What do you think?
Rate this book
Just Because #1
Because of You
Sometimes what you-re looking for is closer than you think.
Jessie's life is a mess. In the eight hellish months since her husband died in a freak accident, she's been mugged, her house has been trashed, and now she's receiving frightening pranks calls. She resists a friend's offer of a weekend getaway-her grief is still too fresh to consider meeting anyone new.
Then again, since it's a party for gay men, there won't be any pressure, right?
ER doctor Caleb James feels perfectly at ease among his gay brother's friends, but one look at Jessie sparks a sexual tension that's impossible to ignore. A few drinks and a few hours of conversation later, things move a lot faster than either of them expect. Jessie is left confused and Caleb aches with regret-and love for a woman who is still guarding her heart.
Pressure is the last thing she needs. But as it becomes apparent that her string of misfortunes trace back to her husband's death, help is what she's going to get. Caleb's help-ready or not.
Warning: This title contains a two adults playing doctor. But that's okay, one of them is licensed to practice. A prescription for extra-strength Kleenex may be required.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2009
127 people are currently reading
1096 people want to read
About the author
Mari Carr
229 books3,999 followersWriting a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari’s computer is now jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends.
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 10, 2011
A boring read and a waste of my Kindle battery.
June 28, 2015
3.5 stars
April 26, 2011
This was definitely a shorter story that was begging to be a full length novel. The plot and characters were great, although the bad guy in the piece was not a shock at all. I think if the book had been fleshed out into a full length book, the story surrounding the bad guy could have been built up more and it would have been more of a surprise.
So, the story focuses on Jessie, a young widow, who is not convinced that her husband's "accidental" death was an accident. She begins asking questions and doing her own investigating and soon she begins receiving phone calls and threats....she gets mugged.....and her apartment is broken into. To get away from it all, she goes and stays with her gay BFF in a little town about 3 hours away. While on vacay, she meets Caleb at a party. They both have a little too much to drink and Caleb walks her home.....and they have some tipsy hot sex on the kitchen counter.
Even though Jessie feels it's too soon to hop back into another relationship (it's only been 8 months since her husband died), she can't help the attraction she feels to Caleb.
But the vacay ends and Jessie goes home and resumes her investigation into her husband's death. The threats against her continue and she ends up moving to the town where her BFF (and Caleb lives). After a car accidents thrusts her back into Caleb's life....they both come to realize that they can't fight the feelings they have for each other.
Like I said, I would have loved for this short to be a full length novel. I think the characters deserved that. But as it is, it's a great short story (albeit, predictable)....and I completely fell in love with Jessie and Caleb. And while this book didn't have as much of the crazy hot monkey sex that Mari Carr's books usually have....what it did have was enough.
Loved it. Solid 4 stars.
So, the story focuses on Jessie, a young widow, who is not convinced that her husband's "accidental" death was an accident. She begins asking questions and doing her own investigating and soon she begins receiving phone calls and threats....she gets mugged.....and her apartment is broken into. To get away from it all, she goes and stays with her gay BFF in a little town about 3 hours away. While on vacay, she meets Caleb at a party. They both have a little too much to drink and Caleb walks her home.....and they have some tipsy hot sex on the kitchen counter.
Even though Jessie feels it's too soon to hop back into another relationship (it's only been 8 months since her husband died), she can't help the attraction she feels to Caleb.
But the vacay ends and Jessie goes home and resumes her investigation into her husband's death. The threats against her continue and she ends up moving to the town where her BFF (and Caleb lives). After a car accidents thrusts her back into Caleb's life....they both come to realize that they can't fight the feelings they have for each other.
Like I said, I would have loved for this short to be a full length novel. I think the characters deserved that. But as it is, it's a great short story (albeit, predictable)....and I completely fell in love with Jessie and Caleb. And while this book didn't have as much of the crazy hot monkey sex that Mari Carr's books usually have....what it did have was enough.
Loved it. Solid 4 stars.
December 18, 2011
WOW Mari Carr Did It Again!!! This was a truely wonderful book!!!! I cried alot with this book and laughed in spots with it as well..
Jessie Warners Husbands death was ruled an accident and she wouldnt believe it and took things into her own hands. she was tryin to find out what had truely happened to Tommy. She was getting prank calls at night and got mugged and the police didnt do anything about it. when her best friend todd ask her to come and visit to get away for a few weeks she knew she had to take him up on it. She ends up going to a party which were mostly gay men and some women and starts talking to calab the bartender and he informs her that he is straight and he is interested in her and they hook up that night and concieve a baby together. she goes back home and still working on tryin to find her husbands killer alot happens with more calls ,threatening notes, building burns down. she feels stressed out and feeling sick all the time she goes to her dr.s and finds out she is pregnat with calabs child.they finally get her to move in to a place in todds house. she ends up gettin into a bad wreck and when she is rushed in to the er Calab is the Doctor working and his heart breaks for her and then Jess tells him about the baby which she ends up losing. i cried for them both.. this is one story that touches your heart and is truely well written. Loved it.
Jessie Warners Husbands death was ruled an accident and she wouldnt believe it and took things into her own hands. she was tryin to find out what had truely happened to Tommy. She was getting prank calls at night and got mugged and the police didnt do anything about it. when her best friend todd ask her to come and visit to get away for a few weeks she knew she had to take him up on it. She ends up going to a party which were mostly gay men and some women and starts talking to calab the bartender and he informs her that he is straight and he is interested in her and they hook up that night and concieve a baby together. she goes back home and still working on tryin to find her husbands killer alot happens with more calls ,threatening notes, building burns down. she feels stressed out and feeling sick all the time she goes to her dr.s and finds out she is pregnat with calabs child.they finally get her to move in to a place in todds house. she ends up gettin into a bad wreck and when she is rushed in to the er Calab is the Doctor working and his heart breaks for her and then Jess tells him about the baby which she ends up losing. i cried for them both.. this is one story that touches your heart and is truely well written. Loved it.
November 8, 2013
This was a well-written story about a young widow who stirs up trouble by looking into the death of her husband and has to decide whether to move on with her life when she meets a charming doctor. I very much liked this book, even though it made me cry, which I absolutely hate to do.
The main characters are well-written and fully formed, with realistic emotions and actions. The story had romance, sex, suspense, heartbreak, and of course a happily ever after in a nice, quick 153 pages, which I think is a great short read. The dialogue felt natural and the sex scenes didn’t get cheesy.
I identified the villain in his first scene, so there wasn’t much in the way of a whodunit, and though there were a couple of possible suspects and I could have been wrong, I prefer a bit more of a mystery. Also, the heroine started to cross the border into crazyland and there were times when I was fussing at my Nook because she was going over my admittedly low angst threshold.
The main characters are well-written and fully formed, with realistic emotions and actions. The story had romance, sex, suspense, heartbreak, and of course a happily ever after in a nice, quick 153 pages, which I think is a great short read. The dialogue felt natural and the sex scenes didn’t get cheesy.
I identified the villain in his first scene, so there wasn’t much in the way of a whodunit, and though there were a couple of possible suspects and I could have been wrong, I prefer a bit more of a mystery. Also, the heroine started to cross the border into crazyland and there were times when I was fussing at my Nook because she was going over my admittedly low angst threshold.
May 22, 2012
Yet again Mari has created a world an people I would live to get to know!
Jessie is trying to put her life back together after the death if her husband. This is not the easiest task. It's been 8 months, and her best friend drags her to a party. Not ready to date this party will be perfect because it's all gay men. Weelllll all except the brother of the host.
Caleb has spent his whole life focused on being and becoming a doctor, and his brother thinks he needs to finally start dating. He is playing bartender at his brother's Gay Fest. He didn't expect to meet the woman of his dreams at this particular party, but when he walks Jessie home the sparks fly.
Can she get over her past, and look to a future with Caleb?? Will the man that killed her husband take her out too??
This was a beautiful love story!! I am half in love with Caleb myself!!
Jessie is trying to put her life back together after the death if her husband. This is not the easiest task. It's been 8 months, and her best friend drags her to a party. Not ready to date this party will be perfect because it's all gay men. Weelllll all except the brother of the host.
Caleb has spent his whole life focused on being and becoming a doctor, and his brother thinks he needs to finally start dating. He is playing bartender at his brother's Gay Fest. He didn't expect to meet the woman of his dreams at this particular party, but when he walks Jessie home the sparks fly.
Can she get over her past, and look to a future with Caleb?? Will the man that killed her husband take her out too??
This was a beautiful love story!! I am half in love with Caleb myself!!
January 23, 2012
The synopsis of this book really drew me in. I remember thinking I can't wait to read this book - then I actually read it. It was ridiculously predictable, the only "suspense" in the mix was whether I was going to finish it. I did, but it isn't very memorable.
March 18, 2012
Easy read but not exactly what I was looking for. A lot more mystery than romance. Enjoyed the story angle. There were some very good sections of the book but was just missing that something, something that would give a higher rating.
October 12, 2021
Mari Carr is amazing
I loved Because of You!! Just the right amount of 🔥🔥 scenes, suspense & laughter! No big surprises on who the bad guy was, but the ending was satisfying, a true HEA & as usual, Mari wrote characters I could both relate to & picture in my head. There is a reason she’s one of my favorite authors! I definitely recommend this book & hopefully, if you haven’t read any of her books before, this one will have you checking out more of them. She’s an amazing author!
I loved Because of You!! Just the right amount of 🔥🔥 scenes, suspense & laughter! No big surprises on who the bad guy was, but the ending was satisfying, a true HEA & as usual, Mari wrote characters I could both relate to & picture in my head. There is a reason she’s one of my favorite authors! I definitely recommend this book & hopefully, if you haven’t read any of her books before, this one will have you checking out more of them. She’s an amazing author!
July 9, 2018
Because of You by Mari Carr is a great story, tragically great. I loved everything about this book: the gripping story line, the endearing characters, and all the wonderful possibilities. I admit that I did identify the villain very early on in the story, but it really added to the effect. I was consumed with the "don't get in the car" attitude. A bit rushed at the end, which felt a bit odd, and erotic scenes that weren't necessary to the telling, but over all, a well told story.
April 13, 2022
Loved it!
I loved this story of Caleb and Jessie!! She is a widow who believes that her husband is murdered when the police think it was just an accident. While visiting her best friend months later, she meets Caleb. They have chemistry, but she feels guilt over that. The story is about her journey to get justice for her husband. She slowly starts to heal and find herself again. He has the patience and kindness of a saint. Great book!
I loved this story of Caleb and Jessie!! She is a widow who believes that her husband is murdered when the police think it was just an accident. While visiting her best friend months later, she meets Caleb. They have chemistry, but she feels guilt over that. The story is about her journey to get justice for her husband. She slowly starts to heal and find herself again. He has the patience and kindness of a saint. Great book!
November 18, 2017
Great
She didn't believe her husband's death was a accident. She has two wonderful friends who help her grieve but she is questioning everything. Then she meets Caleb. Will he help her find answers & help mend her heart.
She didn't believe her husband's death was a accident. She has two wonderful friends who help her grieve but she is questioning everything. Then she meets Caleb. Will he help her find answers & help mend her heart.
November 10, 2018
Accident or murder?
Eight months after her husband, Tommy 's, death, Jessie is still convinced it was not an accident. He was murdered!! Follow her as she tries to find out what really happened the night he died and how someone is willing to do anything to stop her.
Eight months after her husband, Tommy 's, death, Jessie is still convinced it was not an accident. He was murdered!! Follow her as she tries to find out what really happened the night he died and how someone is willing to do anything to stop her.
July 25, 2021
Three and a half stars
Jessie Warner is mourning her husband and trying to find his killer. She meets Caleb James at a party when her friends are trying to ease her out of her seclusion.
Emotional with a bit of suspense. One of Mari Carr’s earlier series.
Jessie Warner is mourning her husband and trying to find his killer. She meets Caleb James at a party when her friends are trying to ease her out of her seclusion.
Emotional with a bit of suspense. One of Mari Carr’s earlier series.
May 19, 2022
Really liked Caleb -so polite and a doctor at that . Jess was trying throughout the story to get to the bottom of her husband’s death . Caleb helped her heal but would her obsession with her husband’s death derail their passion ? Intrigue and passion
June 5, 2022
Jessie and Caleb
What an exciting story of two people that fall in love after she loses someone special to her and a so called friend causes her lots of problems. So glad Caleb was there for her!!!
What an exciting story of two people that fall in love after she loses someone special to her and a so called friend causes her lots of problems. So glad Caleb was there for her!!!
January 16, 2018
I enjoy reading this story. I like the suspence, the romance and it's a little fun too. It's also a litte sad at some point but worth reading. I think I'm going to like this series.
August 9, 2023
Read on Radish.
October 4, 2011
More like 2.5
The moment a character named Jordan made appearance who took care of Jessie, I knew he's the one. Poor Miss Jessie, the widow. Yeah, the story was predictable. A person who looked so bad in state, hello Mr. Rex, we were likely to assume he's the bad guy but in fact, he wasn't. He was just too wrecked with everything he turned violent. Anyway, this book was very quick reading. The romance took really fast it felt unreal. The suspense wasn't that thrilled. However, I liked those boys taking care and protective over Jessie. The rest of the book, it was dull.
The moment a character named Jordan made appearance who took care of Jessie, I knew he's the one. Poor Miss Jessie, the widow. Yeah, the story was predictable. A person who looked so bad in state, hello Mr. Rex, we were likely to assume he's the bad guy but in fact, he wasn't. He was just too wrecked with everything he turned violent. Anyway, this book was very quick reading. The romance took really fast it felt unreal. The suspense wasn't that thrilled. However, I liked those boys taking care and protective over Jessie. The rest of the book, it was dull.
August 23, 2014
Jessie Warner has been having a rash of bad luck. She ends up going to a party with her gay friend. No worries about getting picked up since these are all gay men! Right? Well, Caleb James isn't and he is instantly attracted to Jessie. Pretty good but short. I would have liked to see the H/h interact more.
October 22, 2011
While I had a few issues with this book, including the mystery of the villain's identity being weak, overall, I really enjoyed this emotional story. I'd love to see stories about other characters introduced here, but I haven't seen anything about this being a series. I am, however, looking forward to reading more from this author.
April 20, 2015
Agak gregetan sih ma sikap Jessie, lama bener sadarnya. Giliran hampir tewas aja baru nyadar. Dari awal aja gw ud ngira penjahatnya pria tsb, biz dari awal mencurigakan. Niat mo nyari tau pembunuh suaminya, tapi nalarnya ga jalan, cuma berdasarkan perasaan doang. Untung Caleb tipe yang sabar, masih mau nungguin tipe cewe plin-plan macam gini. Jadi cukuplah gw kasih rating #3.
January 10, 2017
Romantic suspense
I'm already a Mari Carr fan, and have read a number of her other books, but this was the first in the romantic suspense genre. I loved the premise, and thought the plot was well developed. The characters were likeable and believable. I would read more of this type of story from this author.
I'm already a Mari Carr fan, and have read a number of her other books, but this was the first in the romantic suspense genre. I loved the premise, and thought the plot was well developed. The characters were likeable and believable. I would read more of this type of story from this author.
January 13, 2011
Another good short story however, it didn't have the "sizzle" factor as much as MC's other books. I did like both characters and there was some suspense involved although I did figure out who done it early in the story. Still a good read.
June 12, 2015
Enjoyable
Read this book in one afternoon. It was a thrilling story and held my attention well. Now I have to continue on with the next book. I would highly recommend this read to all who love a great story. Thanks Ms. Carr for all of your hard work. Thanks Amazon also.
Read this book in one afternoon. It was a thrilling story and held my attention well. Now I have to continue on with the next book. I would highly recommend this read to all who love a great story. Thanks Ms. Carr for all of your hard work. Thanks Amazon also.
July 28, 2010
I really enjoyed this book!
March 9, 2011
One more reason why I heart Mari Carr.
May 25, 2011
touching story with just enough to keep the reader on the edge of there seat.
June 13, 2011
This wasn't a very long story, but it was a great love story. The hero, Caleb, was wonderful.
June 25, 2012
I liked the story. (Even though I very much misremembered the plot. Or I confused it with another book.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews