Review: Review: It's Always Been You by Jessica Scott
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 25, 2014
Once again, Jessica Scott brings us a heartfelt and bittersweet romance that digs deep beneath the surface and addresses the issues that affect battle fatigued soldiers who serve their country. Scott not only writes of the emotional, physical and mental pain but also the politics that often hinder more than help. This topic is the main theme that runs throughout the entire series. We have seen men and women come home from war with a myriad of problems that are not being properly addressed. Drug and alcohol abuse, physical abuse, and PSTD are only the tip of the iceberg. The problems multiple and we learn that the military often adapts the mentality to push them out if they can’t “shape up and fly right.” Though each story revolves around one couple and their journey to romance, the arc advances slowly with each installment.The romance is written with a heavy emotional hand though Scott does a fabulous job of integrating the conflict and ongoing arc into it. Steady pacing,well plotted storylines, a heart melting romance, and Scott’s exceptional military insight gives readers a book they won’t want to put down till the end.The main conflict blends well with the romance. Sexy edgy love scenes convince you that no matter their external issues, no one deserves an HEA more than Olivia and Ben. Their romance builds slowly with a careful balance of physical and emotional tells. I loved how gentle both protagonists are with each other. Forged in violence and in neglect, they each have such a deep wells of compassion.Familiar secondary characters join our lovers; each with their own story of tragedy and hope. Scott shows us that people are more than just a name and rank on a sheet of paper. Some can be saved and some cannot; the hard part is knowing who.  Plenty of humor permeates the story as Ben and Olivia have a wonderful banter between them that brings a smile to your face even when they are at their lowest points.Some of Scott’s choice on the endings for the multiple plotlines was unexpected and that made them all that more heartbreaking. I did like that she includes a short epilogue that shows us this couple has a more than a good shot at making it.Scott’s skill and knowledge continues to enchant me. It’s Always Been You is a wonderful installment that speaks to the heart. Ben and Olivia’s story is an emotional read but the journey is well worth it. I look forward to reading more of the Coming Homes series, titles and release dates to be announced.