Before I Fall (Falling) (Volume 1)

Ms. Scott knows how to draw her readers into the story and give all her readers a fantastic book. I'm sure her real life experiences of her own tour of duty makes all of her books more gritty and real.

With Before I Fall we meet Noah and Beth who need each other more than they will ever know. Noah went to war whole but comes back with scars and a fear he can't fit into a world that isn't the military. Beth is taking care of her father who has physical and emotional scars from the war also. She has been taking care of him while she fights with the VA for proper medical care. But when Noah meets his new tutor, Beth, sparks fly and they realize they need each other to finally heal.

This is not the first book I've read by Jessica Scott, but it's moved to the top of my favorites. I loved the alternating point of views. Also, the way she lets us get into the minds of Beth and Noah from page one. Definitely recommend this one and can't wait for more.

I was enthralled by the majority of the book, the incredible writing style of the author, the heart break of the characters, one taking care of her dad when the VA wouldn't give him the care he needed and the heroine's mounting debt, all while she's trying to get through a prestigious college. The hero was amazing and clearly Ms. Scott understands the military and what a solider experiences when he comes home from the war with PTSD. My problem with this book was while Jessica Scott is an accomplished, capable writer, once these two intelligent, career driven people get together (she tutors the hero in statistics), they start having sex, and I mean everywhere... at his home, which was a powerful love scene, then in the library, then ad nauseum, and the book lost the emotion, and all the empathy I felt for these hardworking, suffering characters. The author diluted the rest of the book by sex scene after sex scene, as well as this reader's belief in the story.

Loved it! Beth's father is a disabled veteran and she is his primary caregiver while going to college and supporting them both. Noah is a young man who fought in Afghanistan and was wounded, becoming hooked on pain medication. He is in college too and Beth is his tutor. I love everything Jessica Scott writes. As an Army officer I think she knows what she is writing about. This is the first of a new series and I can't wait to read the next ones as soon as they are published.

I read as an escape, to feel happy good thoughts, to wish. If you're the same, avoid this book. I'm giving it three stars because it isn't written poorly nor is it a "bad" book with an unrealistic plot or unlikeable characters. The opposite in fact. But the topic is too real, the ending doesn't do the "and they lived happily ever after" shtick, and is depressing. That's the last for me.

The feelings of Noah seem very real to what our military men and women deal with once they are home. It is heartbreaking and as today is Veterans day I think it really heightened my awareness.
I looked how the writer address issues like when the doctor confronted Beth because that is what we as readers are thinking.
Fantastic editing!!

Seldom do I leave negative comments, however I found this book to be a platform for anti war/ anti military. I had a hard time connecting with the characters because every time the author would offer a glimpse into the main characters' past, there would be a reference to war and all its ills. There were some good points but at times there was an over kill of all the negativity of post war. The characters were the most depressing pair I've ever read. It truly sucked to be them...an addict and a girl who was handed the crappiest life ever. I guess that's why it was a case of insta love. Great cover, not so great story.

I was a little disappointed to be honest. I felt like the story was lacking some of the background or character history. Just not what I hope for. I would have to say it was just a 3* for me. I wanted more!!

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!

Y’all know I tend to go for the super sweet/sexy fluffy-type reads, but every once in a while I enjoy a book that will leave a lasting impression on my heart and make me truly think about the world that surrounds us.

That’s exactly what Before I Fall did for me.

~*~ I’m going to begin with a GIANT trigger warning. ~*~

This book deals with some pretty heavy stuff including substance abuse, PTSD, and the treatment of our military veteran’s when they return home from war. This isn’t your average sunshine and roses type of romance.

It is, however, an eye-opening, heart-breaking, and hope-inducing type of book that won’t soon leave you after you’ve finished reading.

Both of the main characters in this read are dealing with issues that stem from war.

Our heroine, Beth, lives her life with one goal in mind – graduate college and land a job that will offer her insurance benefits to take care of her father. Her father is a disabled veteran who has fallen through the bureaucratic cracks of our deeply flawed VA. Our BBF, Noah, barely survived the war and now he’s trying to start his life again by going to a college his LT pulled strings to get him in. Although he is physically home, he mentally relives the war every day.

Beth is hired by Noah to be his tutor in his statistics class. She is the statistics teacher’s assistant and really knows her stuff. Beth isn’t interested in anything more than receiving her degree but she needs the extra money to make ends meet.

Noah finds himself totally hot-for-teacher err… tutor. Haha! Beth sparks his interest for the first time since he’s been home.

The first few chapters of this book reminded me a lot of The Deal by Elle Kennedy. It takes a turn for the heavy pretty early on and what starts out as a cute “hot guy needs tutoring from an equally hot intellectual girl” ends up being one of the deepest books I’ve ever read.

I give Before I Fall 5 out of 5 Krissy’s Stars!

This series has been out for a little while, so if you haven’t yet started it, you totally should! Before I Fall reminds us how much we as humans need each other. We aren’t meant to tackle life's greatest obstacles alone.

Xo-K ?

*I was generously given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 / Top Pick

In Before I Fall, the combination of angst and romance that seems to be a hallmark of new adult romances is wonderfully presented in this enthralling story. I am not a particular fan of the trend to tell stories in the first person, but this story is deftly told and gives a vivid look at some of the aftermath of war on both participants and family. It also shows some of the challenges of college life. The depiction of the gradually unfolding connection between two people who are almost at the end of their respective ropes, and the complications of their juggling personal and professional roles, draws one into the spell that is woven by a talented author who fortunately seems to have endless stories to tell. I look forward to discovering what else she has in store for her fans, both old and new.

Before I Fall by Jessica Scott is a new adult contemporary romance that starts the Falling series and centers around veteran Noah Warren, and his complex and attractive statistics tutor, Beth Lamont. The unwilling attraction they feel for each other is complicated by Noah's struggle with his wounds from war, both physical and emotional, and Beth's endless fight to get care for her father. The relationship must overcome many obstacles, but one in particular may be too much for either to get past.

Disclosure: Free review copy from the publisher/author for an honest review.
Review by: ELF

I like this new turn Jessica Scott is trying out with the younger main characters. Her other stories focus more on career soldiers, men who signed up before there was a war. With this new series we get to meet young soldiers, who signed up knowing they were going to war and their return back home.

Noah is only twenty four and his career in the Army is already over. Captain when he was twenty and since then responsible for taking care of his men. So he definitely feels older than kids his age. Being what he’s been through, college life feels very alien to him. Still it’s the only option he currently has and he made the promise to his LT. To get through it though, he’s in need of a tutor.

Beth is the daughter of an Army veteran. The war ate up her dad and spat him back out. She’s seen what the aftermath of war means for the families, and it sucks big time. The girl has been taking care of her father since she was a teenager. Responsibility, working and studying is all she currently knows. While she doesn’t look forward to tutor an ex-soldier, she does need the money.

When they meet it certainly isn’t love at first sight. Noah is immediately attracted to her, but doesn’t know how to deal with this new normal life and well he just isn’t very smooth. Beth was reluctant to tutor Noah, but it doesn’t take long for her to see he’s quite an amazing guy.

While the romance between them slowly blooms, there is clearly trouble on the horizon. Beth’s dad just keeps getting worse, and even though she can now confide in Noah, the constant responsibility is out to break her.

Noah still has scars from the war, and not just the physical ones. Anxiety attacks, sleepless nights and too much pills are becoming his downfall. It’s only a matter of time ’till it all comes crumbling down and he has no clue how to stop it.

Before I Fall is beautifully written. Once again Jessica Scott has been very accurate in her descriptions and the workings of life after the Army. There were more lighter and sweeter in this moments, and I loved those. That connection between Beth and Noah is clear and real. That realness is why I like her stories so much.

4.5 stars There’s something so raw and so gritty about a person’s journey after war. The soul baring the characters go through just speaks to me, and I love reading about their healing process… the way it makes me feel so hopeful. Beth and Noah’s journey in Before I Fall was one of those special stories.

You know when you just love a book and can’t explain why with words? I kind of feel like that. While I just mentioned that I loved the healing process, this story was more than that for me. I found myself connected with this story, the words, the characters, the way Beth and Noah fell in love, the way it was told…everything. It’s one of those times that either you click or you don’t, and this book totally clicked with me.

The romance did happen quickly, and while I normally love a slow burn it was perfect this time. Maybe it had something to do with the amazing kisses and hot chemistry. I adored how open Beth and Noah were with their attraction, even if they held back a little bit when they got to know each other. Just like they felt with each other, I, the reader felt it too. Ms. Scott has a way with words and I was convinced from the beginning that this was an epic love.

The secondary characters still stayed pretty secondary, which was good as I wasn’t a huge fan of Abby (I didn’t hate her but I certainly didn’t love her)… but I did like Josh…a lot. I’d like to hear more about his story, but Abby might have to grow on me. I also loved Professor Blake, and she might have even made me tear up a bit in the end.

Speaking of the ending, it made me feel good, mainly because it felt so real. There was no magic cure, but there was hope. The part before the epilogue was a little rushed for me. I wanted to know more about Noah’s path to recovery. It felt like we just started to see Noah’s demons. He kept them at bay from the reader for so long, and while he finally accepted he wasn’t “ok” it was like he left and we had blank space. I (the greedy reader) wanted to know and feel his experience of getting better. I know he wasn’t cured by the end, but he had made strides and I just wanted a little bit more. Yes, I felt like I deserved more heart wrenching chapters, I’m a glutton for that kind of thing!

Rec this? YES! If you love military stories that tug on your heart strings and give you a delicious romance this is a must for your TBR.

Happy reading!

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.

Outside of Fort Benning, Georgia, Beth Lamont attends to the needs of her aging father. Some days are good, others not so promising as he suffers from severe back pain. As a veteran, he's not getting much support from the VA. He doesn't meet the requirements for supplemental health insurance plans, the medicines are costly, food is costly, and Beth is struggling her way through college...they are poor. Professor Blake has a tutoring job for Beth in her Business Statistics class. The student is a former Iraqi War soldier, Noah Warren. Beth hates what prior wars have done to her dad. She dislikes the attitudes of arrogant soldiers. But she needs the money for her dad's medicines. Noah, on the other hand, doesn't like attending college. He feels older, tuned out from the other students. He feels like he's in a dream and when he wakes he'll be back in Iraq with his buddies. That's where he'd rather be. His LT is still looking after him, pushing him into a field where he can become employed. But Noah has a major chip on his shoulders, and doesn't feel comfortable in the scholastic environment. He and Beth agree to meet at the library coffee shop at noon. He suffers from anxieties...perhaps even PTSD. In class, Professor Blake introduces Beth as her TA, being very proud of her. Noah, sitting in the back of the class is struck by her beauty, and her piercing green eyes. How will he be able to focus on statistics? Beth can feel his arrogance and feels like she'd like to tar and feather him. This will be a tough tutoring job ... she already does not like him. Author Jessica Scott knows how to write a gritty, romance story. It's very well written and edited. Take yourself out of your real world for a bit, and read this novel. It's very moving.

I've come to enjoy Jessica Scott's books in the last year so I jumped at the chance of reading this title.

Beth is trying to make things work. Her studies, his father's health--she tries to keep her life running smoothly. Study hard to get a good job. Get herself and her father out of debt. And that is how she finds herself taking a new tutoring job and how she comes to meet Noah.

Beth is weary of soldiers. Her father was one and based on his story and his current situation she can't help but question anything to do with the military. But what she was not counting on was on how drawn she felt to the guy.

Noah just wants to get through college so when he struggles with his Statistics class he goes looking for a tutor. Soon he finds himself wanting to get to know more about her. He's drawn to her mind just as much as he is to her beauty.

Both Noah and Beth have secrets and issues that hold them back from starting a relationship, but soon they find out that fighting what's developing between them is futile.

As I stated before, I love Jessica Scott's writing. I especially enjoyed how she always manages to make her characters come to life. They are complex, broken in one way or another and most of all they feel real. This is the case with Beth and Noah too.

From the very beginning I connected with Beth. I understood her situation although I've never been in her position. And that's the beauty of Jessica's writing. She takes a concept and brings it to the page in a way that the reader can understand without having to experience it and without being overwhelmed by it.

Beth was a strong, smart woman who only wanted to make something of herself. She worked hard for what she had and always stood her ground. But underneath with that strength of character was a vulnerable young woman who never had the chance to live her life for herself. I admired the hell out of her and cheered her on as if I knew her personally.

And Noah? Well, what's not to love. Not only was he a handsome, sexy guy he was also a wounded soul with a caring heart. I felt for him and his struggles easily because the author made sure I could understand his pain. Seeing him grow and come into himself as the story progressed was a treat to read and I loved it all!

Needless to say that Beth and Noah had great chemistry but I will mention it anyway--yeah it was hot! The attraction was immediate and the tension soon followed. Looks, touches.study sessions...I devoured it all!

All in all, an emotionally powerful story with great characters and great writing. Thank you Jessica Scott for another awesome story!

http://redhotbooks.com/2015/03/review...

I really enjoy Jessica Scott’s military romance series, Coming Home, for its unflinching emotional stories about romance in the aftermath of combat. When I found out she was writing a New Adult series, I was hoping for that same emotional impact. I wanted to love it, but it was a bit of a mixed bag for me.

Beth Lamont isn’t like the other college kids in her class. She can’t afford to let go and be young and carefree. Beth has a single minded focus: Get a degree to get a good job so she can afford to take care of her ailing father. She loathes the Army that required her father to sacrifice, the war that injured him and the VA for failing to provide even adequate care of her father afterwards. Beth is a bitter girl because of this and initially balks when her professor asks her to help tutor a former soldier in statistics. However, Beth knows that beggars can’t be choosers when broke and reluctantly accepts the job.

Noah Warren feels like a fish out of water on campus. He might only be a couple of years older than his classmates, but it might as well have been 10 as war has a way of instantly maturing a person. Noah is not at all comfortable about being in school or his ability to succeed because of his lingering PTSD, but he is determined to fulfill the promise he made to his former lieutenant. Yet, when Noah first meets Beth, the clouds scatter and he feels peace for the first time in a long long time.

Even though Beth and Noah have an instant spark, they both have a TON of heavy things going on in each of their lives. Beth doesn’t have time to even have a fling with someone because between her many jobs, she’s busy making sure her dad doesn’t overdose on his pain meds and fighting with the VA for treatment. Noah believes that after all the horrible things he survived through combat, Beth is his reward. He sees that she’s struggling and, while he doesn’t know the true extent her situation, he goes out of his way to try to make life easier for her.

This is another case of where I loved the individual characters but the actual romance fell short. Noah hung all his hopes of recovery on Beth being the key to making his way out of his dark hole. Beth, naturally, was way more gun-shy about getting into a relationship with a former soldier but he lightened her heavy load for the first time in many years. I felt that the secrets they kept from each other were powerful enough to consider the ending more of a HFN than HEA.

I always appreciate that Scott tackles the hard stuff. The hell of Beth’s father’s precarious dance of alcohol and pain meds and Noah’s PTSD anxiety and nightmares are handled with great empathy. At the same time, the heart goes out to Beth who just keeps putting one foot in front of the other in order to make sure all she loves come out on the other end. Though the romance didn’t work for me, it won’t stop Scott from being an auto-buy author for me.

Rating: B-/C+

*ARC provided by author

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.

4.5 Stars

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3.5/5 stars

When it comes to reading military romances, I know that Jessica Scott will never steer me wrong. She is knowledgeable about her information and she knows soldiers, having been one herself. So when she tackles difficult issues such as PTSD, I know she knows what she's talking about. I have also been privy to many conversations about the Army, the war in Iraq, and the aftermath it has caused, so I appreciate her doing justice to the havoc it has wreaked on many lives in her books.

Beth and Noah's story is a beautiful and hopeful one. Both of them are struggling to keep afloat in their everyday lives, so meeting one another is a positive neither of them saw coming. I was afraid I wouldn't like Beth in the beginning because she's a bit prickly and is quick to judge Noah before really getting to know him. However, Beth is under ALOT of stress, so I can't say I blame her. She doesn't really have the time to tutor him with all her other obligations, but she also is pretty hard up for money, so she accepts. While she has preconceived notions about Noah, I did enjoy watching him shatter those and become someone she cares for.

Noah is a good guy who is not only struggling to understand statistics, but is also trying to keep the demons at bay from his time overseas. Being with Beth, he finds himself at peace and wonders if she will be the one to save him from himself. I love that Scott handles this realistically- the only person who can fix Noah is Noah. He can't depend on Beth to do that for him and wouldn't want her to. He knows keeping secrets from her is wrong, but can't bring himself to tell her the truth for fear of disgust and shame. My heart broke for him because once he finds out the whole truth about her dad, he doesn't even know how to broach the topic of what he's dealing with. He doesn't want to lie to her, but he can't lose her either.

It was hard to see these two struggle with their own truths because they are two people who deserve happiness. Beth is beyond frustrated with her father's condition and the run-around she gets with the VA. She finds comfort in Noah and the fact that he will fight his own anxiety and push through to help her when she most needs it. I liked their intimate moments together because they are so full of emotion and longing.

There are two side characters that stood out to me and they happen to be Noah and Beth's best friends, Josh and Abby. Josh is also a former soldier and I can tell his story will be intense also. He doesn't sugarcoat things for Beth and really tells her like it is when he confronts her toward the end of the book. Abby, is Beth's friend who has kind of taken her under her wing to help Beth 'play the game' in terms of the snobby, rich elite that surround them. We don't get much from Abby, but I am excited to read her story next.

Overall, I enjoyed this one. The ending is realistic and does an excellent job of displaying the hardships of loving someone with PTSD. I'm not sure why I didn't rate this one higher than 3.5 stars to be honest. Granted, this isn't a bad rating by any means, but overall, this book isn't one that blew me away like Scott's Back to You did. I am looking forward to Josh and Abby's story next, as I really do enjoy her military romances.

Before I Fall is Jessica Scott's first jump in the New Adult genre and like her other books she does it well. New Adult isn't my favorite genre but I love Jessica Scott and she carried her talent over to this new series. A friend I review with on Ramblings from this Chick reviewed this also and I think she said it best, "...Scott does not sugar coat life in or out of the military". I think that is what I like so much about her, the raw emotions and no sugar coating; she is one of the few authors who makes me cry and I love it.

Beth Lamont has struggled with the hardships of life ever since her father came home wounded from war and her mother left at the age of sixteen. Struggling with her father's drug and alcohol problem because of back pain the VA classified as not their problem but the hospital charities classify as a VA problem. Beth has worked hard and using her her father's GI Bill to pay for her college education at a high dollar school and working two jobs as her stats professor's TA and as a waitress. I wouldn't say Beth hates everything Military she just hates what it does to the people in it and their families. When her stats professor offers her a job tutoring a former soldier she only gives in for the sheer fact she needs the money.

Noah Warren joined the military early to avoid a bad family situation, now out and officially a college student he is lost in a world he doesn't know. It has been years since he was a civilian and everything has changed. Noah made a promise to his LT and he intends to keep it and if that means stepping out of his comfort zone then so be it. To ensure his success he was even hired a tutor. He never expected a woman like Beth. Struggling to understand Beth has a way of explaining it to where he understands. Noah also has a very dirty mind when it comes to her he is obsessed with her body but also her strength, her intellect. When he is with her he can almost forget his own problems and he has his own fair share of problems. Noah understands Beth hesitancy when it comes to the relationship but they give it a go and Noah stand by her when her father's situation worsens. But when faced with the truth about Noah, Beth freaks a little, ok she over reacts.

I find myself at a loss of words when I have to describe Jessica Scott's books, they are angsty but not too angsty; she'll more than likely make you cry and she's an intelligent person and it transfers over to her books. She can tell a story from both sides because she understands the psychology behind why people would do certain things in certain situation. Which is great for this book because it is told in first person from both Noah and Beth's POV. Overall this was a great transition book for Jessica Scott.

With all her other military romances Ms. Scott has crafted tales that vividly depict the lives of soldiers and those affected by the war back home. In her first New Adult romance those feelings are once again on display, only intensified as the characters are struggling to get through college too. Love and pain reside alongside the struggle to make something of yourself and readers easily get immersed in this maelstrom of emotions and the complex relationship between Beth and Noah.

Beth is barely hanging on as her father's injury from war has left him incapable of doing anything but live in a medicated haze. Her days revolve around fighting with the VA to get even a modicum of the help he needs, teaching, and waitressing to make ends meet. She's not making ends meet though and it's left her constantly on edge. She's lost in a haze of anger over not being able to help her father and fear over not succeeding and getting the career that will end their financial woes. It's left her little time to worry about herself or her own needs. It's not until she meets ex-soldier Noah, who represents all she despises, that her heart finally stands up and takes notice. Being with Noah is both scary and invigorating and as they spend more time together their connection morphs from friends to lovers in a subtle yet powerful way. She's keeping secrets though, secrets about how bad things really are, from not only Noah but herself that could destroy what they have. It all makes for a rocky yet immensely satisfying and maturely depicted relationship that had me enthralled from the moment they first met. Beth too was an amazing woman as she was strong-willed, wise beyond her years, and gave as good as she got. In fact, their witty banter added up to verbal foreplay for me, teeming with sexual tension. Beth wasn't used to being taken care of either, but I enjoyed seeing Noah's sweet and subtle caretaking which made their romance all the more rewarding.

Noah's struggling too, struggling to assimilate to the life of a college student. He desperately wants to succeed, to prove to someone important to him that he can make a future for himself and leave the war in the past. The war isn't completely in his past though as he suffers from PTSD and physical pains that he's masking behind medication. It's left him in a haze too that starts to clear when he sets eyes on Beth. She intrigues him, she's a mystery he longs to solve and is drawn to the mutual pain he sees reflected in her eyes. As he gets to know her, and all about her struggles, he wages a one-man war to make things better for her. As their connection deepens he can no longer ignore his own issues. To fully be the man she needs he'll have to tackle his own pain and in true hero form...he does it. He's not the kind of man to make excuses but deals with things head-on which is immensely appealing. Everything about Noah was appealing as he was sweet, subtly romantic, and wholeheartedly supportive. He saw behind Beth's facade as no one had before to find a woman deserving of happiness and then set out to give her a HEA.

This was a beautifully flowing story juggling numerous emotions that kept readers fully immersed in the action. The issues revolving around the VA are timely as are the complications of soldiers returning from war. These issues are vividly depicted and added to the story's overall impact. Beth and Noah are complex characters, fully fleshed-out with feelings and emotions easy to relate to. They acted in mature ways and I found myself impressed by that maturity as it's missing from many collegians. Their romance is sweet yet sensual and built slowly to make its culmination more rewarding. Surrounding this wonderful couple was an equally engaging cast of secondary characters. From Beth's friend to Noah's war buddies, who all have their own emotional issues to yet deal with, these secondary characters were a great support system who added emotional depth to an already compelling story. Once again I'm left in awe of Ms. Scott's storytelling and encourage everyone to read one of her books if you haven't already....and this is a great place to start!

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!

I don’t think that I was even remotely prepared to love Jessica Scott’s Before I Fall as much as I did. I read it in a sitting, because even in those moments where I needed to step away, I wanted to get back to this book as quickly as could so that I could get back inside this story. Jessica Scott has given us two characters in Beth and Noah, who might have seemed ordinary at first glance, but within these pages, you know that they were every ounce of extraordinary.

Were it not for the fact that she just didn’t have time for it, Beth Lamont could have been a successful juggler. She was a student, TA, tutor, waitress, as well as a case manager and caregiver for her father – it kept Beth very busy and with even less time for a relationship. But Noah was completely unexpected and a welcome respite from everything that she has going on in her life.

Noah had returned from his final tour in Iraq and was fulfilling a promise to get his degree, which is where he and Beth connect. Immediately, Noah had my heart – he’s really was a good guy who bore not only his own burdens, but those of his unit and the amazing girl that he fell for. As we get to delve further into Noah’s life, we know that all is not right in his world and that he brought home a trunk full of issues, both physical and emotional that he wasn’t ready to fully address. In spite of this, he was able to share a part of his heart with Beth and work his way towards a recovery.

Jessica Scott did such an amazing job with this story, to where a day later I am still thinking about it. What she has done is to give her readers a better understanding of what not only returning service men and women experience when it comes to their medical and psychological treatment from the VA Hospital system, but what their families/caregivers must go through as well. With her own military service, Jessica Scott has an insider’s view of not only the medical treatment, but what the re-entry into life stateside is like for them. Because both wars have gone on for nearly 14 years, it is easy for us as civilian to forget. This book gives voice to both to the returning soldiers and their families/caregivers. When you read this book, pay very close attention to every facet of this story – because you know that it informed by some level of reality.

That all said, at its very heart, Before I Fall is a warts and all love story. As the reader, you feel that connection between Beth and Noah – you want them to succeed both individually and as a couple. This book is just so well done – 1) I need to read more of Jessica Scott’s work and 2) I cannot wait for the second book in this series.

I don’t always assign ratings to my reviews – I will just say that this book had such an impact on me personally and I hope that endorsement speaks to you in some small way. ~~~Five Stars that are polished until they shine like diamonds

Thoughts: I was very pleasantly surprised to find myself enjoying this Before I Fall by Jessica Scott – particularly since New Adult is a bit of a hit or miss genre for me. There were quite a few things that kept me compelled to keep reading this one, however – one of them being the down-to-earth, but oh-so-admirable characters. I loved Beth’s dedication to her father, who is a wartime vet who is constant pain – yet due to a ‘label’ they smack on him, he falls in a category where he can only get limited help from the VA – which leaves them struggling more often than not. Then there is Noah – again, an ex-military soldier who she winds up meeting at college and is asked to tutor – who suffers from PTSD (something that too many of our military are struggling with these days). I admired the author’s attempt at tackling these hard topics – PTSD, addiction, etc.

However, as with most New Adult I think there is just a shade too much of naivety to it – most addiction is not so easy to kick as all that, most PTSD is a little more extreme than that – it all seemed a little like a watered down version when it comes to these issues. However, that seems part and parcel with this genre, and that’s part of my issue when reading New Adult – there are moments of utter realism and then moments of immaturity and it’s difficult sometimes to find the balance, although that was less of an issue with this one than in most. Still, it was ‘real’ enough when it came to the everyday, in and out struggles of life and a healthcare system that all but finds excuses to turn people away and pretty much say, “Fend for yourself” that it was easy enough to overlook. All in all, I really enjoyed this one, and I look forward to trying out more books by this author.

Rate: A-/B+
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com

Jessica Scott is an author that I have enjoyed many times. She takes the reality of war and the life after and turns them into stories that enlighten her readers, giving them insights to what the military life entails. Before I Fall is the perfect example of this.

This story is more Young Adult than some of her others. While her other books have dealt more with adult characters, Before I Fall is the story of two young adults. Both Beth and Noah are dealing with the after effects of military life, although in different ways. They are both victims of circumstances beyond their control.

Beth, due to father, has had to grow up quickly and deal with things that most people would fold under the pressure of. The strength that she shows while dealing with the VA, college, work, and Noah is enough to push anyone over the edge. Yet, she manages to hold strong and learn so much about herself and the love of others. While dealing with all of this, she manages to find herself and find out what she really deserves out of life.

Noah, home from war, is dealing with his own demons. He knows that he does not have it all under control. He tries to be strong to support Beth with her life, yet knows that he is just covering his truth. The support that he has from his professor, Beth, and his military friends is amazing. Without that support he would not be able to function without that.

Jessica Scott has done it again. The love, the characters, and the story are all exactly what I have come to expect from Jessica. This is a story that is real. It is the story of the life of many military families after they have served their time. It is eye opening, heart wrenching, and amazing. I definitely recommend everyone to check out all of Jessica’s book, including Before I Fall.

4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Angela and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog
Everyone knows military life is not all sunshine and glory. Especially the aftermath. Coming back from any war not only leave soldiers broken but affecting everyone around them. Before I Fall gives readers a glimpse of what life after a war can be.

Beth has been taking care of her Dad for quite some time while working and going to school. Unfortunately, her dad who is a veteran with medical issues is not getting the help he needs leaving Beth in a very bad predicament. To help with some medical bills, she has to take an extra job tutoring where she will meet Noah. A veteran who is trying to get his life back to normal. But like many soldiers of the war, he is nothing but unscathed. It will take a whole lot more to get any kind of normalcy if that’s even possible for someone like him.

My heart broke for Beth, her dad, and Noah. They are in a bad situation where support was almost to nothing. It was frustrating to see the struggles they had to go through financially, physically and emotionally. It was a long haul before they got their happy-ending but it worth the hardships.

Being a fan of Jessica Scott’s Coming Home series, I can’t help but to be excited about this new one. Just like Scott’s previous books, Before I Fall consists of realistic characters with realistically tragic issues. But giving them a promise of hope and chance at finding their happy-endings. It’s a great read. I highly recommend not only for the love story, but for a story that will keep you thankful and grounded

*ARC provided by publisher

You know you’re in store for a good novel when you’re already in love with it by the third page. By reading the novel description, I knew Before I Fall was going to be an emotional rollercoaster. This novel sits very close to my heart, and as someone who grew up in a family of those in the military, I can honestly say that Jessica Scott did a stunning job at portraying the life of someone who is surrounded by the military. I absolutely adored the character Noah, he has such a beautifully written personality, and backstory, and I just wished his chapters would go on forever. I found Beth and Noah to be an extremely sexy couple, and it was very easy to feel the chemistry between them. As their trust in one another builds, their chemistry grew with it. As far as the love scenes went, I felt they were really well executed and done in a very classy, tasteful manner, while at the same time being extremely sexy. Scott writes so clearly that I was about to paint a perfect picture in my head of exactly what was going on throughout the entire novel. Alongside this beautiful love story came a great deal of tragedy in both Noah and Beth’s lives. There were many parts of this novel where I found myself tearing up, and becoming very emotional. It takes a great writer to make someone feel so many emotions at once and it seemed to come easy for Jessica Scott, as I never stopped feeling throughout the entire novel. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a great deal of emotion within a wonderfully written love story.

After reading a little bit about Jessica Scott, I found out that she has been a part of the Army, explaining her ability to truly understand the emotional toll it can have on people. I believe that experience makes for an amazing writer, and Jessica Scott is just that: amazing. This book is a stunning piece of work, and I very much look forward to reading “Break My Fall: Abby & Josh”, “The Long Way Home: One Mom’s Journey Home From War” & “Homefront”. If you ever find yourself wanting to read an incredibly emotional story, I would highly recommend anything written by Jessica Scott.

I loved this book. I usually find it difficult to like NA books because they are so angsty, but this one had me hooked almost from the beginning. Jessica Scott usually writes adult romances and non-fictions so her branching out was quite daring and impressive. She can now add writing NA to her long list of successes.
In this story we find Beth trying to take care of her father who was wounded serving in the Military. He is barely able to move around let alone help around the house or hold down a job. He takes huge amounts of pills to help with the pain and when he can't get them he drinks large amounts of alcohol.
Beth is working two jobs and in Grad school. She has absolutely no time for anything fun let alone time to date until she's sees something in Noah.
Noah is trying to fit back into civilian life after being in the Military, but he is dealing with pain from injuries that he suffered from an attack that killed most of his friends. PTSD has become his norm and the only way to keep it under control is by taking a lot of medication.
If Beth finds out the truth she will never be able to see him past the medication. He is so much like her father in that regard that the kindest thing to do is just walk away from her and their relationship.
I will definitely be looking forward to reading more books in this series.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

Jessica Scott knows how to write a story! In this book you get to know and love two characters..Beth and Noah. You can tell by the writing that Jessica has put real life emotions into this book.
Beth's character is written as strong and brave and she has so much on her plate that she does not have time for a man. The way that her character is put together in BIF makes you fall in love with her and feel sorry for her instantly. I also love her no nonsense attitude and the fact that she is 100 percent brave in the face of any turmoil.
Noah on the other hand has his own demons...a soldier himself his character is written from experience from a passion deep within a writers soul that can only be written from first or second hand experience...I gather from Jessica Scott's bio that there might be some real life emotion and experiences written in this book. The fact that a writer has the the bravery to put pen to paper and release it into the world, I loved the book even more because of it!
The story line flows smoothly and the characters develop so richly that you can't help but fall in love with them falling in love.
I love everything about this book except that I wanted more...more epilogue, more Noah and Beth, more about her father. Don't get me wrong it ended in the best way possible. I just knew I was going to have a book hangover and didn't want this book to end. Great Job Jessica Scott!

4.5 stars

Before I Fall by Jessica Scott is a new adult contemporary romance that centers around veteran Noah Warren, and his complex and attractive statistics tutor, Beth Lamont. The unwilling attraction they feel for each other is complicated by Noah's struggle with his wounds from war, both physical and emotional, and Beth's endless fight to get care for her father. The relationship must overcome many obstacles, but one may be too much to get past.

The combination of angst and romance that seems to be a hallmark of new adult romances is wonderfully presented in this enthralling story. I am not a particular fan of the trend to tell stories in the first person, but this story is deftly told and gives both a vivid look at some of the aftermath of war on both participants and family, but also shows some of the challenges of college life. The depiction of the gradually unfolding connection between two people who are almost at the end of their respective ropes and the complications of their juggling personal and professional roles draws one into the spell that is woven by a talented author who fortunately seems to have endless stories to tell. I look forward to discovering what else she has in store for her fans, both old and new.

A copy of this title was provided to me for my honest review.

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.
Can Beth and Noah find love and happiness? Not without a struggle.
"Before I Fall" had real complex issues to deal with. It was heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. This book gives needed insight into what happens when people go to war. How being a veteran affects them physically and emotionally. I found Beth to be a strong, believable character. Beth and Noah have a real relationship with real problems. (Instead of petty problems common in YA novels.) They fight to find happiness. This book is what true love is about.

Typically I do not read a lot of new adult but because it was Jessica Scott, I eagerly offered to give it a try. Even though this story is somewhat military based, this is completely unlike anything I have read from Ms. Scott before. It was interesting to read about the trials and issues that veteran's face from a family member's perspective.

Initially I struggled a bit with the alternating first person dialogue but about a third of the way through I started to adapt and feel more connected to the characters. There were a few grammatical errors and stub sentences that threw me off as well but it seemed they were only in the first few chapters.

Beth is a very strong, independent, determined young woman with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Noah is by no means an alpha hero but he is a down to earth young man trying to overcome the horrors he faced in the war and live a normal life. The author did a superb job of portraying the struggles that both characters faced.

All in all this was a great story that I would definitely recommend. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Five Stars for this great emotional story. When I read the synopsis of the story of a Veteran entering back into civilian life starting college and being tutored- automatically I always think of a Veteran being so much older. We tend to forget how young many soldiers are and the impact war has on their young minds. Things that we couldn't imagine and wouldn't understand. This was well written and opens your eyes to the struggles many Veterans young and old have to deal with in every day life after they leave the military. It opens your eyes to how families struggle along side the loved one. Beth- a young college student who struggles financially and emotionally to take care of her disabled father doesn't have time for herself between going to school and taking care of her father who was injured in the military. When asked by her stats teacher to tutor a young Veteran-Noah who is pursuing his next step in life after his time was up in the military- needing the money she accepts. The two of them have a connection that can't be denied after always feeling lost. They both have secrets they fear will tear them apart. This story was truly amazing and I look forward to reading more of Jessica's books.

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

If you follow my blog, you'll see that I rarely read novels where the main characters are still in school, whether it's high school or college. I made the exception for this book because it sounded very interesting when I read the synopsis in Goodreads, and it didn't sound too young-ish.

I liked the book's plot. There was drama, sweetness, and growing up rolled into one story. I liked the heroine. The hero was a bit difficult for me to relate to. However, together, they were really a good pair. I appreciate the tragic back stories of both their lives. I can only imagine how difficult their lives must have been before they met each other.

This book wasn't perfect. Style-wise, there were some things that did not work for me. I'm not saying it was badly written. It's just something I wasn't used to. Or maybe I am used to, just not something I was looking for. I think the book needed improvements and polishing. However, the whole though behind the book was great, so all in all, I enjoyed it for the story it told.

Copy via Netgalley
Stand alone with HEA
3.5 stars

Before I Fall is a story that deals with what happens when soldiers come home. We all like to think everything is perfect but the reality is there are problems that need to taken care of. Sadly in many cases, they don't get the proper help. Beth has to deal with things when her father is injured. She has been dealing with the red tape and run around of the VA and medical beauracry since she was sixteen years. She is exhausted physically and mentally. It's a vicious circle of pain and pills. When she meets Noah she lets him in. Little does she know, he is in a similar boat health wise. I felt the romance was secondary to the day to day struggles of Beth's life. They were together but Noah's secrets was an unknown barrier. He struggle was heartbreaking to read about. I loved the the author kept it real in the end. Noah wasn't miraculously cured of his addiction. She let us know that was a day to day struggle. The trust would have to be rebuilt.
On a side note; I loved her friend Abby and look forward to reading her story.

I loved Beth from the very beginning. She was such a strong, giving person. I admired her determination and will to succeed. I wasn't sure about Noah when Beth first met him but I soon learned that he had a strength as well in the care he invested in others in his life. Yes there are some very tough issues for both of them, I can't imagine what I would do in either of their situations but I was drawn in from their first face to face meeting.

I loved the instant connection between Beth and Noah, even though they were both terrified of what that might mean in the long run. I kept my fingers crossed the whole time that they could get passed their fears and challenges because I knew they could be an amazing couple. The twists and turns in their story are well worth it in the end. I can't wait to read more in this series.

I have read all of Jessica Scott's Coming Home series and loved the characters in that series as well. I enjoy Jessica Scott's writing and have recommended her to several of my friends. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

This is a poignant tale that I simply could not put down! The author has delivered a wonderful novel in which we are given a realistic view of life after war, especially involving our new generation. Beth and Noah are powerful leading characters, and the story line is gripping. Admittedly, some of the narrative hit home for me which enhanced the heartbreaking nature of their circumstances. The romance was introduced with fragility, but the climatic surrender was worth the angst!

There was never a dull moment, and I highly recommend this to romance readers!

***Quick Note: This novel discusses several angles of PTSD, along with other traumatic experiences our veterans and their families endure. The author’s knowledge of the little things can stir emotions, as certain idiosyncrasies mentioned are very accurate.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

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.

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.

It's tragic and real and I truly felt like I was in the story watching it all unfold. Jessica Scott has a way of telling a story that pulls you in and makes you a part of it all. The relationship between Noah and Beth was lies, truth and such raw beauty, it was heartbreaking. Keep the tissues close by because there are certain parts that the tears will flow and you'll have no control over them. This is an exceptional story about a boy who went to war and came back a man struggling mentally and physically to put the pieces back together, all while falling in love with someone who might not be able to handle it.

I highly recommend reading this amazing book!

Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book stays with you long after you read it. It's a wonderfully written coming of age, military romance.
I liked both Noah and Beth. Noah is our bend not broken military hero that has fallen for Beth. Beth has been on her own since 16. She has been taking care of her disabled father , working several jobs and going to school. They both have very real struggles that young people shouldn't have to deal with.
I was routing for them to succeed in life and their relationship. While reading this book I wanted to reach in and give each one a hug.

I was able to read this book through NetGalley for an honest review.

Amazing book touching on many sensitive subjects these days, PTSD, insurance, veteran benefits and what happens to vets when they return home. Beth has seen the dark side of fighting for our country trying to help her father get thru each day while she works towards her degree so she can get a real job with real benefits. Noah is a veteran with battle scars that can be seen and some that he tries to hide. He needs Beth to help him get thru Statistics. Incredibly told story unlike others dealing on some tough topics including addiction. Amazing.

Unfortunately there are secrets and lies on both sides of this equation and the question becomes are they strong enough, have enough faith to make it through.

Jessica tells this story of pain, heartbreak and hope with such emotion I felt I was in the story. I cried with and for Beth, her father and Noah. My anger at the VA is not just because it's in the book but because it is a real issue and happens every day to our veterans and their families.

4.5 stars Welcome, Ms. Scott, to the wonderful world of New Adult. And am I ever so glad that she decided to venture into this subgenre. Before I Fall had me laughing, crying, gritting my teeth in frustration (all in sympathy with the lead) and rooting for this couple to succeed. In addition, Scott’s narrative takes us on an emotional roller coaster as we get a glimpse into how vets and loved ones are forced to navigate the devastation of war and the roadblocks they endure physically, mentally, and socially upon their return home.

The emotion felt real and we did hear Beth complain a lot about the VA and their finances. However, given her age and the issues she was facing, I felt it was appropriate and made me really! frustrated along with her.. Cannot wait for the next book in the series! You can check out a more detailed review at Heroes and heartbreakers.com
http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/blogs/2015/03/first-look-jessica-scott-before-i-fall-march-3-2015

3 stars

Meet Denver Lewis, MMA fighter and alpha male all the way. He is good at his job of fighting but when it comes to the woman that has him tied up in knots, he has just been looking the other way. He has to fight himself not to throw her over his shoulder and show her who she belongs too.

Cherry Peyton a teacher and has been crushing on Denver since the first day she saw him. The only problem is he acts like she is not there. It does not matter what she is wearing or who she flirts with to make him jealous, he will not budge. But she plans to push him buttons so that he will either make a move or she is going to move on.

Denver has had enough. Cherry is his and his plans to show her. Once they give into each other, the past comes to visit Cherry. Of course she is not ready to share that painful memory with Denver. She can take care of the problem alone or so she thinks. But Denver is there to prove that he will do anything to protect her.

As they have to deal with the past, they must also come to trust each other completely. And in doing so, will this allow them to move forward with their relationship or will the secrets from both of their past end this before it has really begins? Will love be the knockout that shows Denver and Cherry that conquers all?

Amazing new series beautifully written and crafted flowed from page to page,Adored the character's loved Beth and Noah there relationship and chemistry. Both have been through a lot in there lives but they have found each other. Both of them still have got struggles that they have got to overcome in there personal life and family life for beth but with each other they can make it if they fight hard enough for each other!

I have read everything that the author, Jessica Scott, has written and she writes wonderful stories but this story truly leaves me speechless. Beautifully written and emotional, it tugs at your heart and brings you face-to-face with reality. This is what they call New Adult but it is such a wonderful story that you won't even notice.

Sad but true tales of war, addiction, PTSD, love and loss and most importantly healing!! Liked how her father and her love interest were going through the same things and loved the professor!!! Really well put together story!

I love Jessica Scott's writing style! She draws you into the story and makes you forget about your own worries. Beth and Noah need each other. They realize they are stronger together than apart. Hot steamy sex scenes,a fantastic believable plot make for one great read. Keep up the good work, Jessica!

Beth didn't want to fall in love with a military man. She hated what the military had done to her father, but she couldn't help loving Noah. I laughed, I cried, and I rooted for them both. This is a wonderful, sexy love story and I would recommend it everyone.

Another soldier story only this one tells another side of a soldier who returns home from war. Just because a soldier returns home from war does not necessarily mean the fighting is over. Sometimes there is a battle raging inside that needs to be conquered before they can live whole again.

I received this book as an advanced reader for my honest opinion. This is a very good book. But please know that when you purchase this book it is written by someone that has served in the military. It is not a book that glorifies war. It is a book that is the realities of war and the human spirit and what it does to our solders and their families.

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!!!