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A review by now_booking
Because of You by Rochelle Alers
3.0
2.5 Stars. I’m a fan of this author’s work and am currently on a mission to make it through her entire backlist. This first book in The Wainwright Legacy series starts with the oldest Wainwright brother, high flying Harlem lawyer who meets fellow successful lawyer, Aziza, when he agrees to do a favour for his professional athlete cousin, whom she represents. Sparks instantly fly and it gets awkward when he’s supposed to be representing her but they can’t stop wanting to be together. But Aziza has been burned before by an ex and by a boss who was supposed to be her mentor, and isn’t going to trust what seems like love just like that.
I think this is probably my least favourite book by this author that I’ve read because there was something about the racial dynamic that came across as “off” to me. It’s not the interracial romance aspect, it’s the character of the hero and the way he was written that just didn’t FEEL authentic. I also feel like the hero had gaslighting ways about him and the heroine, though purportedly a strong, independent woman, would only half-call him on his BS. She was always so quick to capitulate in the hero’s cycle of gaslighting followed by a quick subject change. The hero’s desire to be considered “down” and “with the “urban” community” was a bit try-hard to me especially for someone who claims to be comfortable in his own skin. I just wasn’t a huge fan of this. However, I did read it to the end and like with the rest of Rochelle Alers stories of black excellence, I DID find it soothing and entertaining at the same time. I’m not yet sure if I’m going to continue with this series. I haven’t decided yet. Maybe and maybe not.
I think this is probably my least favourite book by this author that I’ve read because there was something about the racial dynamic that came across as “off” to me. It’s not the interracial romance aspect, it’s the character of the hero and the way he was written that just didn’t FEEL authentic. I also feel like the hero had gaslighting ways about him and the heroine, though purportedly a strong, independent woman, would only half-call him on his BS. She was always so quick to capitulate in the hero’s cycle of gaslighting followed by a quick subject change. The hero’s desire to be considered “down” and “with the “urban” community” was a bit try-hard to me especially for someone who claims to be comfortable in his own skin. I just wasn’t a huge fan of this. However, I did read it to the end and like with the rest of Rochelle Alers stories of black excellence, I DID find it soothing and entertaining at the same time. I’m not yet sure if I’m going to continue with this series. I haven’t decided yet. Maybe and maybe not.