Because Of You by Jessica Scott
Coming Home, Book 1
Loveswept
Contemporary, Military
ISBN: 978-0-345-53386-9
Reviewed by Miranda

Sergeant First Class Shane Garrison has military in his blood. He puts his life on the line for his country and keeps his men safe on the battlefield. He’s more than ready to go back to war with his men. It’s not until the night before departure that he begins having doubts. A night out with his brothers-in-arms lands him in the arms of the only beautiful woman to ever make him wish he wasn’t headed to war. One kiss from her feeds Shane’s fantasies and has him eager to return home. However, he never intended to come home quite as soon as he does.

Jen St. James is an army nurse with scars that run deep. Her friend is tired of watching her sit at home alone and persuades her to go out for some fun. Jen is nervous because of her scars and it’s been awhile since she waded in the dating pool. Jen never counted on meeting a man that would knock her off her feet and then have to watch him head off to war.

The connection between Shane and Jen grows as does the distance between them. When Shane is severely wounded and sent home to recuperate Jen is put in the perfect position to heal his body as well as his heart. Can he do the same for her or will his fear for those he’s left behind prevent him from living the life he has now?

Because of You is a beautiful and realistic romance novel that stands out among today’s military themed romances. Shane and Jen are two characters that you could meet on the street. Their strengths and weaknesses make them complex and completely entrancing. Because of You takes a hard look at military life and what the soldiers that protect our country and the people they love go through. The many emotions explored in Because of You are amazing and sometimes hard to take but this is part of what makes the novel more powerful. I feel like Because of You is a vital story that needs to be told today. It is important for people to get a glimpse into the lives of those that give so much, even if it is fictional. The story broaches many subjects that the average person never thinks about. To get inside the head of a dedicated soldier is enlightening and inspiring. Because of You doesn’t ooze gushy typical romance but sheds light on the seriousness of military life and slowly builds a beautiful romance that can withstand the stuff thrown at it. I love that Jessica Scott shows us different sides to military men. Shane is our serious compassionate leader and then we have Carponti, a man that can come off abrasive with his bawdy humor but when you get past his humorous shield you find a smart and brave man underneath. I found that Carponti brought levity to this sometimes tense story. Because of You is a winner for its marvelous characters and captivating story. I cannot wait to learn what happens next to the characters I’ve come to love.