What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wainwright Legacy #1
Because of You
From the author of the bestselling Hideaway novels comes the first in a dazzling, sexy new series, The Wainwright Legacy, chronicling the lives and loves of two prestigious New York families.
High-profile lawyer Jordan Wainwright is an expert at uncovering the truth for his clients. But he guards his own secrets closely, especially those surrounding his adoption by the powerful Wainwright family. Meeting attorney Aziza Fleming at a party, he's captivated by her ambition and sensual warmth. Although Aziza insists she's not looking for anything serious, their casual dates spill over into sultry, pleasure-filled nights.
Aziza has been burned twice before—first by a bad marriage, then by a harassment case that nearly destroyed her career. Sophisticated and irresistibly sexy, Jordan could be everything she wants, if he proves to be the trustworthy man she needs. However, he'll have to choose—between keeping a decades-old secret, or embracing their newfound passion.
High-profile lawyer Jordan Wainwright is an expert at uncovering the truth for his clients. But he guards his own secrets closely, especially those surrounding his adoption by the powerful Wainwright family. Meeting attorney Aziza Fleming at a party, he's captivated by her ambition and sensual warmth. Although Aziza insists she's not looking for anything serious, their casual dates spill over into sultry, pleasure-filled nights.
Aziza has been burned twice before—first by a bad marriage, then by a harassment case that nearly destroyed her career. Sophisticated and irresistibly sexy, Jordan could be everything she wants, if he proves to be the trustworthy man she needs. However, he'll have to choose—between keeping a decades-old secret, or embracing their newfound passion.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 13, 2010
57 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Alers
221 books1,057 followersRochelle Alers was born in Manhattan, New York, USA, where she raised. She obtained degrees in Sociology and Psychology, before started to work. She is a member of the Iota Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and her interests include gourmet cooking and traveling. She has traveled to countries in North, Central and South America, and Europe. She is also in accomplished in knitting, crocheting and needlepoint.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 5, 2010
I debated how to go about this review for a while. On one hand, I did enjoy this book. It was a typical Rochelle Alers novel. The characters are normally strong and have great characteristics (almost too great). The storyline flows but I noticed lately that the same things that I love about Rochelle Alers are some of the same things that I don’t like anymore. The stories are becoming too similar in style. I felt like I read about Jordan and Aziza before. Jordan was more likeable in my opinion than Aziza. At times, I didn’t get any emotions from her. I felt like there was some wall there and I wondered why Jordan was interested. Then I became annoyed with the way that the characters always seem too “out together” lately. They talk too perfect and look good. They eat great food. It becomes too much. I would love to see Rochelle Alers write about characters with flaws. Her characters are mostly perfect in every sense.
August 15, 2025
Just okay to me.
February 25, 2021
Boring story because of boring narration. If there was better narration, perhaps the story would have been better....I felt the narrator simply reading to me, mispronouncing words and name throughout the story.
July 21, 2020
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.
June 4, 2017
OK.. I'm done. Can't go on any further. the one star is for the narrator. Love his voice but for the book, nope. Not my cuppa.
December 18, 2010
I like Rochelle Alers. I really really do but her books are beginnng to follow the same MO and rhythm. The Cole books had more intrigue which gave it something different. I've noticed with the Whitfields, the Best Men and now the Wainwrights, the story lines are simple and copycat.
I fell in love with Jordan Wainwright in Man of Fate, enjoyed him in Man of Fantasy and Fortune and got to know him personally in his novella Man of Fame. Needless to say when I saw his book on the shelf, it was a no brainer that I would buy it. But I'm not happy. It's the normal Alers novel with stunning characters who live on the edges of the creme de le creme of society. The usual description of haute couture and home furnishings was at it's usual level. The problems though, in trying to set the characters so high, the use of common venacular along with near perfect grammar usage makes the character interaction stilted and unbelievable. I mean if you're going to use words like "repast" the character can't claim to stump a mud hole in someone. It just doesn't fit. The biggest grievance with this book is the ancestery she attaches to Jordan. I hated it when she did it to Rafe in Taken By Storm and I almost put this book down when it was apparent she was doing it to Jordan. Why must he have african american blood in him? It's as if she cannot justify tying a strong black woman to plain old generic white men. It's so rare that an interracial child can pass totally for white. So this directly contradicts her description of Jordan. By description, he's as lily white as those who came over on the mayflower. It detracts from the story and minimalizes the interracial relationship of Jordan and Aziza.
Ironically, I am very curious as to which Wainwright she's going to give us next and he will be the result of an interracial liason too.
I fell in love with Jordan Wainwright in Man of Fate, enjoyed him in Man of Fantasy and Fortune and got to know him personally in his novella Man of Fame. Needless to say when I saw his book on the shelf, it was a no brainer that I would buy it. But I'm not happy. It's the normal Alers novel with stunning characters who live on the edges of the creme de le creme of society. The usual description of haute couture and home furnishings was at it's usual level. The problems though, in trying to set the characters so high, the use of common venacular along with near perfect grammar usage makes the character interaction stilted and unbelievable. I mean if you're going to use words like "repast" the character can't claim to stump a mud hole in someone. It just doesn't fit. The biggest grievance with this book is the ancestery she attaches to Jordan. I hated it when she did it to Rafe in Taken By Storm and I almost put this book down when it was apparent she was doing it to Jordan. Why must he have african american blood in him? It's as if she cannot justify tying a strong black woman to plain old generic white men. It's so rare that an interracial child can pass totally for white. So this directly contradicts her description of Jordan. By description, he's as lily white as those who came over on the mayflower. It detracts from the story and minimalizes the interracial relationship of Jordan and Aziza.
Ironically, I am very curious as to which Wainwright she's going to give us next and he will be the result of an interracial liason too.
December 1, 2010
I notice this book has a four star rating on good-reads and I have no idea why. I stopped reading at the last hundred pages because I was bored. I was bored with the characters, the plot, the slowness of the story, and painful detail the author took to emerse us in an upper-crust culture. I like a romance with more fire and obstacles between the two lovers and their biggest obstacle seemed to be the fact that they were a bi-racial couple, which appears to raise more than a few eye-brows from other characters in the story. Sorry, not exciting enough for me. I also felt everything in the story was just a little too good to be true and more than once I was left thinking,yeah right, get real here. For a romance the story left me luke-warm and I will most likely not read the rest of this series.
December 22, 2010
Uggh! Loosey, goosey plot and poor editing make this a snoozer.
April 18, 2011
I liked the book, but it left me hanging. I understand this is just the first book in a series, but I would have loved to have known what happened with Aziza's lawsuit.
April 12, 2019
I have decided to be more critical in the awarding of stars. In the past, if I finished a book it would automatically get 4 stars but I have decided to discontinue that practice, especially with the titles that I am reading.
I am giving this book 3 stars because I was disappointed in the plot of the story. I felt that there were a lot of loose ends with the potential for more which was not being used to the fullest. I really did not like the fact the prologue was not addressed until the last few pages of the book. As a woman of color, I was irritated by the racial overtones in the dialogue of some of the characters, as if vernacular denotes ethnicity. I could say a lot more but I refuse to rant.
Overall, it was a good book. It kept me reading but I felt that it was missing vital components that would have made a great book.
I am giving this book 3 stars because I was disappointed in the plot of the story. I felt that there were a lot of loose ends with the potential for more which was not being used to the fullest. I really did not like the fact the prologue was not addressed until the last few pages of the book. As a woman of color, I was irritated by the racial overtones in the dialogue of some of the characters, as if vernacular denotes ethnicity. I could say a lot more but I refuse to rant.
Overall, it was a good book. It kept me reading but I felt that it was missing vital components that would have made a great book.
October 7, 2019
Cliffhanger
This is the first book I'd read by this author. The good: I thought it was well written and edited which is always a plus. The main characters, Jordan and Aziza, were easy to root for. The bad: Scene transition with no indication, it may be a Kindle formatting thing, but new scenes looked like the next sentence in the previous scene instead of being a new paragraph or chapter. It was jarring to realize the scene, day had changed from one sentence to the next. Also this ends abruptly and kinda on a cliffhanger, a lot of threads started in this book are not resolved by the end. I guess maybe you will see resolutions in other characters stories, but I'm not sure I trust this author to do that well. Had the story been resolved within these pages, I would've given it a better rating.
This is the first book I'd read by this author. The good: I thought it was well written and edited which is always a plus. The main characters, Jordan and Aziza, were easy to root for. The bad: Scene transition with no indication, it may be a Kindle formatting thing, but new scenes looked like the next sentence in the previous scene instead of being a new paragraph or chapter. It was jarring to realize the scene, day had changed from one sentence to the next. Also this ends abruptly and kinda on a cliffhanger, a lot of threads started in this book are not resolved by the end. I guess maybe you will see resolutions in other characters stories, but I'm not sure I trust this author to do that well. Had the story been resolved within these pages, I would've given it a better rating.
November 9, 2017
A second chance at love and marriage
This was my first book by this author and I loved it! Jordan and Aziza are a sexy couple. The ending seemed rushed, unfinished. I gave it five stars for the story but if there were a category for layout I’d give it two stars! You’d be reading one scene and expect it to continue but then the next paragraph starts a whole other scene! No page breaks or anything to let you know that scene was done. It made it hard to read. If not for the chapters, it would’ve be like one mass run on sentence.
All in all I loved the book.
This was my first book by this author and I loved it! Jordan and Aziza are a sexy couple. The ending seemed rushed, unfinished. I gave it five stars for the story but if there were a category for layout I’d give it two stars! You’d be reading one scene and expect it to continue but then the next paragraph starts a whole other scene! No page breaks or anything to let you know that scene was done. It made it hard to read. If not for the chapters, it would’ve be like one mass run on sentence.
All in all I loved the book.
April 16, 2021
I’m not sure where to start. I liked the book, didn’t love it, didn’t extremely enjoy reading it. I can’t decide if it’s the style of writing that kept me from loving it OR if it was the development (or lack thereof) of the characters and details of the plot. The storyline itself basically was interesting, BUT I felt like there were a few points that could have and should have been expanded on in the story but weren’t! The love scenes were a little dry as well. The ending was very anti-climactic as well.
February 23, 2022
oof... Within the first few pages, the main love interest was thinking and that's when I knew I was not going to like this book. There was a weird focus on purity and everyone got married strangely quickly (like within a few months of meeting). I wasn't expecting much from this book, but it just wasn't that much fun to read, which was disappointing!
July 7, 2019
Great twist
As always , I enjoyed Rochelle Akers book. I especially liked the twist in her story. Jordon Wainwright was an interesting characters in the series of the three men whom found love and commitment. Now we get his story. I like that. Ms. Akers didn't leave you wondering about Jordon. So good.
As always , I enjoyed Rochelle Akers book. I especially liked the twist in her story. Jordon Wainwright was an interesting characters in the series of the three men whom found love and commitment. Now we get his story. I like that. Ms. Akers didn't leave you wondering about Jordon. So good.
February 27, 2021
Excellent read
Alers always manages to weave a great romance into an exciting realife like story. The main characters in this story are beautiful, tenacious, vulnerable but with so much love to give. Reading their story takes me back ; makes me want to fall in love all over again. Great read!
Alers always manages to weave a great romance into an exciting realife like story. The main characters in this story are beautiful, tenacious, vulnerable but with so much love to give. Reading their story takes me back ; makes me want to fall in love all over again. Great read!
November 5, 2018
Excellent story just read and enjoy. The two main characters Jordan and Aziza very well developed, plot excellent.
Excellent story just read and enjoy. The plot is ingenious just read the book. Kudos to Ms. Alders great writing. Love the book.
Excellent story just read and enjoy. The plot is ingenious just read the book. Kudos to Ms. Alders great writing. Love the book.
September 3, 2019
Secrets
I love their book, don't know where to begin, The story line surprised me .never thought Jordan was biracial,and Zee would have fallen for him so quickly. Goes to show you that love have know time period.
I love their book, don't know where to begin, The story line surprised me .never thought Jordan was biracial,and Zee would have fallen for him so quickly. Goes to show you that love have know time period.
July 24, 2023
Enjoyable
I enjoyed the story, some familiar people and events were updated. I was disappointed that more answers were not written into the book. Also, disappointed that only one more book comprises this series.
I enjoyed the story, some familiar people and events were updated. I was disappointed that more answers were not written into the book. Also, disappointed that only one more book comprises this series.
August 30, 2017
UHM...little dull...I found the character dialogue to be a bit mechanical...not very romantic...NO real FIRE between Jordan and Aziza...but it had some sweet moments.
February 3, 2018
Good Reading
The story of Aziza and Jordan was interesting. The Wainwright secrets came out, with more to come. Can't wait for the next installment.
The story of Aziza and Jordan was interesting. The Wainwright secrets came out, with more to come. Can't wait for the next installment.
November 18, 2019
I like Jordan & Aziza
Well written. Realistic plot lines. Definitely written in a way that you can expect several more books in the series, but without the ridiculous cliffhangers.
Well written. Realistic plot lines. Definitely written in a way that you can expect several more books in the series, but without the ridiculous cliffhangers.
June 19, 2020
It was ok
Not as engaging as her other books. A lot of flaunting and not enough substance. I was able to skip pages at a time and still keep up.
Not as engaging as her other books. A lot of flaunting and not enough substance. I was able to skip pages at a time and still keep up.
June 28, 2020
Interracial Romance
February 5, 2021
Great book
Good read! Very Romantic with a touch of suspense! I hope more books are coming with this family to see how the story continues!
Good read! Very Romantic with a touch of suspense! I hope more books are coming with this family to see how the story continues!
February 4, 2023
Worth everyone's time
January 11, 2017
When you go to a New Years Eve party to have fun and introduced to an extrodinary person. You don't have plans for a relationship but when nature takes it course sometime there is nothing you can do but hold on. When you fall in love and everyone wonders why you want the difference in women and you get the one you never think you will get.
February 21, 2013
This was a borrowed audio book from the library that I selected and read as an easy read between heavier reads for book club. When I rate books I begin with a three-star assumption (a respectable, albeit an average rating), then add or subtract stars based on my final thoughts of the book. That means this book was worth slightly less than a three-star and here is why.
Because of You was what I thought it would be -- easy-to-read, chick lit type romance; a beach read. My disappointment is that this is a completely forgettable book . I gave this author a chance, but am unlikely to return to her.
The H and h are very likable. They are both accomplished adults (a very nice change to what I've stumbled across lately). He's white and she is black and that is not an issue except with one relative, and she overcomes this easily. There's a little bit of baggage brought to the relationship (because who doesn't have baggage in their life?), but the story isn't bogged down by either of their baggage. (This was also a nice mature change to read about, characters & a story line that accepts baggage and moves on rather than be weighted down by it.) The "bad guy" didn't add to the story, though I think he was meant to -- I kept waiting for him to cause a big confrontational climax to the story, but he was like a 4th of July firework that was set off, but ultimately fizzled away without a bang.
As there are three Wainwright brothers, I suspect there will be two more books in the series. If you can borrow rather than buy this book and if you don't want to be moved by a chick lit story (because sometimes we have free time to spend on a book that we will forget about the next day), read this book, but don't expect much from it.
Personally, even when I am interested in a simple plot, straightforward, light-read book, I still want to be moved to laughter or tears or heart ache or frustration to a turn-of-events that eventually untangles itself or surprise. If I am not moved one way or another, I feel like I've wasted my precious reading hours. Especially when there are far too many TBR books piled up around the house.
Because of You was what I thought it would be -- easy-to-read, chick lit type romance; a beach read. My disappointment is that this is a completely forgettable book . I gave this author a chance, but am unlikely to return to her.
The H and h are very likable. They are both accomplished adults (a very nice change to what I've stumbled across lately). He's white and she is black and that is not an issue except with one relative, and she overcomes this easily. There's a little bit of baggage brought to the relationship (because who doesn't have baggage in their life?), but the story isn't bogged down by either of their baggage. (This was also a nice mature change to read about, characters & a story line that accepts baggage and moves on rather than be weighted down by it.) The "bad guy" didn't add to the story, though I think he was meant to -- I kept waiting for him to cause a big confrontational climax to the story, but he was like a 4th of July firework that was set off, but ultimately fizzled away without a bang.
As there are three Wainwright brothers, I suspect there will be two more books in the series. If you can borrow rather than buy this book and if you don't want to be moved by a chick lit story (because sometimes we have free time to spend on a book that we will forget about the next day), read this book, but don't expect much from it.
Personally, even when I am interested in a simple plot, straightforward, light-read book, I still want to be moved to laughter or tears or heart ache or frustration to a turn-of-events that eventually untangles itself or surprise. If I am not moved one way or another, I feel like I've wasted my precious reading hours. Especially when there are far too many TBR books piled up around the house.
March 7, 2011
BECAUSE OF YOU (Arabesque) by Rochelle Alers is a contemporary romance set in present day Manhattan.It is the start of a new series "The Wainwright Legacy".It is well written with depth and details. The author has done a great job with integrating the charcters from two of her previous series,"The Best Man" and "The Bridal series".This is a wonderful,interesting story of a sweet,tender romance which includes trust,long ago secrets, and second chances. The charactrs are strong,determined,enchanting
and engaging. It is a fast paced story,but I do wish it had an epilogue to let the readers now what happened with the court case.I would recommend this book especially if you enjoy a sweet,tender love story. This is a sweet,quick and easy read.This book was received for the purpose of review from Net Galley and details can be found at Kimani Press,a division of Harlequin and My Book Addiction and More
and engaging. It is a fast paced story,but I do wish it had an epilogue to let the readers now what happened with the court case.I would recommend this book especially if you enjoy a sweet,tender love story. This is a sweet,quick and easy read.This book was received for the purpose of review from Net Galley and details can be found at Kimani Press,a division of Harlequin and My Book Addiction and More
November 18, 2010
This is the first book in the new Wainwright Legacy series by one of my favorite romance authors. What's interesting is that the Wainwright family are a wealthy Manhattan family who happen to be White. Not a big deal, except that this author and publishing imprint are read by primarily African-American readers. We'll see where this leads.
Jordan Wainwright is a lawyer who has already caused a scene by leaving the family firm to work with his friend practicing law in Harlem - much to the dismay of his grandfather. He is introduced to Aziza Fleming, a lawyer herself, at a New Year's Eve party thrown by his cousin and agrees to represent her harassment case against her former employer. They are drawn to each other immediately but the secrets that each one holds onto threaten to keep them apart.
Jordan Wainwright is a lawyer who has already caused a scene by leaving the family firm to work with his friend practicing law in Harlem - much to the dismay of his grandfather. He is introduced to Aziza Fleming, a lawyer herself, at a New Year's Eve party thrown by his cousin and agrees to represent her harassment case against her former employer. They are drawn to each other immediately but the secrets that each one holds onto threaten to keep them apart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews