Clare James spent her childhood writing, reading, and dancing. Not much has changed since then, except she can no longer get up on toe shoes like she once could. And don’t even ask her to go into the splits because she may never get back up.
A new adult and contemporary romance writer, Clare loves a happy ending. She lives in Minneapolis with her two leading men—her husband and young son. BEFORE YOU GO is her debut new adult novel.
Print Length: 272 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: C. J. Books (November 25, 2013)
Publication Date: November 25, 2013
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
A new adult and contemporary romance writer, Clare loves a happy ending. She lives in Minneapolis with her two leading men—her husband and young son. BEFORE YOU GO is her debut new adult novel.
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: C. J. Books (November 25, 2013)
Publication Date: November 25, 2013
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Praise for BEFORE YOU GO
"A touching tale of love and human redemption. Readers of Tammara Webber and Colleen Hoover will enjoy this book." ―A Love Affair with Books
"I absolutely loved this book. The emotion that flows through the pages just takes your breath away." ―Sassy Book Lovers
"Wow! Compelling, thought-provoking, sexy and passionate would just scratch the surface of the depth of emotion that will evoke in you." ―Romance Addiction
"[I was] hooked from the moment I opened the book. I was captivated by the characters, the story, and not to forget Noah, he is totally swoon-worthy!" ―Jessica's Book Reviews
"I really enjoyed this book. AND let me tell ya the sexual tension between the two characters was HOT and I wanted to scream, JUST DO IT ALREADY!!" ―The Book Trollop
"Noah is a complete sweetheart. The gentle way he helps Tabby overcome her intimacy issues ... I would definitely recommend this book." ―Naughty and Nice Book Blog
"I loved it so much ... hooked me right from the beginning. It is honestly beautiful and I cannot wait to see what else Clare James has to come!" ―Papercuts Reviews
"I love how sweet Noah is with a tiny mix of Alpha male in there.I read the book in one sitting. Definitely would recommend the book." ―Loverly's Book Blog
"I loved Tabby and Noah as a couple ... the two of them together had chemistry, and not just the physical kind. A marvelous tale that you mustn't miss." ―Rampant Readers
Was there a defining moment during your youth when you realized you wanted to be a writer?
For me, there was never that aha moment. It was something I always did. I loved to write in my journal, write notes, write books, just write. I was about seven when I finished my first book. It was a how-to book, titled: How to Take Care of Your Dog. Original, right?
As I got older, I wrote for my high school and college newspaper, and eventually became a journalist. Still, I always had dreams of writing books.
My true aha moment came after my son was born and I started reading everything I could get my hands on—just for pleasure. I fell in love with YA immediately and then romance. Those two loves lead me to write my first NA novel. And let me tell you, I freaking love this genre!
Why is storytelling so important for all of us?
Wow, I LOVE this question! Storytelling allows us to express ourselves in one of the most personal ways possible. But it can be done in so many different ways: in a dance, a song, art, poetry and BOOKS. Whether you’re the person creating the story or the person listening/experiencing it, you feel like you’re not alone in the world. And isn’t that what we all want? To be understood, and to know we’re not alone?
Oh boy, there better be more light-hearted questions soon or I’m going to depress your followers J
Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre?
The dreaded question, I mean how much time do you have?
Of course I loved To Kill a Mockingbird growing up and anything by S.E. Hinton. And Judy Blume – I adore her!
My son made me fall hard for Harry Potter. The Hunger Games was awesome too. Ten Tiny Breaths is probably my fave for NA. And don’t get me started on Tiffany Reisz – her Original Sinners series is dyn-o-mite!!
What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?
Write what you love. Write, write, write and read, read, read!!
In your new book; Before You Go, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it and why they should read your novel?
Before You Go is about Tabby, a twenty-something woman caught in the middle of a college sex scandal who is forced to leave her friends, family and school. She decides to move on from her past …by any means necessary. Tabby tries different experiments to work through her pain, but they never go as planned. Still, she fights and never gives up.
Then she meets Noah and he turns her life upside down. He forces her to face her demons and get past them … using some very interesting (and sexy!) techniques.
I describe this novel as NA contemporary romance with equal parts heart and heat. If you like strong female characters, self-discovery, drama, hot sex, dreamy boyfriends, dance, fun friends, and a happy ending, you’ll love Before You Go.
What part of Tabby did you enjoy writing the most?
I loved writing the dancing parts because it brought back a lot of memories from my young life as a dancer. I also enjoyed writing the Tab and Jules’ scenes because there is nothing more beautiful than friendship. But who are we kidding? I loved being in the moment with Tab and Noah – it was magic!!!
For those who are unfamiliar with Noah, how would you introduce him?
Well… Noah is gorgeous: sandy, floppy hair; dreamy eyes; and a lean muscular build with the world’s sexiest dimples. He can melt you with a look. But the best part is, he’s so much more than eye candy. He has a heart of gold and is loyal and smart and caring and affectionate … all of which make him a fantastic lover J
If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
I would say Jenna (my mean girl in Before You Go) and Trent from Ten Tiny Breaths. I think Trent would understand Jenna – her guilt, misery, and the way she lashes out at people. I also think he could help her.
When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
My weight!
What's the most memorable summer job you've ever had?
Oooh. I’ve had some good ones, but I’d say working as a fashion reporter for a website. I traveled to New York several times and worked with writers from all over the world, covering the fashion scene. I LOVE clothes and shoes, so it was a dream!
Who was your first boyfriend?
Hmmm, I was in puppy love a few times in junior high. But my first real boyfriend was a guy named Tony and we met at a dance club. It was almost a love-at-first-sight moment.
Tell me about your first kiss
Well, that’s a sad story. It wasn’t good and I wasn’t in love. Thankfully, I’ve had a bunch since then that have knocked my socks off :)
When was the last time you cried?
Just this week. I’ve started to get fan mail and one letter thanked me for writing Before You Go. The reader talked about the ways my story was moving and uplifting. It was so sweet, if brought me tears of joy!
Which would you choose, true love with a guarantee of a heart break or have never loved before?
True love with heartbreak – no question!!
What decade during the last century would you have chosen to be a teenager?
I’m a hippie at heart, so it’d have to be the 60s!
"I absolutely loved this book. The emotion that flows through the pages just takes your breath away." ―Sassy Book Lovers
"Wow! Compelling, thought-provoking, sexy and passionate would just scratch the surface of the depth of emotion that will evoke in you." ―Romance Addiction
"[I was] hooked from the moment I opened the book. I was captivated by the characters, the story, and not to forget Noah, he is totally swoon-worthy!" ―Jessica's Book Reviews
"I really enjoyed this book. AND let me tell ya the sexual tension between the two characters was HOT and I wanted to scream, JUST DO IT ALREADY!!" ―The Book Trollop
"Noah is a complete sweetheart. The gentle way he helps Tabby overcome her intimacy issues ... I would definitely recommend this book." ―Naughty and Nice Book Blog
"I loved it so much ... hooked me right from the beginning. It is honestly beautiful and I cannot wait to see what else Clare James has to come!" ―Papercuts Reviews
"I love how sweet Noah is with a tiny mix of Alpha male in there.I read the book in one sitting. Definitely would recommend the book." ―Loverly's Book Blog
"I loved Tabby and Noah as a couple ... the two of them together had chemistry, and not just the physical kind. A marvelous tale that you mustn't miss." ―Rampant Readers
For me, there was never that aha moment. It was something I always did. I loved to write in my journal, write notes, write books, just write. I was about seven when I finished my first book. It was a how-to book, titled: How to Take Care of Your Dog. Original, right?
As I got older, I wrote for my high school and college newspaper, and eventually became a journalist. Still, I always had dreams of writing books.
My true aha moment came after my son was born and I started reading everything I could get my hands on—just for pleasure. I fell in love with YA immediately and then romance. Those two loves lead me to write my first NA novel. And let me tell you, I freaking love this genre!
Why is storytelling so important for all of us?
Wow, I LOVE this question! Storytelling allows us to express ourselves in one of the most personal ways possible. But it can be done in so many different ways: in a dance, a song, art, poetry and BOOKS. Whether you’re the person creating the story or the person listening/experiencing it, you feel like you’re not alone in the world. And isn’t that what we all want? To be understood, and to know we’re not alone?
Oh boy, there better be more light-hearted questions soon or I’m going to depress your followers J
Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre?
The dreaded question, I mean how much time do you have?
Of course I loved To Kill a Mockingbird growing up and anything by S.E. Hinton. And Judy Blume – I adore her!
My son made me fall hard for Harry Potter. The Hunger Games was awesome too. Ten Tiny Breaths is probably my fave for NA. And don’t get me started on Tiffany Reisz – her Original Sinners series is dyn-o-mite!!
What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?
Write what you love. Write, write, write and read, read, read!!
In your new book; Before You Go, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it and why they should read your novel?
Before You Go is about Tabby, a twenty-something woman caught in the middle of a college sex scandal who is forced to leave her friends, family and school. She decides to move on from her past …by any means necessary. Tabby tries different experiments to work through her pain, but they never go as planned. Still, she fights and never gives up.
Then she meets Noah and he turns her life upside down. He forces her to face her demons and get past them … using some very interesting (and sexy!) techniques.
I describe this novel as NA contemporary romance with equal parts heart and heat. If you like strong female characters, self-discovery, drama, hot sex, dreamy boyfriends, dance, fun friends, and a happy ending, you’ll love Before You Go.
What part of Tabby did you enjoy writing the most?
I loved writing the dancing parts because it brought back a lot of memories from my young life as a dancer. I also enjoyed writing the Tab and Jules’ scenes because there is nothing more beautiful than friendship. But who are we kidding? I loved being in the moment with Tab and Noah – it was magic!!!
For those who are unfamiliar with Noah, how would you introduce him?
Well… Noah is gorgeous: sandy, floppy hair; dreamy eyes; and a lean muscular build with the world’s sexiest dimples. He can melt you with a look. But the best part is, he’s so much more than eye candy. He has a heart of gold and is loyal and smart and caring and affectionate … all of which make him a fantastic lover J
If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
I would say Jenna (my mean girl in Before You Go) and Trent from Ten Tiny Breaths. I think Trent would understand Jenna – her guilt, misery, and the way she lashes out at people. I also think he could help her.
When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
My weight!
What's the most memorable summer job you've ever had?
Oooh. I’ve had some good ones, but I’d say working as a fashion reporter for a website. I traveled to New York several times and worked with writers from all over the world, covering the fashion scene. I LOVE clothes and shoes, so it was a dream!
Who was your first boyfriend?
Hmmm, I was in puppy love a few times in junior high. But my first real boyfriend was a guy named Tony and we met at a dance club. It was almost a love-at-first-sight moment.
Tell me about your first kiss
Well, that’s a sad story. It wasn’t good and I wasn’t in love. Thankfully, I’ve had a bunch since then that have knocked my socks off :)
When was the last time you cried?
Just this week. I’ve started to get fan mail and one letter thanked me for writing Before You Go. The reader talked about the ways my story was moving and uplifting. It was so sweet, if brought me tears of joy!
Which would you choose, true love with a guarantee of a heart break or have never loved before?
True love with heartbreak – no question!!
What decade during the last century would you have chosen to be a teenager?
I’m a hippie at heart, so it’d have to be the 60s!
After a public sex scandal at her college, Tabby moves to a new city with a new school, convinced she can start over. But she soon realizes the changes are not enough. Tabby must take action to help her heal and move on from the past.
And though it sounds crazy, she believes a one-night stand is the best way to take back what’s hers. If she can choose where, when, and most importantly, who … maybe she can regain control.
First, she needs a willing participant.
She finds more than that when she meets Noah Adler.
Unfortunately, she can’t go through with it. And when she tries to forget about the plan—and the guy—it becomes impossible.
Noah quickly weaves his way into her new life and her heart. But as he comes dangerously close to discovering her secret, Tabby’s at risk of losing it all.
You can purchase Before You Go at the following Retailers:
And now, The Giveaways.
Thank you CLARE JAMES for making this giveaway possible.
5 Winners will receive a E-Copy of Before You Go by Clare James.
2 Winners will receive a Signed Copy of Before You Go by Clare James.
2 Winners will receive a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card.
1 Winner will receive a poster and Bookmark,of a Surprise Art by James Vallesteros.
10 Winners will receive One bookmark of a Surprise Art by James Vallesteros.
APRIL 18th THURSDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
APRIL 19th FRIDAY Reader Girls GUEST POST
APRIL 20th SATURDAY Beneath the Cover REVIEW
APRIL 21st SUNDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW
APRIL 22nd MONDAY Tsk Task What to Read REVIEW
WEEK TWO
APRIL 23rd TUESDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT
APRIL 24th WEDNESDAY Sassy Book Lovers REVIEW
APRIL 25th THURSDAY The Cozy Reading Corner EXCERPT
APRIL 26th FRIDAY The Reader Lines FAVORITE THINGS
APRIL 27th SATURDAY TTC Books and More REVIEW
jbnpastinterviews
Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up on the book! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI want to THANK YOU for having such an amazing and a very generous giveaway!!! And thank you for giving us a chance to win these wonderful gifts. You really are AWESOME Jean!!!
ReplyDeleteJean,
ReplyDeleteThanks for having me. Super fun interview!!!
Hugs,
-Clare
Thanks for the giveaway!! Loved Before You Go by Clare James!!!
ReplyDelete