way she did when Noah's "secret" was found out BUT yet I didn't like her reaction to it at all. She didn't even give him a chance to explain.... She was "selfish" I thought especially after everything that he had done for her. Boy, did I LOVE when Josh put her in her place and I thought ok now she will make things right and NO, he had to and as much as I loved that quality about him, it really turned me off a bit too not with him but her!
Now the ending, I needed SO MUCH MORE than I got! I felt like it was all rushed and it didn't satisfy me to the fullest either! I noticed the next story is about Abby and Josh and I look forward to it and hope I will get more on Noah and Beth, too:)
This was my first read by Jessica Scott and it won't be my last either!
So I finished this today and although the first half or so of the book was a 4.5-5 star, the latter half had me drop a 1/2-1 star and I will tell you why. There is no doubt about it that Noah was a GREAT character for me, I mean I LOVED this guy from start until finish and never wavered at all on my love for him. He was so broken but yet he had a heart even though he didn't realize it....yes he was hot, sexy, swoon-worthy, sweet and just oh so damn caring..... My heart broke for him with all of his internal struggles but oh my, this guy was every woman's dream despite his issues!!!!!! Now Beth, hmmmm, I started out loving her. She was so broken by her circumstances yet she was as tough as nails too and her story and how she was surviving day to day had me crying on the inside for her! I thought together they were good for each other but I did have some issues....
Beth's character for me did a 360 too fast for me.... I mean she started out one way and then changed so damn fast... now don't get me wrong, I loved that she changed her mind, lol, but it was done so fast that it just didn't seem realistic and I felt I couldn't appreciate it when she did. Ya, I know this is a book, not a real story, lololol, but still for me I wanted "more".... The latter half of the book, I get why she felt the way she did when Noah's "secret" was found out BUT yet I didn't like her reaction to it at all. She didn't even give him a chance to explain.... She was "selfish" I thought especially after everything that he had done for her. Boy, did I LOVE when Josh put her in her place and I thought ok now she will make things right and NO, he had to and as much as I loved that quality about him, it really turned me off a bit too not with him but her!
Now the ending, I needed SO MUCH MORE than I got! I felt like it was all rushed and it didn't satisfy me to the fullest either! I noticed the next story is about Abby and Josh and I look forward to it and hope I will get more on Noah and Beth, too:)
This was my first read by Jessica Scott and it won't be my last either!
March 3, 2015
BRAVO, Jessica Scott, for the unbelievably breathtaking story you have given us!! I thought it was just going to be the story of a girl hating a guy because he was a former soldier, he falls for her, the end…You proved me wrong and I am so glad you did.
Beth is doing all she can to keep her head above water, not only at school but also in taking care of her father. When her Stats professor offers her extra income by tutoring a former soldier, she wants to decline it but she knows that extra income will help her get the medicine her Dad needs. Now, it's not that Beth hates soldiers per se, her father being a former soldier, it's just that after all her father has gone through, she doesn't feel she can trust them.
Noah has been to hell and back since coming back to "civilization" and he can't seem to cope with everyday life without the help of medication, no matter how hard he tries. Now he has to deal with the stress of being a student thanks to his friend, LT. When Noah meets Beth for the first time, he knows he's in trouble yet he decides that he will not let her affect him, but that is easier said than done.
As Beth and Noah interact in school, they both fight the chemistry that builds up slowly; Beth because she doesn't want to get hurt again and Noah because he believes that he doesn't deserve someone as sweet and clean as Beth to see the demons he faces on a daily basis.
I don't want to give away anything because I want everyone to get as emotionally enthralled in this amazing story as I did. One thing is for sure… I will never be the same. Be prepared to be sucked in right from the beginning, this story will refuse to let you go until the very end.
Ms. Scott, thank you for such an amazing book that touched me in ways that I never knew a story could, especially on a subject that affects countless of families every day. I will definitely be looking up your work because you have a new fan… **ME**. ~ Kara, 5 Emotionally Beautiful Stars
Beth is doing all she can to keep her head above water, not only at school but also in taking care of her father. When her Stats professor offers her extra income by tutoring a former soldier, she wants to decline it but she knows that extra income will help her get the medicine her Dad needs. Now, it's not that Beth hates soldiers per se, her father being a former soldier, it's just that after all her father has gone through, she doesn't feel she can trust them.
Noah has been to hell and back since coming back to "civilization" and he can't seem to cope with everyday life without the help of medication, no matter how hard he tries. Now he has to deal with the stress of being a student thanks to his friend, LT. When Noah meets Beth for the first time, he knows he's in trouble yet he decides that he will not let her affect him, but that is easier said than done.
As Beth and Noah interact in school, they both fight the chemistry that builds up slowly; Beth because she doesn't want to get hurt again and Noah because he believes that he doesn't deserve someone as sweet and clean as Beth to see the demons he faces on a daily basis.
I don't want to give away anything because I want everyone to get as emotionally enthralled in this amazing story as I did. One thing is for sure… I will never be the same. Be prepared to be sucked in right from the beginning, this story will refuse to let you go until the very end.
Ms. Scott, thank you for such an amazing book that touched me in ways that I never knew a story could, especially on a subject that affects countless of families every day. I will definitely be looking up your work because you have a new fan… **ME**. ~ Kara, 5 Emotionally Beautiful Stars
May 7, 2015
3.5 stars Before I Fall has so much potential with two strong characters that readers will love, especially Noah, of course. Overall, it is a good love story, but it could have been so much more... First of all, there was a plot thread in the middle of it that didn't lead anywhere and a few scenes were that way as well. And then? The ultimate faux pas? As a writer, you've got to watch those endings. They can't be too rushed. They need to flow. This one didn't, and the epilogue was NOT a true epilogue. I didn't come away as a reader feeling like I knew where these two were going. And truly, if we've been hearing from both the H and h's POVs we need both of them at the end... Didn't get that here and meh the story falls flat, and the characters become two-dimensional with a few sex scenes thrown in serving as a literary crutch/diversion. Oy. Don't do that. Just don't. Such potential with this kind of storyline, but days later? Forgettable.
March 3, 2015
4.5 stars
As a fan of Jessica Scott's Coming Home series I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of her first NA book and Before I Fall was even better than I'd hoped it would be. I love contemporary romances, I even enjoy NA contemps but I'm sure I can't be the only person who is sick of reading the same old tropes and clichés in nearly every story I pick up? Well, I'm very, very happy to say that Before I Fall avoids all of those pitfalls. There is no player hero who can suddenly keep it in his trousers for that one special girl, no virginal, sweet and innocent heroine who has never even been attracted to a boy before, no bitchy best friends, catty girls or slut shaming, no ex-girlfriends or ex-boyfriends who are trying to split up the main couple, no cheating, no love triangles and absolutely no pointless drama just for the sake of it. Nope, not a single one of those tropes and I can't even tell you how refreshing that is!
So now I've told you all about what we haven't got let me tell you a bit more about what you can look forward to. You're in for a treat, trust me! You have two realistic main characters, people who have problems but who are basically decent people who have been dealt a bad hand in life, the kind of people you went to school with, hell the kind of people you're probably friends with. You also have a really, really sweet romance with plenty of sexy times and a love that brings light into the darkness of their lives but that doesn't magically fix all their problems. Great supportive friendships for both main characters and even a decent adult role model who is there for both of them. The characters who have issues accept they have a problem, understand that they are the only ones who can fix it and guess what - they actually ask for the help they need to turn their lives around. Shocking right?
Beth's father was a soldier until he was badly injured and he is now medically retired. He suffers chronic, debilitating pain and is unable to hold a job down but the disability cheques he receives aren't enough to pay for the medical care he needs. Beth is desperately trying to hold things together, struggling to find enough money to pay the bills, buy her father's medication and just put food on the table. She is also trying to keep up her grades in the hope that she'll be able to get into a decent graduate program - the only chance she has of ever getting a job that will help her pay off the family's horrendous debts. Noah is a soldier who has served his country but who was injured in a bomb blast that killed most of his unit. He is suffering with PTSD and extreme anxiety but he is determined to get his life back on track and do well at college.
Beth never wanted to get involved with a soldier but Noah is the first person in a long time who sees what she is going through and puts her first for a change. I absolutely loved seeing how Noah looked out for her, just the little things he did to make life easier for her were so sweet to read about. He makes mistakes by keeping things from her but I never felt angry with him because you could feel what he was going through. Likewise, when Beth found out about what he was hiding I didn't blame her for flipping out, she had been through so much because of her dad and couldn't face the thought of it happening all over again with someone else. I loved them both for acting like adults and actually talking through their issues though. They make such a sweet couple and it really was easy to imagine them being happy together.
One of the things that really stands out in all of the books I've read by Jessica Scott is how well she understands the life of a soldier, as a career officer herself she has a lot of experience regarding the issues that soldiers face on a daily basis but also how difficult it is for the families who are left at home waiting for news of their loved ones. This is something that really shines through in her writing and it makes her stories feel all the more realistic. I absolutely loved Before I Fall and I was incredibly excited to find out who the main characters are for the next book Break My Fall (that information is included at the back of the book for anyone who is curious). The sequel is definitely going to the top of my wish list so I just hope we don't have to wait too long for it to be published!
As a fan of Jessica Scott's Coming Home series I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of her first NA book and Before I Fall was even better than I'd hoped it would be. I love contemporary romances, I even enjoy NA contemps but I'm sure I can't be the only person who is sick of reading the same old tropes and clichés in nearly every story I pick up? Well, I'm very, very happy to say that Before I Fall avoids all of those pitfalls. There is no player hero who can suddenly keep it in his trousers for that one special girl, no virginal, sweet and innocent heroine who has never even been attracted to a boy before, no bitchy best friends, catty girls or slut shaming, no ex-girlfriends or ex-boyfriends who are trying to split up the main couple, no cheating, no love triangles and absolutely no pointless drama just for the sake of it. Nope, not a single one of those tropes and I can't even tell you how refreshing that is!
So now I've told you all about what we haven't got let me tell you a bit more about what you can look forward to. You're in for a treat, trust me! You have two realistic main characters, people who have problems but who are basically decent people who have been dealt a bad hand in life, the kind of people you went to school with, hell the kind of people you're probably friends with. You also have a really, really sweet romance with plenty of sexy times and a love that brings light into the darkness of their lives but that doesn't magically fix all their problems. Great supportive friendships for both main characters and even a decent adult role model who is there for both of them. The characters who have issues accept they have a problem, understand that they are the only ones who can fix it and guess what - they actually ask for the help they need to turn their lives around. Shocking right?
Beth's father was a soldier until he was badly injured and he is now medically retired. He suffers chronic, debilitating pain and is unable to hold a job down but the disability cheques he receives aren't enough to pay for the medical care he needs. Beth is desperately trying to hold things together, struggling to find enough money to pay the bills, buy her father's medication and just put food on the table. She is also trying to keep up her grades in the hope that she'll be able to get into a decent graduate program - the only chance she has of ever getting a job that will help her pay off the family's horrendous debts. Noah is a soldier who has served his country but who was injured in a bomb blast that killed most of his unit. He is suffering with PTSD and extreme anxiety but he is determined to get his life back on track and do well at college.
Beth never wanted to get involved with a soldier but Noah is the first person in a long time who sees what she is going through and puts her first for a change. I absolutely loved seeing how Noah looked out for her, just the little things he did to make life easier for her were so sweet to read about. He makes mistakes by keeping things from her but I never felt angry with him because you could feel what he was going through. Likewise, when Beth found out about what he was hiding I didn't blame her for flipping out, she had been through so much because of her dad and couldn't face the thought of it happening all over again with someone else. I loved them both for acting like adults and actually talking through their issues though. They make such a sweet couple and it really was easy to imagine them being happy together.
One of the things that really stands out in all of the books I've read by Jessica Scott is how well she understands the life of a soldier, as a career officer herself she has a lot of experience regarding the issues that soldiers face on a daily basis but also how difficult it is for the families who are left at home waiting for news of their loved ones. This is something that really shines through in her writing and it makes her stories feel all the more realistic. I absolutely loved Before I Fall and I was incredibly excited to find out who the main characters are for the next book Break My Fall (that information is included at the back of the book for anyone who is curious). The sequel is definitely going to the top of my wish list so I just hope we don't have to wait too long for it to be published!
April 6, 2015
I honestly hate writing this review.. I wanted to love this book so much, but Im so depressed from reading it...
I'm honestly not trying to be insensitive.. but this book is just about two sobs stories away from me quitting reading all together. That is all it all been. I'm all about determined people doing something with their lives.. Overcoming their issues.. But this book just drags on and on.
So at 40% and theses issues have been the sole focus and continues to fill the pages with the same issues..I was kinda over it!
I quit and gave it a few books..
Came back and read another 14 %.
Now I'm giving up all together this time. I just can not connect with the physical/emotional/mental issues these characters are having.. Which is obviously my issue because the book's description of the characters problems is very descriptive on all accounts.
I know these are real issues people deal with, which is why I'm giving this book 3*s despite not finishing it. This book just isn't for me.
Note: This book is primarily based on the physical and mental struggles of military personnel following their service. PTSD, ect.
Very knowledgable of prescription drug names, use, ect.
**I received a digital copy of this book in exchange of my honest review**
I'm honestly not trying to be insensitive.. but this book is just about two sobs stories away from me quitting reading all together. That is all it all been. I'm all about determined people doing something with their lives.. Overcoming their issues.. But this book just drags on and on.
So at 40% and theses issues have been the sole focus and continues to fill the pages with the same issues..I was kinda over it!
I quit and gave it a few books..
Came back and read another 14 %.
Now I'm giving up all together this time. I just can not connect with the physical/emotional/mental issues these characters are having.. Which is obviously my issue because the book's description of the characters problems is very descriptive on all accounts.
I know these are real issues people deal with, which is why I'm giving this book 3*s despite not finishing it. This book just isn't for me.
Note: This book is primarily based on the physical and mental struggles of military personnel following their service. PTSD, ect.
Very knowledgable of prescription drug names, use, ect.
**I received a digital copy of this book in exchange of my honest review**
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“You don't run when things get a little bumpy. That's not how life works. You stick. If you care about people, you stick." I swallow the lump that's making it hard to breathe. "I'm not very good glue." "No, you're more like two-sided tape, only one side is covered in cat litter.”
― Jessica Scott, Before I Fall
Recently home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a group of veterans struggle to find their place on a wealthy, southern college campus in this heart wrenching series that readers say they can’t stop thinking about. Publisher’s Weekly says “the strength of the story is the attention Scott pays to the needs of returning veterans.”
Follow Jessica
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaScott09
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaScottAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicadscott09/
“You don't run when things get a little bumpy. That's not how life works. You stick. If you care about people, you stick." I swallow the lump that's making it hard to breathe. "I'm not very good glue." "No, you're more like two-sided tape, only one side is covered in cat litter.”
― Jessica Scott, Before I Fall
Recently home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a group of veterans struggle to find their place on a wealthy, southern college campus in this heart wrenching series that readers say they can’t stop thinking about. Publisher’s Weekly says “the strength of the story is the attention Scott pays to the needs of returning veterans.”
Follow Jessica
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaScott09
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaScottAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicadscott09/
March 7, 2015
*Arc kindly provided by Rock star lit*
Before I Fall is a sweet and sad story about unfairness of life... with HEA. ♡
Beth is a sweet girl with so much weight on her shoulders: she takes care of her injured father, she has two jobs, and school.
Her life is so unfair. When I was reading all I thought was: This girl deserves some happiness.
Noah is a soldier struggling with PTSD. He is in pain: mental and physical and so has many demons but at the same time he is such a good guy with a big heart.
A good guy with secrets.
Two broken people find in each other something that is unique.
Jessica Scott wrote a simple yet beautiful story and I'm waiting for the next one: Break my fall.
My only request: we need an extra about the future of Noah and Beth because the end was too fast.
Before I Fall is a sweet and sad story about unfairness of life... with HEA. ♡
Beth is a sweet girl with so much weight on her shoulders: she takes care of her injured father, she has two jobs, and school.
Her life is so unfair. When I was reading all I thought was: This girl deserves some happiness.
Noah is a soldier struggling with PTSD. He is in pain: mental and physical and so has many demons but at the same time he is such a good guy with a big heart.
A good guy with secrets.
Two broken people find in each other something that is unique.
Jessica Scott wrote a simple yet beautiful story and I'm waiting for the next one: Break my fall.
My only request: we need an extra about the future of Noah and Beth because the end was too fast.
March 16, 2015
4.5 Stars
Jessica Scott delivers an unforgettable tale of strife, heartache, love and acceptance in her new adult contemporary romance, Before I Fall.
Beth Lamont despises anything that has to do with the war that broke her father and destroyed her family. When she is asked to tutor a young ex-soldier in her stats class though, she can't turn down the money that could go towards her father's medications. She never expected to fall so hard for Noah Warren, a man similarly damaged by the war. But that life is all Noah knows and college feels like foreign territory to him. Can two such flawed and weary souls find a love worth fighting for in each other? Or will their demons and the war they can't forget steal that from them as well?
Written with a depth of realism that only comes from experience, Before I Fall was a compelling read from beginning to end. Beth is a young women struggling to care for her father while juggling school and work. I couldn't help but ache for her character and the trials she endures. What would you do if you found yourself at sixteen being the caretaker of the family? Striving to keep up with not only the day-to-day bills but also a never ending amount of medical bills? Would you cut and run? Or would you stick it out no matter how overwhelming? There is one light at the end of the tunnel for Beth and that is finally obtaining her degree and finding a job with medical insurance so that her father can finally receive the care he needs. It's a sad fact of life that many of our veterans don't receive the medical care they need and deserve from the VA, and Scott brings that battle to the pages. This is not a light and fluffy story; it is at times dark, stirring and gritty.
Noah was an equally poignant hero. His struggles to acclimate himself to life outside of the war was difficult and you could feel the tension radiating from the pages. His scars run deep and are not all physical though, and as a reader you quickly see that avoidance is a well used coping mechanism for him. The chemistry between him and Beth is palpable from the start, and Noah's heart really shows when it comes to Beth. He wants nothing more then to lighten the load that Beth already shoulders but realizes that he could quickly burden it further. The build-up pulled me in farther and though the happily-ever-after was not what I was expecting, it was one that was real.
Before I Fall was a beautifully written story with well developed characters and plot that moved at a steady pace. The real world issues that the story is based around run deep but they are not overstated. These characters could have been anyone I know, or anyone I pass on the street. It made for an engaging and powerful story that is what fans have come to expect from this talented author. I look forward to more from the Falling series and Jessica Scott in general. She's a wonderful author with an affinity for contemporary military romances.
Jessica Scott delivers an unforgettable tale of strife, heartache, love and acceptance in her new adult contemporary romance, Before I Fall.
Beth Lamont despises anything that has to do with the war that broke her father and destroyed her family. When she is asked to tutor a young ex-soldier in her stats class though, she can't turn down the money that could go towards her father's medications. She never expected to fall so hard for Noah Warren, a man similarly damaged by the war. But that life is all Noah knows and college feels like foreign territory to him. Can two such flawed and weary souls find a love worth fighting for in each other? Or will their demons and the war they can't forget steal that from them as well?
Written with a depth of realism that only comes from experience, Before I Fall was a compelling read from beginning to end. Beth is a young women struggling to care for her father while juggling school and work. I couldn't help but ache for her character and the trials she endures. What would you do if you found yourself at sixteen being the caretaker of the family? Striving to keep up with not only the day-to-day bills but also a never ending amount of medical bills? Would you cut and run? Or would you stick it out no matter how overwhelming? There is one light at the end of the tunnel for Beth and that is finally obtaining her degree and finding a job with medical insurance so that her father can finally receive the care he needs. It's a sad fact of life that many of our veterans don't receive the medical care they need and deserve from the VA, and Scott brings that battle to the pages. This is not a light and fluffy story; it is at times dark, stirring and gritty.
Noah was an equally poignant hero. His struggles to acclimate himself to life outside of the war was difficult and you could feel the tension radiating from the pages. His scars run deep and are not all physical though, and as a reader you quickly see that avoidance is a well used coping mechanism for him. The chemistry between him and Beth is palpable from the start, and Noah's heart really shows when it comes to Beth. He wants nothing more then to lighten the load that Beth already shoulders but realizes that he could quickly burden it further. The build-up pulled me in farther and though the happily-ever-after was not what I was expecting, it was one that was real.
Before I Fall was a beautifully written story with well developed characters and plot that moved at a steady pace. The real world issues that the story is based around run deep but they are not overstated. These characters could have been anyone I know, or anyone I pass on the street. It made for an engaging and powerful story that is what fans have come to expect from this talented author. I look forward to more from the Falling series and Jessica Scott in general. She's a wonderful author with an affinity for contemporary military romances.
February 20, 2015
Actual rating is 4.5 Stars
I received Before I Fall in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I’ve been a fan of Jessica Scott’s military love stories for a while, but it’s also been a while since I’ve read one. When I found out that she was delving into New Adult territory, I jumped at the chance to read her first book in the Falling series. I wasn’t disappointed.
There was so much to love about Before I Fall, I’m not sure where to start. Beth was an amazing character to start this series. The opening statement in the description may seem a little over the top, but it’s exactly what Beth was dealing with in a very real way. Everything for Beth was a fight and had been since she was sixteen years old. Her mom abandoned her and her father when things got tough. Beth was left to pick up the pieces, take over the finances and literally fight for the healthcare that her dad deserved.
Noah came back from the war more broken than even he realized. He wasn’t in a great place either physically or mentally when he met Beth. She made him want to be a better person, but it wasn’t that easy. When Beth finally revealed some of her own secrets, he wanted to be strong for her. To do that he’d have to come to terms with his own issues, before it was too late. The inevitable crash for these two was heartbreaking.
I felt for both of these characters. Beth wasn’t wrong for decisions she made regarding Noah, but she wasn’t entirely right either. Her judgement was clouded by her own reality, which was understandable. Noah was as much a victim of circumstances beyond his control as Beth and her father. It came down to much more than right vs. wrong, it was more a matter of survival the only way either of them knew how.
The supporting characters were an important part of Before I Fall. They gave the characters strength and love when they needed it most. They added to the depth of the characters by helping them reveal parts of themselves that they couldn’t reveal to anyone else. I love it when supporting characters are… well… supportive.
Interlaced within the depth of the characters and the touching love story was the evident personal knowledge that it took to bring this story to life. I’ve always admired that with Jessica Scott’s writing and the switch in genres didn’t change that. If you’ve been a fan of her adult military romances, you will definitely enjoy Before I Fall. If you’re new to this author’s writing, it’s also a perfect place to start. Needless to say, I’m really looking forward to see where this series goes next.
I received Before I Fall in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I’ve been a fan of Jessica Scott’s military love stories for a while, but it’s also been a while since I’ve read one. When I found out that she was delving into New Adult territory, I jumped at the chance to read her first book in the Falling series. I wasn’t disappointed.
There was so much to love about Before I Fall, I’m not sure where to start. Beth was an amazing character to start this series. The opening statement in the description may seem a little over the top, but it’s exactly what Beth was dealing with in a very real way. Everything for Beth was a fight and had been since she was sixteen years old. Her mom abandoned her and her father when things got tough. Beth was left to pick up the pieces, take over the finances and literally fight for the healthcare that her dad deserved.
Noah came back from the war more broken than even he realized. He wasn’t in a great place either physically or mentally when he met Beth. She made him want to be a better person, but it wasn’t that easy. When Beth finally revealed some of her own secrets, he wanted to be strong for her. To do that he’d have to come to terms with his own issues, before it was too late. The inevitable crash for these two was heartbreaking.
I felt for both of these characters. Beth wasn’t wrong for decisions she made regarding Noah, but she wasn’t entirely right either. Her judgement was clouded by her own reality, which was understandable. Noah was as much a victim of circumstances beyond his control as Beth and her father. It came down to much more than right vs. wrong, it was more a matter of survival the only way either of them knew how.
The supporting characters were an important part of Before I Fall. They gave the characters strength and love when they needed it most. They added to the depth of the characters by helping them reveal parts of themselves that they couldn’t reveal to anyone else. I love it when supporting characters are… well… supportive.
Interlaced within the depth of the characters and the touching love story was the evident personal knowledge that it took to bring this story to life. I’ve always admired that with Jessica Scott’s writing and the switch in genres didn’t change that. If you’ve been a fan of her adult military romances, you will definitely enjoy Before I Fall. If you’re new to this author’s writing, it’s also a perfect place to start. Needless to say, I’m really looking forward to see where this series goes next.
September 18, 2015
I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
At first I really enjoyed this novel, but the characters started to get on my nerves a bit, which is a really terrible thing to say given to what the subject matter is and I have no idea what a person goes through from being in the war...
But Beth was giving her father too much control over her life. I know she was trying to take care of him and not let him get into trouble, but thinking that getting a full time job with insurance is going to magically solve all of her money problems is ridiculous because she is still going to have a fight on her hands with the insurance company. And she also wanted to protect him, but it's supposed to be the other way around.
Noah knew he had a problem and ignored it until Beth came along. She was his magically healing person or something and I think he should have come to the conclusion to get help sooner on his own. Sure I guess it gave him something to focus on, but he consciously knew he had a problem and refused to confront it, when he knew he would have love and support from the people in his life way before Beth came into the picture.
And then the way they were together... Beth fought her attraction with Noah for one chapter then jumped his bones the next. I didn't feel the connection between these two so them jumping into an unhealthy relationship where lies were bleeding left and right was not a good way for me to root for either of them staying together.
It's even worse that I feel this way because the author is also part of the armed services and has problem seen or gone through these things, but I just couldn't relate to the story or connect with it in any way.
I know a lot of other readers will enjoy this plot line and writing, but it just wasn't cut out for me.
At first I really enjoyed this novel, but the characters started to get on my nerves a bit, which is a really terrible thing to say given to what the subject matter is and I have no idea what a person goes through from being in the war...
But Beth was giving her father too much control over her life. I know she was trying to take care of him and not let him get into trouble, but thinking that getting a full time job with insurance is going to magically solve all of her money problems is ridiculous because she is still going to have a fight on her hands with the insurance company. And she also wanted to protect him, but it's supposed to be the other way around.
Noah knew he had a problem and ignored it until Beth came along. She was his magically healing person or something and I think he should have come to the conclusion to get help sooner on his own. Sure I guess it gave him something to focus on, but he consciously knew he had a problem and refused to confront it, when he knew he would have love and support from the people in his life way before Beth came into the picture.
And then the way they were together... Beth fought her attraction with Noah for one chapter then jumped his bones the next. I didn't feel the connection between these two so them jumping into an unhealthy relationship where lies were bleeding left and right was not a good way for me to root for either of them staying together.
It's even worse that I feel this way because the author is also part of the armed services and has problem seen or gone through these things, but I just couldn't relate to the story or connect with it in any way.
I know a lot of other readers will enjoy this plot line and writing, but it just wasn't cut out for me.
February 21, 2018
Realistic, but not too deep in my opinion. Deep enough to get a sense of the major issues that are catapulted onto many to survive, but not so deep that the issues are the main focus of the story; just good company to the love-story plot. I invited this story into my life only knowing of it’s cover art. I suspect it’s independently published and sitting at a mere 200ish pages, it made for a pretty quick read about Beth and Noah’s individual battles with addiction and PTSD. Drawn and divided by the same reasons, I was infatuated with their story, but did have one serious complaint. I was so irritated that I literally almost went through the first fifty pages to list how many times this author tried to creatively, but not so subtly, say “I don’t know why” for every time the main characters were describing their attraction to one another. I want actual reasons or educated explanations to stimulate my mind. Or heck, just stop saying “I don’t know” and we’ll probably be fine. However, since that was my one and only complaint and it was limited to a certain number of pages I could live with, I did enjoy the whole story and that’s why it receives my star rating. Although I liked the story a lot, I still don’t know if I would recommend this one to many when there is such good competition to go around, like Colleen Hoover and Jennifer L. Armentrout. Buuuttt, if you’ve already finished all their stuff and need something to entertain you, with some smut, this might not be such a bad idea.
March 4, 2015
Addiction is the theme throughout this first in a NA series from Jessica Scott. We get to see it from all sides. The daughter who is taking care of her father who is a vet and suffers from a debilitating back problem and a young vet who has gone back to college but cant forget what he went through over in the sandbox.
As with most books from this author she shows us all sides of the military life. How the VA care isn’t up to the standards it should be, how is looks like once the soldiers come home if they suddenly develop a problem and need care whether from a medical or mental issues getting that care is not always easy.
Besides the issues listed above there is also a romance between two people that are carrying quite the load on their shoulders for being so young. Beth Lamont isn’t even 21 yet and takes care of her father, goes to college full time, is a TA and tutors plus works a job as a waitress and still isn’t able to financially take care of herself or her father. I liked her character, for someone being so young she was very mature and even though she came to love Noah Warren when she finds out his secret she does the right thing and walks away which forces Noah to have to look closely at his problem and realize he needs to get help.
As with most books from this author she shows us all sides of the military life. How the VA care isn’t up to the standards it should be, how is looks like once the soldiers come home if they suddenly develop a problem and need care whether from a medical or mental issues getting that care is not always easy.
Besides the issues listed above there is also a romance between two people that are carrying quite the load on their shoulders for being so young. Beth Lamont isn’t even 21 yet and takes care of her father, goes to college full time, is a TA and tutors plus works a job as a waitress and still isn’t able to financially take care of herself or her father. I liked her character, for someone being so young she was very mature and even though she came to love Noah Warren when she finds out his secret she does the right thing and walks away which forces Noah to have to look closely at his problem and realize he needs to get help.
December 19, 2015
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars.
I have read all of Jessica Scott’s romantic fiction books. Her books are an auto-buy for me. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review but I have also placed my preorder.
Before I Fall is a New Adult story and therefore different from her other books. And yet – the writing is the same wonderful story telling that I’ve come to expect. I am well over 50 years old so New Adult stories aren’t ones I typically go for but this is a wonderful, heart-wrenching story. If you love military related stories this one is a page-turner but be warned - there’s no alpha hero here. Don’t let that stop you, though, I urge you to give this book a try.
The blurb is accurate so I won’t restate it here. What I will say is that this book moved me in many ways and made me feel things deeply. It’s one of those stories that will be with me for a while. Sometimes I laughed, sometimes I cried and at one point I was nearly sobbing. But this book is so worth the rollercoaster ride it took my emotions on.
There is no cliffhanger but there is another book coming for Beth’s friend Abby; I can’t wait to read it.
I have read all of Jessica Scott’s romantic fiction books. Her books are an auto-buy for me. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review but I have also placed my preorder.
Before I Fall is a New Adult story and therefore different from her other books. And yet – the writing is the same wonderful story telling that I’ve come to expect. I am well over 50 years old so New Adult stories aren’t ones I typically go for but this is a wonderful, heart-wrenching story. If you love military related stories this one is a page-turner but be warned - there’s no alpha hero here. Don’t let that stop you, though, I urge you to give this book a try.
The blurb is accurate so I won’t restate it here. What I will say is that this book moved me in many ways and made me feel things deeply. It’s one of those stories that will be with me for a while. Sometimes I laughed, sometimes I cried and at one point I was nearly sobbing. But this book is so worth the rollercoaster ride it took my emotions on.
There is no cliffhanger but there is another book coming for Beth’s friend Abby; I can’t wait to read it.
February 3, 2016
Jessica Scott delivers a wonderful, complex and heart felt story of two people who are damaged in different ways, yet by the same thing. Their military experiences, Noah's experience first hand and Beth's by caring for her veteran father, play an important role in this story. Jessica Scott, as always, takes us into this world in such an engrossing way, it's nearly impossible to put this book down. I loved the characters and I felt their chemistry from the start. I can't wait for more in this series! Jessica Scott has been one of those authors that has never let me down with her stories.
February 28, 2015
Absolutely amazing! An incredibly thought provoking story, heartwarming characters, and a romance that pulls at your heart. Before reading this I have always thought of men and women returning from war as older. This story made me realize the number of young men and women returning and having to face to world after having seen and done things that are truly unforgettable. It also made me really think about how we treat our veterans after they return, and how they should be treated for the rest of their lives. While technically I guess this would be considered a new adult book, I think everyone would really enjoy the message. I highly recommend this one.
December 20, 2017
There were parts of this one of this one that I liked, Beth taking care of her dad. I liked that she was working hard to try to make a better life for them, to find a way to help her father through the pain. I liked Noah at first, but as things went on he sort of became blah. Then when his secret came out it made me not like him as much. Had he talked to Beth about things right away things would have went better for them. But with that being said I did like how this one ended.
February 18, 2015
Be prepared to take an emotional journey with this story. Jessica Scott writes with authenticity and compassion about our returning warriors and their loved ones. She has the rare gift of bringing complex issues military members face to readers in a way that helps us understand and this story does just that. I love her characters and I love this story!!!
March 1, 2015
Amazing
Oh Wow - how can Jessica Scott just write one book after another that each take a hold of my heart in a different way while ripping it apart at the same time?
This book releases March 10th - go preorder and block out time - you won't regret it!
We will be reviewing on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com/
Oh Wow - how can Jessica Scott just write one book after another that each take a hold of my heart in a different way while ripping it apart at the same time?
This book releases March 10th - go preorder and block out time - you won't regret it!
We will be reviewing on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com/
April 25, 2015
A very sweet but heartfelt love story...it's true nature gave me insight into the pain and insecure feelings the military have by coming back after serving and trying to fit back in to society....
The author knows first-hand, as she has served, but has a talent for writing and making me, the reader, feel all the emotions. Well done and thanks for your service!!
The author knows first-hand, as she has served, but has a talent for writing and making me, the reader, feel all the emotions. Well done and thanks for your service!!
March 20, 2015
This book was amazing.... I was emotionally wrung out when I finished. Full review on http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspo.... Run do not walk to buy this beautiful, heart wrenching love story!
April 8, 2015
2.5-3
Broken war hero + poor damsel trying to pay for her Dad's medical care = nothing I haven't read before unfortunately.
Can't imagine i'll continue on with the series.
Broken war hero + poor damsel trying to pay for her Dad's medical care = nothing I haven't read before unfortunately.
Can't imagine i'll continue on with the series.
June 7, 2021
I'm not a big fan of YA romance, as I usually find the characters too immature for my preferences. BUT, I'm a huge fan of military romance and Jessica Scott in particular. Before I Fall was riveting and engaging at a level I did not expect with younger characters. It could have gotten redundant/repetitive, but Jessica walks that fine line and brings it to a fine point in more than one way. The struggles with PTSD, nightmares & physical injury as well as medication and opiates are realistically portrayed. Noah knows he has a problem but he's unsure how to admit it to anyone, and he's afraid he'll lose Beth if she finds out. Beth knows her father has a problem, but she doesn't know how to fix it and is, in effect, enabling him. Noah spends a good part of the book on a razor's edge, and as a reader, I felt it. Beth is one bad day away from a complete breakdown, and I also felt that. These two souls come together with high intensity (as young people tend to do) and quickly become each other's everything -- and the reader feels that, too. Noah tries so hard to do the right thing, being there for Beth as she's never allowed anyone else to be, and standing up to her dad. However the personal cost of that is high, and when he crashes, Beth is unable to do the same for him. I can't say more without spoilers, but suffice it to say this book is well worth your time!
April 8, 2017
Not bad. It was just not up my alley. There was too much reality woven in the story. The dad is a veteran who is addicted to pain pills and they are broke as hell. The H is a veteran with PTSD and also addicted to pills. There was this somber tone throughout the book and frankly that's not something I want when I read romance novels.
May 6, 2017
I enjoyed this New Adult romance by Jessica Scott. It was a good start to a series. I liked the characters of Beth and Noah. They were a good match, even though both had quite a bit of baggage. I enjoyed watching their romance develop and seeing them work through some personal issues. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
July 23, 2017
4.5 stars
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