Certi amori non finiscono

Falling #3

by Ginger Scott, Carla De Pascale (Translator)

Mi definiscono un’egoista. E non è la cosa più brutta che dicono di me. Li ho sentiti: Paige Owen oltre a un viso carino non ha nient’altro. È solo un passatempo alle feste. Stupida, senza cuore e inutile. Tutti pensano che voglia solo piacere ai ragazzi. E in parte è stato così. Ma sentirselo dire fa male. Adesso sono pronta ad affrontare le conseguenze delle mie scelte e a ritrovare la mia strada. Perché, quando Houston Orr mi ha guardato, ha visto la parte migliore di me. Una parte che nemmeno io sapevo di avere. Voglio essere all’altezza di quello sguardo. Houston Orr non era incluso nei miei progetti per il futuro, ma sto cominciando a pensare che i piani a lunga scadenza siano sopravvalutati. Perché tutte le nostre storie sono influenzate dal destino. Houston è capace di portare la poesia nella mia vita. E, anche se non avrei mai pensato di potermi innamorare di lui, è successo. A volte le cose possono sfuggire al nostro controllo. E, per la prima volta nella mia vita, voglio affidarmi al destino.
Perfino la verità peggiore è meglio del peso delle bugie

Genres: Romance, New Adult, College, Contemporary, College Romance, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2015

About the author

Ginger Scott is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Amazon-bestselling author from Peoria, Arizona. She was also nominated for both the Goodreads Choice and Rita Awards. She is the author of several young and new adult romances, including bestsellers The Moon and Back, The Varsity Series, The Hard Count, This Is Falling and Wild Reckless.

A sucker for a good romance, Ginger's other passion is sports, and she often blends the two in her stories. She has been writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and blogs for a hella long time. She has told the stories of Olympians, politicians, actors, scientists, cowboys, criminals and towns. For more on her and her work, visit her website at http://gingerscottbooks.com.

When she's not writing, the odds are high that she's somewhere near a baseball diamond, either watching her son field pop flies like Bryce Harper or cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ginger lives in Arizona and is married to her college sweetheart whom she met at ASU (fork 'em, Devils).

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Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

‘Even the ugliest truth feels a whole lot better than carrying around the weight of lies.’

There is nothing better getting to that book in a series about the character you love to hate. Paige is that girl. She’s the girl who got under your skin. Who was shallow and made bad choices. Who could hurt peoples feelings and be a little heartless. I always get nervous reading these books. Because they can be amazing, or they can sort of flop. It all depends on the delivery. Ginger Scott executed Paige’s story perfectly. Not only did she turn Paige around for me, but she gave us a hero to die for! Houston is perfect for Paige. He is fantastic and makes the story so much better.

Paige and Houston meet at the deli counter. He works at the local grocery store and goes to school part time. Houston is a busy guy. He has a lot of responsibility in his life- more than the typical 21 year old. He knows that he has no business with someone like Paige, his life is crazy as is. But he can’t help the way he feels about this girl.



Paige is going through a lot in her life right now as well. She is, for once, trying to do the right thing. But in doing that, it’s turning her life upside down. It’s so hard to talk about this story and Paige and Houston’s relationship without giving away major spoilers. I loved how things unfolded in this book and I loved how it happened and how I had no clue so I’ll stay hush hush about it.

I really loved seeing Paige’s growth in this book. I loved that Ginger never made her 100% goodie goodie. How it took time, it was gradual, and the changes felt real. Houston knew she wasn’t perfect and embraced her anyway. He loved her for the girl she was, the girl she wanted to be, and the girl she is now.



The Girl I was Before is a fantastic addition to this series. In fact, it’s my favorite. And I really didn’t see that coming. Paige was much more likable than I ever imagined she would be and Houston was so perfectly imperfect and endearing. I loved that this was written in dual pov and I could get inside both of their heads. This is one I highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic new adult romance!

Butterflies. Fairytails. Motherfuck!

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ”You can do better” Stars



Ginger Scott created an amazing character in Houston Orr. He's a college student/deli guy who was simply W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L! Paige is the ice queen, status seeker, horrible twin sister of Cass from the prior books of this series. I thought the author did a great job slowly but never fully transforming this bitchy blonde.

”She’s like this perfect blonde bombshell, but damn can she be mean.”

Paige is still in the midst of drama and never truly lets the world see her down and her brand of snarky and bitchy at times is hard to take. So many times I wanted her to open up to Rowe, Cass and Houston. However, all good things are learned and simply doesn’t happen overnight. She’s a hard heroine to embrace however you so desperately want her to go for a relationship of any kind with Houston.

”I like you. I don’t wanna like you. But I do.”



”I like you too, Paige, I whisper.” “And fuck if I don’t want to. But I do.”

This story is told in alternating povs and I thought it was very well done as the author connects Houston’s family problems and Paige’s problems and truly shows growth in the heroine. I was swooning over Houston from the very start.

”But the thing is, with anyone else, you’d just be their girlfriend and with me… you’re kind of my world.”

This story is perhaps the best of the series but I’m greedy and I still want more of Houston and Paige. Hoping that the author hears from them and can’t resist writing more about these two in the future!

[Mysza · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But thing is, with anyone else, you'd just be their girlfriend, and with me... you're kind of my world. "

"I came here ten months ago with a very concrete plan - I would be popular, part of the elite, dating the kind of guy that other girls envied me for. I got everything I wanted; yet nothing is quite like I thought it would be."

I admit, I was scared to start this one because truth be told, I hated Paige after book 1 & 2 and thought it would be very hard for the author to redeem her. Well, well, well, what a pleasant surprise this book was. I think I can even say that it was the best one in the series.

Paige wanted it all, to be the queen among sorority sisters, to be the arm candy on some hot jock's arm, to be popular, the one everyone envied. Achieving it was not as easy as she thought it would be, but she did it, hurting her sister in the process. Once she got it all though, the doubts came, was it really what she wanted? Sorority life doesn't seem that wonderful anymore, and the dream boyfriend isn't that attentive and caring as she would like. Is it too late for her to repair the damage she'd done?

She meets Houston, the ordinary guy, a guy completely different from what she thought she ever wanted. She is, as usual, bitchy and snarky toward him from the beginning. Certain circumstances cross their paths and let's be honest - she stands no chance around Houston. Falling for him is impossible, he was that cute, wonderful, charming, caring, sweet, etc. etc. but down to earth at the same time.

Once again, Ginger Scott created a story that held my attention and made me flip pages like crazy. I was surprised how much I rooted for Paige and Houston to be together. I liked how their life issues were completely different, yet so well mixed in their relationship.

I liked the transformation the author put Paige through. Paige changed, but it was believable, she finally won me over with her behaviour but she also stayed true to her bitchy self. Not to the point of detesting her anymore though, contrary, I liked that she was the same girl in some kind of way, just more mature and with different goals and attitude.

I adored Houston, he was perfectly balanced. He wasn't your typical alpha, asshole college boy but not a shy guy either. He was simply a normal guy, very realistic, I found it so refreshing.

And I'm sorry but Preeter brothers, as wonderful as they were, didn't stand a chance with this Owen sister. She was that amazing character, probably one of my favourite females from Ginger. And what is it with her male lead characters that makes me fall for every one of them? She has a true gift creating them the way I like, they make me swoon Every. Single. Time. And Houston was no different, truly amazing. Good job on those boys, good job!

Highly recommended!

ARC provided by the author Ginger Scott in exchange for an honest review.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl I Was Before, is the third and final book of the Falling series. And it's Paige's turn, a shallow, popularity hungry chick, who has had a tendency to grate my nerves. I'll be honest, I worried about the author's ability to make this character likeable. Kudos to Ginger, because while Paige did grow on me, she didn't have a completely ott personality makeover. She remained a little prickly around the edges, but managed to show a softer side.

With Houston, I'm me - I'm my flaws and my good stuff all at once. And he seems to want both parts.

Paige and Houston story was a bit of a slow burn, with a few twist and turns. Houston made the story for me, he was such a sweet guy, always putting others first, trying to do the right thing. I simply adored him. Overall, this was a sweet, college age romance.





Lots of wonderful reviews for this one -
Mysza's Review

Thank you to the lovely Mysza for a copy of this one. xx

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 SWEET STARS

What a heartbreaking ride!!This is my first book of this series but I have read books from this author before and I love her writing so much!This book is full of emotions!I found myself feeling depressed and I wanted to cry in some parts. I was enthralled with the story and the characters, even thought I didn't like a lot Paige at the beginning.

Paige must take a decision..But it isn't easy..In a moment of her life which she feels unsure of what she must really do she will meet Huston.At the beginning Paige isn't very friendly with him.However Huston is drown to her ,even thought she doesn't say any interesting,he is here for her to help her.Soon they will develop a friendship which will become in something more...
Can these two be together? This is the story of these two so different characters, who managed to fit together..



I struggled a little with Paige's character and her boyfriend was such a bad choice,I can't understand why she was with him.On the other hand,I felt sorry for her because she wanted to feel loved.So at the beginning I didn't like her a lot and while I was reading the book I found myself liking her in the end.This is a reason why I loved Ginger Scott because she managed to make me like a character that I didn't like in the beginning!Then, Paige meets Huston and things changed!He is the one who told her "You can do better than this" and he was true!I loved Huston,he is funny,protective and so sweet!He is exactly what Paige needs!He is such a lovable character from the beginning of this story!




I would definitely recommend this book and I'm planning to read the others from this series!!So give it a try and read them from the beginning!!

Arc provided for an honest review

[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Girl I Was Before
Series: Falling #3
Author: Ginger Scott
Release date: June 23, 2015
Cliffhanger: No
HEAYes



Based on my experience with this series in the past, I had high hopes for another spectacular read. But to be truthful, my resolution to start this was not firm. It was shaky, and wavering more by the minute because of the heroine. I was incredibly conflicted-was I setting myself up for failure knowing what an utter bitch this heroine was from the get-go? If it weren’t for the fact that this author has delivered a truly memorable book time and again, I don’t think I would have given this one a shot. Now having read it, would I recommend it? Without a doubt. This series was like a fine wine: Complex, robust, and more mature with age. And the best part? I come away feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, the final story no exception to the book buzz I've had with the rest of the Falling Series.

Paige is Cass’ twin sister and the girl who appeared brittle, self-serving, and in a word: unlikeable. She betrayed her own sister in book 2 for her own superficial gain and that made me outright hate her.



How could you like a character such as this? What we learn about her though is that yes, she’s been misguided and has made some exceptionally bad choices, but deep down, she wants to be different. She wants to be more and do the right thing, and at the beginning of the book, we see her make a turn from self-serving to self sacrificing. Out of that one decision, she opens up a world of possibilities.

In one spontaneous decision to avenge my sister, I swapped places with her, and just as her nightmares are fading, mine are beginning.



Paige doesn’t change overnight, and her attitude was grating at times. But I couldn’t help but admire her inner strength and determination in her all-out war against Chandra. It made me soften toward her seeing her fight for righting the wrongs of her past. The author didn’t alter the core of the character that was presented to us in previous books. She built around it and enriched it into a complex and layered person. She was flawed, yet held the promise of growth and exceptional goodness inside of her. To me, character consistency is so valuable, and not only did she stay true to Paige, but she found a way to enhance her character and make her one of my favorite of hers to date. Now that is true talent.

I know I’m right, and good has to win. I’m not naive enough to think it always wins, but this time, it has to. And I’m willing to be a relentless bitch just to get my way.

When Houston comes along, Paige has just made her sorority sister Chandra a ruthless enemy. In sending an incriminating photo to reporters she’s started something that can never be reversed. She’s at a very vulnerable time and the attraction that she’s been denying between them has a chance to wiggle it’s way into her heart.

"Butterflies. Fairytales. Motherfuck!"



But the question is, can Houston see the potential and the truth underneath her harsh words and the rumors spreading about her? I loved Houston. Loved. He was an amazing hero with a lot more to him than meets the eye. He's such a down to earth kind of guy, sweet, hard working, and giving. And though he sees Paige's outer beauty, he's not impressed by the superficial. He sees every side of her and it doesn't scare him away. Even when all of her secrets are finally revealed, he's there. Gently waiting to wrap his strong, protective arms around her.



What did I like most about this book? It was unpredictable, it was consistent, the complexity of the characters and the emotive story was so unexpected. This book genuinely touched me! It was so sweet and had just enough angst to give me butterflies and leave me begging for more. I was so sad to see this series come to an end, but I can't imagine it happening with any other couple but these two. They melted all of my cynicism away and I'm not afraid to say left me a bit teary eyed. Houston is the type of hero that fights for his girl, but Paige is not one who needs to be rescued. The beauty was in his ability to know when she needed to fall and when she needed to be caught.



Even though in parts there was a repetitive feel to some scenes that were once again told from a new perspective, they were brief, and not enough to make my interest wane. I would have been nice to have seen this group of friends grow and expand over more than just a one year period, but hopefully Ginger will grace us with a little peek into their lives with a novella or two in the future. With every book I read from this author, I see her step up her game in her story telling abilities. She continues to impress me with her skill in creating characters that feel like coming home when I get to revisit them. If you're unsure if you want to read Paige's story, you have to give this one a shot. It was a wonderful way to round out a fantastic New Adult series.

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[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 I’ve got a Crush on you Stars

This is an AUDIO Re-read < --- because its my favorite form of re-reading. The Girl I was Before just became Live on audio. I have been waiting MONTHS for this. I actually wanted to do the audio when I finished reading it. I love this book like mad.

FUN FACT < ---- The female and male audio narrators are a REAL LIFE couple. I know, I have mega heart eyes. It just makes listening to them even better right?!!!!

The Girl I was Before is a standalone and is part of the Falling series. If you are a fan of the series, I highly recommend you read this. If you have not started this series, I highly recommend you read it.

Paige is Cass’ twin sister. Rowe is in the first book and Cass is in the second book. Paige is like Barbie. She’s blonde, pretty and is social. Usually these Heroines make me cringe, but I’ve invested into Paige since the first book and I was super curious to how Paige would redeem herself.

The female narrator fits Paige perfectly. Paige is a tough character, so the voice is really strong, not too girly, but feminine. She sounds older and wiser (how I picture Paige).

The first two books in the series follow the same time-line, HOWEVER The Girl I was Before is after the first two books. I really liked this and I’m glad Ginger went in this direction. Paige is known as the stuck up, self-centered, selfish, spoiled girl. She’s upset with a lot in life, mostly because she has to deal with her sister’s illness.

She’s trying to change for the better, but it’s a slow process.
When the story starts, we see Paige the way she was in book one. She’s mean, spiteful and very calculating. She will hurt people to get her way and get ahead. Crazy as it sounds, I loved it. Paige is so complex, I just couldn’t get enough of her. Why is she the way she is? Why is she so mean? Does she have any feelings? To answer your question, yes, she does.

Paige has a lot of feelings. I loved reading her POV and I loved getting into her head. I completely clicked and related with her character. Way to go Ginger!

“I’ll indulge in the fact that I have a crush- a crush on a guy whom I under no circumstances really want to be with – but a crush all the same. “

At first Houston seems like your typical college Hero. He works hard and he lives at home to help support his mother. He’s was slightly flirty when I read the little teaser from the second book. So, I just had to sink my teeth into Houston when I started the book finally. I loved him from day one. He’s a good guy and he has a heart of gold. A complete opposite of Paige. Kind of ironic no?

I LOOOOVVVEEEEE the male narrator. I LOVVEEE Him. Did I say that already? I kind of stalked his other books, that’s how much I love him. I usually don’t google narrators because I have a picture of them in my head and I don’t want to ruin the fun, but I am so tempted. He reads at the right pace, his voice is not too deep, but fits Houston. It’s strong, masculine and PERFECT. I kind of imagine Houston as a nerdy guy with glasses.

Houston needs help with Spanish and Paige happens to be at the library while Houston is studying. She reluctantly helps him. The banter between Houston and Paige is off the charts cute, adorable and funny. I loved how rude Paige was and I love how awkward Houston was.

But not everything is what it seems right? Paige isn’t a nice person and Houston comes with baggage. Houston doesn’t have time for a personal life, he’s too busy working and he’s focusing on school. Paige doesn’t want anything to do with Houston because well, for one, she has a boyfriend and another she has girl drama she has to deal with.

Somehow, they forge this crazy bond and it just worked for me. I enjoyed this book so much because the characters are so complex and Ginger really pulled everything together nicely. I got the issues and I understood both sides (Houston and Paige’s). I felt for them and I was rooting for them both.

”When you want something for someone else more than you want them to be here for you-when you just wish they had more time, rather than more time with you. I’m pretty sure that’s love”

More stuff happens in the book and it was a delicious delight as I uncovered more and more. I wouldn’t say this book is too angsty, which surprised me because that is what Ginger is known for, but it had that enough mild tension to keep you panting for more and happy.

It’s a coming-of-age college romance book that will pull at your heart and make you sigh in a very good way.

I can’t stress enough how much I love Audio reads. It’s great for the first time, second time or even the fifth time. You can listen to this book in one sitting or in breaks. I usually turn on a book as I work in the office. It keeps me happy.

Audio Questions:

Would you consider the audio edition of The Girl I Was Before to be better than the print version?

I don’t like to compare the reading and listening of a book because to me it’s two completely different things. I listen to books for a different experience. Usually I feel more emotions when I listen and it’s a wonderful journey. I think this book is perfect reading print or listening. I recommend both because you get two wonderful but different experiences.

What other book might you compare The Girl I Was Before to and why?

This is a tough one because you can’t really compare The Girl I was Before to other books. This book is so unique and wonderful on its own. The best I can do is compare The Girl I was Before to the following books. I don’t want to give anything away, but there’s a common element.

Full Measures by Rebecca Yarros
Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor
Consolation Corinne Michaels

Have you listened to any of Claire White and James Fouhey ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I LOOOOVVVEEEEE the male narrator. I LOVVEEE Him. Did I say that already? I kind of stalked his other books, that’s how much I love him. I usually don’t google narrators because I have a picture of them in my head and I don’t want to ruin the fun, but I am so tempted. He reads at the right pace, his voice is not too deep, but fits Houston. It’s strong, masculine and PERFECT. I kind of imagine Houston as a nerdy guy with glasses.

The female narrator fits Paige perfectly. Paige is a tough character, so the voice is really strong, not too girly, but feminine. She sounds older and wiser (how I picture Paige).

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole book is moving, but the one that stood out the most is listening to Houston’s past. I really liked getting a deeper glimpse to who he is and what kind of man he was. It made me fall in love with him just a tiny bit more.

An ARC was provided

REVIEW | AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS! ★★★☆



"Houston may be good with bad dreams, but I come bearing nightmares. I also come with regret."

Having love the first book This is Falling in this series and meeting its endearing characters, I was really excited to be back on this bandwagon. When the author said she was writing a book about Paige, I was a little apprehensive on how it'll be written because for those who've read the series, you'll remember that Paige is well...let's say she's not the poster girl for your typical sweet heroine.



Paige Owens is the twin sister of Cass (her story was the 2nd in the series) and is the total opposite of her carefree twin; she's the confident one, the girl that owns the playground and all in all, she's pretty much Queen B right down to the blonde hair and in heels to strut. The story starts off with her in the Delta House where she stays with her sorority sisters that is led by an even more almighty Queen B called Chandra. All hell breaks loose when Paige had photographic evidence of Chandra messing with drugs and did the unthinkable by anonymously sending them out to her college media press as a plot to avenge for Chandra's demeaning actions towards Cass in the past.

Houston Orrs is no star athlete or a smart geek, he's just a boy who works off a grocery store and makes pretty damn awesome sandwiches. But his life is far from simple when he shoulders a heavy responsibility being a widowed father to a beautiful 4-year old girl called Leah.

When both Houston and Paige first met, it was no hearts and butterflies as Paige lashed out with her icy exterior to Houston even after he defended her multiple times. Things starts to complicate even more when Houston offers his spare room to Paige when the whole Chandra situation was blowing up badly on her.



Honestly this read left me feeling very conflicted. It was like part of me enjoyed this read but another part had me wanting to tear my hair out at these characters.

I'm not gonna lie, it was really tough warming up to Paige. She was nothing short of an ice queen with her rather cold-hearted attitude especially towards such a sweet gentleman like Houston. On a personal level, I just wasn't appealed by her character and it frustrated me helluva a lot as she does this push and pull thing with Houston. It doesn't help that she just goes around most of the time with that abrasive behaviour but only allowing us to see some of her tender moments.

And here is where I feel torn with this book because I do get it. I get why the author portrayed Paige the way she is, that harsh exterior she puts up for everyone but beneath that is a girl who's just struggling as much to keep it altogether with expectations she's placed on herself since young. She believes she doesn't need anyone's saving, so she just builds up a fort so strong and refuses to let anyone in. I admired that the author made Paige stayed true to her character almost throughout the entire read despite the fact that it makes me want to badly knock some sense into her at times.

But Houston...GAH loved him! I swear Ginger Scott writes heroes that I'd like to kidnap and cuddle with them all night long. It was amusing to see how he relentlessly pursued Paige even after she shot him down multiple times. Honestly, I'm still a little baffled by what Houston saw in Paige that drawn his attention in the first place. Their relationship was quite a slow-build one and rather frustrating with Paige making it difficult with her indecisiveness. But I did love how we got to understand more of Paige's choices later on and having Houston be the one who breaks through her defenses.



Overall I still enjoyed this one but probably my least favorite in this series. Also, I really wished it was Paige that had to do much more grovelling albeit that really touching move she pulled off for Houston in the end. But I did love how they finally got their deservedly HEA and it was just one of those moments that were aww-worthy. Also the Preeter brothers still definitely have my heart since the beginning and I hope Ginger will write an extended epilogue or a novella for all these characters after they graduate (yes a girl can dream) ♥



The Girl I Was Before is the third book in the Falling series and can be read as a standalone although it is recommended to be read in order.

ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow, this is book, I am in complete book love. First, I am a huge fan of Ginger Scott and I have loved this series, but this story – it’s just MORE!

Paige Owens is the girl we at first, loved to hate. She was mean, crass, and self-centered. I honestly, couldn’t stand her in This is Falling, but somewhere along the way she wormed her way into my heart. I was actually excited to read her story and from the very beginning I was impressed with her.

Paige is used to being the Queen B, the leader, the girl other girls want to be, but what she has quickly realized is her whole live is fake. Nothing is real, the only real things in her life: her sister and family, she gave up to be popular. First, I loved how Paige made this realization early. Don’t get me wrong she still has so much growing up to do, but Paige is on the right track.

Houston Orr is the hot deli boy. The story is told from dual POV and we quickly see Houston’s not your typical twenty-one year old. He lives at home, works a ton of hours and goes to college. He isn’t wrapped up in partying or living the “college experience” he is just a good guy trying to do the right thing.



Paige and Houston are acquaintances after Paige makes many visits to the deli where Houston works. Houston has noticed Paige, really seen her. He sees beyond her façade to the real girl. Paige isn’t used to anyone really seeing her and can’t deny the feelings that he evokes.

Paige and Houston are two people who are probably never supposed to be together. She is the self-centered party girl and he is the twenty-one year old forced to be an adult, but together they see something in each other.



I truly loved this story. It was everything I needed in a read! It was sweet and funny, but also had moments of angst. There was real character growth throughout the story and it wasn’t immediate. I love how it was a struggle, like real life, but in the end it was worth it. I loved the connection between Paige, Houston and Houston’s family. I never would have imagined this story for Paige, but Ginger really delivered for her. She brought Paige past what we knew and made her into my favorite character in the series.

There is so much more to this story, but I do not want to list any spoilers. Mainly because I loved gradually learning these surprises. They really made this story for me. I was excited and couldn’t wait to turn the page and learn more. I highly recommend this read. If you are a fan of the series I think you will be super happy with Paige’s story. If you are new to the series, I recommend visiting McConnell and meeting the gang.



Thank you so much Ginger for giving us these characters. I hope to see more of them in the future!

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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The Girl I Was Before by Ginger Scott is the third and final installment of the Falling Series. And in this last installment, Ginger Scott reminds us all that she has perfected writing the New Adult genre. Like always, Ms. Scott never fails in expressing pure raw emotions, vulnerabilities, and monumental moments in our lives.



I absolutely loved and adored this series and I couldn't wait for Paige's story. There was always something about Paige that drew me in when we were first introduced to her character. In the previous books, we knew Paige had a lot of growing up to do especially of what she did to her twin sister and so I was looking forward to getting to know the REAL Paige. And in The Girl I Was Before, I absolutely LOVED Paige's character because she truly represents a young woman learning valuable life lessons in her life that will forever help her make better choices and decisions in her future. And in this book, Ms. Scott really hits the nail with this story when she allows her readers to take a really good look on what is truly important in life.



Let's face it, we all come to a point in our lives when we realizes who really are our true friends. When we are young, we become so jaded that popularity is everything and the more friends you have you are considered popular or cool. And what I love about this book is that it is not the amount of friends you have but what truly matters are the friends that support and have your back through the rough and difficult times hence reminding us all that it is not about the quantity but the quality. And for Paige Owens she learned the hard way that she didn't really have true sisterhood in her sorority when it came down to the Queen Bee of her sorority house and her. Now looking from outside, Paige can finally see the true colors of the people whom she considered as "friends."

Finding herself on the outside, Paige didn't expect to befriend Houston Orr, a college student who works in a local deli. I honestly believed it was fate for Houston and Paige to meet. Houston stole my heart with his sweet, protective, and caring personality. I was instantly drawn to his character and wanted to know more and swoon how perfect he was. And for Paige, she didn't expect this stranger she met to be the one person to see the real Paige Owens. He didn't see her as only the "hot beautiful girl" but saw a young woman who has a beautiful and big heart.

The chemistry between Houston and Paige were so tangible that it gave me those warm fuzzy feeling. I love a story that showcases a relationship that blossomed from friendship into something more. I really don't want to spoil anything for the readers since Houston was everything I wanted and so much more in a book boyfriend. I loved how easily Houston and Paige complimented each other like they were each other's missing piece. So can Houston help Paige see that she is beautiful and worthy of love?



So if you are looking for a book with all the FEELS and has one of the sweetest story of finding love then I highly recommend you to read The Girl I Was Before. This book had me swooning from the first moment that Houston was introduced and left a big fat smile on my face that Paige Owens finally got her HEA. Ms. Scott did an amazing job writing this book highlighting that second chances do exists and that it is never too late to change. And Paige took us on an emotional yet endearing journey of self discovery. In life, making big life choices can be scary but what's even scarier is regret. And for Paige Owens, she is the damaged heroine who captured our hearts with her strength and big heart. So thank you Ginger for writing Paige's story because she was my favorite heroine of the series.

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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages::http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly... Ginger Scott

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Love Ginger Scotts books. This book however I loved parts and didn't other parts. I knew going in Paige was going to be a tough one to love and now that it's over I'm sad to say I still don't love her. I didn't feel the connection between Houston and Paige at all. I did love Houston though! He was perfect.
I'm not going to review because I'm scared it will come out like I hated it when I didn't. I was just hoping to love it as much as I did the first book in this series.
I'm glad Houston and Paige got their HEA:))

[Jenny••Steamy Reads Blog•• · Rating 5 out of 5]

"His name—Houston. God, I love his name. I might even love all of Texas now for giving it to him." I wanted Paige to find her HEA, I just never imagined it this way. Not that it's wrong, or right, but God it's beautiful. I was excited to read about Paige and her bad college sorority princess ways. What I got was a totally different kind of princess, a reforming one. One that was kind, yet revengeful. A girl that was about protecting the ones she loved, all the ones she loved, including a new little princess.

Houston Orr, bless this man. A single dad, attending college, working his ass off, and chasing a girl. This story has so much in it, college cruelty, sorority bitches, hot ass grocery clerks, and a girl seeking redemption in those she's hurt. A book about growing, forgiving, and moving on and letting yourself finally love, yourself and someone special. I love this series!!!!!!

[Patrycja · Rating 3 out of 5]

[TeriLyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

**The Girl I Was Before generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**

The Girl I Was Before now LIVE!!!
Buy it here!


5 "Be that girl." Stars

Ginger Scott captivates readers once again with another New Adult story perfectly expressing the triumphs and tribulations of falling in love at this vulnerable time in our lives. The Girl I Was Beofre hails as the third book in the Falling series. My recommendation would be to read the first two books first, if you don’t you’ll be spoiled to secondary characters and you’ll miss the magic of Ginger’s storytelling in this series as Paige and Houston's story completes, for now, an awesome college NA romance series.

To say I had no idea what expect from this book would be a total understatement. Our heroine, Paige Owens, let’s just say she had to totally redeem herself with me. In the first two books, Paige can easily be seen as the mean girl, the anti-heroine. Her actions are selfish, immature, and completely hurtful to those closest to her. She’s a girl who wants what she wants going after those things any way she deems fit. Starting, even thru the first half of this book, Paige tries to reconcile past mistakes in her own mind but still being a bit selfish, in my opinion. However, what I love about Paige is her brutal honesty in all situations. She messed up, she owned it. She admits it and even though she keeps to herself about it she’s working toward something better. Her sass, her attitude, her swagger – they are all who Paige is, and if you like her you like all of her including the attitude. Because underneath it all, Paige Owens gives live to girls who are headstrong, sometimes a bit selfish, but also who have the biggest hearts.

Paige meets Houston Orr. Houston Orr. I could fill six pages with the magnitude of love I feel for this man. He was COMPLETELY unexpected, new to the series and so perfect for Paige. He’s kind and gentle and wise beyond his years. His faith in his girl never waivers he loves her attitude because he sees someone so strong behind it. This is a GOOD boy. He’s not bad boy really Ginger Scott reversed a common mold here by giving us a bad heroine and a good hero. Houston Orr will make you swoon with the way he treats Paige, his family, himself.

The usual suspects are back in this giving a little something from all the characters we fell in love with in the first two books. We see glimpses of each of them during the course of Paige and Houston’s story. An interesting plot develops in this book, there’s twists I never expected from the very beginning. Ms. Scott gives subtle hints but never revealing until a perfectly opportune moment creating havoc in Paige and Houston’s relationship. The hurdles they face and the sweet times they encounter with each other make a perfectly balanced New Adult read.

I’m so happy and feel privileged to have been allowed the opportunity to fall in love with the Falling series. The Girl I Was Before provides a great read and a love story perfect for NA lovers.

[Misha Ahuja · Rating 5 out of 5]

i did not think i’d fall in love. in all honesty i hated paige so much but this book just made me fall in love with her. there weren’t any excuses or apologies for her previous actions there was just growth and that. that was the most important thing ever. i can’t with how much i fell in love with houston and paige

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl I Was Before made me so emotional! There's just something about getting behind the scenes of the 'mean girl' and understanding why she had to put on such a brave face and act slightly bitchy to hide her soft heart.

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Miss Scott works such as Hard Count and Waiting on Sideline. She has this wonderful talent to bring a new adult topic into life. Her characters are also relate able.

But for some reason the Falling series does not give me that satisfied feeling. Dont get me wrong, the characters are still wonderful. And Miss Scott talent in developing the characters into her story is still wonderful. But something is just off.

In The Girl I Was Before, I give 3 stars to Miss Scott to highlight the issue of sexual issue, frat party and respect in college world.
Aside from that, nothing much is click with me with this book.

[Anne OK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I hate to see this amazing New Adult series come to an end. Each book has been such a treat to read and all the characters totally stole my heart in their own special way. From that very first encounter with Paige, I knew this girl had more to her than met the eye. She's a lot more than a pretty face and much deeper than her materialistic ways seem to represent. And Houston Orr? OMG -- he's the perfect book boyfriend! And he's so much more than the "sandwich guy" behind the deli counter. You won't believe how much more! The slow build to the relationship between Paige and Houston was so well-developed. The final installment of the "Falling" series took on a more serious face and delivered some serious and heart-wrenching moments. As a reader, it's hard to put aside the fact that these are young college kids, who may only have found a happy for now situation. I'm very hopeful that Ginger Scott will revisit this series down the road five or six years from now to check in and make sure everyone is still living a happily-ever-after.

One of the best New Adult series I've had the pleasure of reading. I look forward to future releases from this author.

[Jenny Jo Weir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before and After.

It took me years to read this one because my dislike for Paige was very intense in the first two books. I didn't want to hear her story or listen to her happy ending, but you know what? Ginger has done it again. There is something about the flow of her stories and the way she writes that sucks me in every time I am very pleased with the couple of surprises I missed and I'm also a huge fan of Houston. Way to go Mrs. Scott. As always, thank you for the lovely characters and story.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****5 stars*****
I loved this book!
It was by far my favorite in the series! Reading the first two books in this series we can't relate to Paige but in this story we finally get she is a complex, multilayered and strong woman, with her heart in the right place. And Houston Orr ..... is perfect. It's impossible to not fall in love with him!
Ginger Scott is becoming a auto-buy author for me and I recommend her books to everyone.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

arc received via wordsmith publicity in return for an honest review.

I love love love this series. It's one of my favorite NA/college romance series. This one was no different and brought the feels. If you've read the other books, you know who Paige is. She was definitely not a favorite of mine. She was always bringing others down and too caught up in herself. She had her moments but they were few and far between.

In this book, Paige has a lot of growing up to do. Something happens where she has to make a decision whether or not she should share a picture she took of someone doing something not so great for their image. What follows is really the journey of Paige and her having to deal with all the rotten decisions she's made in the past.

Enter Houston. You may remember him as the "sandwich guy" who made no apologies for the fact that he couldn't stand Paige's boyfriend or the way that he treat her. Now, I fell in love with Houston from the first page in this book. He's such a good guy and boy does he have one huge secret I didn't see coming. I LOVED it though and those scenes melted my heart completely.

Paige and Houston have some really cute banter. Paige is such a bitch and I actually do like to read about the bitches every now and then if it's done right. She just says what comes to her mind without thinking. It amused Houston to no end and made for some great dialogue. I'm not gonna lie though, she really tried my patience a lot in this book. It was part of her journey in finding who she was, but man I wanted to smack some sense into her sometimes.

I think if you like this series, you'll really enjoy this one. Houston is the star in my mind. His scenes with everyone were pretty much the best. Especially his best friend. Those were hilarious.

*Quotes* (keep in mind this was an ARC, so these quotes are subject to change in the final publication)

"Damn, you mean that asshole can tell you to do something, and you just obey, but me -an actual nice guy- I can't buy you lunch without getting your foot up my ass?"

~She's like the perfect blonde bombshell, but damn can she be mean~

~This strong goddess who doesn't need anyone to save her, but damn does she need someone to believe in her~

[JewelsyGoolsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 b!tchy sweet stars

This is my first Ginger Scott read and I'm happy to say that I will definitely be looking into her previous and future books.

Ms Scott really gives good BBF and had me laughing and "aww"ing at the adorable hero and his sweet, bumbly ways. Houston should be template 101 for how to write a funny, patient, persistent and heartbreaking beta hero and although his situation and background isn't really my usual taste in BBF material, the author still made him pull me into his cutie patootie/heartbreakingly sad vortex.

The heroine Paige was a barely tolerable b!tch at the beginning and although I haven't yet read book 1 & 2, I can see that the author was trying to keep her true to her character without any fluffy rainbow excuses or apologies. This, I totally respect and give major props to but will admit at times, I did wanna throw rocks at Paige for being such a pain. But in saying that, this h's character was so well fleshed out that I really was rooting for her throughout the story.

All in all, big thumbs up on this enjoyable and addictive read.

Dual POV and standalone novel in a series.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I have a bit of a girl crush on Ginger Scott! I love her writing so I wasn't surprised that I really enjoyed this one. I can't even say too much about it because it will be pretty spoiler-y. I will say that Houston was perfect and a total book boyfriend contender! Paige truly redeemed herself in this book, it takes a talented author to be able to turn a world class bitch into a relatable and worthy heroine, actually Paige turned out to be my favourite heroine out of the 3 Falling girls! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I felt some characters lacked depth, mainly Joyce's mum. Really enjoyed this one!

[kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️Grumpy sunshine but *gasp* but the girl is the grumpy and the guy is the sunshine (crazy ik)

[kasey mac ᰔᩚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cute too! Can’t wait to read the last book in the series.

[Markéta · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! ****

Books by Ginger Scott are so hard to review - at least to me. They are good, I like them but there's not much to say about them. It's like a one-night stand - you have it, you enjoy it, you have a great time and then don't really think about it again.

I've never experienced the "mindblown" moment, that would make me want to read it again and again. There was never the "OMG I love him/her/them together" moment. It's okay. It's good. But that's all.

I liked The Girl I Was Before the most out of the series. I can't relly say why, there's no specific reason for that. Well, there is but I'll get to that later.

Paige is a bitch gone good (mostly). She's the pretty twin, but she's also jelaous of Cass - the other twin. She'd do just about anything for her sister, even posting some incriminating pictures of her sorority leader. The leader knows who did it and she makes her movce out. Now Paige needs a new place to live and she doesn't want to go back to her sister's room.

Houston has to work a lot. He's a widower and a single father to a four year old girl. He's reliable, hard-working AND muscular. He sees through Paige's mask of indifference and he knows that deep inside there's something more in her than just make-up, pretty clothes, high heels and parties.

And because she's got nowhere to go he's got a free room, she moves in with him.

I couldn't believe but I ended up really liking Paige. I finally got the see what lied beneath the coldness and I liked what I saw. She went through a huge character developement and that's why THE GIRL I WAS BEFORE was my favourite.

Like I said before it was good but not great. Reading it was fun but I'm not even sad that the series is over.

For more reviews visit: http://do-notdiewondering.blogspot.com

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!!!!

I loved the first 2 books in the series and could wait for this final book. Paige is that character that you love to hate; so I was interested in how the author would make her a likable character. It's easy to like someone if you don't have any preconceived notions going into the book. But in a series like this, I already know Paige - or at least bits and pieces of her.

Ginger Scott did not disappoint.

Paige is confident, and bitchy, and has made some questionable choices.

But she's aware of them. And she's trying to be a better person. However, she isn't going to be one of those damsel's in distress, needing to be rescued by her prince charming.

Houston - OMG. I love Houston. I don't even want to get into the story line because I don't want to spoil the book. But Houston isn't your typical college student. His past is complicated and he comes with a lot of baggage. But he likes Paige.

I love the connection between Paige and Houston.

I love getting to see the characters from the previous books.

Chandra - OMG. This was the character I loved to hate in this book. Grrrrr...

Hats off to Ginger Scott. I ended up loving Paige and was so happy to see her grow as a character throughout the book.

Highly recommend.

[The Reading's Love Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...

4.5 stelle


Ginger Scott ha creato un’altra storia bellissima con due personaggi difficili da dimenticare. Libro dopo libro rimango sempre più impressionata di fronte all'abilità dell’autrice nel creare personaggi complessi. Con il suo stile semplice e scorrevole ci fa entrare nella storia, nelle vite dei due personaggi principali, ma anche nella loro mente per capire a fondo tutta la loro storia. Se i primi due volumi si svolgono contemporaneamente, questo invece si svolge dopo i due libri. Paige, sorella di Cass, protagonista del secondo volume della serie, vuole tutto: vuole essere la regina tra le sorellastre, essere il braccio destro di qualche atleta, essere popolare, ma raggiungere tutti questi obiettivi non è facile come pensava e durante tutto ciò ferisce sua sorella. Paige è la ragazza che ha compiuto delle scelte sbagliate e che ha ferito i sentimenti delle persone che ama. Ma è davvero ciò che vuole? La sorellanza non sembra più meravigliosa e il fidanzato dei sogni non è così attento e premuroso come vorrebbe. È troppo tardi per riparare al male che ha fatto? Paige dovrà prendere una decisione in un momento della sua vita in cui non si sente sicura di quello che vuole fare davvero. Paige durante il libro è il personaggio che cresce di più, il suo cambiamento è evidente e l’autrice è riuscita a descriverlo in modo graduale rivelando il lato più morbido del personaggio e dando tempo ai lettori ma anche alla protagonista di assimilarlo lentamente, senza affrettare il tutto. Non potrei fare a meno di ammirare la sua forza interiore e la sua determinazione, la sua lotta interiore per rimediare agli errori. L’autrice non ha modificato l’involucro esterno di Paige che ci è stato presentato nei libri precedenti ma ha costruito attorno ad esso una persona complessa, stratificata e imperfetta che mantiene la promessa di crescita. Una ragazza che lotta per portare avanti le aspettative che si è imposta, crede di non aver bisogno di nessuno e costruisce una corazza per non far entrare nessuno nel suo cuore. Per me, la coerenza dei personaggi è preziosa e in questo libro l’autrice non solo fa rimanere Paige fedele a sé stessa ma la fa diventare uno dei personaggi migliori della serie. Lo ammetto, ho avuto paura di iniziare questo libro perché nei precedenti volumi ho odiato Cass e ho pensato che sarebbe stato molto difficile per l’autrice riscattarla. Questo libro, invece, è stato una piacevole sorpresa e penso che sicuramente è il migliore della serie. Houston è un ragazzo ordinario, uno completamente diverso da ciò che lei pensava di volere. La vita di Houston è tutt'altro che semplice: è piena di responsabilità, di lavoro sodo. Finalmente incontriamo un ragazzo perfettamente equilibrato, che non è il tipico maschio alfa ma neanche un ragazzo timido. Lui è un ragazzo realistico, con i piedi per terra e mi sono innamorata di lui lentamente, come Paige. Ho amato le sue battute, il suo essere protettivo e dolce, laborioso e generoso. Lui riesce a vedere ogni lato di lei, la avvolge con le sue braccia forti e protettive e non si spaventa di fronte a tutti i segreti che lei nasconde. Houston è il tipo di eroe che combatte per la sua ragazza, ma Paige è una che non ha bisogno di essere salvata...

CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
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[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS FOR "THE GIRL I WAS BEFORE" BY GINGER SCOTT

I came here ten months ago with a very concrete plan - I would be popular, part of the elite, dating the kind of guy that other girls envied me for. I got everything I wanted; yet nothing is quite like I thought it would be.

A very pleasant surprise from Ginger Scott. To those who follow my reviews, you'd have noticed that I didn't have a great experience with my first Ginger Scott novel, Wild Reckless. I wasn't sure if I was going to read anymore from Ginger Scott, but this caught my eye, and I decided to give her another shot. I'm kind of happy I did because I enjoyed this so much more. Houston is sweet, and Paige owns up to her flaws and the things that make her unlikeable to others.

I liked Paige's redemption arc. I can't speak for her development over the course of the series since I've only read this one, but it was very easy to get into the flow of her character and her relationships. The author gives you enough of Paige's personal history to recognize that Paige isn't the nicest girl on campus. She's not above using people and their secrets to further herself in her own goals. She was willing to sell out her own sister to solidify a place within a sorority she wanted to join. She wants to date the most popular guy, and be surrounded with the most popular girls. She has a very superficial view of the world, and to see her trying to change this once she sees how her actions have affected others was refreshing. A lot of times in YA lit you get a protagonist who wouldn't hurt a fly, or who is hurtful but can't admit to their own mistakes. While I don't condone most of what Paige does, it was refreshing to see someone who knows who they are and how people perceive them.

While I'm not sure how moral it was for Paige to practically destroy Chandra's life, I was happy to see her displaying loyalty towards her friends and family again, trying to make up for previous mistakes. And Paige dressing up as Barbie to impress Houston's daughter was adorable. You really got to fall in love with Paige along with Houston in those moments.

And Houston. I love how much he respected the women in his life. He was not here for guys who would try to disrespect them, and his mother is such a big part of his life.

I did think the story began to drag a bit near the end, and Houston and Paige was verging on insta-love. But thankfully it only stayed at attraction, and they had their own issues to work out before they got together and exchanged "I love you"'s. Also, there is a piece of the story I wasn't completely sure of. At the party where Paige breaks up with her boyfriend Paige takes his phone and listens to something? Was this indicating that he was cheating? I'm not sure if that was ever clarified or even brought up ever again. And who took the pictures of Paige and Houston?

The Girl I Was Before was a cute, solid romance with heart and darker undertones to it. It's a good book to pick up if you're in the mood for an NA contemporary.

[Iva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first book. Was a little bit disappointed with the second, but this third one blowed off all my expectations.
I really liked how it was focused of Paige and her path to self-growth and self-understanding. Romance is the obvious main part, but the center of the story is character development. Paige is an 18 year-old freshman with a lot of plans for her college experience and it all started crashing down in the first months. A lot of mistakes, confussion, wrong goals... A lot of hurt that can't be taken back.
Enter Houston. Now people, Houston is... Probably the nicest book-hero I've ever read about. He's such a hard-working, honest, proud, beautiful man. On the outside, some would say he made a huge mistake in his life, but what I most love about him, is that he never thought it was a mistake. Life happened to him and he's dealing with it the best he can. And he showed Paige that mistakes don't define your future, don't make you a bad person if you regret it and make it up, they shouldn't define your personality now. And Houston is not perfect, he can be insecure, a little shy with girls, but that's just because he's such a gentleman. But then he's the most protective tough guy ever. Really, I want s Houston in my life *o*