Review: Another winner from Jessica Scott!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 6, 2014
I probably say this every time I review one of Jessica Scott's books, but bear with me as I say it again: If you haven't read any of the books in the Coming Home series, you should. These glimpses into the lives and loves of returned soldiers pull no punches - showing both the lows and the highs they experience after they come home. This time around, in It's Always Been You, we get to explore the relationship between Capt. Ben Teague, a reluctant leader of men and Major Olivia Hale, a lawyer determined to do things by the book.---On the surface of things, you wouldn't really put Ben and Olivia together as a couple - Ben lives more on instinct and gut, and Olivia's mindset is to do everything by the book. However, beneath that surface, both share soul deep scars - pasts that have helped shape their present. When you read about what their pasts have given them, it's pretty clear to see why they are as they are.The love story between Ben and Olivia was both sweet and bittersweet. Their attraction was unexpected, but no less intense. But you can easily see that their differences could make it very difficult for them to get to their happy ending.I'm not going to give too much away, because I honestly think you need to read this and the others that come before and after it. It's Always Been You has everything that I love about Jessica Scott's work - strong yet fallible heroes and heroines, dialogue you can imagine actually happening, humour and, as always, wonderfully written secondary characters. I'm very much intrigued by Ben's First Sergeant, Gale Sorren. His cool, calm exterior definitely masks something darker, a deeper hurt. There are hints given in this book as to his story and the struggles he is up against. It will be compelling reading indeed when Jessica gives us his story.P.S. Boy, I hope that Capt. Marshall gets every thing that is coming to him and more - he's a solid-gold bastard.P.P.S. I'm still trying to picture a grown man wearing a NKOTB trucker hat. Had to have a giggle at that visual.I give It's Always Been You 4.5 out of 5.Note: I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book by Forever Yours, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing in return for an honest review.