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Because I Liked A Boy
One boy. One kiss. One secret that changed everything.
When Isabella moves to the quiet town of Maplewood, she’s not looking for love.. she’s running from the wreckage of her past. The kind of wreckage that doesn’t stay buried. The kind that ruins lives.
Then she meets Hunter.
The boy with the dangerous reputation.
The boy everyone warned her about.
The boy who sees the real her.
With him, Isabella feels alive again. But the truth has a way of breaking through, and hers could destroy everything. Because the night that shattered her world… she was the one behind the wheel.
As secrets rise and grief threatens to drown her, Isabella has to face the past she’s been running from and decide if love is strong enough to survive it.
Because I Liked a Boy is a raw, emotional, and unforgettable story about first love, heartbreak, and the kind of redemption that can only come when you let someone all the way in.
When Isabella moves to the quiet town of Maplewood, she’s not looking for love.. she’s running from the wreckage of her past. The kind of wreckage that doesn’t stay buried. The kind that ruins lives.
Then she meets Hunter.
The boy with the dangerous reputation.
The boy everyone warned her about.
The boy who sees the real her.
With him, Isabella feels alive again. But the truth has a way of breaking through, and hers could destroy everything. Because the night that shattered her world… she was the one behind the wheel.
As secrets rise and grief threatens to drown her, Isabella has to face the past she’s been running from and decide if love is strong enough to survive it.
Because I Liked a Boy is a raw, emotional, and unforgettable story about first love, heartbreak, and the kind of redemption that can only come when you let someone all the way in.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2025
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 6, 2025
Firstly, thank you to the Author for allowing me to adv read Because I Liked A Boy.
Spoilers ahead:
This started off with a family tragedy dynamic but soon switched to a sweet romance between the FMC Isabella and the MMC Hunter. After fleeing her family home and town, she moves far from her fathers wrath.
The first person she meets in Maplewood is Hunter, a mechanic and ladies man. Bella is having none of it and just wants to sort out her life. But after 6 months, things start to develop between the pair and Bella starts to enjoy her life. Of course someone's out to ruin it..
My thoughts:
This book has got several things going on, a spicy romance, family trauma, tense suspenseful moments, a best friend (Ruby) who pushes Bella to the best of her ability to enjoy life whilst also being super nosey in the kindest of ways haha and some suspenseful moments. I enjoyed it, I enjoyed Bella's sarcasm, sassiness and straightforwardness. Got to love a FMC who knows what she wants and when she wants it. The writing style is perfect for anyone that wants to blitz through books, its super easy to get through a good portion of the book and might be lethal combination at night if your a night time reader haha.
This is a 3 book series which thank goodness because that cliffhanger! I'm also looking forward to getting to know others in this small town series. I really want to know what exactly is going on with Ruby and her love life!
Would I recommend it to others?
Yeah, I know quite a few people who would happily read this and I'll be recommending it to them!
Spoilers ahead:
This started off with a family tragedy dynamic but soon switched to a sweet romance between the FMC Isabella and the MMC Hunter. After fleeing her family home and town, she moves far from her fathers wrath.
The first person she meets in Maplewood is Hunter, a mechanic and ladies man. Bella is having none of it and just wants to sort out her life. But after 6 months, things start to develop between the pair and Bella starts to enjoy her life. Of course someone's out to ruin it..
My thoughts:
This book has got several things going on, a spicy romance, family trauma, tense suspenseful moments, a best friend (Ruby) who pushes Bella to the best of her ability to enjoy life whilst also being super nosey in the kindest of ways haha and some suspenseful moments. I enjoyed it, I enjoyed Bella's sarcasm, sassiness and straightforwardness. Got to love a FMC who knows what she wants and when she wants it. The writing style is perfect for anyone that wants to blitz through books, its super easy to get through a good portion of the book and might be lethal combination at night if your a night time reader haha.
This is a 3 book series which thank goodness because that cliffhanger! I'm also looking forward to getting to know others in this small town series. I really want to know what exactly is going on with Ruby and her love life!
Would I recommend it to others?
Yeah, I know quite a few people who would happily read this and I'll be recommending it to them!
October 10, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and I can honestly say it didn't disappoint. So it's a small town Romance and I LOVE the main female character.
The chapters are just the right length for me, not too long and not too short. I love how the emotions hit and you are almost experiencing the same as Isabella. The heartbreak at the loss and grief, the highs as well as the heartbreaking realisation towards the end of the book that literally shatters your heart.
It's left on a cliffhanger and I hate cliffhangers but this is done in a way where it will keep you thinking of scenarios until you get to read book 2.
The only thing that I found slightly annoying was the use of 'smirk'. I found it was said a lot BUT with that im mind, I put myself in the authors shoes and was like what could you even use as an alternative to 'smirk'.
The chapters are just the right length for me, not too long and not too short. I love how the emotions hit and you are almost experiencing the same as Isabella. The heartbreak at the loss and grief, the highs as well as the heartbreaking realisation towards the end of the book that literally shatters your heart.
It's left on a cliffhanger and I hate cliffhangers but this is done in a way where it will keep you thinking of scenarios until you get to read book 2.
The only thing that I found slightly annoying was the use of 'smirk'. I found it was said a lot BUT with that im mind, I put myself in the authors shoes and was like what could you even use as an alternative to 'smirk'.
September 26, 2025
Thank you so much Abbey for letting me ARC read this book🥹 I can’t wait for the second and to eventually have a physical copy!💘💖
PLOT💫:
This book tells the story of Isabella, whose life is irrevocably altered by a series of earth-shattering revelations about her family. Driven by these shocking truths and the tragic loss of someone close to her, she seeks solace and a fresh start in a new country. Abbey weaves a narrative rich with emotional depth as Isabella grapples with grief, betrayal, and the challenges of building a new life far from home. 🤞
In her new surroundings, Isabella finds friendship and unexpected love, a beacon of hope amidst her turmoil. This relationship blossoms, offering her a sense of belonging and a chance at happiness. However, just as Isabella begins to envision a future filled with promise, a massive plot twist disrupts her new life. This plot twist forces her to confront her past and make a difficult decision…🤫🤫
HIGHLIGHTS✨:
Abbey expertly explores themes of identity, resilience, and emotional rollercoasters that will leave you gasping at every page!! Isabella’s journey proves what people are capable of, sometimes you just need to push to achieve it! She is honestly the strongest FMC i know🥹. The shocking twist and the cliffhanger 😩 💔adds a layer of suspense and intrigue, making ‘Because I liked a boy’ a compelling read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.🫶🏼💞
PLOT💫:
This book tells the story of Isabella, whose life is irrevocably altered by a series of earth-shattering revelations about her family. Driven by these shocking truths and the tragic loss of someone close to her, she seeks solace and a fresh start in a new country. Abbey weaves a narrative rich with emotional depth as Isabella grapples with grief, betrayal, and the challenges of building a new life far from home. 🤞
In her new surroundings, Isabella finds friendship and unexpected love, a beacon of hope amidst her turmoil. This relationship blossoms, offering her a sense of belonging and a chance at happiness. However, just as Isabella begins to envision a future filled with promise, a massive plot twist disrupts her new life. This plot twist forces her to confront her past and make a difficult decision…🤫🤫
HIGHLIGHTS✨:
Abbey expertly explores themes of identity, resilience, and emotional rollercoasters that will leave you gasping at every page!! Isabella’s journey proves what people are capable of, sometimes you just need to push to achieve it! She is honestly the strongest FMC i know🥹. The shocking twist and the cliffhanger 😩 💔adds a layer of suspense and intrigue, making ‘Because I liked a boy’ a compelling read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.🫶🏼💞
October 9, 2025
Wow this book was fabulous it’s part of trilogy
Blurb
One boy. One kiss. One secret that changed everything.
When Isabella moves to the quiet town of Maplewood, she’s not looking for love.. she’s running from the wreckage of her past. The kind of wreckage that doesn’t stay buried. The kind that ruins lives.
Then she meets Hunter.
The boy with the dangerous reputation.
The boy everyone warned her about.
The boy who sees the real her.
With him, Isabella feels alive again. But the truth has a way of breaking through, and hers could destroy everything. Because the night that shattered her world… she was the one behind the wheel.
As secrets rise and grief threatens to drown her, Isabella has to face the past she’s been running from and decide if love is strong enough to survive it.
Because I Liked a Boy is a raw, emotional, and unforgettable story about first love, heartbreak, and the kind of redemption that can only come when you let someone all the way in.
Blurb
One boy. One kiss. One secret that changed everything.
When Isabella moves to the quiet town of Maplewood, she’s not looking for love.. she’s running from the wreckage of her past. The kind of wreckage that doesn’t stay buried. The kind that ruins lives.
Then she meets Hunter.
The boy with the dangerous reputation.
The boy everyone warned her about.
The boy who sees the real her.
With him, Isabella feels alive again. But the truth has a way of breaking through, and hers could destroy everything. Because the night that shattered her world… she was the one behind the wheel.
As secrets rise and grief threatens to drown her, Isabella has to face the past she’s been running from and decide if love is strong enough to survive it.
Because I Liked a Boy is a raw, emotional, and unforgettable story about first love, heartbreak, and the kind of redemption that can only come when you let someone all the way in.
December 12, 2025
Abbey has a wonderful style of writing, which adds in lovely little nuanced phrases to furnish additional richness to her descriptions. This enhances the overall enjoyment while reading. There's something so romantic about a small town romance & I love the vibe overall.
Leaving a toxic family post tragedy has Isabella running straight into the arms of Hunter. He's cocky and sure of himself but has other qualities Isabella ends up feeling drawn to. There were some twists in this book I wasn't expecting (no spoilers), and I love that.
Abbey's style is fluid and easy to read while delivering a story with lots of twists and turns, too. Leaving on a cliffhanger. Im now invested in finding out where the sequel takes the characters. Well done & I wish you continued success as you write the remaining books in this series & start others too.
Leaving a toxic family post tragedy has Isabella running straight into the arms of Hunter. He's cocky and sure of himself but has other qualities Isabella ends up feeling drawn to. There were some twists in this book I wasn't expecting (no spoilers), and I love that.
Abbey's style is fluid and easy to read while delivering a story with lots of twists and turns, too. Leaving on a cliffhanger. Im now invested in finding out where the sequel takes the characters. Well done & I wish you continued success as you write the remaining books in this series & start others too.
October 12, 2025
This did not disappoint at all oh my god!! I’d been waiting to read it since it was announced and it was so worth the wait. So so grateful that I got to ARC read this, it was absolutely perfect.
It’s such an emotional, beautifully written story and I am in love with every second of it. I love a book that can make me cry and this did just that. It’s an incredibly easy 5 ⭐️ read, if you’re considering it, pick it up immediately.
It’s such an emotional, beautifully written story and I am in love with every second of it. I love a book that can make me cry and this did just that. It’s an incredibly easy 5 ⭐️ read, if you’re considering it, pick it up immediately.
October 22, 2025
Wow brilliant such a great read i really did not want to put the book down had to keep reading. Isabella a great FMC such determination and resilience and Hunter the MMC your throw a curve ball near the end my heart dropped when Isabella found that folder. The book has left me wanting more I really can’t wait for book 2.
I received this as an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Abbey Wales
I received this as an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Abbey Wales
September 29, 2025
Outstanding I could not put it down. I knew this was a 5 star read the second the dedication alone made me cry 😭.
The gasp I gasped when she found hunters
Folder.
Absolutely brilliant and can’t wait for the next!
Well done abbey on your first book you should be so proud. 😘
Elle England
The gasp I gasped when she found hunters
Folder.
Absolutely brilliant and can’t wait for the next!
Well done abbey on your first book you should be so proud. 😘
Elle England
October 12, 2025
Great story. I was gripped until the end. Romantic suspense at its best. There is plenty of spice, too. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers. However, I am invested in the outcome, so I will make sure I watch for the next books release date.
October 13, 2025
Arc review
Rating 5 stars
i devoured this book in one sitting, the storyline throughout was so good it kept me hooked. Highly recommend!
Rating 5 stars
i devoured this book in one sitting, the storyline throughout was so good it kept me hooked. Highly recommend!
September 25, 2025
I absolutely loved this. the storyline was amazing. I can't wait to eventually get a physical. I feel so honoured to have received an arc copy of the ebook. great work Abbey. you should be proud of yourself
October 2, 2025
What can I say? I absolutely got lost in this story - such a great read to lose yourself in the pages. I really did not want to put the book down!
The raw emotion really draws you in and I felt everything from the heaviness of Isabellas past to the lighthearted humour with Ruby and the flirty banter between Isabella and Hunter.
Great romance and chemistry between Isabella and Hunter making you hungry for more.
What a cliffhanger ending! Making you instantly want to dive into the next book which I cannot wait to read to see where the story and characters take me.
A thoroughly enjoyable read if you like romance with a little bit of drama with twists and turns.
The raw emotion really draws you in and I felt everything from the heaviness of Isabellas past to the lighthearted humour with Ruby and the flirty banter between Isabella and Hunter.
Great romance and chemistry between Isabella and Hunter making you hungry for more.
What a cliffhanger ending! Making you instantly want to dive into the next book which I cannot wait to read to see where the story and characters take me.
A thoroughly enjoyable read if you like romance with a little bit of drama with twists and turns.
September 30, 2025
INCREDIBLE!!! I could not put this down. A mixture of cutesy romance, a bit of spice, but also the shouting out loud moments at the characters!!
There's a mixture of loving characters and hating others. The suspense of what's going to happen next.
Cheering characters on as things progress.
Absolutely loved it. I'd give it 10 stars if I could!
To put it simply I've had 3 books on the go and none of them grabbed me. I was lucky enough to be sent this and it grabbed me straight away, made me feel crazy emotions and has now left me wondering how do I pick up the next book! ❤️❤️❤️❤️.
Go read it! You won't be dissapointed! Amazing amazing amazing!!!
There's a mixture of loving characters and hating others. The suspense of what's going to happen next.
Cheering characters on as things progress.
Absolutely loved it. I'd give it 10 stars if I could!
To put it simply I've had 3 books on the go and none of them grabbed me. I was lucky enough to be sent this and it grabbed me straight away, made me feel crazy emotions and has now left me wondering how do I pick up the next book! ❤️❤️❤️❤️.
Go read it! You won't be dissapointed! Amazing amazing amazing!!!
October 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh wow… this book!
Because I Liked a Boy had me hooked from the very start. It’s emotional, empowering & I just didn't want to put it down! 📖
Isabella’s story pulled at my heart in so many ways - she’s messy & so real 🥹
And Hunter? 🥵 Loved him. The boy with the reputation who actually sees her for her. Their connection had me smiling one minute and holding my breath the next. It’s first love, heartbreak, and hope all wrapped up in one.
What I loved:
💜 The emotional rollercoaster (I felt everything)
💜 The chemistry between Isabella & Hunter – swoony but real
💜 How it handles heavy themes with honesty and heart
💜 The writing style – addictive and so easy to sink into
💜 And yes… THAT cliffhanger. Brutal. Rude. I need the next book right now 😂✨
If you’re after a story that makes you laugh, cry, and completely lose track of time, this is the one.📖
Oh wow… this book!
Because I Liked a Boy had me hooked from the very start. It’s emotional, empowering & I just didn't want to put it down! 📖
Isabella’s story pulled at my heart in so many ways - she’s messy & so real 🥹
And Hunter? 🥵 Loved him. The boy with the reputation who actually sees her for her. Their connection had me smiling one minute and holding my breath the next. It’s first love, heartbreak, and hope all wrapped up in one.
What I loved:
💜 The emotional rollercoaster (I felt everything)
💜 The chemistry between Isabella & Hunter – swoony but real
💜 How it handles heavy themes with honesty and heart
💜 The writing style – addictive and so easy to sink into
💜 And yes… THAT cliffhanger. Brutal. Rude. I need the next book right now 😂✨
If you’re after a story that makes you laugh, cry, and completely lose track of time, this is the one.📖
October 12, 2025
Because i liked a boy
Genre: Romance
Pages: 209
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
“Keep fishing fuckboy. Maybe you’ll catch something.”
“I want you to remember me for the right reasons”
“Careful, princess. I always play for keeps”
Omgg i need book two immediately!
I really enjoyed this book, i really enjoyed abby’s writing style i were immediately intrigued once i started reading. I feel that it got even better around 70% and i couldn’t put it down at all and had to finish it.
I loved Isabella’s character growth throughout the book, she’s a badass! I absolutely adore Isabella and Ruby’s friendship, Ruby is witty and funny and tells her exactly how it is.
Hunter, oh hunter why did you have to do that!! Honestly it made me so mad but at the same time i understand. Doesn’t make it okay though, however i love him. I love how protective he is of Isabella and how he treats her. I could feel the chemistry between them throughout the book.
I really need a book about liam idk i just really liked his character as i feel he deserves his story to be told.
Overall, i really enjoyed this book, it’s a quick read, has spice and banter with an intruding plot with family dynamics and a small town where everyone knows each other’s business.
Tropes:
♥︎ Small town
♥︎ Enemies to lovers
♥︎ Found family
♥︎ Family Tragedy
♥︎ Shocking betrayals
⚠︎︎ Please check trigger warnings ⚠︎︎
Thankyou so much Abbey for trusting me with your arc in exchange for an honest review 🤍
Genre: Romance
Pages: 209
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
“Keep fishing fuckboy. Maybe you’ll catch something.”
“I want you to remember me for the right reasons”
“Careful, princess. I always play for keeps”
Omgg i need book two immediately!
I really enjoyed this book, i really enjoyed abby’s writing style i were immediately intrigued once i started reading. I feel that it got even better around 70% and i couldn’t put it down at all and had to finish it.
I loved Isabella’s character growth throughout the book, she’s a badass! I absolutely adore Isabella and Ruby’s friendship, Ruby is witty and funny and tells her exactly how it is.
Hunter, oh hunter why did you have to do that!! Honestly it made me so mad but at the same time i understand. Doesn’t make it okay though, however i love him. I love how protective he is of Isabella and how he treats her. I could feel the chemistry between them throughout the book.
I really need a book about liam idk i just really liked his character as i feel he deserves his story to be told.
Overall, i really enjoyed this book, it’s a quick read, has spice and banter with an intruding plot with family dynamics and a small town where everyone knows each other’s business.
Tropes:
♥︎ Small town
♥︎ Enemies to lovers
♥︎ Found family
♥︎ Family Tragedy
♥︎ Shocking betrayals
⚠︎︎ Please check trigger warnings ⚠︎︎
Thankyou so much Abbey for trusting me with your arc in exchange for an honest review 🤍
September 26, 2025
If you want romance (and smutty bits) then this is the read for you!!
Romance ✅️
Smut ✅️
Storyline ✅️
Loveable characters ✅️
Literally fully invested in the storyline from the first few pages. Captivating and leaves you wanting more. It did not disappoint. My advice download/buy it AND get a do not disturb sign because you wont surface untill you have finished it. Can't wait for more books from this author, if this book is anything to go buy shes definitely someone to keep an eye on for new releases.
Romance ✅️
Smut ✅️
Storyline ✅️
Loveable characters ✅️
Literally fully invested in the storyline from the first few pages. Captivating and leaves you wanting more. It did not disappoint. My advice download/buy it AND get a do not disturb sign because you wont surface untill you have finished it. Can't wait for more books from this author, if this book is anything to go buy shes definitely someone to keep an eye on for new releases.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews