This was a borrowed audio book from the library that I selected and read as an easy read between heavier reads for book club. When I rate books I begin with a three-star assumption (a respectable, albeit an average rating), then add or subtract stars based on my final thoughts of the book. That means this book was worth slightly less than a three-star and here is why.

Because of You was what I thought it would be -- easy-to-read, chick lit type romance; a beach read. My disappointment is that this is a completely forgettable book . I gave this author a chance, but am unlikely to return to her.

The H and h are very likable. They are both accomplished adults (a very nice change to what I've stumbled across lately). He's white and she is black and that is not an issue except with one relative, and she overcomes this easily. There's a little bit of baggage brought to the relationship (because who doesn't have baggage in their life?), but the story isn't bogged down by either of their baggage. (This was also a nice mature change to read about, characters & a story line that accepts baggage and moves on rather than be weighted down by it.) The "bad guy" didn't add to the story, though I think he was meant to -- I kept waiting for him to cause a big confrontational climax to the story, but he was like a 4th of July firework that was set off, but ultimately fizzled away without a bang.

As there are three Wainwright brothers, I suspect there will be two more books in the series. If you can borrow rather than buy this book and if you don't want to be moved by a chick lit story (because sometimes we have free time to spend on a book that we will forget about the next day), read this book, but don't expect much from it.

Personally, even when I am interested in a simple plot, straightforward, light-read book, I still want to be moved to laughter or tears or heart ache or frustration to a turn-of-events that eventually untangles itself or surprise. If I am not moved one way or another, I feel like I've wasted my precious reading hours. Especially when there are far too many TBR books piled up around the house. ( )

BECAUSE OF YOU (Arabesque) by Rochelle Alers is a contemporary romance set in present day Manhattan.It is the start of a new series "The Wainwright Legacy".It is well written with depth and details. The author has done a great job with integrating the charcters from two of her previous series,"The Best Man" and "The Bridal series".This is a wonderful,interesting story of a sweet,tender romance which includes trust,long
ago secrets, and second chances. The charactrs are strong,determined,enchanting and engaging. It is a fast paced story,but I do wish it had an epilogue to let the readers now what happened with the court case.I would recommend this book especially if you enjoy a sweet,tender love story. This is a sweet,quick and easy read.This book was received for the purpose of review from Net Galley and details can be found at
Kimani Press,a division of Harlequin and My Book Addiction and More ( )