Before You Go

by Ella James

Margo Ford just became an heiress. Not the Paris Hilton kind. Her billions came after her beloved father died and her insanely wealthy, M.I.A. mother was forced to claim her. Unfortunately, some terrorists noticed, and they hatched a plot to kidnap her from boarding school. After a news report goes awry, reporting that Margo has been kidnapped, and her mother offers the humiliating sum of $500,000 for her return, Margo doesn't want anything to do with her new guardian. Then she is sentenced to a summer of "protection" on her mother's private island.

If there's one thing 19-year-old Logan Greer wants, it's to get off this godforsaken planet. After fourteen years as his father's whipping boy, he used his over-sized brain to get him into an exclusive boarding school, and then to M.I.T. Luck has never been on Logan's side - that is, until a billionaire space enthusiast notices his research and invites him to spend the summer planet-hunting at her island observatory. Logan will get thousands of dollars for each planet he discovers - thousands of dollars he can send back to Georgia, where his dad is drinking and drugging away the family farm. But the longterm payoff is even greater: If he can manage to impress his financier, he could be invited on the manned Mars mission she's planning. The only thing standing in his way is Margo Ford.

The last thing Margo needs, after the heartbreak of finding out her mother won't be coming to the island to meet her, is to get up close and personal with the observatory's rudest researcher. The trouble is, he's also the hottest guy on the island - and her surprise cabana roommate.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary, Young Adult Romance

157 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Ella James is the USA Today + Amazon Top 10 bestselling author of more than twenty books. Ella lives in Colorado with her husband and three kids. When she's not writing, you can find her in the foothills.

Reviews

[WTF Are You Reading? · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella James does a wonderful job of bringing her readers into the sheltered, privileged, but loveless world of Margo Ford. Readers are immediately struck by her loss, sorrow, insecurity, and her need for an emotional port in the turbulent storm that is her life.
When she meets Logan, the handsome young pilot that is hired to take her to her "mother's" island; she is immediately swept away on a tide of desire that sets her adrift in very unfamiliar waters.


This book is a wonderful example of all of the things that a novella should be. It is well-written and the characters are well defined, so that the reader doesn't have to spend time trying to figure out who is doing what and why. There is a definite focus on Logan and Margo's relationship without sacrificing the importance of other players to the drama as a whole and individuals within the work are written in such a way that they are instantly relateable to readers.


This is a joy to read and will bring a smile to the heart of anyone who still believes in true love, chemistry, white knights, princesses, and following one's own star.

Cross-posted from http://wtfareyoureading.blogspot.com/

[Mona · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was....interesting. Lots of miscommunication between the two main teen characters, Margo and Logan. Also, lots of chemistry. But something was missing in the interactions between the two. Logan had all this terrible back history, yet he never shared it with Margo.

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After Logan saved Margo from the kidnappers, he left the island and went home, but nothing was said about what he hoped to accomplish. Did he go home to have his abusive father locked up? Check on his mom and sister? Beat the crap out of his dad? What?

Even after he met up with Margo again, he still didn't mention why he left, what he did, or why he did it. I felt like we only got part of the story, and the part that was missing could have made a huge difference in the satisfaction derived from the story.

Right now, I only feel like it was okay rather than hot or great.

[Manuela Magalhães · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fraquinho demais. O começo muito parado, o meio muito arrastado, e o final muito sem sentido.

[Bette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too young adult, but too sexually explicit for me to recommend. Deleted from my kindle library.

[Diayll · Rating 2 out of 5]

Originally Reviewed at:Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating:2.5 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source:Hollow Tours for Honest Review
Reviewer: Heather

Before You Go is a story about a young teenager, klutzy Margo, who finds her world turned upside down. Her father has passed away, and now her mother (who is one the wealthiest women in the world) is forcing Margo to live with her for the summer due to a plot to kidnap the new heiress. Margo has only met her mother a handful of times, but still goes willingly so she can get to know her better.


When Margo arrives she isn’t met by her mother, but instead a gorgeous young man named Logan who deeply resembles a young Brando. She quickly finds herself deeply attracted to him, except he is hesitant and withdrawn. After all she is the boss’s daughter, the boss that has been his benefactor and the boss that will serve as his ticket to Mars.


Can Logan push her aside to pursue his dreams? Will Margo finally understand her mother? Does Margo push back the pain of the past, of her mother, and mend her broken heart?

My Thoughts on Before You Go:


I tried to like this book, but I have a feeling that it might be suited towards a younger audience. I had a difficult time wrapping my head around a 15 year old girl and an 18 year old young man. In a lot of states this would be considered an illegal relationship even if nothing happened sexually. While the story itself took place on an island, near Puerto Rico, Margo and Logan are both Americans.


In addition to this, I couldn’t find myself relating to either character, and I’m not certain there are many heiress girls out there that could relate either. Maybe a few young men coming from bad upbringings, but it’s unlikely they would want to read a young adult romance. I also can’t seem to understand the moral of the story. Rich spoiled girl gets the cute smart older boy? This easily reads as “Rich girl gets her way.”


As far as conflict goes, there wasn’t much. Margo’s mother has high expectations, unattainably high, and there is the kidnapping plot. Other than those two key points, most of the conflict is found with Logan who is afraid of having his dreams crushed. He desperately needs to get away from an abusive father, and in doing so he abandons his mother and younger sister to his father’s drunken wrath.


The actual writing was alright, and I didn’t find a single mistake with grammar or punctuation. The story started off strong, but fizzled as soon as Margo reached the island. However, it’s important to keep in mind that I’m not a teenager, and I haven’t been one for over 10 years. I could be wrong and a younger audience may love this book. But for everyone else, no need to rush out and make this purchase.

[Ning · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my Blog Tour Post:

http://readingbykindlefire.blogspot.c...

This book totally surprised me. It is a quick and very enjoyable read. After losing her father, Margo Ford finally meets her mom, Cindy Zhu, who's a billionaire. Before she knew it, she's an heiress. During her summer holidays, due to threats of kidnapping, she will now spend it on an island her mother owns. That is when she met Logan.

I instantly liked Margo. Though she was a teenager, she acted way more grown up. It might come from losing her father so young, who was the only family she had. Her loneliness and her desire to known her mother was very well done. However, for how she grew up, she wasn’t that spoiled. She’s mostly normal, with normal teenager problems and wants. She didin't gush all the time about designer stuff, which was good (just a little).

As for Logan, can I just say that I WANT HIM!! From the moment they met, I knew I was going to love Logan. Not only is he handsome and smart to a fault, but he is truly a sweetheart. It was super sweet to read about his struggle to choose between his career and Margo. Not to mention, he really had a tough childhood, and that shaped him into the person he is. Logan is a hundred percent real, his motivations are very believable! That’s why it was so hard for him to choose.

With that said, the book had its flaws. With Margo acting older than her age, it's hard to remember that she's only fifteen. It would’ve been better if she was a bit older, maybe seventeen. Also, Margo came off a bit naïve and selfish. She was only fifteen, yet she wanted no one but Logan (I’ll believe this in a paranormal romance, but not a contemporary.) It’s difficult (not impossible) to believe that you’ll find your soulmate at 15, so Margo pining after Logan annoyed me a bit. It was still very well done though, not over the top annoying (like in New Moon). Anyway, having Logan give up his dream for her was a bit selfish. I hope they don’t regret it.

Overall, a great book for how short it was. Nothing dragged on, although I wish there was a bit more on the kidnapping part. Also, I would’ve liked a bit more exploration of the mother-daughter relationship, but I was happy with how it ended! I definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a lighthearted but cute contemporary romance!

On a side note, I was so happy because Margo’s part Chinese (how often do you read about Asian teenagers?). And her mother has the same last name as I do, hehe! But that in no way affected my rating!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Margo's father dies, her world as she knew it shattered. She may be rich now, but it doesn't seem to be worth the sacrifice of loosing her father because now she has to go live with her absentee mother, who is too wrapped up in her looks and money to give Margo the time of day. Not only does she have to go live on her mother's island, but she has kidnapping terrorists after her. Enter Logan, the hottie that is sent to pick Margo up from the airport to bring her to the island...actually to FLY her to the island. Because her mother has plans to send people into space, and there is an observatory on the island, there are a lot of people who come and go doing research. Logan has his own agenda, he wants to be the one Margo's mother, Cindy, sends. The last thing he needs is to be falling for his bosses daughter. After having his own rough childhood, he needs this.

While the story has some suspense, you can't help but feel kinda of sad for Margo. She was up-rooted from her friends, school, home, everything she knows and all but thrown into another lifestyle. While I really did enjoy the story, there were some things that I felt were lacking. The relationship between Margo and Logan seems strained. One minute they are all googly eye to each other, like their relationship is going somewhere, the next they are the complete opposite, hating each other or mad at each other. There were quite a few spelling and grammar errors that were distracting. I have read a review that said they had not found any so it may have been my version. The biggest issue I had was the age difference between Margo and Logan. Let me say that I do know this is fiction. That being said, I just couldn't get on board with Margo being 15 and Logan being 18, and them falling in love. I would not be okay with it if it was one of my girls and I know my parents wouldn't have been okay with it when I was 15. I really wish that Margo could of been at least 17. She would still be a minor and would have been in her mother's care. In my mind she was 17 as I finished the book. I also was curious as to the reasons that Logan returned home and more background as to why Cindy has been absent from Margo's life. I am hoping there will be a sequel (I think there will be by the way the book ended) because I really do enjoy Ella James' writing and story-telling. I also hope that many of my questions will be answered. Worth your time to read!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margo Ford's world changed, for the worst, when you she lost her father to cancer. Her father, a senator and the parent responsible for raising her, was the one solid thing in her world. With no rock to ground her, she's now floating around in world of pain and confusion. Since she is only fifteen years old, the only course of action is to send her to live with her mother, a.k.a. the egg donor.

Now, thanks to a plot to kidnap Margo, daughter of Cindy Zhu, one of the worlds richest women, Margo must go live on Isis, her mothers island. Margo has only met her mother twice and thought this would be the chance to get to know her only living parent. She is quickly awakened by reality when Cindy not only sends someone else to pick Margo up, but is also conveniently out of the country in Switzerland.


Luckily for Margo the person sent to pick her up is Logan, a Ralph-Lauren looking Adonis type of God living in a human body. Not truly, but you get the idea of how hot he is. Margo, even at the tender age of fifteen, is already attracted to Logan. Unfortunately for her Logan has his eye set on the prize - a sponsorship by Cindy Zhu, who would not be very happy if this eighteen year old boy is courting her much younger daughter.

What transpires is the story of two teenagers, too emotionally grown beyond their true age, who try to fight the pull of true love. A budding friendship of two tortured souls pulled together by the need for companionship. Will love triumph? Will the plot to kidnap Margo go through? Will Margo be able to form a relationship with the mother she doesn't know? Guess you'll have to read it to find out!

The authors create two loveable characters that you can't help but feel bad for. Both are apparently alone in the world and are therefore drawn to each other. The reader will also, if a mother, have a hard time understanding the complex Cindy Zhu and hating the family that Logan was cursed with. A cute romantic read with teenagers as the main characters, I would have loved this if reading on the beach :))

[Lynn Worton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margo Ford becomes a heiress after her father dies and her insanely rich mother officially claims her. When terrorists hatch a plan to kidnap her, Margo's mother arranges a summer for her on a private island. This island has an astronomical observatory filled with scientists, including Logan Greer, a gorgeous but infuriating planet-hunter. Margo thought hiding out on the island would be boring, until it wasn't any more.

This is a short story from Ella James. However, there is a lot of action and romance. Margo is a fifteen year old who, when her father died and her extremely rich mother claims her, finds herself the centre of attention for kidnappers. When her mother sends her to a private island, Margo meet Logan. Logan is a seventeen year-old student, who is being sponsored by Margo's mother. Romance begins to bloom between the two. However, danger is not too far away.
This is a superb love story. It is sweet and touching and I absolutely fell for Logan. He's a fantastic character, who has a lot of baggage, but I think that makes him better. Margo is a typical teenager, who comes across a bit spoilt, but I don't hold that against her; She is feisty and can hold her own. I recommend this book if you would like a romance that is a quick read and well written. I am definitely reading more of Ella James's books in the future.

[Christina Rod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Margo is sent to Isis to be protected from a threat of kidnapping. After her fathers death she is hoping to have that time to get to know the mother that had abandoned her. Unfortunately, Cindy, Margo's mother, isn't looking for any mother/daughter time. When Margo has no one to turn to on Isis she seeks the company of Logan Greer. When Logan seems to treat her like crap she decides to ignore him. But ignoring him isn't the easiest thing when they are constantly thrown together. What happens when trying to avoid each other seems hopeless? Read to find out. :-)

This book had a good plot line but fell a little flat for me. I thought the characters could have a little more depth and that the secondary ones should have been more in the book. The book mainly consisted of Margo getting mad at Logan and Logan avoiding her, that's it. The most difficult thing was trying to bypass all the mistakes in the book. Unfortunately this book didn't seem to be edited in anyway. I gave this book 3 stars because it had great promise and I was intrigued with the plot. If the author had spent a little more time editing and developing the characters as well as adding more depth to the storyline, this would have been a 5 star book.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well now, this book was a lovely little surprise. It was easy to read, it tugged at my heart and left me wanting more.

This is the first book I’ve read by author Ella James, and I was adequately impressed by the rhythm and flow of her writing. The story moves at a leisurely pace, and I finished it in no time. As I’m not much for romance in books – and this is a romance novel aimed at YA readers – I must admit that I quite enjoyed the emotional tug-of-war between the two main characters, Margo and Logan. He wants her, but can’t have her; she wants him, but he wants to follow his dream. And that is exactly what made it such a great story. It’s like the odds are just stacked against them, and until almost right up to the end, you’re still not sure whether or not they’ll be able to overcome these obstacles to be together. Unlike most romance novels, these two characters didn’t just fall into each other’s arms at the start of the book - which of course I thoroughly enjoyed that they didn’t.

Then there’s also super-rich, sophisticated, aloof Cindy, Margo’s mom. You’ll just love to hate her.

If your ears are delicate to profanity, then give this book a miss. If not, head on over to your favorite book dealer and get your hands on this charmer by a splendid author!

[H.K. Savage · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Here by this author I picked this one up. Here was hard to get into just because of the leap into the story without much lead up but then it more than made up for it with creative plot and solid characters. This one wasn't as great. The heroine bothered me because she was very limited and beyond stuck in her own world. I know, she's a teen and this is YA so we're supposed to allow that but I kept waiting for her to grab me. She didn't.
Logan was more interesting and I wish the author would have given us more from him. In the end though, I was disappointed in him too. It felt like he shirked some responsibilities (can't say more without spoilers) at home and then at work. Feeling that, it was hard for me to see him as the hero/dreamboat he was supposed to be.
The end felt rushed and forced. I had to look down at my % read to see that it was, in fact, the end.
Okay, I know this sounds like a not great review but here's my deal. The book was not expensive, it kept me entertained and I read it in one sitting without checking the clock. Not every book or movie blows our doors off but if they keep us entertained then they are worthwhile. This one did entertain me and I'm still planning on checking out more from this author.

[¤ᒪᗩﬡᗴ૪¤ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. It was cute and an okay book but I felt like there definitely wasn't enough character development and I didn't like the way it ended. Also, maybe this was just me, but I totally missed that Margo was 15. So like, more than half way through the book Cindy is talking to Logan about how she's 15 and he's 18 and I was like, 'WAIT WHAT?' Cause I had been thinking she was 17 or something and that totally changed my whole view on everything that had happened. I think that made it kind of hard for me to enjoy the rest cause I kept thinking back and realizing that she really did act very immature and 15 made a lot more sense than 17... oh and yeah. Margo was super immature. I didn't really dislike her but she definitely wasn't getting any sympathy from me.

Also, another thing that maybe lessened my opinion of this book... I'd just finished the Here series by her which was sooooo good <3

I would recommend this if you have a kindle and want a cheap book that will keep you entertained for a few hours BUT I would definitely say read Here instead of this becasue those are cheap too and a lot better!

[Latoya]

Review: This was an okay read not bad, it was one of those teen love at first sight stories. The length of this book was about 126 pages I believe, and I felt it was too short for me. I wanted more details about Margo and Logan's background, and answers to a few questions that were not resolved. The characters were good, and it was easy to get a sense of who they were and the plot was quick obviously because it was short but I got the story just wish there was more of it. As a love story, it's believable, I could feel the quick, fast I'm in love now that you looked at me with those blues eyes, I can't breathe without you baby teen love thing. I am interested to find out what happens next, if there will be more for Logan and Margo. And also why Cindy, her mother, gave her up when she was a baby? I would like to hear what you all think about it, so give it a read.

[Casandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just tell everyone that I am a diehard reader. I read everything at least once. So far this year I’m on book 235. (yes, this is why my bank account cries). But as any person, I have a favorite kind of book. I love books where the girl gets the guy and he’s her savior & protector. This book was not what I expected. I expected a story of love lost. Boy was I wrong. Ella James did a fantastic job building up the characters in this story and creating a world for the audience to revel in. I thoroughly enjoyed the way this book was thought out & written. & Ahhh! I told myself I was going to read he first chapter & go to sleep cuz I had to work in the morning, but next thing I know the book is over & I’m no longer tired. Congratulations on another great book!

[Rebekah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of those books that you are kinda mad at the end. Like you wasted your time. I almost stopped reading it twice. The scenes that the author must have thought were "hot" were disgusting! The characters were immature and shallow. The resolution at the end of the book was in the epilogue. That much resolution does not belong in the epilogue. Also, the book brought up all these struggles, slapped some icing on the conflict and called it good. This book literally was awful. Now, I actually have read other things from the author (like the Stained series) and loved it. Not sure what happened with this book. Actually, the immature writing that was evident in the first 10% of Stained is evident through this entire book. Come on Ella, you could have done so much better.

[Gabby (What's Beyond Forks?) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?

Margo and Logan have a love-hate relationship that is hormonally charged from the moment they meet. I enjoyed their stubbornness and arguing. While the story was entertaining, I would have liked some more drama surrounding the kidnappers and some more details as to what Logan accomplished or didn't accomplish with his family. This book is probably better suited for a more mature young adult audience. Before You Go was a pleasant little short story, perfect as a weekend or beach read.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rich girl meets poor abused boy who wants to build himself a better life...blah blah, blah...I did enjoy it....pure romance, a very hot scene at a greenhouse which was hotter than 50 Shades..ha!

I liked the whole astronomy stuff and the few really sweet and romantic scenes...I didn't like the clichés....it was good though, I needed a break from paranormal and it did its job!

[Alliesjay · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had way to many writing errors. It was a cute story but the problems in it annoyed me. At one point in the story the other started calling Cindy, Bethany and another character another name. Like how do you miss that? If you want to read anything from Ella James read Here it was sooooo good.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

ahh, I really liked this one. a very cute action packed adventure love story.

I love that Margo is fierce and independant. She isn't really all that keen on anyone telling her what to do.

and Logan is rough and gruff, but you get his POV so you know why.

I loved the varying points of view so you did know what was going on.

such a fun short little tale.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This will be brief. I liked the story and the characters. The story seemed to end kind of abruptly with questions remaining around Logan's story. The author needs to review the book for wrong names. I saw Bethany used in reference to Cindy and Reagan used in reference to Marco. Overall an OK read.

[Vikki ~ *squee* lite ~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just wasn't feeling it - there was just too much missing. Certainly there wasn't enough of a relationship established to warrant the ending. I liked the characters - and the plot - but I needed more

[Mayra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Before You Go. I felt it was rushed at times. The Spanish used in the book bothered me because it just seemed random in a way. I love Logan and Margo's character. This is the first book by Ella James that I read and it certainly won't be the last.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book. I really enjoyed it although it was very short. I am hoping the sequel will be longer. Definately a great quick read.

[Karie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. That's about how I felt about it. Fast read though.

[Louise Cable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written, kept me interested and imagination running wild.

Great read

[Kathren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. However, I felt it ended too quickly. I wanted more of Margo and Logan!

[Dedra ~ A Book Wanderer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, light read. There were some distracting editing errors.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

IT was ok. The switch between scenes was a little stilted. I kept thinking, they were just here - why are they now... But I liked the story.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good and quick read. Some of the romanticism of the teenage relationships felt a little stale and silly, but overall I enjoyed it and found the characters fairly interesting.