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Because I Love You
Eight weeks after sixteen-year-old Andie Hamilton gives her virginity to her best friend, “the stick” says she’s pregnant.
Her friends treat her like she’s carrying the plague, her classmates torture and ridicule her, and the boy she thought loved her doesn’t even care. Afraid to experience the next seven months alone, she turns to her ex-boyfriend, Neil Donaghue, a dark-haired, blue-eyed player. With him, she finds comfort and the support she desperately needs to make the hardest decision of her whether or not to keep the baby.
Then a tragic accident leads Andie to discover Neil’s keeping a secret that could dramatically alter their lives, and she's forced to make a choice. But after hearing her son’s heartbeat for the first time, she doesn’t know how she’ll ever be able to let go.
Her friends treat her like she’s carrying the plague, her classmates torture and ridicule her, and the boy she thought loved her doesn’t even care. Afraid to experience the next seven months alone, she turns to her ex-boyfriend, Neil Donaghue, a dark-haired, blue-eyed player. With him, she finds comfort and the support she desperately needs to make the hardest decision of her whether or not to keep the baby.
Then a tragic accident leads Andie to discover Neil’s keeping a secret that could dramatically alter their lives, and she's forced to make a choice. But after hearing her son’s heartbeat for the first time, she doesn’t know how she’ll ever be able to let go.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2016
39 people are currently reading
2548 people want to read
About the author
Tori Rigby
1 book108 followersTori is the #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of BECAUSE I LOVE YOU.
Adopted by a construction worker and a stay-at-home mom, Tori looked for every opportunity to dive into another book. By the 6th grade, she had penned her first screenplay.
When not reading or writing, Tori is studying for nursing exams, binging on TV shows, or punching things at the kickboxing gym. She fully believes Hogwarts really exists (go Ravenclaw!), would go to the Jedi Academy if Luke Skywalker would just ask, and in her spare time rides dragons with Daenerys.
Adopted by a construction worker and a stay-at-home mom, Tori looked for every opportunity to dive into another book. By the 6th grade, she had penned her first screenplay.
When not reading or writing, Tori is studying for nursing exams, binging on TV shows, or punching things at the kickboxing gym. She fully believes Hogwarts really exists (go Ravenclaw!), would go to the Jedi Academy if Luke Skywalker would just ask, and in her spare time rides dragons with Daenerys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
July 10, 2020
3.5 stars
Because I Love You is a heartfelt, emotional YA romance. It’s a story about how one girls life completely changes after one choice she makes. It’s a story of growth, of making hard decisions, and about falling in love. It’s a story of sacrifice and the ultimate kind of love.
When Andie finds out she’s pregnant, things aren’t easy for her. She lives with only her mother, her father has recently died, and her best friends (one of whom is the baby daddy) turn their backs on her. She’s alone and it’s hard for her to keep her spirits up. Friendship and love come in the most unlikely places when bad boy Neil Donaghue, aka her ex-boyfriend, comes back in her life. Neil appears to be a lot of things, but deep down, he is an amazing person and someone who would do anything for Andie.
Andie has a lot of tough choices to make. Her story isn’t easy to read. There is more than just pregnancy in this book. Her story runs deeper than that. Because I Love You is a book that made me cry, but by the end, I was mostly happy with the turn of events. I enjoyed this one.
Because I Love You is a heartfelt, emotional YA romance. It’s a story about how one girls life completely changes after one choice she makes. It’s a story of growth, of making hard decisions, and about falling in love. It’s a story of sacrifice and the ultimate kind of love.
When Andie finds out she’s pregnant, things aren’t easy for her. She lives with only her mother, her father has recently died, and her best friends (one of whom is the baby daddy) turn their backs on her. She’s alone and it’s hard for her to keep her spirits up. Friendship and love come in the most unlikely places when bad boy Neil Donaghue, aka her ex-boyfriend, comes back in her life. Neil appears to be a lot of things, but deep down, he is an amazing person and someone who would do anything for Andie.
Andie has a lot of tough choices to make. Her story isn’t easy to read. There is more than just pregnancy in this book. Her story runs deeper than that. Because I Love You is a book that made me cry, but by the end, I was mostly happy with the turn of events. I enjoyed this one.
July 12, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Blaze Publishing and NetGalley.)
This was a YA contemporary romance novel, featuring a pregnant 16-year-old.
I felt really sorry for Andie in this, it was such a nightmare for her to find out that she was pregnant, and then things just got worse and worse. I especially disliked Carter though, the way he outright lied and left Andie alone was awful.
The storyline in this was about Andie finding out that she was pregnant, and her friends all turning their backs on her. Things just seemed to go from bad to worse though, and soon it seemed like Andie’s relationship with Neil was the only good thing in her life.
The ending to this was okay, and I was satisfied with the way things worked out.
6.5 out of 10
“I’m pregnant.”
This was a YA contemporary romance novel, featuring a pregnant 16-year-old.
I felt really sorry for Andie in this, it was such a nightmare for her to find out that she was pregnant, and then things just got worse and worse. I especially disliked Carter though, the way he outright lied and left Andie alone was awful.
The storyline in this was about Andie finding out that she was pregnant, and her friends all turning their backs on her. Things just seemed to go from bad to worse though, and soon it seemed like Andie’s relationship with Neil was the only good thing in her life.
The ending to this was okay, and I was satisfied with the way things worked out.
6.5 out of 10
September 4, 2016
I would like to thank Blaze Publishing & Tori Rigby for my copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is such a heart capturing contemporary YA love story that reminds you at 16 do you really know what you want out life never mind a baby.
The story follows Andie a young girl who falls pregnant at high school, with her whole life ahead of her and unsure what she really wants. It becomes clear to Andie who her friends are and how hard it is to be not only at high school but pregnant and at school. She finds love in corners that she never thought she would but also realises how mature and strong she actually is.
Andie is a great leading lady, sweet, kind and innocent she always tries to see things from a better point but as in real life you know that's not always possible. I love how the story touches on some tough subjects and it shows how someone would really deal with it not the usual YA everything is great kind of style. We all need a Neil in our life, unfortunately, not everyone does!
The story really does get your mind ticking and for me, it reminded me of my teen years. When I was 15 one of my best friends fell pregnant and tried to hide it for so long no one ever noticed until we came home one day to her mum sitting at the kitchen table with a pregnancy test telling her to take it, not only was I completely confused I couldn't believe she had been going through this on her own and hadn't told a soul and it made me wonder how other girls can do it on their own.
I love people who keep adoption in mind and I think this book really proves it is an amazing thing. The best present anyone can give someone who is unable to have children is a precious little angel of their own and the love adoptive parents have to give is unreal.
A quick read that pulls on your heart strings, 3 and a half stars!
Check out my blog www.amandaminnockx.tumblr.com
He lifted my chin, forcing me to look at him. "We've been over this. You are important to me, which means he is important to me. Blood doesn't make a family, Andie. I will take care of you - both of you."
This book is such a heart capturing contemporary YA love story that reminds you at 16 do you really know what you want out life never mind a baby.
The story follows Andie a young girl who falls pregnant at high school, with her whole life ahead of her and unsure what she really wants. It becomes clear to Andie who her friends are and how hard it is to be not only at high school but pregnant and at school. She finds love in corners that she never thought she would but also realises how mature and strong she actually is.
Andie is a great leading lady, sweet, kind and innocent she always tries to see things from a better point but as in real life you know that's not always possible. I love how the story touches on some tough subjects and it shows how someone would really deal with it not the usual YA everything is great kind of style. We all need a Neil in our life, unfortunately, not everyone does!
The story really does get your mind ticking and for me, it reminded me of my teen years. When I was 15 one of my best friends fell pregnant and tried to hide it for so long no one ever noticed until we came home one day to her mum sitting at the kitchen table with a pregnancy test telling her to take it, not only was I completely confused I couldn't believe she had been going through this on her own and hadn't told a soul and it made me wonder how other girls can do it on their own.
I love people who keep adoption in mind and I think this book really proves it is an amazing thing. The best present anyone can give someone who is unable to have children is a precious little angel of their own and the love adoptive parents have to give is unreal.
A quick read that pulls on your heart strings, 3 and a half stars!
Check out my blog www.amandaminnockx.tumblr.com
He lifted my chin, forcing me to look at him. "We've been over this. You are important to me, which means he is important to me. Blood doesn't make a family, Andie. I will take care of you - both of you."
February 14, 2017
Teen pregnancy and adoption are tricky, sometimes sensitive subjects to cover. While I thought the adoption aspect of this story was written well, there were too many additional dramas running alongside it for me to really enjoy the whole book.
May 14, 2017
I have no words to describe this book right now. All I can say is that it's one of the most beautifully written heart-breaking books ever and I recommend it to every single person!
Review will come soon.
Review will come soon.
July 31, 2016
*Received from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
What a cute love story. Girl gets pregnant by her 'best friend'. He turns out to be an utter douchebag and abandons her. A boy she never expected swoops in and saves the day. I loved Neil. He was there for Andie when everyone turned their backs on her and took on a responsibility a lot of other men would've run from. While the romance was adorable, the rest of the story didn't really invoke much emotion, for me. You could tell what decision Andie would make concerning her baby from very early on.
What a cute love story. Girl gets pregnant by her 'best friend'. He turns out to be an utter douchebag and abandons her. A boy she never expected swoops in and saves the day. I loved Neil. He was there for Andie when everyone turned their backs on her and took on a responsibility a lot of other men would've run from. While the romance was adorable, the rest of the story didn't really invoke much emotion, for me. You could tell what decision Andie would make concerning her baby from very early on.
February 22, 2020
It was okay. Very sad and very predictable. They were really never her friends and who you assume are not your friends will surprise you in the end.
September 10, 2016
I received an eARC from the publisher through Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
To be honest, I didn’t expect that much from this book, especially because my friend Rachel from Fiction Over Reality gave it three stars. But that didn’t change my mind for not reading, because I buddy read this book with Sharon from Mission Book and damn… we loved this book.
Andie is the main character and we read from her POV, which is done in first person. I liked Andie a lot, she was smart, funny but I also got a lot (and I really mean A LOT) of sympathy for her. Because what she is going through is so heavy, and I just wanted to give her a big hug. I never wish for any sixteen yo to be going through the things she goes to (obviously being able to have a baby is AMAZING) but not in any of these circumstances.
And that’s what brings me to the part I hated most in this book. And that was literally everybody other than Andie’s mom, Neil and Jill. Because the other characters in this book are assholes and I was so freaking mad that I wanted to throw my phone across the room and I literally almost did. It’s so unbelievably childish to bully a person because she’s 16 and pregnant. I mean, what’s that for bullshit? Ugh, if I think about it I only get more frustrated. I just think it’s so stupid to bully someone and especially if she’s pregnant and yeah.. I can’t really think of any words but that can describe my feelings.
And Neil.. man I loved that guy. At first I was a little skeptical about him, but he got better every page. Ah, I just love the freaking guy! He is literally goals. I can’t decribe guys. He’s just perfect.
A thing Tori did very well is the plottwists in this book. Because there are quite some plottwists and all of them were so not expected. Which is surprising for a debut writer! And Tori, you deserve all the compliments in the world because girl, you can write! Damn.
This book was also quite emotional, I haven’t cried one time (but I almost did when I was reading the epilogue.. man… that epilogue) but I could really feel all the circumstances and hormones (of Andie of course) and it felt real. It felt as if I was Andie and that was another thing I loved about this book.
So.. I really don’t know what else to say about this book because it was freaking amazing.
To be honest, I didn’t expect that much from this book, especially because my friend Rachel from Fiction Over Reality gave it three stars. But that didn’t change my mind for not reading, because I buddy read this book with Sharon from Mission Book and damn… we loved this book.
Andie is the main character and we read from her POV, which is done in first person. I liked Andie a lot, she was smart, funny but I also got a lot (and I really mean A LOT) of sympathy for her. Because what she is going through is so heavy, and I just wanted to give her a big hug. I never wish for any sixteen yo to be going through the things she goes to (obviously being able to have a baby is AMAZING) but not in any of these circumstances.
And that’s what brings me to the part I hated most in this book. And that was literally everybody other than Andie’s mom, Neil and Jill. Because the other characters in this book are assholes and I was so freaking mad that I wanted to throw my phone across the room and I literally almost did. It’s so unbelievably childish to bully a person because she’s 16 and pregnant. I mean, what’s that for bullshit? Ugh, if I think about it I only get more frustrated. I just think it’s so stupid to bully someone and especially if she’s pregnant and yeah.. I can’t really think of any words but that can describe my feelings.
And Neil.. man I loved that guy. At first I was a little skeptical about him, but he got better every page. Ah, I just love the freaking guy! He is literally goals. I can’t decribe guys. He’s just perfect.
A thing Tori did very well is the plottwists in this book. Because there are quite some plottwists and all of them were so not expected. Which is surprising for a debut writer! And Tori, you deserve all the compliments in the world because girl, you can write! Damn.
This book was also quite emotional, I haven’t cried one time (but I almost did when I was reading the epilogue.. man… that epilogue) but I could really feel all the circumstances and hormones (of Andie of course) and it felt real. It felt as if I was Andie and that was another thing I loved about this book.
So.. I really don’t know what else to say about this book because it was freaking amazing.
September 6, 2016
5 awsome stars!
This book was really cute and adorable to read. The relationship between the two characters is they both really adore each other and they have a hard time saying the three most important words in a relationship is "I love you." The ending of this book ended with them saying I love you. I adore this book so much. I wish there was another book like this one.
This book was really cute and adorable to read. The relationship between the two characters is they both really adore each other and they have a hard time saying the three most important words in a relationship is "I love you." The ending of this book ended with them saying I love you. I adore this book so much. I wish there was another book like this one.
July 13, 2016
(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)
Actual rating - 3.5
I felt really sorry for the main character in this. As if it wasn't enough of a nightmare to find out you're pregnant at sixteen, she had other stuff to deal with too!
There were one or two times where my interest wavered slightly, but it was a decent read overall.
Actual rating - 3.5
I felt really sorry for the main character in this. As if it wasn't enough of a nightmare to find out you're pregnant at sixteen, she had other stuff to deal with too!
There were one or two times where my interest wavered slightly, but it was a decent read overall.
March 8, 2017
Because I Love You was a beautiful story about finding love, not only for others but also for yourself.. This book definitely pulled at my heartstrings!
We meet our main character, Andie, as she is finding out that she is indeed pregnant after having sex with her best friend, Carter. I found that Tori Rigby perfectly captures how it feels when someone so young finds out that they are having a child. I had my first child when I was only 19, not as young as Andie, but I still felt like the emotions Andie went through are some of the same as I did. So, of course it was easy for me to connect with her and root for her happy ending.
She is a very likable character even if you can't connect to her on that sort of level though. She's sweet, caring, and just has a huge heart while still having her flaws. In the beginning she definitely makes some selfish and impulsive decisions.
"And I was strong. They couldn't hurt me unless I let them."
Once the truth comes out, Andie is completely abandoned by her best friends including Carter. She is bullied and criticized. I truly felt sorry for her. As the story continues, Andie is forced to grow up quickly and make some tough decisions. It's never easy for her but she becomes incredibly brave while battling off the bullies and tackling each day one at a time.
Although Andie is abandoned by her best friends, she soon finds 2 people who truly care about her and her baby. Which I loved seeing how she fell in love with her baby and her 2 new friends, especially Neil. What would a YA contemporary be without a swoony book boyfriend? Neil is easy to like as he is hilarious and sarcastic, and brings out the best in Andie. Of course he has his flaws but he was always there for Andie when no one else was, and it's hard not to root for them. Then there's Jill, who I just loved because she's a big nerd like I am! The lengths Neil and Jill would go for Andie are what true friends are made for, and I was genuinely happy that she found them.
"I love you enough to make sure you can build dreams of your own."
There is so much more to Andie's story than whether or not she'll keep her baby. It's a heartfelt story about a young girl who grows into something more than she ever thought she could be. A story about finding love for more than one person. It's about friendship. It's about family. All of Andie's story will make you cry because it's real and honest as it deals with such sensitive subjects.
I found that the story wrapped up in a wonderful way. There were plenty of obstacles that Andie had to go through before reaching her deserving ending. I definitely cried a lot of happy tears, there was a lot of hope with the ending. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking fora heartfelt YA contemporary!
We meet our main character, Andie, as she is finding out that she is indeed pregnant after having sex with her best friend, Carter. I found that Tori Rigby perfectly captures how it feels when someone so young finds out that they are having a child. I had my first child when I was only 19, not as young as Andie, but I still felt like the emotions Andie went through are some of the same as I did. So, of course it was easy for me to connect with her and root for her happy ending.
She is a very likable character even if you can't connect to her on that sort of level though. She's sweet, caring, and just has a huge heart while still having her flaws. In the beginning she definitely makes some selfish and impulsive decisions.
"And I was strong. They couldn't hurt me unless I let them."
Once the truth comes out, Andie is completely abandoned by her best friends including Carter. She is bullied and criticized. I truly felt sorry for her. As the story continues, Andie is forced to grow up quickly and make some tough decisions. It's never easy for her but she becomes incredibly brave while battling off the bullies and tackling each day one at a time.
Although Andie is abandoned by her best friends, she soon finds 2 people who truly care about her and her baby. Which I loved seeing how she fell in love with her baby and her 2 new friends, especially Neil. What would a YA contemporary be without a swoony book boyfriend? Neil is easy to like as he is hilarious and sarcastic, and brings out the best in Andie. Of course he has his flaws but he was always there for Andie when no one else was, and it's hard not to root for them. Then there's Jill, who I just loved because she's a big nerd like I am! The lengths Neil and Jill would go for Andie are what true friends are made for, and I was genuinely happy that she found them.
"I love you enough to make sure you can build dreams of your own."
There is so much more to Andie's story than whether or not she'll keep her baby. It's a heartfelt story about a young girl who grows into something more than she ever thought she could be. A story about finding love for more than one person. It's about friendship. It's about family. All of Andie's story will make you cry because it's real and honest as it deals with such sensitive subjects.
I found that the story wrapped up in a wonderful way. There were plenty of obstacles that Andie had to go through before reaching her deserving ending. I definitely cried a lot of happy tears, there was a lot of hope with the ending. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking fora heartfelt YA contemporary!
May 31, 2016
After reading this emotional and heartfelt read, I had to step back and relax before writing my review. Reading through some of this was like deja vu as I myself got pregnant my senior year of high school and I was brought up in a strict Christian home. I was able to relate to Andie and understand her fears with ease.
What I wasn't prepared for was the turbulent and tornadic ride that this author was leading me into so in one split second I went from giggling to feeling my heart being torn into pieces and I honestly felt like I would never recover.
This story line was amazingly beautiful, touching, emotional, sad, and heartbreaking but also inspirational. I loved the development of these characters and I am fangirling over Tori Rigby!
{I received an eARC via YA Bound Book Tours and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
(http://www.yabookdivas.com/2016/05/be...)
What I wasn't prepared for was the turbulent and tornadic ride that this author was leading me into so in one split second I went from giggling to feeling my heart being torn into pieces and I honestly felt like I would never recover.
This story line was amazingly beautiful, touching, emotional, sad, and heartbreaking but also inspirational. I loved the development of these characters and I am fangirling over Tori Rigby!
{I received an eARC via YA Bound Book Tours and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
(http://www.yabookdivas.com/2016/05/be...)
July 29, 2016
I picked this book up on a whim and I'm so glad I did because it was a really fast read and the first scene got me hooked already. At first glance, the synopsis might have thrown me off a little because it somehow presents a lot of cliche tropes but in all honesty, there's so much more to the story.
This book tackled issues such as pregnancy, religion, and abortion. Tori Rigby sure knows what she's doing because she handled the issues pretty well. I love her take on these and the way she perfectly captured emotions and struggles of teenagers placed in situations like Andi.
Another thing I loved about the book is family relationships. Andi had a healthy relationship with her mom, given the ups and downs she had throughout the story. Same goes with her friend Jill and her parents. Neil, had the opposite but I quite like how his story went. I also think that the characters were given enough exposure as the story progressed, which made them stand out.
Since we're on the topic of characters, Andi has a very interesting personality. She's pretty smart and she's also the captain of the cheerleading team, but since the news of her being pregnant broke, her dreams and aspirations for herself were put to a halt once everyone in her school bullied and judged her. What I really loved about her is her will and she's headstrong, which made her character arc really amazing.
Neil Donaghue was somehow described as a resident bad-boy but I never saw that side of him in the story. He's donned the reputation for a good reason, but all I saw in him was kindness and humor. I love his sense of humor so much. Also, he's really swoonworthy! <3
The only issue I had with the book was that there were times in which it seemed like Andi keeps on hitting that double whammy button. I think her struggles might have been exaggerated a bit, but what do I know? There might actually be someone who could identify with Andi and her whole situation. But all of these aside, I guess it helped the plot too.
Overall, this book was such a surprise for me. It has love, friendship, and complex issues which I can say that it's the whole package. I do recommend this book, especially if you're looking for something heartfelt yet happy at the same time.
This book tackled issues such as pregnancy, religion, and abortion. Tori Rigby sure knows what she's doing because she handled the issues pretty well. I love her take on these and the way she perfectly captured emotions and struggles of teenagers placed in situations like Andi.
Another thing I loved about the book is family relationships. Andi had a healthy relationship with her mom, given the ups and downs she had throughout the story. Same goes with her friend Jill and her parents. Neil, had the opposite but I quite like how his story went. I also think that the characters were given enough exposure as the story progressed, which made them stand out.
Since we're on the topic of characters, Andi has a very interesting personality. She's pretty smart and she's also the captain of the cheerleading team, but since the news of her being pregnant broke, her dreams and aspirations for herself were put to a halt once everyone in her school bullied and judged her. What I really loved about her is her will and she's headstrong, which made her character arc really amazing.
Neil Donaghue was somehow described as a resident bad-boy but I never saw that side of him in the story. He's donned the reputation for a good reason, but all I saw in him was kindness and humor. I love his sense of humor so much. Also, he's really swoonworthy! <3
The only issue I had with the book was that there were times in which it seemed like Andi keeps on hitting that double whammy button. I think her struggles might have been exaggerated a bit, but what do I know? There might actually be someone who could identify with Andi and her whole situation. But all of these aside, I guess it helped the plot too.
Overall, this book was such a surprise for me. It has love, friendship, and complex issues which I can say that it's the whole package. I do recommend this book, especially if you're looking for something heartfelt yet happy at the same time.
May 11, 2016
This novel follows 16-year-old Andrea "Andie" Hamilton on her emotional rollercoaster through a teen pregnancy. Eight weeks ago Andie had a little too much to drink with one of her best friends, Carter, she confessed she loved him and they slept together, swiftly promising to not tell their other friend - Heather - because it was known it would only cause trouble, boy did it.
From here she is treated as a pariah by those who were once considered her closest and best of friends, essentially she is chased from school. In the meantime, she is able to connect with new and old friends when she needs it most. Soon, Andie's life is turned upside down more so than it was when she looked down at the positive pee stick in her hand.
Enter Neil Donaghue, the dark hair blue-eyed bad boy who comes from a broken home, he once dated Andie some years ago and screwed that up, but when he needs her most he comes rushing back into her life.
This story centers around the trials and tribulations of a teen pregnancy, what will the parent[s] think, how will she cope with her peers, what will everyone say, should I keep the baby? Am I capable of being a mother/father?
You're able to easily imagine yourself in their position, you feel the desperation, the heartbreak and completely loss that Andie feels. You're able to connect with her and while everything seems to crumble for her [in a nearly unbelievable way,] you smile, too, because Tori Rigby pulls it all together to make a rather heartwarming novel.
Website - Facebook - Instagram
From here she is treated as a pariah by those who were once considered her closest and best of friends, essentially she is chased from school. In the meantime, she is able to connect with new and old friends when she needs it most. Soon, Andie's life is turned upside down more so than it was when she looked down at the positive pee stick in her hand.
Enter Neil Donaghue, the dark hair blue-eyed bad boy who comes from a broken home, he once dated Andie some years ago and screwed that up, but when he needs her most he comes rushing back into her life.
This story centers around the trials and tribulations of a teen pregnancy, what will the parent[s] think, how will she cope with her peers, what will everyone say, should I keep the baby? Am I capable of being a mother/father?
You're able to easily imagine yourself in their position, you feel the desperation, the heartbreak and completely loss that Andie feels. You're able to connect with her and while everything seems to crumble for her [in a nearly unbelievable way,] you smile, too, because Tori Rigby pulls it all together to make a rather heartwarming novel.
Website - Facebook - Instagram
January 29, 2017
I got a copy of this book via Netgalley for free in an exchange for an honest review!
Because I Love You was a book that caught my eyes because of the storyline: a sixteen-years-old girl that gets pregnant. I've never read something similar to this, but since I want to start reading more diverse books I decided to give it a try! And I can say that I really enjoyed it!
I decided to start this book in the beginning of August out of curiosity, nothing more, but after a few pages, I was hooked into the story and the characters. I couldn't put it down, and in two days time I finished it!
READ THE REST OF MY THOUGHTS HERE: http://www.thebooktarian.com/2017/01/... (ENGLISH REVIEW! CONTAINS SPOILERS!)
Because I Love You was a book that caught my eyes because of the storyline: a sixteen-years-old girl that gets pregnant. I've never read something similar to this, but since I want to start reading more diverse books I decided to give it a try! And I can say that I really enjoyed it!
I decided to start this book in the beginning of August out of curiosity, nothing more, but after a few pages, I was hooked into the story and the characters. I couldn't put it down, and in two days time I finished it!
READ THE REST OF MY THOUGHTS HERE: http://www.thebooktarian.com/2017/01/... (ENGLISH REVIEW! CONTAINS SPOILERS!)
September 11, 2016
WOW! This is a very compelling and powerful novel. Tori Rigby captured the situation so many young teens find themselves in. The way people judge you for your choices when they have no idea what truly happened.
I found Neil was a great character who knew what it was like to be judged and looked at like he was trash and his reaching out to .Andie with everything wrong going on in his own life made me love him even more.
Such a strong, emotional read. Well done Tori Rigby!
I found Neil was a great character who knew what it was like to be judged and looked at like he was trash and his reaching out to .Andie with everything wrong going on in his own life made me love him even more.
Such a strong, emotional read. Well done Tori Rigby!
June 7, 2016
If I had to use one word to describe this book, it would be this: stereotypical.
Now, I know that this novel was well intentioned. The author was adopted herself, and she wrote a story about a teenage girl who gives up her baby for adoption; HOWEVER, I can't count how many times I have heard a story about a skinny, blonde haired, blue eyed, cheerleader who gets pregnant at sixteen. But to put a cherry on top of that story, she gets impregnated by a football player who happens to be her best friend! Not to mention the fact that they were both supposedly virgins before they slept together. It is true that getting pregnant the first time that you have sex is possible, but does it have to happen in every teen pregnancy story out there? When reading this book, I felt that I already knew what was going to happen and it is not good when a reader knows what will happen in a novel before they get past the first chapter.
However, I am certain that Tori Rigby's writing is experienced and beautiful. Her similes and metaphors are poetic, and it was clear to me that she was a talented author from the first chapter; but in terms of story her writing was lacking. This was a shame, because the story put a damper on the writing skills that she does possess. Based on the story itself, I felt as though any writer could come up with the plot, and I wouldn't have been able to pinpoint the author had I been asked to guess who they were. If she had strayed farther away from the stereotype that is seemingly set in stone when it comes to teen pregnancy, I would have enjoyed this novel much more. I didn't feel close Andie, the main character, because I felt that she was too perfect and whiny a lot of the time, and that is what started my disconnect with the novel. Andie seemed as though she were more immature than her peers, and I felt it strange that she found such a bond with a guy she had dated for only a month two years before the story took place. The realistic qualities of this novel were off, and I wound up disappointed once I finished the last page. I didn't believe the characters or the story like I should have in this contemporary young adult genre, and I did wind up disappointed.
That being said, I was only able to give this novel a 3/5 star rating. I think that Rigby would better excel at adult fiction because I didn't feel that she was able to grasp contemporary teenagers properly and realistically; but I do still hope that she continues to write. I did genuinely enjoy her descriptions and the way she painted the scenes in her novel, but I hope that she chooses to write elsewhere because I don't think that the young adult genre gave her justice as an author. She has the necessary talent of a successful author, but her work wound up in the wrong place.
Now, I know that this novel was well intentioned. The author was adopted herself, and she wrote a story about a teenage girl who gives up her baby for adoption; HOWEVER, I can't count how many times I have heard a story about a skinny, blonde haired, blue eyed, cheerleader who gets pregnant at sixteen. But to put a cherry on top of that story, she gets impregnated by a football player who happens to be her best friend! Not to mention the fact that they were both supposedly virgins before they slept together. It is true that getting pregnant the first time that you have sex is possible, but does it have to happen in every teen pregnancy story out there? When reading this book, I felt that I already knew what was going to happen and it is not good when a reader knows what will happen in a novel before they get past the first chapter.
However, I am certain that Tori Rigby's writing is experienced and beautiful. Her similes and metaphors are poetic, and it was clear to me that she was a talented author from the first chapter; but in terms of story her writing was lacking. This was a shame, because the story put a damper on the writing skills that she does possess. Based on the story itself, I felt as though any writer could come up with the plot, and I wouldn't have been able to pinpoint the author had I been asked to guess who they were. If she had strayed farther away from the stereotype that is seemingly set in stone when it comes to teen pregnancy, I would have enjoyed this novel much more. I didn't feel close Andie, the main character, because I felt that she was too perfect and whiny a lot of the time, and that is what started my disconnect with the novel. Andie seemed as though she were more immature than her peers, and I felt it strange that she found such a bond with a guy she had dated for only a month two years before the story took place. The realistic qualities of this novel were off, and I wound up disappointed once I finished the last page. I didn't believe the characters or the story like I should have in this contemporary young adult genre, and I did wind up disappointed.
That being said, I was only able to give this novel a 3/5 star rating. I think that Rigby would better excel at adult fiction because I didn't feel that she was able to grasp contemporary teenagers properly and realistically; but I do still hope that she continues to write. I did genuinely enjoy her descriptions and the way she painted the scenes in her novel, but I hope that she chooses to write elsewhere because I don't think that the young adult genre gave her justice as an author. She has the necessary talent of a successful author, but her work wound up in the wrong place.
July 23, 2016
2.5 stars, even if it breaks my heart a bit to not be able to give more then that.
Let's start out by saying that this book really reminded me of the movie Juno. Which is mostly a positive thing and I think that if you enjoyed that movie you will enjoy this book!
Let's start with the positive:
- the main girl!
I loved how Andie handled the pregnancy and how others treated her and that she stood her ground and decided what she wanted to do because it as the set for her and her baby and didn't let others just talk her into what they wanted her to do.
-Andies mother
She was a wondeful supportive parent! She was there and attentive and great with the entire "my 16 year old is pregnant" stuff! Wondeful mother figure!
-the guy
Neil was just great! He was supportive and always there for Andie but at the same time he didn't completely chance from who he at the beginning of the book. And I loved how he there for Andie without being the "baby daddy" (which is not a spoiler since that is said on page 2 or so of the book!)
-the writing
The writing was very nicely done. Very constant and real feeling and had a good amount of emotional tone to it to let the reader connect to the story without going overboard
-the adoption talk
I loved how that topic was handled. Andie didn't just jump one why or antlers she thought a lot about what her choices where and what would be best for herself and the baby and it's just beautifully handled!
The not as great stuff:
- the drama
There is lots of drama. And it's a bit overdone how the people react to the pregnancy. At least I think so. I am pretty sure that most people in a school wouldn't care who's the pregnant girl as long as they don't have anything to do with her. But maybe I am wrong.
-the many different and in my option unnecessary plot points beside the teen pregnancy and the adoption talk. with the mothers problem, the dads death, the money stuff, and Neil's home problems and the very stupid "best" friends and the drama at school.. Its just a lot. And I think I would have loved the book if it would have just focused on Andie and her pregnancy and all that instead of all the other thins, especially since to me it felt like all a those other topics were mentioned but never really solved or even just really talked about. And with all this additional topics mentioned in the book, I felt the original and important topic of how Andie handled her baby stuff got lost. Which I did not like.
All in all?
Good book, nice ideas, great writing, good main character just a bit too much stuffed into one book overall.
*thnks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for giving me a free ecopy in exchange for an unbiased review.*
Let's start out by saying that this book really reminded me of the movie Juno. Which is mostly a positive thing and I think that if you enjoyed that movie you will enjoy this book!
Let's start with the positive:
- the main girl!
I loved how Andie handled the pregnancy and how others treated her and that she stood her ground and decided what she wanted to do because it as the set for her and her baby and didn't let others just talk her into what they wanted her to do.
-Andies mother
She was a wondeful supportive parent! She was there and attentive and great with the entire "my 16 year old is pregnant" stuff! Wondeful mother figure!
-the guy
Neil was just great! He was supportive and always there for Andie but at the same time he didn't completely chance from who he at the beginning of the book. And I loved how he there for Andie without being the "baby daddy" (which is not a spoiler since that is said on page 2 or so of the book!)
-the writing
The writing was very nicely done. Very constant and real feeling and had a good amount of emotional tone to it to let the reader connect to the story without going overboard
-the adoption talk
I loved how that topic was handled. Andie didn't just jump one why or antlers she thought a lot about what her choices where and what would be best for herself and the baby and it's just beautifully handled!
The not as great stuff:
- the drama
There is lots of drama. And it's a bit overdone how the people react to the pregnancy. At least I think so. I am pretty sure that most people in a school wouldn't care who's the pregnant girl as long as they don't have anything to do with her. But maybe I am wrong.
-the many different and in my option unnecessary plot points beside the teen pregnancy and the adoption talk. with the mothers problem, the dads death, the money stuff, and Neil's home problems and the very stupid "best" friends and the drama at school.. Its just a lot. And I think I would have loved the book if it would have just focused on Andie and her pregnancy and all that instead of all the other thins, especially since to me it felt like all a those other topics were mentioned but never really solved or even just really talked about. And with all this additional topics mentioned in the book, I felt the original and important topic of how Andie handled her baby stuff got lost. Which I did not like.
All in all?
Good book, nice ideas, great writing, good main character just a bit too much stuffed into one book overall.
*thnks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for giving me a free ecopy in exchange for an unbiased review.*
April 30, 2016
Andie has her whole life planned out. She's going to be Homecoming Queen and then she's going to medical school to become a doctor. Then, she professes her love for her best friend and sleeps with him at a party. A few weeks later, she's puking every ten minutes and worried that her religious mother is going to disown her. Andie is pregnant, and scared, and loses everything she thought she wanted. Both of her best friends disown her. She is bullied so much at school that she has to drop out. Her mother becomes a surprising source of comfort, as does her ex boyfriend Neil. As she faces difficult decisions, like whether to keep the baby or put it up for adoption, Neil rescues her again and again until Andie can no longer fight her feelings for him.
Poor Andie just cannot catch a break. I don't want to give any spoilers in this review, but let's just say the world dumps on her time and time again. I actually felt like she faced too many obstacles, that her luck was too bad to fit naturally into the story. That being said, it's one of the only cons I had with this story.
There is an undercurrent of religion throughout the book, but I feel like it never gets preachy, and it's not so heavy that the book becomes unreadable. I would also recommend not reading the book at work as your co-workers will begin to wonder why you keep crying at your desk. Also, the epilogue was a wonderful way to bring everything to a close.
The book is well-paced and the characters are likeable (except for those that aren't supposed to be). Rigby captures the distress and confusion, loneliness, and frustration of a young, pregnant girl really well. Andie's emotions are a bit of a rollercoaster, but that's to be expected when your hormones are raging out of control because not only are you a teenager, you also happen to be growing a new human. This was a quick read, but an enjoyable one.
Poor Andie just cannot catch a break. I don't want to give any spoilers in this review, but let's just say the world dumps on her time and time again. I actually felt like she faced too many obstacles, that her luck was too bad to fit naturally into the story. That being said, it's one of the only cons I had with this story.
There is an undercurrent of religion throughout the book, but I feel like it never gets preachy, and it's not so heavy that the book becomes unreadable. I would also recommend not reading the book at work as your co-workers will begin to wonder why you keep crying at your desk. Also, the epilogue was a wonderful way to bring everything to a close.
The book is well-paced and the characters are likeable (except for those that aren't supposed to be). Rigby captures the distress and confusion, loneliness, and frustration of a young, pregnant girl really well. Andie's emotions are a bit of a rollercoaster, but that's to be expected when your hormones are raging out of control because not only are you a teenager, you also happen to be growing a new human. This was a quick read, but an enjoyable one.
May 19, 2016
Because I Love You by Tori Rigby relates an age-old teenage issue but wraps it in a heartfelt, endearing story. Unlike other stories I’ve read on this subject, it wasn’t preachy. There was no right nor wrong about Andie’s situation. Instead it focused on making choices out of love.
I admired Andie and her strength. She so wanted to do the right thing by her unborn child. Neil became the ideal boyfriend. Not once did he judge her or her decisions. He simply became the rock she needed. And Jill was the perfect best friend. She demonstrated what we all want in our friends—love and support when things go wrong in our lives.
Rigby did a wonderful job weaving in themes in Because I Love You. The most important message to readers concerned family and friends. We can’t choose our family and sometimes our friends choose us. This is such an important lesson to all ages, but especially young adults. In our youth we have a tendency to surround ourselves with the people we think should be in our lives. Andie thought she had selected great best friends. It wasn’t until she had a life crisis that she found people she could really trust.
The second important message in Rigby’s tale is the value of self-forgiveness. Andie needed to forgive herself and do the right thing for her child and for Neil. It was a hard decision to make and it didn’t mean she was any less of a person for doing it. Neil had to forgive himself and realize he wasn’t responsible for his mother’s behavior. Once he did that, he was able to move forward.
Because I Love You was a well-written story with complex characters. It highlighted the reality behind adoption, and how a less than perfect situation can bring joy to others. I highly recommend it, and look forward to reading more by Tori Rigby.
I admired Andie and her strength. She so wanted to do the right thing by her unborn child. Neil became the ideal boyfriend. Not once did he judge her or her decisions. He simply became the rock she needed. And Jill was the perfect best friend. She demonstrated what we all want in our friends—love and support when things go wrong in our lives.
Rigby did a wonderful job weaving in themes in Because I Love You. The most important message to readers concerned family and friends. We can’t choose our family and sometimes our friends choose us. This is such an important lesson to all ages, but especially young adults. In our youth we have a tendency to surround ourselves with the people we think should be in our lives. Andie thought she had selected great best friends. It wasn’t until she had a life crisis that she found people she could really trust.
The second important message in Rigby’s tale is the value of self-forgiveness. Andie needed to forgive herself and do the right thing for her child and for Neil. It was a hard decision to make and it didn’t mean she was any less of a person for doing it. Neil had to forgive himself and realize he wasn’t responsible for his mother’s behavior. Once he did that, he was able to move forward.
Because I Love You was a well-written story with complex characters. It highlighted the reality behind adoption, and how a less than perfect situation can bring joy to others. I highly recommend it, and look forward to reading more by Tori Rigby.
Read
June 3, 2016I received this book for free through YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest review
Full ramble here
Andie, Neil and Jill = #squadgoals. The dynamic in this group is really strange but they all balance each other perfectly. Andie is a 16 year old girl who makes a mistake with a boy she thinks loves her. I really liked Andie from the outset - she is smart, funny, humble and she treats everyone with kindness and respect. The supporting characters in this book were fantastic and unlike some books that explore teen pregnancy, this was written realistically and without judgement.
If you love a good contemporary, I would give this a go.
Full ramble here
Andie, Neil and Jill = #squadgoals. The dynamic in this group is really strange but they all balance each other perfectly. Andie is a 16 year old girl who makes a mistake with a boy she thinks loves her. I really liked Andie from the outset - she is smart, funny, humble and she treats everyone with kindness and respect. The supporting characters in this book were fantastic and unlike some books that explore teen pregnancy, this was written realistically and without judgement.
If you love a good contemporary, I would give this a go.
August 4, 2016
DNF 75%
I tried to continue with this but it had literally every single overdone trope you can have in YA contemporary and I just couldn't handle it anymore. I was enjoying it for a while but it just kept getting more and more ridiculous.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blaze Publishing for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I tried to continue with this but it had literally every single overdone trope you can have in YA contemporary and I just couldn't handle it anymore. I was enjoying it for a while but it just kept getting more and more ridiculous.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blaze Publishing for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2016
Andie is sixteen years old when her best friend convinces her he loves her. After one drunken night with him she's pregnant. When Andie tells him about her pregnancy he makes it obvious he won't be there to support his child. Andie wants to keep the baby and she needs all the help she can get. At school she's being bullied because of her pregnancy. Fortunately she isn't completely alone. She has Neil to support her, the boy she went out with for a month two years before. He screwed up then, but maybe he's back to stay this time...
Andie finds a new friend, one she can rely on. Jill will never betray her trust and she needs a shoulder to cry on and someone to lean on every now and then. When things are progressing with Neil, Andie has some tough choices to make. Especially when she finds out he's keeping something important from her. Can Andie bring up a child while she's still so young herself or is there a different choice she has to make? And what will she do when life gives her another blow?
Because I Love You is an emotional story about a pregnant girl who doesn't have the easiest life. Andie isn't on her own though, there are people who will have her back no matter what. I loved that part of the story. Life can be so unfair sometimes and Andie needs to be strong and resilient to deal with everything that's happening to her. She's such a lovely girl, who's overwhelmed by it all, which is totally understandable. Tori Rigby writes about her feelings in a heartfelt way. I liked how mature her characters are while it's still obvious they are teenagers at the same time.
Because I Love You is a fast-paced page-turner. I read this book in one sitting. Tori Rigby describes everything that's going on in Andie's life in a sensitive and moving way. The main characters of the story are wonderful and sweet. It's easy to care about them. What I enjoyed most about this book is the message that true love can conquer all and that it doesn't matter how old someone is when it comes to being there unconditionally for someone else. I'm a big supporter of stories about this topic and really like that Tori Rigby writes about it in such a confident way. The ending is heartbreaking and beautiful. Because I Love You is sad and hopeful at the same time with many emotions in between, it's a story that will bring on a lot of different feelings.
Andie finds a new friend, one she can rely on. Jill will never betray her trust and she needs a shoulder to cry on and someone to lean on every now and then. When things are progressing with Neil, Andie has some tough choices to make. Especially when she finds out he's keeping something important from her. Can Andie bring up a child while she's still so young herself or is there a different choice she has to make? And what will she do when life gives her another blow?
Because I Love You is an emotional story about a pregnant girl who doesn't have the easiest life. Andie isn't on her own though, there are people who will have her back no matter what. I loved that part of the story. Life can be so unfair sometimes and Andie needs to be strong and resilient to deal with everything that's happening to her. She's such a lovely girl, who's overwhelmed by it all, which is totally understandable. Tori Rigby writes about her feelings in a heartfelt way. I liked how mature her characters are while it's still obvious they are teenagers at the same time.
Because I Love You is a fast-paced page-turner. I read this book in one sitting. Tori Rigby describes everything that's going on in Andie's life in a sensitive and moving way. The main characters of the story are wonderful and sweet. It's easy to care about them. What I enjoyed most about this book is the message that true love can conquer all and that it doesn't matter how old someone is when it comes to being there unconditionally for someone else. I'm a big supporter of stories about this topic and really like that Tori Rigby writes about it in such a confident way. The ending is heartbreaking and beautiful. Because I Love You is sad and hopeful at the same time with many emotions in between, it's a story that will bring on a lot of different feelings.
June 22, 2016
Debbie's Review
After I finished reading this book I felt emotionally drained and sad at how things went down at the end. I had to wait a few days before writing this review to sort out exactly how I truly felt about the plot twist the author threw in towards the end of this book. Even now several days after I finished reading this book I am still torn if I agree with her ending or not.
This book follows 16 year-old Andrea “Andie” on her emotional journey through her pregnancy. Andie slept with one of her best friends Carter after they both confessed that they had feelings stronger then just friends. They decided to keep it a secret from their other bestie Heather because Heather too had feelings for Carter. What they didn’t expect was for that one night to end with Andie getting pregnant. After she finds out she is pregnant things take a turn from bad to terrible.
“This was his fault. He was the one who told me he loved me. He was the one who kissed me. And he was the one who sobered up the next morning and told me we should just be friends, for Heather’s sake.”
“And now Carter and Heather had betrayed me. I was alone. Helpless and utterly alone.”
The story was well written and I enjoyed the plot but I felt some parts dragged a little. My heart broke for Andie and I was able to connect with her character. As for Carter and Heather, I could not stand either of them. Both of them were selfish and had some serious growing up to do. I loved Neil and felt he became the rock that Andrea needed. She was thrown into a rough position and Neil stood by her and supported every decision she made and showed her that there are people out there that truly care.
“I care about you, Andie. I’ve cared about you since the third grade, Since the moment you put that flower in my hand and told me I was worth something.”
This book will take you on an emotional ride while reading it. Several parts had me outraged and disgusted and other parts had me giddy and full of hope. I am not a big fan on the way the story ended but I understand why she wrote it the way she did. It just wasn’t my HEA. If you love being taken on an emotional roller coaster then this is a book you’ll definitely want to check out.
May 5, 2016
After sitting down and tearing through the ARC for Because I Love You by Tori Rigby, I was left with that giddy sense you get after watching an awesome “feel good” movie. I went through a plethora of emotions while reading: sadness, outrage, disgust, and hope, before ultimately being left with the feeling that all was right with the world. And basically that translates into “this book is my favorite king of read.”
I’ll be honest, I’m not generally a contemporary chick lit kind of girl, normally leaning toward more dark paranormal type books, which just goes to show that even I can be wrong. I absolutely adored this book from the start.
Andie Hamilton is a protagonist you can’t help but feel connected to. Struggling to come to terms with how her life has been forever altered by one choice, Andie is strong. She continues to put one shoe in front of the other and to take one breath at a time while trudging through heartbreak, loss, and the worst kind of betrayal before ultimately finding herself on the better side of love.
And, of course, Andie isn’t the only compelling character in the book. Neil Donaghue, an intense boy who has suffered a painful past, is endearing in the way that only a bad boy with a heart of gold can be. He looks beyond hurt and suffering and beyond stereotypes to find the kind of love he has always wanted but has never known. I can easily see many young females falling for Neil. Get ready for your new favorite book boyfriend.
This story is real. Andie could be you, or your daughter, or your friend. Teen pregnancy is a big subject that has big effects on the lives of everyone it touches. And I think Tori has done an outstanding job of presenting it in a way that neither supports nor ridicules the choices surrounding it. At the heart of this story, love is the abounding factor. Romantic love, a mother’s love for a child, a child’s love for a parent, love of self. In the end, love is the only thing. And it changes everything.
I’m giving this book 5 stars. Because it made me laugh out loud, and tear up, and made me mad, and made me happy. For me, when reading, that’s a rare thing.
I’ll be honest, I’m not generally a contemporary chick lit kind of girl, normally leaning toward more dark paranormal type books, which just goes to show that even I can be wrong. I absolutely adored this book from the start.
Andie Hamilton is a protagonist you can’t help but feel connected to. Struggling to come to terms with how her life has been forever altered by one choice, Andie is strong. She continues to put one shoe in front of the other and to take one breath at a time while trudging through heartbreak, loss, and the worst kind of betrayal before ultimately finding herself on the better side of love.
And, of course, Andie isn’t the only compelling character in the book. Neil Donaghue, an intense boy who has suffered a painful past, is endearing in the way that only a bad boy with a heart of gold can be. He looks beyond hurt and suffering and beyond stereotypes to find the kind of love he has always wanted but has never known. I can easily see many young females falling for Neil. Get ready for your new favorite book boyfriend.
This story is real. Andie could be you, or your daughter, or your friend. Teen pregnancy is a big subject that has big effects on the lives of everyone it touches. And I think Tori has done an outstanding job of presenting it in a way that neither supports nor ridicules the choices surrounding it. At the heart of this story, love is the abounding factor. Romantic love, a mother’s love for a child, a child’s love for a parent, love of self. In the end, love is the only thing. And it changes everything.
I’m giving this book 5 stars. Because it made me laugh out loud, and tear up, and made me mad, and made me happy. For me, when reading, that’s a rare thing.
August 5, 2016
I am so torn about this book. It started off so well, but then there were just too many unrealistic things that happened. I overlooked the first couple, but then it got to be too much. The suspension of disbelief was lost. I just couldn’t.
So, rather than write a traditional review for this book, I am going to list the things I liked and disliked.
WHAT I LIKED
Andie’s Mother - She is awesome! So supportive, so loving. Just amazing. YA needs more moms like her.
Jill / Neil - After Andie’s old friends (see below) abandon her, she starts hanging out with Jill (a brand new friend) and Neil (her ex-boyfriend). They are wonderful. Their insta-friendship was a little unrealistic, but it was one of the things I could handle because they were terrific.
Adoption out of Love - Adoption isn’t portrayed much in teen pregnancy stories, so I loved that that was the focus of this book (although it wasn’t what I expected). I appreciated the message that adoption is something that is done out of love. It’s a hard choice, but one that mothers make to give their children a better chance at life. I loved that!
WHAT I DISLIKED
Heather / Carter - Andie has been best friends with Heather and Carter forever (since kindergarten I think), but both of them betray her immediately when they find out she’s pregnant. I know they live in a small, Christian town and attend a prep school, but I hated them for their behavior. It was just too awful.
The School Administration - Some really horrible things happen to Andie at school, and no one does anything about it. That was just too unrealistic.
All. The. Crying. - I know Andie is pregnant, but seriously! She cries all the time. Over everything. Happy and sad. I just couldn’t handle it after a while.
Andie - I don’t want to call her weak, but she did kind of bounce around all over the place with her thinking and her decisions. And her dependency on Neil was a little nauseating sometimes. Sorry.
Open Adoption - Why isn't it discussed at all?
http://www.momsradius.com/2016/08/boo...
So, rather than write a traditional review for this book, I am going to list the things I liked and disliked.
WHAT I LIKED
Andie’s Mother - She is awesome! So supportive, so loving. Just amazing. YA needs more moms like her.
Jill / Neil - After Andie’s old friends (see below) abandon her, she starts hanging out with Jill (a brand new friend) and Neil (her ex-boyfriend). They are wonderful. Their insta-friendship was a little unrealistic, but it was one of the things I could handle because they were terrific.
Adoption out of Love - Adoption isn’t portrayed much in teen pregnancy stories, so I loved that that was the focus of this book (although it wasn’t what I expected). I appreciated the message that adoption is something that is done out of love. It’s a hard choice, but one that mothers make to give their children a better chance at life. I loved that!
WHAT I DISLIKED
Heather / Carter - Andie has been best friends with Heather and Carter forever (since kindergarten I think), but both of them betray her immediately when they find out she’s pregnant. I know they live in a small, Christian town and attend a prep school, but I hated them for their behavior. It was just too awful.
The School Administration - Some really horrible things happen to Andie at school, and no one does anything about it. That was just too unrealistic.
All. The. Crying. - I know Andie is pregnant, but seriously! She cries all the time. Over everything. Happy and sad. I just couldn’t handle it after a while.
Andie - I don’t want to call her weak, but she did kind of bounce around all over the place with her thinking and her decisions. And her dependency on Neil was a little nauseating sometimes. Sorry.
Open Adoption - Why isn't it discussed at all?
http://www.momsradius.com/2016/08/boo...
December 27, 2016
I was gifted this book via Netgalley.
I chose to request this book because it dealt with something that hits close to home for me: teenage pregnancy. I was 17 when I found out I was pregnant with my first child. The MC, Andie, is slightly younger at age 16 and has a slightly different life than me, but still I knew I was going to relate in some ways to her and I was excited to read her story.
Being pregnant before graduating is about the only thing I have/had in common with Andie. It was pretty different otherwise. Andie is the co-captain of the cheerleading squad, but once she finds out she is pregnant, she is not only slut-shamed but treated like she is a leper. The degree of bullying once she finds out she is pregnant is not something I experienced and it was incredibly heartbreaking. She is basically ostracized by nearly everyone in school before she makes the switch to being homeschooled. The only people she has left are an ex-boyfriend she reconnects with after she finds out she is expecting and a new friend she has made after everyone else refuses to have anything to do with the pregnant girl.
I really loved this book despite the 4-star rating, but I docked a star because there was some plot whiplash. A lot of back and forth and I am not really a huge fan there. And it didn't really have much to do with pregnancy hormones - because I have been there (three times now) and know how that goes. I did cry in like half the book though, so that means I did really connect with the characters and the story. The end was not what I expected and I did like that too. Although I did hold out that Andie would choose differently.
Disclaimer: There is a lot of physical romance. It isn't extremely graphic, but it is a little hot and heavy at times with the descriptions.
I chose to request this book because it dealt with something that hits close to home for me: teenage pregnancy. I was 17 when I found out I was pregnant with my first child. The MC, Andie, is slightly younger at age 16 and has a slightly different life than me, but still I knew I was going to relate in some ways to her and I was excited to read her story.
Being pregnant before graduating is about the only thing I have/had in common with Andie. It was pretty different otherwise. Andie is the co-captain of the cheerleading squad, but once she finds out she is pregnant, she is not only slut-shamed but treated like she is a leper. The degree of bullying once she finds out she is pregnant is not something I experienced and it was incredibly heartbreaking. She is basically ostracized by nearly everyone in school before she makes the switch to being homeschooled. The only people she has left are an ex-boyfriend she reconnects with after she finds out she is expecting and a new friend she has made after everyone else refuses to have anything to do with the pregnant girl.
I really loved this book despite the 4-star rating, but I docked a star because there was some plot whiplash. A lot of back and forth and I am not really a huge fan there. And it didn't really have much to do with pregnancy hormones - because I have been there (three times now) and know how that goes. I did cry in like half the book though, so that means I did really connect with the characters and the story. The end was not what I expected and I did like that too. Although I did hold out that Andie would choose differently.
Disclaimer: There is a lot of physical romance. It isn't extremely graphic, but it is a little hot and heavy at times with the descriptions.
September 26, 2016
**I was provided with an eArc by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!**
As of late, I’ve apparently read quite a couple of books with teen pregnancies and somehow I find they always end in a very similar way. However, even if I thought that the final decision was a little bit predictable, the book as a whole definitely wasn’t. You might think that there is a limited of twists and turns in a YA contemporary, but nope, there were so many surprises that I didn’t expect. People who were supposed to be friends either turned out to be backstabbers or cowards, yet the ones who I was wary and suspicious of were the greatest support. It’s not just the people though, the plot itself has quite a few things in store as well.
I am always having difficulties saying things about books I liked. First, I don’t want to spoil you in any way and second, I am not sure how much use simple fangirling is. Because I Love You flows really nicely from the beginning. It has relatable characters who will grow on you quickly and show you how important a good support system is. There’s also a swoon-worthy guy who would slay dragons for the people he loves and a girl who realises how good she has had it in life and how much she has always been cared for. The novel tackles surprisingly many themes aside from teen pregnancy and adoption, however, going further into this might reveal too much already.
If you do pick up Because I Love You one day, and I really hope you will, I want you to go into this with an open mind. There’s so much more to people than we are able to see at first glance, maybe even at second.
Fazit: 4.5/5 stars! A great emotional contemporary with twists that will surprise you!
As of late, I’ve apparently read quite a couple of books with teen pregnancies and somehow I find they always end in a very similar way. However, even if I thought that the final decision was a little bit predictable, the book as a whole definitely wasn’t. You might think that there is a limited of twists and turns in a YA contemporary, but nope, there were so many surprises that I didn’t expect. People who were supposed to be friends either turned out to be backstabbers or cowards, yet the ones who I was wary and suspicious of were the greatest support. It’s not just the people though, the plot itself has quite a few things in store as well.
I am always having difficulties saying things about books I liked. First, I don’t want to spoil you in any way and second, I am not sure how much use simple fangirling is. Because I Love You flows really nicely from the beginning. It has relatable characters who will grow on you quickly and show you how important a good support system is. There’s also a swoon-worthy guy who would slay dragons for the people he loves and a girl who realises how good she has had it in life and how much she has always been cared for. The novel tackles surprisingly many themes aside from teen pregnancy and adoption, however, going further into this might reveal too much already.
If you do pick up Because I Love You one day, and I really hope you will, I want you to go into this with an open mind. There’s so much more to people than we are able to see at first glance, maybe even at second.
Fazit: 4.5/5 stars! A great emotional contemporary with twists that will surprise you!
August 2, 2016
Tori Rigby's debut, Because I Love You, is a bittersweet story about a young girl forced to make big decisions at a very young age. At just 16, Andie finds herself in a desperate situation that continues to get more emotional with each chapter. I was initially drawn to the story comparing it to Juno ( girl gets pregnant by best friend), but this is much more complicated and heartbreaking.
The story opens with Andie discovering she's pregnant. She lives in a small affluent in Colorado and while she's already faced losing her father, she now faces so many new obstacles. She's learns quickly that her friends aren't at all who she thought they were and that her situation drives a wedge between herself and most of her peers. The one shining light is the new support she gains from the most unexpected person. She also makes new friends, and in the process of facing her choices, she makes a discovery that leads her to new understandings about love and sacrifice. The story is well paced as there is constant change in Andie's world.
I think it's a great YA read and one I'd recommend to any YA fan. Ultimately Because I Love you is about determination, hope, and taking risks. 4 Stars
The story opens with Andie discovering she's pregnant. She lives in a small affluent in Colorado and while she's already faced losing her father, she now faces so many new obstacles. She's learns quickly that her friends aren't at all who she thought they were and that her situation drives a wedge between herself and most of her peers. The one shining light is the new support she gains from the most unexpected person. She also makes new friends, and in the process of facing her choices, she makes a discovery that leads her to new understandings about love and sacrifice. The story is well paced as there is constant change in Andie's world.
I think it's a great YA read and one I'd recommend to any YA fan. Ultimately Because I Love you is about determination, hope, and taking risks. 4 Stars
May 15, 2016
~ Book provided by Author & YA Bound Books Tours in exchange for my honest opinion
I have to admit I'm not sure I ever read a book about teen pregnancy, but I wanted to change my reading behaviour a little bit and the blurb sounded interesting, so I requested this book.
I really liked this book till about 60% and then - I don't know why - I just lost the desire to read this, but I forced myself to continue reading it and I do not regret it. In fact I'm glad I did. I enjoy the last few chapters so much in a heartbroken way.
Throughout this book I was shocked, laughed so much, cried and just wanted to give Andie a long hug for all she had to endure.
Andie was such a strong girl. I don't know what I would have done in her shoes, but she chose the best possible outcome. And Neil. I just had to love him. He made me swoon and laugh so much.
Then there were all the side characters, Jill, Andie's mom, Jill's dad. They were all pretty awesome. And I loved that the weren't all the same, no, they had character.
If you choose to give this one a try, be prepared and have some tissues in your reach. You will need them.
Rating: 4,25 stars
I have to admit I'm not sure I ever read a book about teen pregnancy, but I wanted to change my reading behaviour a little bit and the blurb sounded interesting, so I requested this book.
I really liked this book till about 60% and then - I don't know why - I just lost the desire to read this, but I forced myself to continue reading it and I do not regret it. In fact I'm glad I did. I enjoy the last few chapters so much in a heartbroken way.
Throughout this book I was shocked, laughed so much, cried and just wanted to give Andie a long hug for all she had to endure.
Andie was such a strong girl. I don't know what I would have done in her shoes, but she chose the best possible outcome. And Neil. I just had to love him. He made me swoon and laugh so much.
Then there were all the side characters, Jill, Andie's mom, Jill's dad. They were all pretty awesome. And I loved that the weren't all the same, no, they had character.
If you choose to give this one a try, be prepared and have some tissues in your reach. You will need them.
Rating: 4,25 stars
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