Before He Was Gone by Becky Wicks Publisher: Self-Published on August 25, 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Romance
Pages: Novel Length
Format: eARC
Source: Blog Tour
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
When her rock star boyfriend breaks things off out of the blue, Alyssa applies to hit reality TV show Deserted and to her shock she gets through. Abandoned on a remote island with a bunch of strangers and none of the luxuries she’s become accustomed to, it’s not long before an undeniable attraction to the mysterious Joshua starts complicating things even further.
Joshua’s different to everyone she’s ever known – a traveller, a man with no plan, a world away from the celebrity life she’s left behind. As a series of challenges test their wits and weaknesses, things start heating up in paradise, but in a game designed to break people down, it soon becomes clear that Joshua is hiding a painful secret – one he won’t risk anyone finding out.
Struggling to know where she belongs, Alyssa will have to choose – a life she once loved that wants her back, or a brand new reality that heartbreakingly may just have its limits.
˃˃˃ “Becky does it again, delivering a searingly hot, emotionally intense and brilliantly written book. I loved it.” – Sarah Alderson (author of Hunting Lila, Fated, The Sound)
***Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and mature situations. Not intended for young adult readers.***
At A Glance
A unique romance that left me smiling, but there could have been ‘a little more.’
The Good
I have not read the first book of the series but that didn’t really affect anything. Before He Was Gone can be read as standalone. The concept was the most standout in this novel. Alyssa and Joshua sign up for a show very similar to Survivor. Alyssa is running away as Joshua is trying to better his life. I was excited to see that both of them studied hard to survive in the wild and never batted an eye at the grueling hard work it took to stay on the survivalist game show. The behind the scenes was the best part. All the production and manipulation. It’s like we know reality TV is often scripted or twisted but you don’t think about it until you see it first hand. But through it all, Alyssa and Joshua tried to stay sane within each other’s arms. Corny but true.
There were many bumps in the road, but no matter how much the other wanted to stay focused in the game, Alyssa and Joshua couldn’t keep apart for very long. They just had that connection that left me giggling like a school girl. The other characters were awesome too. I loved how they had the ‘token contestants,’ like the cheerleader, army vet, geek, gay guy, and so on. I never felt bored. The writing was great. More importantly, this book shines light on something I never knew about. Something that affects many people in the real world, every day. It was heartbreaking to read those parts, but I am happy to now be educated on the subject.
The Bad
I think I expected a little more. Like that extra oomph was missing. I wanted more stuff involving the reality show, which was often glanced over for the romance.
The Snuggly
Alyssa and Joshua were hot together, but also a little volatile. Joshua made it hard for Alyssa to stick by him, but I respected her searching the truth behind his attitude before making judgment. A lot more grown-up than I would have been, that’s for sure.
The sex was spontaneous and hot. It was minimal but enough to keep things interesting.
Final Thoughts
Before He Was Gone is definitely worth the read. I now want to read the first and next book of the series, just so I can get to know more characters in Wicks’ world. Very recommended.
Quotes
About Becky Wicks
Becky Wicks lives in Bali and scribbles books, and she’s mostly powered by coffee. Her first book in the Starstruck Series, Before He Was Famous recently reached #1 in Amazon’s Coming of Age and New Adult & College categories, and her three travel books, published by HarperCollins are online to make feet nice and itchy. Mostly though, she loves to write love stories. She blogs most days at beckywicks.com and always welcomes distractions on Twitter @bex_wicks. Especially if you have photos of cats.
Giveaway
This is a Tour Wide Giveaway
Melliane
Even if you wanted a little more it sounds like a great and different story! I’m curious about it, it’s alwys nice to discover new books. thanks!
Jennifer Bielman
The story was really different which was the best part.
Giselle
You have me curious about what topic that it opened your eyes about (that thing that affects many people). And the survivor-like premise is really neat and unique! Glad you liked it, Jennifer! Even if it wasn’t perfect it sounds like an entertaining read and a good romance! 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
I didn’t want to write it in my review, but the topic that opened my eyes was about a very specific disease that a huge amount of people suffer from but don’t often get help for.
Braine Talk Supe
This is like an extreme version of that new show Bachelor in Paradise, I think. The difference is the characters have more substance than those dumbasses on the show.
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, I will not watch Bachelor in Paradise! I like my reality shows, but that, yuck.
Jaclyn Canada
I would be really interested in the reality show part as well. A deeper look into a background image of what goes on there sounds like fun. Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
I loved getting the behind the scenes look. I know it’s mostly true too.
Becky Wicks
Hey Jessica, I’m glad it took you to the island for a while! I watched a lot of Survivor before I wrote it… although I’m pretty sure those shows aren’t quite as manipulative… well, you’d hope! If you’d like the first book, Before He Was Famous for review, just let me know and I’ll send it to you. Big thanks for this review and for being on the tour! Becky x
Jennifer Bielman
I would actually love to review the first book!
Becky Wicks
Obviously I meant Jennifer…. errr, I’m on my first coffee of the day, lol!
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, no worries, I get Jessica all the time.
Christy
This sounds like fun! I’ll have to check it out. Glad to hear it can be a standalone.
Jennifer Bielman
I kind hope you read it. I want to see what you think.