This was a great novel of teen pregnancy with a twist - the father is the one supporting the child. I really enjoyed the side characters and Ben's mother's role in the book. Beautiful cover and entertaining story!

Well, I didn't expect this book to make me cry!

Such a tender, emotional story about Ben, a teenage boy who wants to keep the baby he fathered with his best friend, Maxine. They didn't mean to get pregnant; Maxie was trying to prove virginity was just a social construct, and Ben just came out as gay. Becoming a single dad is huge decision and he's trying to do all the right things - parenting books, birthing classes, staying on top of school work, getting a job to save money to support his child, while still being a member of the robotics club because that's his dream.

It's a great look at how people judge teenage pregnancies, how adults can steamroll over their children taking their autonomy away, and just what it means to be a parent, what sacrifice truly looks like. What a great story.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Unexpecting by Jen Bailey is a really refreshing take on teen pregnancy, focusing on Ben, a gay teenager who suddenly finds himself about to be a dad. His decision to raise the baby brings a lot of challenges, but the book does a great job of exploring found family, identity, and what it really means to grow up. Ben’s voice feels real, and the mix of humor and emotional moments makes it an engaging read.

That said, the plot is pretty predictable. By the halfway point, I had a good idea of how things were going to play out, which took away some of the tension. But even with that, the story still hits emotionally, and the characters are easy to root for.

Overall, it’s a heartfelt and unique YA novel that brings something new to the conversation about parenthood. Definitely worth a read if you like contemporary stories with strong character growth.

I unfortunately DNFed this book quite quickly, but it's not the book's fault it's absolutely mine. I think I am getting to an age where some titles just aren't written for me and I can tell. This book would be amazing for middle grade/young adult readers, and tackles such important subjects. I am so glad this book was written and can't wait to see this author flourish.

"Unexpecting" by Jen Bailey is a deeply moving novel that delves into the intricate themes of motherhood, identity, and the unexpected twists life can present. The story follows a woman who faces an unplanned pregnancy, compelling her to reassess her aspirations, confront her fears, and navigate the complexities of her relationships.

Bailey's writing style is both poetic and realistic, effectively conveying the emotional upheaval that accompanies such transformative news. The protagonist's journey is vividly depicted, allowing readers to feel her joy, confusion, and anxiety as she prepares for motherhood. Her genuine emotions resonate strongly, making it easy for readers to connect with her challenges and victories.

A notable aspect of "Unexpecting" is its insightful examination of societal expectations regarding motherhood. Bailey skillfully explores the pressures women face from both their communities and themselves, while also addressing themes of choice and personal freedom. The protagonist's story highlights the uniqueness of each woman's experience, emphasizing that there is no singular "correct" approach to motherhood.

The novel's supporting characters are equally well-developed, each contributing depth to the narrative and offering varied perspectives on pregnancy and parenting. Their interactions with the protagonist provide meaningful reflections on love, friendship, and the intricacies of family relationships.

Bailey's ability to infuse humor into the narrative, despite its emotional weight, is commendable. This balance creates an engaging and relatable reading experience, allowing readers to both laugh and cry with the characters. "Unexpecting" is more than a tale of an unexpected pregnancy; it is a profound exploration of womanhood in today's world, addressing the multitude of choices and challenges it entails. Bailey encourages readers to reflect on their own views and experiences regarding motherhood and identity, making this a powerful read for anyone facing similar situations.

In summary, Jen Bailey's "Unexpecting" is a beautifully written novel that captures authenticity and emotional depth. It is a must-read for those interested in a nuanced portrayal of motherhood and life's unpredictability. With its relatable themes and compelling characters, this book is sure to leave a lasting impact, inspiring readers to embrace life's uncertainties with open hearts.

Unexpecting
Genre - young adult
Rating - 3.5⭐️/ enjoyed

Thanks Wednesday Books for the advanced copy - this is out now!

The premise had me pretty hooked - a gay teen, Ben, finds out he’s going to be a father, after a summer camp experiment gone wrong. While I overall enjoyed the novel, I was a bit frustrated with Ben throughout the book, I did remind myself of the intended YA audience, as well as some of my very unreasonable thought processes I had myself as a teen back in the day! The book explored the challenges of teen parenting and pregnancy in an approachable and nonjudgmental way, which I appreciated. As a debut novel, I’d read more from this author, even if this book fell just a bit short for me, in a way I can’t quite put my finger on.

Unexpecting by Jen Bailey turns so many teen pregnancy tropes upside down, and we have such an endearing protagonist in Ben.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. All thoughts are my own.

E-ARC attained from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is of my own opinion.

An emotional and angsty book marketed for YA readers. Really good, but it was a bit predictable early on. That could be because I'm no longer a young adult haha. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed but that could also be because I knew how it would end.

So overall, this is prefect for someone who actively reads YA books. The LGTBIA+ rep was good, the diversity was good, the mental health aspects were portrayed well and the romance wasn't overwhelming.

Thank you, Bailey and Netgalley.

Holy crap, I didn't see any aspect of this coming!! The story was so real, so raw. I loved the characters, and I really identified with his mom. She did her best. I appreciate this book, and I look forward to giving it to my queer kids to read.

Wow I did not expect this book to hit me in the feels as much as it did. The end had me staying up way too late and crying, watching as these two teenagers had to make some of the most difficult decisions of their lives and having to give up a piece of them. I'll blame it on the pregnancy hormones ;)
Truly, this book was unexpected. The journey Ben goes through as he's working through the trauma of not growing up with a father and having men come in and out of his life while facing an incredibly hard decision about his own baby on the way. I loved watching his character growth and the relationship building, especially with his stepfather, Roger.
It felt kind of like a reverse perspective of Juno (without the creepy potential adoptive father in the picture) and so often we read or hear stories about the woman's perspective in a pregnancy. I loved following Ben's story instead and seeing how even the potential to become a father affected everything around him and really helped him grow and mature. A solid YA read that I would absolutely recommend.

I was really hoping to enjoy this book more than I did but I really just could not get into it. I'm sure it's the perfect book for someone, just not me.

Overall this was not what I was expecting at all. It definitely was an interesting read. I think this has potential but I didn’t love it as much as I had expected to. Overall was a good book and I’m glad I had the chance to read it.

This book had a really interesting plot even if you'd think unexpected teen pregnancy is not that rare. But this books shows a gay kid of 16 getting his bff pregnant and it shows the story from his POV. His decision to being a single father, his journey to grow and become father material for when the baby comes. He is a teenager and not always made wise decisions, but as I said, he is young, has come across a very life changing situation, you can't expect him to be all knowing and smart all the time, right? The story had its ups and downs, but it was overall very enjoyable, emotional and sweet.

Jen Bailey’s Unexpecting is a poignant and emotionally resonant contemporary novel that delves into the complexities of identity, parenthood, and the search for belonging. With its heartfelt portrayal of a young gay man navigating unexpected fatherhood, the novel offers a compelling exploration of self-discovery and resilience.

The story follows Benjamin Morrison, a high school junior whose life takes a dramatic turn after a science camp experiment leads to an unexpected pregnancy. Faced with the daunting prospect of becoming a single father, Ben must confront not only his own uncertainties but also the reactions of those around him. His journey is marked by a blend of emotional weight and hopeful moments as he grapples with the challenges of balancing school, friendships, and impending parenthood.

Bailey’s character development is a standout feature of the novel. Ben is depicted with a depth that captures his internal struggles and growth throughout the story. His relationship with his family, particularly his mother, and his evolving connections with friends and a new love interest provide a nuanced portrayal of his experiences. The emotional intensity of Ben’s journey is handled with sensitivity, offering readers a genuine look into his struggles and triumphs.

The book’s exploration of diverse experiences, including LGBTQIA+ identity and neurodivergence, adds a valuable layer of representation. The cast of characters is diverse and reflective of a range of perspectives, though the depth of this diversity varies. The focus on character flaws and personal growth enriches the narrative, although some secondary characters might benefit from more development.

While the emotional and reflective tones of the novel are well-executed, the pacing can occasionally feel uneven. The medium-paced narrative provides ample space for character exploration, but some readers might find certain plot developments and conflicts to be predictable. The balance between Ben’s personal growth and the external challenges he faces is engaging, though it sometimes leans heavily on familiar themes.

Very very very good book! Have been recommending this to every i know since i’ve read it. READ IT READ IT READ IT. I love the characters and writing.

This book was a realistic look at modern high school life and complexity in all of its diversity. This story could have easily become unrealistic or sappy but it didn’t. The writing was impeccable for a YA title and it read simply and quickly while dealing with such difficult topics. It was not over the top. It was just right. I thoroughly enjoyed this and think quite a few high school students will relate to the many themes present in this book

Sixteen-year-old Ben Morrison finds himself facing unexpected challenges when he discovers he's gay and soon to become a father.

Ben and his friend Maxie embark on a scientific experiment to explore Ben's sexuality, but their plans take a surprising turn when Maxie becomes pregnant despite their precautions. While Maxie's parents push for adoption, Ben grapples with his own desire to raise the child, fueled by his complex family history and a longing for connection. As Ben navigates the demands of school, robotics competitions, and impending fatherhood, he finds support from his mother and stepfather, who stand by him in his quest for custody. Amidst the chaos, Ben must confront his own doubts and uncertainties about parenthood.

While the novel could delve deeper into its characters and themes, it offers a poignant exploration of family dynamics and the complexities of teenage pregnancy. With a diverse supporting cast, readers will find themselves rooting for Ben and Maxie as they confront life-altering decisions. This story is an original take on the teen pregnancy narrative, with a touching queer subplot at its heart, and will resonate with readers seeking a heartfelt and thought-provoking read.

This was definitely a fall feels book for me. Something about the writing style, and the storyline. And the setting. I enjoyed this a lot. Fall books are always fun reads, and this one didn't disappoint on enjoyment.

A beautifully, messy, REAL look at found family and a complicated YA teen pregnancy situation where two friends end up having sex as a summer camp experiment of sorts and one ends up pregnant while the other reaffirms, he is indeed, gay.

What follows is an at times painful story of trying to find the courage to do what's right, be a good friend, make hard sacrifices, step up as a soon to be parent and embrace new relationships - romantic and paternal. I absolutely loved this book and wish I hadn't waited so long to finally pick it up.

HIGHLY recommended for fans of the movie Juno or the book Concrete rose by Angie Thomas. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I wish this book was available on audio but maybe one day it will be soon.

I really enjoyed this one from the very first page! It was engaging and consistently interested me! I'm really looking forward to future books by the author, and I can't wait to reread this one once I pick up a print copy!