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Until It's Time to Go

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When a tragedy derailed his life, screenwriter Isaac Zevin became a recluse. Between the cheesy straight-to-video action scripts and his drinking problem, he’s surprised to get a call from Tony Kendall, the award-winning director he was slated to work with just before he fell off the map. After some persuading, Isaac agrees to help Tony realize his modernized vision of The Picture of Dorian Gray.

On set, Isaac is horrified to find the lead role filled by heartthrob superstar Colby Lightner, an actor Isaac believes embodies everything that’s wrong with Hollywood. Colby, on the other hand, couldn't be happier to work with Isaac and resolves to make Isaac like him. As Isaac deals with his unwelcome attraction to Colby and the stress of writing a script during production, Laith, his troubled godson, shows up at his door looking for help. Isaac knows if he turns his back on the boy, he’ll never forgive himself. But how can he juggle his craft, his crush, and his godson’s problems when he can’t even take care of his cat?

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 24, 2013

1 person is currently reading
122 people want to read

About the author

Connie Bailey

48 books38 followers
Connie Bailey is a Luddite who can’t live without her computer. She’s an acrophobic who loves to fly, a fault-finding pessimist who, nonetheless, is always surprised when something bad happens, and an antisocialite who loves her friends like family. She’s held a number of jobs in many disparate arenas to put food on the table, but writing is the occupation that feeds her soul.

Connie lives with her ultralight designer husband at a small grass-strip airfield halfway between Disney World and Busch Gardens. Logic and reality have had little to do with her life, and she likes it that way.

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for SheReadsALot.
1,855 reviews1,266 followers
March 2, 2013
A Hearts On Fire Review

Like sarcasm?

You're going to need a heavy appreciation for it to like Connie Bailey's "Until It's Time Go". When the characters are slinging insults like popping tic-tacs, it made my sarcasm loving soul delight with glee. But the story while having some funny parts and showed great depth to familial bonds (Isaac-Janelle-Laith), it was not a solid, smooth ride.

And I usually like to have the bad news first, some I'm going to hit upon the story's biggest sore point since it was in the beginning. The prologue. Whoo boy...it's enough to turn readers away from hanging on to this sucker. It's weird, emotionless and not needed for the story. Every character introduced in this extended prologue (except for Laith and Punkin) served no purpose to get the story across. In fact, it made Isaac seem like an uncaring fiancee and I didn't buy his grief until further into the story. The prologue was so bad it's negative stars territory.

I actually was sold from the prologue that the rest of this story will be in the 'not-so-hot' level. But Isaac and his grumpy, drunk self...he and his pet cat(Punkin) were endearing. It took awhile to warm up to him and get his standoffish tendencies as grief and damage. And him changing from recluse to family man with a used, semi-working heart? It was pretty good. I adored Laith, Isaac's smart mouthed godson. And I pretty much figured out the secret of Laith's paternity from the jump.

And as for Isaac having a second chance at love? I'm all for it, ten years was ample time to grieve (not saying there is a precise time limit but this man didn't need to wallow anymore) But the romance aspect of this story, it left more to be desired. It too felt unemotional like that stale prologue. But it had perked up as the story progressed. Wasn't an epic love but it was some fashion of a romance nonetheless between Isaac and Colby. (Yes, another case of insta-love, so beware)

Colby, the former child star turned emancipated pill popping actor du jour, I guess I liked him in the end. Here's the thing. He, like Isaac and his 'relationship', it is the sort of thing you have to close one eye, squint the other, turn your head to the side, slowly tilt and look hard to find the redeeming quality everyone else seems to get but you're just not there yet. You know those types? No? Well bully for you. I had my 'aha, you're only slightly assholish' moment pretty late in the game for Colby and his...'relationship'.

The best parts of this story: the banter between Isaac and pretty much anyone AFTER the prologue. The man is all piss and vinegar...me like. Also Laith and Isaac's relationship, they were really good teaching points for one another. And Punkin aka Creature the cat...be prepared to love the cat and maybe get a little emotional for him (just a warning) Also Janelle was an awesome best friend, for real.

See when the story is on, it's good possibly great. But when it wasn't, man, was it flat.

The epilogue was nice but um, Colby and Isaac, they weren't exactly all fluff and roses. The epilogue was way better than that boring start but also not as necessary.

So if you give this story a try, do try not to be discouraged by the prologue. It might seem to be a drag but the rest of the story's okay.
Profile Image for F..
1,343 reviews65 followers
April 9, 2018
Like other reviewers, I failed to see why the prologue was so long as it added little to the story. Aside from that on the whole I enjoyed the story of Isaac finding a second chance at love. I however worried for his liver and was surprised he was able to stop drinking so easily as he displayed all the characteristics of an alcoholic. Liked the secondary characters especially Laith and Janelle but had trouble feeling the connection between Isaac and Colby. Loved the snark and Punkin!!
4 stars
Profile Image for Anyta Sunday.
Author 108 books2,725 followers
January 31, 2013
2.5

Has potential, didn’t quite hit the spot.

The things I liked about this story:

• The banter. The wicked fast dialogue between Issac and Colby, and Issac and Laith is quite humorous and engaging. There are some pretty good lines in this story.

• I liked that Isaac is struggling to really ‘live’ again, and his dependency on alcohol gave the story some realism.

• Pumkin worked for me. His story reflects and is used as a way of highlighting Isaac’s character growth.

• Other than the prologue (get to that later), the scenes in the story are quick to get to the point, making for a fast read.

• Love, love the cover.

The things that didn’t work for me:

• Insta-love story. The two main characters get together quite quickly with not too much struggle or growth to their relationship.

• Dialogue felt stilted and forced in places, as if the characters were giving the readers information for the story to work. Unfortunately, this did not feel natural.

• The prologue was very long and unnecessary. Following Isaac through the direct aftermath of losing his fiancé took me out of the story. I couldn’t connect well to the main character—he sounded too composed and articulate when finding out his fiancé was dead. For me the story really began at chapter one. I felt that there was more emotion of Isaac’s loss when it was contrasted in his ‘present’.

The story has definite potential, and while I think there is room to make this story much ‘bigger’ than it was, the banter and, in particular, Isaac and Laith’s story-arc, make this a fun read.
Profile Image for Pluto.
170 reviews
February 8, 2013
I found this story to be emotional. I don't know why but while reading it I felt drawn to the characters, wanting to help, and I felt genuine happiness for them when it worked out.

There's only a certain amount of books that effect me like that. I really loved it.

It was heartbreaking, heartwarming and one hell of a roller coaster ride.
Profile Image for Page Crusherz.
1,264 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2013
I love this author, but this one was not my favorite. At one point Colby says Isaac talks like his dialogue, and I felt like this described the book. It was a little stilted sometimes, and I just never connected with any of the MCs. The story was interesting but it wasn't the one for me.
Profile Image for llv.
2,280 reviews13 followers
January 17, 2018
Rating: 3 stars
Right off the bat, I really didn’t like Isaac much. I hated the way he treated Steve at the beginning. Then I realized it was just his naturally snarky personality and I was able to tolerate him throughout the book. There were a lot of things that bothered me throughout the story, but I think the main thing was the fact that Isaac was an alcoholic and it was never addressed. I do not buy for one minute that he was able to just stop drinking without help. Then there is the fact that both Isaac and Colby drove under the influence that really bothered me. The one thing that I did like about the story was Isaac’s relationship with his godson Laith. I think he was my favorite character in the story. He is what made it tolerable for me.

Overall, I’m giving this story 3 stars. While it kept me interested enough to finish it, it is not going to be a re-read for me that’s for sure.
Profile Image for Marie.
187 reviews
00-started-but-waiting-to-finish
July 3, 2021
NOT A REVIEW

this is a note for myself for later. Paused at 1:38 bc I’m NOT in a headspace for heavy right now. And a dead partner and foreshadowing that makes me think the cat is headed down hill does not scream light reading to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for MyzanM.
1,337 reviews8 followers
June 27, 2018
I liked the easy banter and the snarky comments. How ever I felt the romance was lacking. I didn’t feel any connection between Isaac and Colby. No hum, buzz or electricity.
Profile Image for Maria (aka Fashionta).
48 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2013
Reviewed for Confessions from Romaholics

Review at Confessions from Romaholics

So many emotions—I definitely needed my tissue box close at hand. But for every tear jerking moment, there was a round of laughter and smiles. A tragedy left unanswered, to a love desperately needed. Isaac grips your heart and pulls you along with his brash, cocky, quick witted nature as he struggles with a heart wrenching loss of love to reclaiming new love. His emotions pull you in with their strength and keep you grounded with the true rawness of feeling.

Isaac has been dealt a raw deal. After a no nonsense argument with his fiancé Steve over selfishness, Steve is ripped from his life by a hit-in-run car accident. The pain proves to be all consuming. Hiding behind drink and his brilliant word playing, Isaac blearily makes it through 10 years only barely living.



He was the same man no matter where he was standing, and he couldn’t outrun his grief and outrage at fortune’s betrayal, so he stopped.



His best friend Janelle, along with her wife Kylie, and their son Laith, Isaac’s godson, remain close but stifled in the background. They refuse to give up on Isaac. So even while Isaac roams around uncertain of where he’ll end up next or even if it matters, they still love him and when he finally returns home they still love him. At least throughout all the meandering about in pain he has his stray cat Punkin to keep him from getting too lonely.



He would later claim that Punkin had begged him to return to Laurel Canyon so the Creature could live out his golden years in comfort.



The shift comes from a phone call and a chance to work with Tony Kendall, a chance he missed 10 years before after the misfortunate loss of Steve. Tony is convinced that they were meant to work together in creating a masterpiece, and what’s better than to write a modern twist to Dorian Gray? Writing the script for this is easy, learning how to work with the actor Colby Lightner proves to be hazardous.



“Do you think there’s anything I could say that wouldn’t offend you?”

“It’s a real long shot, but you’re welcome to try.”




At first I completely hated Colby: he was all wrong for Isaac. Sure, they could banter like no other but Colby’s cockiness and self assuredness was chaotic. He was pushy and cleary had alternate motives, like getting Isaac in bed.

When Laith comes crashing into his life needing guidance, Isaac stumbles, questioning his own strength and responsibility and even his abilities to reconnect and help Laith. Laith is vulnerable and opinionated, as all teenagers are, but his sudden reappearance proves to be just the push Isaac needs to begin changing things around. If only he can get over the fact that Laith is attracted to Colby just as much as he is!

When Colby first seduces Isaac I didn’t really care for his attitude or way of thinking. He comes on much too strong and almost desperate. He claims lust but his viewpoint is that of a spoiled actor who doesn’t believe in love or caring. It’s the polar opposite of what Isaac needs, which he proves as he causes Isaac to question himself and become more insecure.

But when Colby makes it out alive from a car crash, that he caused out of stupid drunkenness, Isaac pulls the all the stops. That, in turn, seems to shift Colby’s viewpoint. Convenient, maybe; but when this new turnabout seems to put them both on a new path of awareness, especially with each others feelings, I can’t help but think that maybe it was right to happen. A bit anticlimatic but, then, not everything in life is full of drama which gives a somewhat realness to this story.

A little time apart seems to do them both good, even if Isaac was a bit brash and cold by leaving without a word. But if you love something set it free, and if it loves you it’ll come back, right?



“So let’s hear it,” Colby said.

“First I need to apologize to you. What I did to you was cruel. I was only thinking about myself as usual and pretending it was about something else.”

“You were pretty clear that you were dumping me for the sake of your sanity.”




More stumbles a lot of grumbles and halfhearted attempts at correcting mistakes and many epiphanies later, Isaac seems to have a grasp at some understanding that while he can’t control what happens he can at least try to grab and hold onto some happiness. And after a time away, Isaac comes back, only this time he’s ready to get down on his knees and beg Colby. If only he can get a little forgiveness first.

Despite it all, I loved this book. It was real, raw and emotional for me. I have to give this 4 couples. It’s a beautifully written and touching story that shows a struggle through trying to accept grief no matter how unfair it may have been dealt. I definitely recommend Until It’s Time to Go.
Profile Image for Riva.
469 reviews7 followers
February 5, 2015
Audiobook review

3.5 rounded up b/c I love the narrator. I really enjoyed this audiobook. It is told mostly from Isaac's POV, although there are a couple of other character's POV scattered in there. Isaac is a broken man after the tragic death of his fiancée. He handles it in self-destructive behavior and acerbic wit to push people away. His only close relations are his godson, his best friend, and a cat named Pumpkin. Colby is a well known in the closet actor, who is 11 years younger and falls into lust with Isaac. This is not a lovey dovey story; most of it is about Isaac getting over his partner's death and reengaging in society. Both characters are not instantly likeable and could rub some readers/listeners wrong. In addition, the narrator (who is one of my favorites) chose to give Isaac a sometime grating voice, which I liked, but others may not. I thought it suited Isaac's personality, but it sometimes sounded like a grouchy old man. I liked this couple because they are both so flawed. That said, I didn’t buy them as a couple; they just didn’t seem to have any chemistry. However, Isaac’s journey alone makes this worth listening. On a side note, I have no idea what the book cover art has to do with the story. It looks like there might be some BDSM in the story, which there is not.
Profile Image for Rachael Orman.
Author 23 books380 followers
September 23, 2015
FourStars
**AUDIOBOOK REVIEW**
I found this book amusing and a breath of fresh air because it's not the typical sweet guy romance. It's sarcastic and thick skulled Issac against know it all, swave Colby with a bit of young and struggling Laith.

With all the totally different characters and their outlooks in life it was hard to keep up at time, but other times it totally worked and I loved it.

I do wish we would've gotten to see more of Issac's life before the initial tragedy struck so we could've really tasted that beautiful love that left him so jadded and empty.

However, by the end of the book I loved how it all worked out for each character and the way they worked through the various situations that tried their relationship.

The narrator did a good job of keeping Issac's sarcasm dry and hilarious (for the reader at least) and the fun, flirty side to Colby while giving the steamy scenes the right amount of heat.

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
Profile Image for Kris.
354 reviews34 followers
January 28, 2013
Mixed feelings about this.

Firstly, and something I can easily identify from my mess of thoughts, is that I thought the prologue or the epilogue were unnecessary. After a couple of pages into the prologue, I jumped to the first chapter, and I skipped the epilogue entirely.

Secondly, and I doubt I'll be able to explain it properly, but here goes...

What worked for me was Issac and the development of his character. At the same time, what didn't work for me was Issac and the development of his character.

There was so much potential to do more with this character; to really, really get into his head, but it just didn't seem to happen. Or at least happen to the extent I wanted it to.

I'm not saying the story was superficial. For me as a reader, though, it just didn't go deep enough, didn't get into the guts and grit of what made Issac tick.

So, yeah, a really interesting character, but ultimately his story just didn't hit all my reader buttons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for N to the A.
62 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2013
I absolutely loved Isaac's sarcasm, was laughing out loud at some of the banter with Cody and I enjoyed his relationship with his godson. I also liked the idea behind the book. Other than that it was a bit shaky to me, almost didn't make it through.
Too much talking with too little description was one major thing that disrupted the flow in this book to me. Isaac would say one cutting, sarcastic thing one moment and suddenly be all heart the next, and it was difficult to follow it, because there were barely any expressions of emotions outside of what was said described in this book. You had to gather everything that went on from what their words, and you usually didn't even have a tone to go from.
Profile Image for Al.
56 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2013
The snarky dialogue in the beginning goaded me into purchasing this book. I enjoyed how the author painted the asshole main character as someone you just had to love. I wasn't sold by the love interest, though, and there was a continuity thing that continues to bug me. Colby is 26, yeah? but there are many references to a 10-year age gap ... it was weird and kept throwing me off. Anyway, they go out only a couple of times and suddenly it's 'love.' The characters just didn't seem to click for me in that way, but I loved them both individually. The supporting cast is wonderful, too. The dialogue, however, is just wonderful, very tongue-in-cheek and quietly poking fun at how weird writers can be. And who doesn't need their very own Creature?..
Profile Image for Teresa.
3,859 reviews40 followers
January 5, 2015
I think I originally picked this book because of the character name "Isaac Zevin", I needed a Z name for a challenge and the blurb sounded good.

The prologue had me in tears and snagged my interest. I enjoyed the story for the most part - there was a lot of witty banter and I love the familial relationships Isaac had with his best friend and godson. However I never really got the spark between Isaac and Colby. There were issues with time lines - Colby is supposed to be 26 and Isaac is 45 yet it's stated there is only 11 years between them...

My favourite character was Punkin the Creature :)
Profile Image for Moira.
265 reviews
January 26, 2013
More of a 3.5 really. It would have been a 4.5 if it wasn't for Colby. I just didn't feel like there was any chemistry between Isaac and Colby, there was more chemistry between Isaac and Andrew, in my opinion, and he was only in it for about three pages. The relationships between Isaac and his godson and bestfriend made it worth while. Usually books that can make me cry are usually a 4 or 5 star but Colby just wasn't a very likable or believable character until the epilogue, and then it was too late.
Profile Image for Brandilyn.
1,126 reviews50 followers
March 14, 2017
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

I think in the case of Until It���s Time to Go, the sub-par story was worsened by the less than palatable narration. I have no doubt that Peter B. Brooke���s narration was spot on for his interpretation of the various characters, but I just found each and every one grating. If I had not been attempting to review this title, I don���t think I would have finished it.

For the Complete Review please see http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos... 24980

Profile Image for Dana.
Author 6 books23 followers
March 1, 2016
I would give this 3.5 stars. Listened to the audio version and narration was okay. I didn't feel the connection as much as I would have liked between Isaac and Colby. I felt it slightly more on Colby's part. He was a playboy and not completely serious most of the time, but when he said he liked Isaac I could believe it more than when Isaac said the same with his dour moods and frequent sarcasm. I understood why Isaac had his walls but I never got that really emotional moment. Whether this was more due to the narrator or story I'm not sure. Still it was a good listen.
Profile Image for jules0623.
2,531 reviews8 followers
dnf
May 20, 2013
Love the cover, the blurb sounds promising, but the execution... The book opens with a sudden, shocking death. I should be in tears. I should be broken-hearted for the MC. Unfortunately, the writing is so superficial and cold that I did a real life 'WTF?' face. I'm so disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Samantha.
10 reviews
February 16, 2013
As a whole the book wasn't too bad. But there were a few parts that i believe should have been developed or thought through better. It would have helped and given the book the push it needs to be great.
Profile Image for CB.
3,184 reviews6 followers
January 8, 2017
I found this to be a fun read - nothing too heavy and it was a little too fast-paced to get too deep; however, there was enough interactions between the MC's to keep me interested until the end.

(Not sure what the blindfold on the cover had to do with the story though...?)
Profile Image for Willo Font.
632 reviews2 followers
March 26, 2013
Quick read, was not entirely pleased witht he endning.
Profile Image for Saxon Hawke.
Author 2 books10 followers
January 2, 2015
This book still makes my heart smile almost 2 years after reading it. Beautiful story
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