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Not Yet #4
Because of You
All Ricky Martinez knows of life is loss, loyalty, and family.
When his father became a quadriplegic after breaking his neck saving a drowning girl, Ricky gave up his dreams of playing football at a big college to stay home and take care of his family. His new dream? Find the girl who caused his father’s injury and get justice.
Because of her, his family lost everything.
All Aveline Gerard knows of life is a quiet, protective love.
Homeschooled ever since her accident eighteen years ago, Aveline’s parents, both deaf, have kept her safe the only way they know how—sheltered, and alone. Aveline’s deepest desire? To experience life in all its loud and messy glory, and the tattooed guy in her first college class is all of those things.
Because of him, her life is finally beginning.
But fate has a wicked sense of justice and when Ricky realizes the sweet, shy girl in his class is the one who wrecked his family, will he be able to walk away? Or will the bitter rage inside cause him to make the biggest mistake of his life?
Because of them, the pain of two families will finally collide.
When his father became a quadriplegic after breaking his neck saving a drowning girl, Ricky gave up his dreams of playing football at a big college to stay home and take care of his family. His new dream? Find the girl who caused his father’s injury and get justice.
Because of her, his family lost everything.
All Aveline Gerard knows of life is a quiet, protective love.
Homeschooled ever since her accident eighteen years ago, Aveline’s parents, both deaf, have kept her safe the only way they know how—sheltered, and alone. Aveline’s deepest desire? To experience life in all its loud and messy glory, and the tattooed guy in her first college class is all of those things.
Because of him, her life is finally beginning.
But fate has a wicked sense of justice and when Ricky realizes the sweet, shy girl in his class is the one who wrecked his family, will he be able to walk away? Or will the bitter rage inside cause him to make the biggest mistake of his life?
Because of them, the pain of two families will finally collide.
Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2018
About the author
Laura Ward
10 books620 followersLaura Ward lives in Maryland with her loud and very loving three children and husband. She married her college sweetheart and is endlessly grateful for the support he has given her through all their years together, and especially toward her goal of writing books. When not picking up toy trucks, driving to lacrosse practice, or checking spelling homework, Laura is writing or reading romance novels. Her debut novel, NOT YET, is a Top 100 Amazon Bestseller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 4, 2018
4.5 Stars
‘I would weave myself into him, his life, and his heart. This complicated, gorgeous man, that thought he didn’t deserve happiness or dreams or good in his life.’
What a beautifully heartfelt story! Whilst reading Because of You we felt as though we had been transported back in time to the YA stories (please note this is not a YA book – the characters are in their early 20’s)) that are forever ingrained in our hearts. The innocence, the emotion and purity of the storytelling, where it is all about the story, was evident throughout Because of You. Laura Ward really does delve deep into her characters bringing their struggles to the forefront in an honest and sincere way. Whilst Because of You is part of the Not Yet Series , it can very easily be read as a complete standalone.
At its heart, Ricky and Aveline’s story is about sacrifice, family, love and forgiveness; at its core, it is a story reflecting a young man’s struggle to care for his family following a tragedy born of heroism. O f a young man’s unwavering love and devotion to his parents and his sister’s welfare. It also tells the story of a young woman wanting to break free from her gilded cage and how Aveline Gerard’s life is changed irrevocably when she meets Ricky Martinez in their Psychology 201 class.
‘There were moments in life so impactful you would know that every millisecond would etch onto your soul. This was mine. I was his.’
As fate would have it, Ricky soon learns Aveline is the little girl, who father selfishly saved, some eighteen years earlier, and was the cause of Pedro Martinez’ quality of life being so drastically changed. Ricky harbors much pain and anguish and a lot of bitter resentment for Aveline’s parents, who he feels responsible for his father being a quadriplegic due to their inattention for their child.
Ricky and his family are poor. Ricky unselfishly gave up a Football scholarship to work and provide financial assistance to his family, working two jobs to help his Mum. Every day is a struggle to go to school and work the hours needed to put food on the table. Ricky is exhausted and hurting.
“You’re a good guy. This isn’t a story where you’re the villain.”
Aveline on the other hand is twenty two, lives with her wealthy parents, has never attended school, never had a boyfriend, and pretty much never been outside the walls of her opulent home. There is such a sweet innocence to Aveline due to her sheltered life and overprotective parents. They nearly lost their daughter once, they are fiercely protective to ensure nothing ever happens to Aveline.
Ricky wants compensation from the Gerard’s for what his family have endured for the past eighteen years, to pay for the hardships they’ve faced. After all, whilst his family have been suffering, Aveline’s parents seemed to have been living a life of happiness, wealth and privilege.
When paired for a psychology assignment on ‘nature vs nurture’ Ricky and Aveline must learn all about each other’s lives. They must visit each other’s homes, and become well versed in everything about one another, and this makes for an interesting time. Ricky’s bitterness towards Aveline softens when he gets to know her and develops feelings, but will the truth tear them apart.
‘I held her tighter to me, the love and emotion growing deeper with every word she spoke and memory we made. I had to tell her the truth…’
We had lots of questions about what had transpired the day of the accident and the years that followed, and Laura Ward answered all of them, leaving no stone unturned, and hitting our hearts along the way. Our hearts ached for Ricky and his predicament, this poor bloke needed a break.
From her impassioned prose to her stirring emotion, Laura Ward gave us a story that was thought provoking, sweet, honest and heart rending. An authentic, inspirational and moving story of first love, self-discovery and an unending desire to love and be loved. Beautiful, quite simply, beautiful.
Purchase Because of You
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May 27, 2018
4.5 beautiful Stars
‘I would weave myself into him, his life, and his heart. This complicated, gorgeous man, that thought he didn’t deserve happiness or dreams or good in his life.’
What a beautifully heartfelt story! Whilst reading Because of You we felt as though we had been transported back in time to the YA stories (please note this is not a YA book – the characters are in their early 20’s)) that are forever ingrained in our hearts. The innocence, the emotion and purity of the storytelling, where it is all about the story, was evident throughout Because of You. Laura Ward really does delve deep into her characters bringing their struggles to the forefront in an honest and sincere way. And whilst Because of You is part of the Not Yet series it can very easily be read as a complete standalone.
At its heart, Ricky and Aveline’s story is about sacrifice, family, love and forgiveness; at its core, it is a story reflecting a young man’s struggle to care for his family following a tragedy born of heroism. O f a young man’s unwavering love and devotion to his parents and his sister’s welfare. It also tells the story of a young woman wanting to break free from her gilded cage and how Aveline Gerard’s life is changed irrevocably when she meets Ricky Martinez in their Psychology 201 class.
‘There were moments in life so impactful you would know that every millisecond would etch onto your soul. This was mine. I was his.’
As fate would have it, Ricky soon learns Aveline is the little girl, who father selfishly saved, some eighteen years earlier, and was the cause of Pedro Martinez’ quality of life being so drastically changed. Ricky harbors much pain and anguish and a lot of bitter resentment for Aveline’s parents, who he feels responsible for his father being a quadriplegic due to their inattention for their child.
Ricky and his family are poor. Ricky unselfishly gave up a Football scholarship to work and provide financial assistance to his family, working two jobs to help his Mum. Every day is a struggle to go to school and work the hours needed to put food on the table. Ricky is exhausted and hurting.
“You’re a good guy. This isn’t a story where you’re the villain.”
Aveline on the other hand is twenty two, lives with her wealthy parents, has never attended school, never had a boyfriend, and pretty much never been outside the walls of her opulent home. There is such a sweet innocence to Aveline due to her sheltered life and overprotective parents. They nearly lost their daughter once, they are fiercely protective to ensure nothing ever happens to Aveline.
Ricky wants compensation from the Gerard’s for what his family have endured for the past eighteen years, to pay for the hardships they’ve faced. After all, whilst his family have been suffering, Aveline’s parents seemed to have been living a life of happiness, wealth and privilege.
When paired for a psychology assignment on ‘nature vs nurture’ Ricky and Aveline must learn all about each other’s lives. They must visit each other’s homes, and become well versed in everything about one another, and this makes for an interesting time. Ricky’s bitterness towards Aveline softens when he gets to know her and develops feelings, but will the truth tear them apart.
‘I held her tighter to me, the love and emotion growing deeper with every word she spoke and memory we made. I had to tell her the truth…’
We had lots of questions about what had transpired the day of the accident and the years that followed, and Laura Ward answered all of them, leaving no stone unturned, and hitting our hearts along the way. Our hearts ached for Ricky and his predicament, this poor bloke needed a break.
From her impassioned prose to her stirring emotion, Laura Ward gave us a story that was thought provoking, sweet, honest and heart rending. An authentic, inspirational and moving story of first love, self-discovery and an unending desire to love and be loved. Beautiful, quite simply, beautiful.
BECAUSE OF YOU is available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Our Series Reviews and purchase Links
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallybookedBlog
✲ TB on Facebook
✲ TB on Twitter
✲ TB on Pinterest
June 1, 2018
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone but part of a series.
Ages of H and h: h is 22 and H is 22ish
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
Really enjoyed this book! I thought the plot was unique and quite engaging, especially as I couldn't figure out the ending and how everything would ultimately show down. Avaline's mother really annoyed me with how she babied Avaline bit it did make sense later on. However it wasn't justified.
Ages of H and h: h is 22 and H is 22ish
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
Really enjoyed this book! I thought the plot was unique and quite engaging, especially as I couldn't figure out the ending and how everything would ultimately show down. Avaline's mother really annoyed me with how she babied Avaline bit it did make sense later on. However it wasn't justified.
May 20, 2018
4.5
All full circle. Full review closer to release
All full circle. Full review closer to release
May 6, 2018
Laura really knows how to write sweet, tender stories with a lot of heart and unique characters. I love how she incorporates characters with special needs and makes them integral to her story.
October 11, 2018
4.5 beautiful Stars
‘I would weave myself into him, his life, and his heart. This complicated, gorgeous man, that thought he didn’t deserve happiness or dreams or good in his life.’
What a beautifully heartfelt story! Whilst reading Because of You we felt as though we had been transported back in time to the YA stories (please note this is not a YA book – the characters are in their early 20’s)) that are forever ingrained in our hearts. The innocence, the emotion and purity of the storytelling, where it is all about the story, was evident throughout Because of You. Laura Ward really does delve deep into her characters bringing their struggles to the forefront in an honest and sincere way. And whilst Because of You is part of the Not Yet series it can very easily be read as a complete standalone.
At its heart, Ricky and Aveline’s story is about sacrifice, family, love and forgiveness; at its core, it is a story reflecting a young man’s struggle to care for his family following a tragedy born of heroism. O f a young man’s unwavering love and devotion to his parents and his sister’s welfare. It also tells the story of a young woman wanting to break free from her gilded cage and how Aveline Gerard’s life is changed irrevocably when she meets Ricky Martinez in their Psychology 201 class.
‘There were moments in life so impactful you would know that every millisecond would etch onto your soul. This was mine. I was his.’
As fate would have it, Ricky soon learns Aveline is the little girl, who father selfishly saved, some eighteen years earlier, and was the cause of Pedro Martinez’ quality of life being so drastically changed. Ricky harbors much pain and anguish and a lot of bitter resentment for Aveline’s parents, who he feels responsible for his father being a quadriplegic due to their inattention for their child.
Ricky and his family are poor. Ricky unselfishly gave up a Football scholarship to work and provide financial assistance to his family, working two jobs to help his Mum. Every day is a struggle to go to school and work the hours needed to put food on the table. Ricky is exhausted and hurting.
“You’re a good guy. This isn’t a story where you’re the villain.”
Aveline on the other hand is twenty two, lives with her wealthy parents, has never attended school, never had a boyfriend, and pretty much never been outside the walls of her opulent home. There is such a sweet innocence to Aveline due to her sheltered life and overprotective parents. They nearly lost their daughter once, they are fiercely protective to ensure nothing ever happens to Aveline.
Ricky wants compensation from the Gerard’s for what his family have endured for the past eighteen years, to pay for the hardships they’ve faced. After all, whilst his family have been suffering, Aveline’s parents seemed to have been living a life of happiness, wealth and privilege.
When paired for a psychology assignment on ‘nature vs nurture’ Ricky and Aveline must learn all about each other’s lives. They must visit each other’s homes, and become well versed in everything about one another, and this makes for an interesting time. Ricky’s bitterness towards Aveline softens when he gets to know her and develops feelings, but will the truth tear them apart.
‘I held her tighter to me, the love and emotion growing deeper with every word she spoke and memory we made. I had to tell her the truth…’
We had lots of questions about what had transpired the day of the accident and the years that followed, and Laura Ward answered all of them, leaving no stone unturned, and hitting our hearts along the way. Our hearts ached for Ricky and his predicament, this poor bloke needed a break.
From her impassioned prose to her stirring emotion, Laura Ward gave us a story that was thought provoking, sweet, honest and heart rending. An authentic, inspirational and moving story of first love, self-discovery and an unending desire to love and be loved. Beautiful, quite simply, beautiful.
BECAUSE OF YOU is available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Our Series Reviews and purchase Links
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallybookedBlog
✲ TB on Facebook
✲ TB on Twitter
✲ TB on Pinteresttot
June 11, 2018
Find this review and more at
kimberlyfaye reads.
I have to be completely honest, I'm not really sure what to say about Because of You. This book totally put me through the wringer and I had so many conflicting emotions throughout it. But don't take that as a bad thing. It wasn't at all. I really enjoyed this one, uncomfortable emotions and all.
First, I have to say I really appreciated the set up for this story. "Bad boy" from the wrong side of the tracks with a tragic past meets the "rich girl" who he believes stole everything from him. The friendship (and more) the boy planned to use as a way to get even and get what he felt he and his family deserved ended up changing both of their lives. It could've been cliche, but it was far from it. Thanks to Laura's writing, it had a whole lot of heart and, well, all the feels.
I'm not going to lie, I had a tough time with Ricky for a good portion of this book. I understood why he was hurt and why he wanted to basically get even and have Aveline's family pay him and his family back for what transpired years ago. But I also didn't like the idea of him hurting Aveline. I know his family was dealing with a lot. He had a lot of anger issues and that worried me. It's like he was in constant conflict throughout the book — between the monster that raged inside and the good, caring man he could be without even really trying. I, too, was in a constant state of conflict when it came to him because of this. Just when he'd do something so sweet it made me swoon, he'd turn around and do something hurtful and I'd get mad all over again. It was quite a ride. (I should be very specific here, because triggers, he wasn't physically or emotionally abusive to Aveline.)
I loved Aveline right from the very start. Something about her innocence and naïveté made me want to protect her. I'm pretty sure that's why I had a tough time with Ricky. He once described her as a butterfly and that's a pretty accurate analogy. I was terrified he would crush her. While Ricky thought her home life was perfect because she was rich and had two healthy parents, he didn't really know the full story there either. He made a lot of assumptions. But even while I feared for what the future would bring for them once all the secrets were revealed, I couldn't help but ship them. They really were good for each other, despite everything.
I thought Because of You was a beautiful book. Laura has a real knack for writing these gorgeous books that make you stop and think about everything. She certainly did that here with a coming of age tale that touches on guilt and anger and overcoming the past to find true love. Ricky and Aveline's story alone would've been enough, but I couldn't help but be thrilled by the appearance of some of my favorites from earlier in this series. There were some pretty special scenes with them, too. My bookish heart was totally full after finishing this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
FAVORITE QUOTES
I was ready to live my life, fully and unafraid. For the first time ever.
"I'm not a good man, but I'll be good to you."
Because the monster inside me won. And when it did, a butterfly lost her wings.
The monster was gone. In his place was a man who had won.
I have to be completely honest, I'm not really sure what to say about Because of You. This book totally put me through the wringer and I had so many conflicting emotions throughout it. But don't take that as a bad thing. It wasn't at all. I really enjoyed this one, uncomfortable emotions and all.
First, I have to say I really appreciated the set up for this story. "Bad boy" from the wrong side of the tracks with a tragic past meets the "rich girl" who he believes stole everything from him. The friendship (and more) the boy planned to use as a way to get even and get what he felt he and his family deserved ended up changing both of their lives. It could've been cliche, but it was far from it. Thanks to Laura's writing, it had a whole lot of heart and, well, all the feels.
I'm not going to lie, I had a tough time with Ricky for a good portion of this book. I understood why he was hurt and why he wanted to basically get even and have Aveline's family pay him and his family back for what transpired years ago. But I also didn't like the idea of him hurting Aveline. I know his family was dealing with a lot. He had a lot of anger issues and that worried me. It's like he was in constant conflict throughout the book — between the monster that raged inside and the good, caring man he could be without even really trying. I, too, was in a constant state of conflict when it came to him because of this. Just when he'd do something so sweet it made me swoon, he'd turn around and do something hurtful and I'd get mad all over again. It was quite a ride. (I should be very specific here, because triggers, he wasn't physically or emotionally abusive to Aveline.)
I loved Aveline right from the very start. Something about her innocence and naïveté made me want to protect her. I'm pretty sure that's why I had a tough time with Ricky. He once described her as a butterfly and that's a pretty accurate analogy. I was terrified he would crush her. While Ricky thought her home life was perfect because she was rich and had two healthy parents, he didn't really know the full story there either. He made a lot of assumptions. But even while I feared for what the future would bring for them once all the secrets were revealed, I couldn't help but ship them. They really were good for each other, despite everything.
I thought Because of You was a beautiful book. Laura has a real knack for writing these gorgeous books that make you stop and think about everything. She certainly did that here with a coming of age tale that touches on guilt and anger and overcoming the past to find true love. Ricky and Aveline's story alone would've been enough, but I couldn't help but be thrilled by the appearance of some of my favorites from earlier in this series. There were some pretty special scenes with them, too. My bookish heart was totally full after finishing this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
FAVORITE QUOTES
I was ready to live my life, fully and unafraid. For the first time ever.
"I'm not a good man, but I'll be good to you."
Because the monster inside me won. And when it did, a butterfly lost her wings.
The monster was gone. In his place was a man who had won.
June 4, 2018
I started reading this story and I took an immediate liking to the storyline and characters. It consumed me to the point that I had a difficult time putting it down. This 5 star story made me feel so many emotions.
Ricky is all about wanting revenge for something he thinks has wrong his family and him. He works hard to keep his family afloat. Enters Aveline. All he sees is a rich, spoiled girl. Being on the wrong side of the tracks, he will put a plan in motion in order to have revenge. What he didn’t know is that he can’t help but fall in love with her. Will she forgive him when she learns the truth?
I was more then halfway done reading when I went to bed, I was so focus on these characters that were attached to my heart, body and soul. This is not the kind of story I needed when I suffer from insomnia. I couldn’t let it go and I cried, cried and cried. There were not sad tears, they were about forgiveness. Aveline has been lied and manipulated. She chose to forgive. Some of the events, actions were just so amazing. So I basically suffered from a book hangover.
This story is so addicting that I read it in a few short hours. An enticing and captivating tale of forgiveness and actions that have meaning. Beautifully written with a great storyline. A plot twist that left me smiling. Bottomline this is a must read.
This is the 4th story in the Not Yet series. Rest assured, Because of You can be read as a standalone. Although some of the characters from the previous stories come play a minor role in this story. Story told in a dual POV with an amazing HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
June 22, 2018
4.5 out of 5
Sometimes I find new books by the most roundabout ways. With this book, I noticed it in my update feed on GoodReads. I found the colours nice so clicked on the book itself, it sounded interesting so I gave it a try. Now I’m patting myself on the back for my genius/shallowness since this book is good, really good.
There is a very strong link between the families of Aveline Gerard, the heroine and Ricky Martinez, the hero. It’s a link that goes back many years and born out of tragedy. Ricky’s father saved Aveline from drowning when she was a young child and as a result became a paraplegic, unable to even talk. This changed the course of Ricky’s life. Instead of attending college and playing football like his friends, once he graduates from high school he works and goes to community college as he’s the main bread winner for his family. They live on the very edge of poverty and Ricky holds a lot of anger at the family of the young girl that because of them his world was destroyed due to of what he considers their negligence.
He is rocked when in one of his classes he puts two and two together and realizes the shy, awkward girl in his classes is the girl his father saved. He decides to befriend her in order to get some kind of nebulous revenge.
But he realizes that Aveline is a very sweet, caring young woman and not the snooty rich girl he thought at first. Things become complicated as his feelings for her grow deeper and deeper.
Both Ricky and Aveline are wonderful characters. It would be easy to dislike Ricky with his bitterness and schemes, but instead the reader feels for him in how his life has been upended. Everything he plans and does is born out of a deep love for his family and his own misguided attempt to help them. The more he comes to care for Aveline, the more he has misgivings about his plan. And there is important information that he doesn’t know, that Aveline doesn’t tell him that would change everything.
And Aveline is such a great heroine. After her near death, her parents keep her wrapped in cotton in order to protect her and by doing so they’ve isolated her to the point her normal growth and maturity is stunted. She’s been home-schooled and never been allowed to really live. With Ricky as her catalyst, she is finally beginning to spread her wings.
While not the typical Big Misunderstanding, they are both Ricky and Aveline are keeping something important from the other, but their reasoning for doing so makes sense.
This is the fourth book in the series but worked quite well as a stand-alone. Since reading this book I’ve gone back and got the previous books, not because I’m missing anything but because I love this authors voice and want to read more of it.
Sometimes I find new books by the most roundabout ways. With this book, I noticed it in my update feed on GoodReads. I found the colours nice so clicked on the book itself, it sounded interesting so I gave it a try. Now I’m patting myself on the back for my genius/shallowness since this book is good, really good.
There is a very strong link between the families of Aveline Gerard, the heroine and Ricky Martinez, the hero. It’s a link that goes back many years and born out of tragedy. Ricky’s father saved Aveline from drowning when she was a young child and as a result became a paraplegic, unable to even talk. This changed the course of Ricky’s life. Instead of attending college and playing football like his friends, once he graduates from high school he works and goes to community college as he’s the main bread winner for his family. They live on the very edge of poverty and Ricky holds a lot of anger at the family of the young girl that because of them his world was destroyed due to of what he considers their negligence.
He is rocked when in one of his classes he puts two and two together and realizes the shy, awkward girl in his classes is the girl his father saved. He decides to befriend her in order to get some kind of nebulous revenge.
But he realizes that Aveline is a very sweet, caring young woman and not the snooty rich girl he thought at first. Things become complicated as his feelings for her grow deeper and deeper.
Both Ricky and Aveline are wonderful characters. It would be easy to dislike Ricky with his bitterness and schemes, but instead the reader feels for him in how his life has been upended. Everything he plans and does is born out of a deep love for his family and his own misguided attempt to help them. The more he comes to care for Aveline, the more he has misgivings about his plan. And there is important information that he doesn’t know, that Aveline doesn’t tell him that would change everything.
And Aveline is such a great heroine. After her near death, her parents keep her wrapped in cotton in order to protect her and by doing so they’ve isolated her to the point her normal growth and maturity is stunted. She’s been home-schooled and never been allowed to really live. With Ricky as her catalyst, she is finally beginning to spread her wings.
While not the typical Big Misunderstanding, they are both Ricky and Aveline are keeping something important from the other, but their reasoning for doing so makes sense.
This is the fourth book in the series but worked quite well as a stand-alone. Since reading this book I’ve gone back and got the previous books, not because I’m missing anything but because I love this authors voice and want to read more of it.
May 25, 2018
The moment I read the blurb for this story I knew that I had to find out these characters stories. I needed to know what had happened and what was going to happen to them. I was not disappointed when I read this story because it really explored a lot of emotions. It really showed the pain and anger that someone can carry around. With them for most of their life and then to finally show forgiveness. The author did another amazing job with this story in the series and it was really the perfect addition.
Aveline had lived a shelter life and was finally starting to live her life. She had enough money to buy everything she could ever want, but because of the worry of her parents that something would happen to her caused her to grow up in silence and isolation. Despite this she still had a positive view of the world and saw the good in people. There were times when she had me smiling with how sweet she was and especially how she treated Ricky’s father when she first met him.
I have always been curious about Ricky from the previous books in the series. He was the quiet character that was holding a lot of himself back. But as I read this story I realky connected with him in the way that he held so much anger and resentment within him that caused him a lot of pain. I really felt for him throughout the story and the pain that he carried around with him. He was a really caring character that did everything he could to give his family a good life.
Ricky’s father became a quadriplegic from an accident after saving a drowning girl. His life changed from that moment on and he wanted to find the girl who caused his life to change so drastically. But he is surprised when he finds out the sweet girl in his collage class is the very same girl. When they start to get to know each other and start to having feelings will he still want his revenge.
This series I really loved reading about and I loved reading about each couple. Each couple I connected to in different ways and this one was no different. This was a story about love, forgiveness, loyalty and family. Laura ward did a great job with navigating the different emotions throughout this story and her writing was once again flawless. This was one of my top reads for this year and I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.
Aveline had lived a shelter life and was finally starting to live her life. She had enough money to buy everything she could ever want, but because of the worry of her parents that something would happen to her caused her to grow up in silence and isolation. Despite this she still had a positive view of the world and saw the good in people. There were times when she had me smiling with how sweet she was and especially how she treated Ricky’s father when she first met him.
I have always been curious about Ricky from the previous books in the series. He was the quiet character that was holding a lot of himself back. But as I read this story I realky connected with him in the way that he held so much anger and resentment within him that caused him a lot of pain. I really felt for him throughout the story and the pain that he carried around with him. He was a really caring character that did everything he could to give his family a good life.
Ricky’s father became a quadriplegic from an accident after saving a drowning girl. His life changed from that moment on and he wanted to find the girl who caused his life to change so drastically. But he is surprised when he finds out the sweet girl in his collage class is the very same girl. When they start to get to know each other and start to having feelings will he still want his revenge.
This series I really loved reading about and I loved reading about each couple. Each couple I connected to in different ways and this one was no different. This was a story about love, forgiveness, loyalty and family. Laura ward did a great job with navigating the different emotions throughout this story and her writing was once again flawless. This was one of my top reads for this year and I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.
May 25, 2018
4.5⭐
What's above forgiveness? Is hard to forgive someone who played with your heart? When learning the truth take everything you thought being genuine, real, and...yours? Well to find out the right answer to all this questions you have to read this. The story goes so deep, depth and angst is going to drive you insane. But youare going to be the biggest fan of this couple, Ricky and Aveline. Because what they live, and feel for each other is uncontrollable, is addicted, is everything. What I liked? Apparently they are so different. She should stay away from the bad boy. But how could she does it, when everything drawn to him? Even their tragic past meet at some point. The crush is inevitable. But nothing is so perfect as it seems to be. There must be a trap. And everything goes down. But when love is so deep and real it always has the last moove of the game. So even when the revenge game is over, their hearts belongs to each other.
And the guestion is: Will she forget what he did? Will Aveline forgive him? Will she give him a second chance?
Ricky is a bad boy who had been though a lot of awful moments. And he's looking for revenge! It's his own goal. What he doesn't know is that the innocent girl is really it, and she will give him something special,( and it's not only her pure heart). The question is: what's more important, her or his revenge?
Aveline is the exact opposite of Ricky. Beautiful but "locked in a golden cage". And he has the right key to get her free. And Aveline will reach out for what he is offering. She will live for real, for the first time only when she's with Rocky.
So Aveline is going to give him everything, but she will also silent steal his heart.
Love & forgiveness perfectly mixed in a very good tear-jerker story.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
What's above forgiveness? Is hard to forgive someone who played with your heart? When learning the truth take everything you thought being genuine, real, and...yours? Well to find out the right answer to all this questions you have to read this. The story goes so deep, depth and angst is going to drive you insane. But youare going to be the biggest fan of this couple, Ricky and Aveline. Because what they live, and feel for each other is uncontrollable, is addicted, is everything. What I liked? Apparently they are so different. She should stay away from the bad boy. But how could she does it, when everything drawn to him? Even their tragic past meet at some point. The crush is inevitable. But nothing is so perfect as it seems to be. There must be a trap. And everything goes down. But when love is so deep and real it always has the last moove of the game. So even when the revenge game is over, their hearts belongs to each other.
And the guestion is: Will she forget what he did? Will Aveline forgive him? Will she give him a second chance?
Ricky is a bad boy who had been though a lot of awful moments. And he's looking for revenge! It's his own goal. What he doesn't know is that the innocent girl is really it, and she will give him something special,( and it's not only her pure heart). The question is: what's more important, her or his revenge?
Aveline is the exact opposite of Ricky. Beautiful but "locked in a golden cage". And he has the right key to get her free. And Aveline will reach out for what he is offering. She will live for real, for the first time only when she's with Rocky.
So Aveline is going to give him everything, but she will also silent steal his heart.
Love & forgiveness perfectly mixed in a very good tear-jerker story.
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
May 25, 2018
This is a book that captures you and pulls you deep.
Goodness. This book. Love, hate, hope, and loss are all woven together in a story that shows you how love can overcome the biggest of hurdles. There is so much heart in this book. From the deep devotion and unconditional love of family to a romance that that steals your heart. This is a book that captures you and pulls you deep. The story is entirely unique!
I truly wasn’t sure I’d like Ricky. Full of anger born of pain and struggling he was understandably bitter. But the more I read the more I couldn’t help but love him. Sacrificing his own happiness to save his family. Willing to do anything for those he loves. Right or wrong, his heart was so big. Aveline was easy to love however. Smart but very shy and innocent. She’s been kept in a protective bubble the vast majority of her life. That didn’t stop her from being one of the sweetest characters ever though.
With secrets swirling around them and vengeance hovering these two can’t fight the deep attraction between them. They both grow so much as individuals and as a couple through their story. Turning tragedy into beauty and hate into love, Ricky and Aveline are fantastic!
Goodness. This book. Love, hate, hope, and loss are all woven together in a story that shows you how love can overcome the biggest of hurdles. There is so much heart in this book. From the deep devotion and unconditional love of family to a romance that that steals your heart. This is a book that captures you and pulls you deep. The story is entirely unique!
I truly wasn’t sure I’d like Ricky. Full of anger born of pain and struggling he was understandably bitter. But the more I read the more I couldn’t help but love him. Sacrificing his own happiness to save his family. Willing to do anything for those he loves. Right or wrong, his heart was so big. Aveline was easy to love however. Smart but very shy and innocent. She’s been kept in a protective bubble the vast majority of her life. That didn’t stop her from being one of the sweetest characters ever though.
With secrets swirling around them and vengeance hovering these two can’t fight the deep attraction between them. They both grow so much as individuals and as a couple through their story. Turning tragedy into beauty and hate into love, Ricky and Aveline are fantastic!
January 28, 2019
My first glimpse into the words of Laura Ward and what an amazing choice to make. I love anything to do with psychology and these two characters meet in a Psychology class. Aveline and Ricardo come from completely different worlds. Aveline is from a family of privilege but because of a near death experience, she has been sheltered from virtually all outside influences. Ricardo is the son of immigrants and because of one heroic act made by his father his family has been forced to live in poverty all his life barely making ends meet and having to let certain chances pass him by to help provide for his family. When these two meet in class, a chain of events is set into motion that throws these two together, possibly for a lifetime. This story brought me to tears at times. It was so heartwarming and thought provoking! I now have to go back and read more of this series.
May 27, 2018
4.75 Stars ✨
Great book and addition to the series. We briefly meet Ricky in the previous books but in his story we get his background and just why he is so moody/broody. Aveline was so sheltered that it was refreshing to see her find her way through the book and become her own woman. There were a few times throughout the story that I was wiping a stray tear. My only complaint, and it is a very small one, I wish there would have been an epilogue a few years down the road showing us where Ricky & Aveline ended up as well as the other characters (unless Ms. Ward has another book in the wings for us 😉).
This was a great read for the long weekend and I definitely look forward to what Ms. Ward has coming next.
Great book and addition to the series. We briefly meet Ricky in the previous books but in his story we get his background and just why he is so moody/broody. Aveline was so sheltered that it was refreshing to see her find her way through the book and become her own woman. There were a few times throughout the story that I was wiping a stray tear. My only complaint, and it is a very small one, I wish there would have been an epilogue a few years down the road showing us where Ricky & Aveline ended up as well as the other characters (unless Ms. Ward has another book in the wings for us 😉).
This was a great read for the long weekend and I definitely look forward to what Ms. Ward has coming next.
April 30, 2018
Ever read a book that was like a multi - layered cake with each layer as good or better than the last? That was what Because of You was like for me. To break it down, the first layer was about anger at fate -- how Ricky dealt with the consequences of his father's heroic act. The second layer was about living a life with deaf parents -- the quiet and restrictive life Aveline had led. The third layer was about the discovery of life through an incredible Psych class that Ricky and Aveline took -- their nature versus nurture journey. And the frosting -- it was the love story of these two damaged people.
I have read all of Laura Ward's books in this series -- more than once. I admire her ability to deal with sensitive subjects and yet entertain the reader. The chapters that dealt with the Psych class resonated with me, I sure wish I had a class and a professor like that in college! It was pretty amazing stuff, again sensitive material made entertaining.
I highly recommend this book and this series.
I have read all of Laura Ward's books in this series -- more than once. I admire her ability to deal with sensitive subjects and yet entertain the reader. The chapters that dealt with the Psych class resonated with me, I sure wish I had a class and a professor like that in college! It was pretty amazing stuff, again sensitive material made entertaining.
I highly recommend this book and this series.
May 22, 2018
Laura Ward's stories and characters grab you from word one... "Because of You" is so engaging, so relatable, so moving, so imbued with with powerful messages of love and renewal, that you don't want it to end. This book beautifully continues her "Not Yet" series, and left me anxiously awaiting her next novel.
May 22, 2018
I love Laura Ward’s love stories because, although her characters are very unique, I can always find a small part of myself in her characters. Meeting the characters immediately got me hooked on this book. Then the story takes many unexpected twists and turns that kept me reading for hours.
June 1, 2018
I was so torn about this book. On one hand, I enjoyed the actual story and I loved seeing the characters from previous books. On the other hand, I screamed internally through most of it to Ricky "just tell her!!!" I was annoyed at Aveline's parents, but thankfully that over the top protectiveness was explained in the end. The ending was satisfying and I appreciated the bonus scenes from the other books at the very end.
May 25, 2018
This book swept me away. I was so engrossed I couldn't stop once I started. Ricky and Aveline will take you on a current of emotions. Falling in love wasn't the plan but it was hard not to.
This book will teach you so many things Forgiveness being the biggest! I loved every minute of it.
This book will teach you so many things Forgiveness being the biggest! I loved every minute of it.
June 24, 2018
A tad cheesy 😊 but good
September 20, 2018
Really good book I loved the way the psych class was woven into their story.
May 18, 2018
Do yourself a favor and read this book. It is a beautiful story of selflessness, loyalty, honesty, forgiveness and love. The characters are so real that you feel they are sitting in the same room with you as you read. Laura is a masterful storyteller who creates a flowing dialogue that never disappoints. I loved learning Ricky’s story. And being carried along as the unlikely friendship between him and Aveline grew. Laura writes about emotions with an honesty that is powerful. I could not put the book down and was sorry when the story ended.
April 25, 2018
Goodness. This book. Love, hate, hope, and loss are all woven together in a story that shows you how love can overcome the biggest of hurdles. There is so much heart in this book. From the deep devotion and unconditional love of family to a romance that that steals your heart. This is a book that captures you and pulls you deep. The story is entirely unique!
I truly wasn’t sure I’d like Ricky. Full of anger born of pain and struggling he was understandably bitter. But the more I read the more I couldn’t help but love him. Sacrificing his own happiness to save his family. Willing to do anything for those he loves. Right or wrong, his heart was so big. Aveline was easy to love however. Smart but very shy and innocent. She’s been kept in a protective bubble the vast majority of her life. That didn’t stop her from being one of the sweetest characters ever though.
With secrets swirling around them and vengeance hovering these two can’t fight the deep attraction between them. They both grow so much as individuals and as a couple through their story. Turning tragedy into beauty and hate into love, Ricky and Aveline are fantastic!
I truly wasn’t sure I’d like Ricky. Full of anger born of pain and struggling he was understandably bitter. But the more I read the more I couldn’t help but love him. Sacrificing his own happiness to save his family. Willing to do anything for those he loves. Right or wrong, his heart was so big. Aveline was easy to love however. Smart but very shy and innocent. She’s been kept in a protective bubble the vast majority of her life. That didn’t stop her from being one of the sweetest characters ever though.
With secrets swirling around them and vengeance hovering these two can’t fight the deep attraction between them. They both grow so much as individuals and as a couple through their story. Turning tragedy into beauty and hate into love, Ricky and Aveline are fantastic!
April 27, 2018
Because of You by Laura Ward is the 4. book in the Not Yet Series. The previous books are a Not Yet; Until Now and Someday Soon. Every book, while part of the series, can be read as a standalone.
Because of You is my favorite read in the Not Yet Series. The characters are true and I could easily connect with them. I started reading and Ricky and Aveline had me hooked from chapter one.
There´s this angry hero who works two jobs to make ends meet and had to say good bye to his dreams. And the sheltered, shy heroine who wants to live a loud and colorful life.
Both have a long way to go and it was a pleasure to read about their struggle and success. I give 4,5 stars.
Because of You is my favorite read in the Not Yet Series. The characters are true and I could easily connect with them. I started reading and Ricky and Aveline had me hooked from chapter one.
There´s this angry hero who works two jobs to make ends meet and had to say good bye to his dreams. And the sheltered, shy heroine who wants to live a loud and colorful life.
Both have a long way to go and it was a pleasure to read about their struggle and success. I give 4,5 stars.
June 3, 2018
2:5 stars.....I haven’t got a problem with LW’s writing style but I struggled with Ricky.....he was very angry (for obvious reasons) but he acted like a complete dick for most of this book!
Aveline I think was just desperate for some human contact that was away from her parents....she forgave Ricky’s total douchness too quickly, I wanted him to fight for her more than what he did....he just turned his back and left.
Aveline forgives him and then spends her money making his dreams come true (I didn’t mind that)but I wanted him to chase HER and win HER heart again!
Aveline I think was just desperate for some human contact that was away from her parents....she forgave Ricky’s total douchness too quickly, I wanted him to fight for her more than what he did....he just turned his back and left.
Aveline forgives him and then spends her money making his dreams come true (I didn’t mind that)but I wanted him to chase HER and win HER heart again!
May 25, 2018
I have been so in love with this series and starting this one I was a little nervous. Ricky was such an angry character. He had a rough life and the weight of the world on his shoulders. I was wondering if being so angry was going to make it hard to love him. I not only sympathized with him, I truly felt for him and wanted him to get his HEA.
This was a story about forgiveness, love and family. Aveline was a girl sheltered in life and she was struggling to find her place in life. I devoured this book. These characters in this series will stay with me for a long time.
I not only recommend this book but this whole series.
This was a story about forgiveness, love and family. Aveline was a girl sheltered in life and she was struggling to find her place in life. I devoured this book. These characters in this series will stay with me for a long time.
I not only recommend this book but this whole series.
April 30, 2018
I’m so happy that Ricky got his own book. I think his story is important to the series because it makes you understand why he was the way he was in the previous books. His book is heartbreaking and beautiful. I can’t wait for Laura’s next book.
May 21, 2018
I have long said that Laura Ward is one of the freshest and most original authors on the romance market today. Over the last few years, I have closely followed her career and with each book launch, her talent grows. Every time she puts pen to paper, my bookish heart soars. The Not Yet series has been one of the best NA Romance series I have had the pleasure to devour, each release gets better and better. When granted the opportunity to review and early copy of BECAUSE OF YOU, I jumped at the chance.
And boy am I glad I did.
I've been sitting on this review for a few weeks for a number of reasons. I wasn't quite sure how to relay my thoughts in an articulate way that didn't make me sound like an emotional reader and, to be honest, I'm still not sure I won't.
Have you ever read one of those novels that makes you so emotional while you read that you have to take a moment to set it down and gather your thoughts as you go? BECAUSE OF YOU was that read for me, and the first one I've had in a long time.
I definitely ran the gamut on the emotional scale with this one. I won't lie to you, readers. For a majority of the read, I was angry. Not angry, livid. Livid to the point where I don't know that I've disliked a character and a relationship as much as I did the one of Ricky and Areline.
I'd argue that of all the themes Ward hit on in BECAUSE OF YOU, that FORGIVENESS is the overarching one. I'll be the first to admit that I, personally, am not great at forgiveness. It's a hard point of contention to me and seeing such a profound story and emotional roller coaster spread across these pages as Ward has done was quite the emotional journey for me.
And in the end, I truly believe it made a deep impact on both my mind and my heart.
Forgiveness is such an important act that so many of us have a hard time processing. But if a character like Areline can forgive a circumstance that she and Ricky have found themselves in, I believe most anybody can find it in their heart to forgive.
I'm not going to go into plot details to avoid spoilers, but I have spoken to both the author and other readers of BECAUSE OF YOU about my thoughts. Even after the emotional journey, I still found the novel to wrap itself up in a very neat, convenient little package. For some readers, that's exactly what they are looking for, but for me, this particular story could have been a series all its' own. It was truly that emotionally profound.
On top of the incredible storytelling of Ward, BECAUSE OF YOU is so much more than just a romance. It's a journey into the human experience. Ward has sprinkled physchological rhetoric into the story, giving it so much more of a timeless feel. This isn't just a story, it's a true honest-to-goodness case study.
This is one of those reads you'll scream from the rooftops about, then beg your friends to devour, just so you have someone to flail with.
As with most all her works, Ward has incorporated characters with special needs into this story. It's always a great honor to read about these characters who face the most human of issues in a way all their own. Always an eye-opening experience for the reader that leaves a speial sense of warmth in your heart.
All-in-all, I will admit that this was not my favorite outing in the NOT YET series. I would have liked to have seen a bit of a different resolution in the end, particularly involving the development of our characters, but I found the plot to be original to the point that I've honestly never read anything close to what I found in the pages of BECAUSE OF YOU.
If you're a fan of deep thought and any New Adult romance, I definitely recommend adding BECAUSE OF YOU to your TBR today! A perfect start to your summer TBR! A four-star review from me. Through emotional triumph and a brief study of the human experience, Ward weaves a romance that will touch your core and leave you to experience a psychological awakening all your own, BECAUSE OF YOU is the summer read you can't miss.
And boy am I glad I did.
I've been sitting on this review for a few weeks for a number of reasons. I wasn't quite sure how to relay my thoughts in an articulate way that didn't make me sound like an emotional reader and, to be honest, I'm still not sure I won't.
Have you ever read one of those novels that makes you so emotional while you read that you have to take a moment to set it down and gather your thoughts as you go? BECAUSE OF YOU was that read for me, and the first one I've had in a long time.
I definitely ran the gamut on the emotional scale with this one. I won't lie to you, readers. For a majority of the read, I was angry. Not angry, livid. Livid to the point where I don't know that I've disliked a character and a relationship as much as I did the one of Ricky and Areline.
I'd argue that of all the themes Ward hit on in BECAUSE OF YOU, that FORGIVENESS is the overarching one. I'll be the first to admit that I, personally, am not great at forgiveness. It's a hard point of contention to me and seeing such a profound story and emotional roller coaster spread across these pages as Ward has done was quite the emotional journey for me.
And in the end, I truly believe it made a deep impact on both my mind and my heart.
Forgiveness is such an important act that so many of us have a hard time processing. But if a character like Areline can forgive a circumstance that she and Ricky have found themselves in, I believe most anybody can find it in their heart to forgive.
I'm not going to go into plot details to avoid spoilers, but I have spoken to both the author and other readers of BECAUSE OF YOU about my thoughts. Even after the emotional journey, I still found the novel to wrap itself up in a very neat, convenient little package. For some readers, that's exactly what they are looking for, but for me, this particular story could have been a series all its' own. It was truly that emotionally profound.
On top of the incredible storytelling of Ward, BECAUSE OF YOU is so much more than just a romance. It's a journey into the human experience. Ward has sprinkled physchological rhetoric into the story, giving it so much more of a timeless feel. This isn't just a story, it's a true honest-to-goodness case study.
This is one of those reads you'll scream from the rooftops about, then beg your friends to devour, just so you have someone to flail with.
As with most all her works, Ward has incorporated characters with special needs into this story. It's always a great honor to read about these characters who face the most human of issues in a way all their own. Always an eye-opening experience for the reader that leaves a speial sense of warmth in your heart.
All-in-all, I will admit that this was not my favorite outing in the NOT YET series. I would have liked to have seen a bit of a different resolution in the end, particularly involving the development of our characters, but I found the plot to be original to the point that I've honestly never read anything close to what I found in the pages of BECAUSE OF YOU.
If you're a fan of deep thought and any New Adult romance, I definitely recommend adding BECAUSE OF YOU to your TBR today! A perfect start to your summer TBR! A four-star review from me. Through emotional triumph and a brief study of the human experience, Ward weaves a romance that will touch your core and leave you to experience a psychological awakening all your own, BECAUSE OF YOU is the summer read you can't miss.
June 1, 2018
**3.5 Stars**
Your life can literally change in an instant, one split second decision can impact not only your present but also your future and those who love you. This is a lesson Ricky learned at a very young age.
Because of his dad, Pedro's selfless actions, he saved a little girl's life, a four-year-old, but essentially lost his at the same time. See, he saw her fall in the shallow water and didn't hesitate to act, and broke his neck almost immediately, yet he still rescued her. He, however, became paralyzed and life turned into a daily struggle, physically and mentally for him, financially for his family, and emotionally for all of them.
Ricky, in turn, gave up on his dream, rejecting a scholarship and the chance to play professionally in order to help his family. His days are full of work and school, and the burning need for vengeance against the person that caused it all.
Aveline has been sheltered for the past eighteen years, since the accident that almost killed her when she was four. As she's finally truly living, she can't help but think about the stranger's sacrifice and that they never learned his name. Aveline knows even with that tragedy in her past, she has a great life. Parents who love her, who taught her how to handle adversity due to both of them achieving so much with their own handicaps, and money isn't an issue. Independence, however, is. She yearns for it and starts fighting for it after meeting Ricky, the handsome guy in her Psychology class.
It isn't long before Ricky learns the connection he and Aveline share and it festers, causing a plan to form, one that will surely make them pay for what their inability to watch their own child caused his family. But, as Ricky begins to know Aveline, he realizes he's truly falling for her, and yet it all started as a lie, as a way to get revenge.
Aveline falls hard for Ricky, but when her mom tells her who he is, and what he's been trying to do, Aveline is crushed. She knows now everything was a lie, he was just using her to get money from her parents, and when Ricky finally comes to tell the truth, it's too late. And Ricky discovers one of his own that shakes the very foundation of his long held hatred for her parents. They weren't neglecting their daughter that day. They didn't hear her. They couldn't. They're both deaf.
Ricky, knowing he destroyed any chance with the woman he loves, must face the consequences of his actions, and the reality that he may now be losing his father completely.
"Because the monster inside me won. And when it did, a butterfly lost her wings." - Ricky
Can Aveline forgive Ricky? Can she trust his admission of love and asking for forgiveness are sincere? How will Ricky react to the news about her parents' disability and that she kept it from him? What will happen to Pedro? Will he ever get the help he needs? Will Aveline's parents finally get the chance to thank the man who saved their daughter? Is a HEA possible in a situation like this?
One-click now and follow along as two people who've been connected for almost two decades by tragedy cross paths again and discover how healing true love and forgiveness can be. This was quite a plot. It had it all. Anger. Betrayal. Coping. Dreams lost. Love. And finally, forgiveness. I think it was all handled quite nicely. Yes, Ricky laying the blame on a four-year-old was a bit hard to take, but when you factor in there is no way to thing logically when you're so emotionally involved and you get it. As for Aveline, that day shaped her life too, just not in the same way. A tragedy may have united these two families all those years ago, but now it's love that holds them together. - By Elizabeth
Your life can literally change in an instant, one split second decision can impact not only your present but also your future and those who love you. This is a lesson Ricky learned at a very young age.
Because of his dad, Pedro's selfless actions, he saved a little girl's life, a four-year-old, but essentially lost his at the same time. See, he saw her fall in the shallow water and didn't hesitate to act, and broke his neck almost immediately, yet he still rescued her. He, however, became paralyzed and life turned into a daily struggle, physically and mentally for him, financially for his family, and emotionally for all of them.
Ricky, in turn, gave up on his dream, rejecting a scholarship and the chance to play professionally in order to help his family. His days are full of work and school, and the burning need for vengeance against the person that caused it all.
Aveline has been sheltered for the past eighteen years, since the accident that almost killed her when she was four. As she's finally truly living, she can't help but think about the stranger's sacrifice and that they never learned his name. Aveline knows even with that tragedy in her past, she has a great life. Parents who love her, who taught her how to handle adversity due to both of them achieving so much with their own handicaps, and money isn't an issue. Independence, however, is. She yearns for it and starts fighting for it after meeting Ricky, the handsome guy in her Psychology class.
It isn't long before Ricky learns the connection he and Aveline share and it festers, causing a plan to form, one that will surely make them pay for what their inability to watch their own child caused his family. But, as Ricky begins to know Aveline, he realizes he's truly falling for her, and yet it all started as a lie, as a way to get revenge.
Aveline falls hard for Ricky, but when her mom tells her who he is, and what he's been trying to do, Aveline is crushed. She knows now everything was a lie, he was just using her to get money from her parents, and when Ricky finally comes to tell the truth, it's too late. And Ricky discovers one of his own that shakes the very foundation of his long held hatred for her parents. They weren't neglecting their daughter that day. They didn't hear her. They couldn't. They're both deaf.
Ricky, knowing he destroyed any chance with the woman he loves, must face the consequences of his actions, and the reality that he may now be losing his father completely.
"Because the monster inside me won. And when it did, a butterfly lost her wings." - Ricky
Can Aveline forgive Ricky? Can she trust his admission of love and asking for forgiveness are sincere? How will Ricky react to the news about her parents' disability and that she kept it from him? What will happen to Pedro? Will he ever get the help he needs? Will Aveline's parents finally get the chance to thank the man who saved their daughter? Is a HEA possible in a situation like this?
One-click now and follow along as two people who've been connected for almost two decades by tragedy cross paths again and discover how healing true love and forgiveness can be. This was quite a plot. It had it all. Anger. Betrayal. Coping. Dreams lost. Love. And finally, forgiveness. I think it was all handled quite nicely. Yes, Ricky laying the blame on a four-year-old was a bit hard to take, but when you factor in there is no way to thing logically when you're so emotionally involved and you get it. As for Aveline, that day shaped her life too, just not in the same way. A tragedy may have united these two families all those years ago, but now it's love that holds them together. - By Elizabeth
October 1, 2018
Ricky Martinez has a monster growing inside of him due to all the rage he feels after having to give up all of his own dreams in order to support his family with the injury to his dad 18 years ago then left him a quadriplegic. His family is in financial trouble and he continues to wrks as hard as he can in order for his sisters to continue their own education.
All Ricky wants is revenge on the girl who his father saved and left his life shattered.
Aveline Gerard is 22 and eighteen years ago was involved in an accident that shaped her life. Her parents have closely guarded her but now she is attending college and has a little bit of freedom.
When Ricky realizes who Aveline is he gains her trust in order to put his plan into motion of revenge for his family and financial help to get them out of the trouble they are in.
But as Ricky learns more about Aveline will he be able to go through with it and what happens if Ricky's plans are foiled?
This was such a good book and I have loved this series!
Ricky's life has been so different from the others to a certain extent. His family is so devoted to one another and each of them are willing to give up their own dreams to help out which was so incredible! Yet Ricky is also bitter because of what he has had to give up because of the accident and how his family lives the way they do because of a selfless act.
Aveline was so interesting and as we learn more about her things begin to fall into place. She had such a sheltered life and I don't think her parents were aware of everything going on due to their own conditions.
I loved how Ricky and Aveline began to get close but when Ricky saw the person that Aveline truly was he realized what he was doing. I understood why Aveline's mom was concerned and I wondered how everything was going to explode and I was not disappointed!
My heart did break towards the end when Ricky talked to Dean's dad about the job and I knew how desperate he was.
I was shocked at the reason Aveline's parents did what they did and I could understand why even though it was so sad!!
The ending was so good and I loved how everything worked out!!
I don't want this series to end!
All Ricky wants is revenge on the girl who his father saved and left his life shattered.
Aveline Gerard is 22 and eighteen years ago was involved in an accident that shaped her life. Her parents have closely guarded her but now she is attending college and has a little bit of freedom.
When Ricky realizes who Aveline is he gains her trust in order to put his plan into motion of revenge for his family and financial help to get them out of the trouble they are in.
But as Ricky learns more about Aveline will he be able to go through with it and what happens if Ricky's plans are foiled?
This was such a good book and I have loved this series!
Ricky's life has been so different from the others to a certain extent. His family is so devoted to one another and each of them are willing to give up their own dreams to help out which was so incredible! Yet Ricky is also bitter because of what he has had to give up because of the accident and how his family lives the way they do because of a selfless act.
Aveline was so interesting and as we learn more about her things begin to fall into place. She had such a sheltered life and I don't think her parents were aware of everything going on due to their own conditions.
I loved how Ricky and Aveline began to get close but when Ricky saw the person that Aveline truly was he realized what he was doing. I understood why Aveline's mom was concerned and I wondered how everything was going to explode and I was not disappointed!
My heart did break towards the end when Ricky talked to Dean's dad about the job and I knew how desperate he was.
I was shocked at the reason Aveline's parents did what they did and I could understand why even though it was so sad!!
The ending was so good and I loved how everything worked out!!
I don't want this series to end!
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