Because of Him

Publisher's Summary

Past and present intertwine with light and dark to tell a story...because of him

Something inside me fiercely craves normal.

Sheltered all my life and taught to be afraid, I want to be bold, fearless.

Up until now, I've kept myself and my heart safe. Tade Astor, a guy so hot he steals my breath away, jeopardizes it all.

He isn't the kind of guy to give up on what he wants - me.

He's determined to prove my safe world is missing something - him.

Even though he may not be the cocky guy I assumed him to be....

He's definitely not the guy I should give my heart to.

But each time I see him, he becomes harder to resist.

I want to be brave and give him a chance...though it might come back to haunt me.

At the heart of Because of Him is a love story. But due to certain sensitive topics, it might not be suitable for all listeners. If you need a trigger warning, this may not be the book for you.

©2017 Terri E. Laine (P)2017 Terri E. Laine

Rollar Coaster of emotions!

Love this book!! This story is so full of emotions! I was cringing, I was crying, I was laughing, and I was just in love with Tade and Reagan! I was so caught up between the audio and reading when I couldn't listen that I forgot that I had no clue who the past was really referring to! It was seamless!. When the past and present meet, I cried! Tears while listening at work. It was amazing to be that pulled in by a story and the narration that you become part of! I love Terri E. Laine and can't wait to dive into Captivated by Him in December!

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

✫✫ 4 Stars ✫✫

I didn't see this book coming! I went in blind and was pleasantly surprised that this book has a little sexy, a little sweet, a little suspense and a some excitement too! I love a book that has it all. The characters are both a little protective of their secrets & their hearts which made listening to them tear down each others wall even better. I also really liked the past and present scenes because you really get invested in the characters by knowing so much about them and the way it's written you spend most of the book wondering who's past your getting a glimpse at. Very good book and a first for me by this author but I will be adding her to my list for sure!

The narration was perfect! I love Erin Mallon so anything with her narrating gets extra point from me. She always hits all of the emotions and makes me feel like i'm there while the story is happening and Jason Clarke really did a great job being Tade to life!

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

Couldn't stop listening!

Butterflies in my stomach-- a phrase used often in this book is exactly what reading this story left me with. Terri E. Laine has woven an incredibly poignant story of tragedy and love. Tade and Reagan's story grasped me from the first chapter and didn't let go until the very last word. Melding suspense, horror and mystery with chapters from the past and a growing relationship in the present, Laine seamless weaves this book with darkness and light. One of the intriguing factors for me is the supporting cast of characters, Gavin, Megan, Reagan's parents, Tade's parents and Kyle. They help acquaint you with the issues Tade and Reagan are facing. Though I had my guesses how the story would turn out, the many twists and turns kept me guessing until the end. With it's full set of emotions, the book will stay with you long after you finish.

The narration team of Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke is phenomenal with this story. Their ability to emote and make you feel what the characters do is a craft that is not easy to match. Loved it.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Amazing... AH-MAZE-ING book!!!

Looking at that cover, I didn’t expect the book to be slightly dark. I was surprised… I thought I was getting into a bit of a coming of age book. Because of Him is not that simple! It is an extremely unique story with suspense, fear, darkness, overbearing and protective mothers, learning to love, learning to trust, and opening up. I can’t believe how twisted this story was! There have been some top notch work out there recently and Because of Him is included in that. It’s unputdownable, amazing work! Seriously, you will struggle with having to adult! I flew through Terri E. Laine’s words!

I love the way Laine alternates between the past and present. It’s such a smooth transition, you barely notice it. It’s needed though, to see how the past and present intertwine. It's needed to see why things are as they are. I loved Reagan! She seemed to hold so much mystery. Watching her grow and become her own person was beautiful! She learns to trust again. This isn’t like so many other romance books out there! This is an awe-inspiring read! I felt anger and desperation. Laine touches on some important topics that have been huge issues in real life but people are paying more attention too.

If you have some triggers or problems with the topic of human trafficking and/or rape... you might want to prepare yourself for this topic. It is touched upon but so elegantly. This is such a fantastic book that it’s worth the risk!

Also, I listened to the audio book and I LOVD the narrators. They seemed to have a real chemistry. Erin Mallon was perfect for Reagan. I could feel her fear, her trepidation. But you can also feel her love and how badly she wants... things! Jason Clarke was fabulous!!!! I thought Tade was one of the sweetest and most romantic heros that I've read lately. Clarke totally did him justice. I could FEEL how upset he was towards the end of the book.

Oh and I'll just add... BEST EPILOGUE EVER!!!!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A must read

Such a well written book. A tear jerker from beginning to end and on the edge of my seat at all times. Loved the storyline and the narration was amazing. Can't wait to read more from this amazing author!!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Beautifully Crafted, Raw, and Seductive!

Wow.....
This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very start. I was consumed by this story and these characters long after I was finished! Ms. Laine expertly weaved a unique tale that was suspenseful, mysterious and at some points horrifying, yet also sweet, hopeful and heartwarming. Each facet of this story was cleverly unfolded in past and present sequence to keep you guessing on what was either in store or what had happened in the past. Tade and Reagan are a perfect match, giving each other what they need to be whole. They struggle to find their place in a world that took away many of their choices. Their secrets are their own, or so they thought, and could destroy them both.
Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke added so much to this story. Erin Mallon's interpretation of Reagan was so perfect. Reagan's growth from age twelve to present felt intuitive, and heart-rending. It was the perfect blend of naiveté, wariness, and fervor. Jason Clarke is a 'new to me' narrator and I really loved his work here. He was so animated, making my heart race at several exciting scenes. I love getting lost in that kind of storytelling.
This story took me on a roller coaster of emotions that were raw, yet hopeful, horrifying yet sweet. It also had intriguing secondary characters and several surprising plot twists, that make this an unforgettable journey. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of beautifully crafted, raw and seductive romance, it is an experience you don't want to miss!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great story...

Original, heartfelt, traumatic and so emotional. This story put me through the ringer. Great job also to the narrators, they made this story come alive!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Stirring Listen!

This was a great book. I couldn't quit listening. I think that Terri E Laine is an awesome author. Both books so far have kept me guessing..never figuring out what was going to happen next. The narrators were perfect for this book and definitely added to the story. I will definitely listen to this one again.. TOTALLY worth the credit.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Because of Him...

I really enjoyed this book.You will not be disappointed. It does have some darkness to it, so if things like that bother you this book won't be for you. If you do then but it, use a credit, do what you have to do to get this book.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Because of Him ...Can I give it 10 stars??

Because of Him by Terri E. Laine is a beautifully written stand alone love story. Tade and Reagan will take you from the depths of despair to the joy of HEA. I thought I had this one figured out from the beginning... I was blown away as the story unfolded. Because of Him is a story you won't want to miss. This one is going on my "Listen to over and over list".

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Dark, suspenseful and compelling.

Terri E. Laine is a new-to-me author, and since I don't like to have pre-conceived ideas about how a story is going to go, I went into this audiobook blind, and I am so glad I did! There's nothing better than a proper twisty mystery in my opinion.

The prologue is headed "The Past" and it sets a pretty dark scene, so I was hooked right from the start. Both main characters are college students, but neither are typical. The dual POV 's and dual timelines keep the tension tightly-strung, and kept me guessing almost to the end: I kept thinking I knew where the story was going, but was proven wrong at every turn.

This is a standalone romantic suspense, but the peripheral characters are engaging enough that I'm looking forward to reading their story too.

Joe Arden does a fantastic job narrating Tade, and while Erin Mallon is always a firm favourite for female leads, her male voice is almost more believeable!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My kind of story - dark romance at its best

I love dark, I love really dark, and although this book I’m sure has triggers for some, it was just the right side of dark for me (I’ve read way more worrisome stories). The story goes back and forth in time, the past, definitely the dark side of the book is a story filled with criminals and abuse. The current day story tells of a sheltered college student not wanting or looking for love, but wanting to forge a future for herself, free from the hold of over protective parents. What Reagan was not expecting, was the attention of the college heart throb, Tade Astor, and it appears the more she tries to ward off his advances, the more persistent he becomes. So many surprises in this story. I was desperate for the connection between past and present, I had so many different theories, none of which were on the mark. I loved the characters (obviously not the really bad guys), but Tade and Reagan and their friends and family were just the right amount of intriguing, Terri E Laine wrote them perfectly, their feelings and their thoughts shone through in the writing, and it’s got to be said, in the narration. A perfect story for audio (especially with Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon narrating). I had all the feels - panic, elation, and of course a few tears. I loved it.

loved this romance, suspense on the darker side

I loved this book, it got better and better the I read, well actually I listened to the audio version and I have to say the narrators were both excellent, the female Erin Mallon was I think the best I've heard.

Raegan is learning to live, she's been sheltered, seemingly over protected by a slightly neurotic mother. She's been home schooled but is determined to learn to have a life at college and overcome the fears she's been taught, with great support from her best friend Megan. Boys are out of the question, until Tade Aster barrels into her life. He's a player, but is Raegan the one to tame him?

I really did thoroughly enjoy this book, there is a good mixture of sweetness, suspense, angst and passion. Both characters have secrets galore, their attraction and chemistry is sizzling, but Raegan makes Tade work hard to gain her trust which I really liked. There is an underlying very dark theme to this book, which played out mostly from the chapters set in the past. The author did in my opinion, a wonderful job of distracting me from the truth and the twists and revelations towards the end. The epilogue was beautiful and I really hope there will be more from the characters in this world. Recommend 5 stars

Loved this story

I really enjoyed this story because I loved how it kept you hooked and gave you small glimpses at what the ending was going to be but I never saw it coming. While the story kept me hooked for the suspense of the connection to the characters past we get to see the love interest grow between the 2. I loved everything about this audiobook both the story and the narrators. I look forward to reading and listening more!!!

Because of him she found love

This is the first book I have read with this type of storyline. Although the content at times was a shade dark I could not put it down until it was finished.
It is a love story that will leave you wanting more of the goodness that was shared and an unconditional love.
The book is well written. This is the first time I have read any of Terri e Laine’s books but it won’t be the last.

My first, won't be the last

Listened on Audible.

Really Really enjoyed this!

My first from this author and I will read more.

A great deep hard to read at times story and yeah.... not a clue how it was all going to turn out in the end. A terrific read!.

when dark is so good.

This book. I had to let og sink in a few days before I could even put my thoughts into words.
last time I listened to a Terri book I started to cry in a supermarked. So I was having pretty high expectations.
And when Terri gives me a warning and says it is a book that pushes at some Peoples limets. I knew it would be good. And damn it didnt disapoint me at any point. It is like it is two books in one. the one book is this sweet lovely college romance about sweet love between two young people that have a few obsticels. some family issues and some really shady hidden pasts. The other book in this book is so dark. So dirty. So sad and terrible it makes you cry because even as this is just a book. You know that for some sad sad lifestorys. This is everyday life. This book makes it crawl up your back. makes you want to hug your kids one more time. And pray for the world to become a Better place for everybody.
But god damn Terri you are brilliant at what you do. The way you write, the flow in your words. You make magic. I bow at your feet and your talent. This is real art.

Perfect

What made the experience of listening to Because of Him the most enjoyable?

a discussion group

What did you like best about this story?

It was such a great story made me fall in love with the characters. I was a hard topic but dealt with s well.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

not a scene but just the way they interacted with each other pulled at the heart strings

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes but as a mother of 2 young girls it did take a day or 2 but every free minute i was listening.

Any additional comments?

such a fantastic book well worth a listen or 2 or 3.x

Beautiful and intense, light and dark

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

What was one of the most memorable moments of Because of Him?

One of the most memorable moments of Because of Him was the end - and the beginning. And everything in between.
It was beautiful and it was hard, people had to struggle and they had to be strong. They had to free themselves in every way that counts. Free themselves from the expectations of others, free themselves from their fears and...well, last but not least, they had to free themselves. Literally. And those moments were among the most memorable ones as well.

Have you listened to any of Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I haven't listened to other performances by Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke yet but their narration was great. It was intense and made you feel, hope and dread with the hero and the heroine even more. I'll definitely check out other narrations performed by them.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was hard to stop listening and I found myself sitting in some parking lot in front of a supermarket or in front of my house for ages just because I couldn't stop listening. Oh, and it was more than once that I had to go into said supermarket with red, puffy eyes because I had been crying so hard.

Any additional comments?

I loved to see Tade and Reagan fall in love, it was amazing to see Reagan spread her wings and start to trust Tade and it was great to see Tade grow and become more mature and a man that Reagan can rely on.
Apart from the wonderful story, there are parts of it that are really really hard as they deal with very sensitive topics that might not be suitable for everybody.