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Chubby Girl Chronicles #1
On the Plus Side
Big girls need love, too, but at what cost?
Lilly is loaded, not only with money, but with weight. Both things she could do without. But even with her undesired millionaire status, she doesn’t hold on to false hopes of finding true love. So when a sexy stranger comes into her life dripping with seduction, she finds it hard to resist. The bigger they are the harder they fall and Lilly falls straight through the floor in love with Mr. Sexy. Too bad he’s there for all the wrong reasons.
The chance of losing it all will make you do some crazy things and Devin’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep his life together. All seems lost when out of nowhere he’s approached by a Millionaire Momma with an offer he can’t refuse. But even a womanizer like Devin has a heart and when the short, chunky girl with the carefree attitude breaks through his icy façade, he finds that losing everything takes on a whole new meaning.
***Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Mature readers only. Not intended for young adult readers.***
Lilly is loaded, not only with money, but with weight. Both things she could do without. But even with her undesired millionaire status, she doesn’t hold on to false hopes of finding true love. So when a sexy stranger comes into her life dripping with seduction, she finds it hard to resist. The bigger they are the harder they fall and Lilly falls straight through the floor in love with Mr. Sexy. Too bad he’s there for all the wrong reasons.
The chance of losing it all will make you do some crazy things and Devin’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep his life together. All seems lost when out of nowhere he’s approached by a Millionaire Momma with an offer he can’t refuse. But even a womanizer like Devin has a heart and when the short, chunky girl with the carefree attitude breaks through his icy façade, he finds that losing everything takes on a whole new meaning.
***Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Mature readers only. Not intended for young adult readers.***
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2013
About the author
Tabatha Vargo
43 books2,780 followersTabatha is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author, best known for her sexy adult romance Little Black Book.
Tabatha writes in all genres, including adult and new adult, and isn't afraid to venture into the dark side occasionally, as she proved with her dark prison romance, Slammer.
She's an avid reader of all things smutty and writes sexy stories featuring redeemable alpha bad boys and sweet, strong women.
SBR Media represents Tabatha. For inquiries regarding foreign rights, audio, and other media outlets, please contact Stephanie Phillips. stephanie@sbrmedia.com
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Tabatha writes in all genres, including adult and new adult, and isn't afraid to venture into the dark side occasionally, as she proved with her dark prison romance, Slammer.
She's an avid reader of all things smutty and writes sexy stories featuring redeemable alpha bad boys and sweet, strong women.
SBR Media represents Tabatha. For inquiries regarding foreign rights, audio, and other media outlets, please contact Stephanie Phillips. stephanie@sbrmedia.com
Would you like to join my reader group?
https://geni.us/wickedbitches
Website~
https://www.tabathavargo.com
Subscribe~
https://geni.us/tvsubscribe
Email ~
tabathavargowrites@gmail.com
Amazon:
http://amzn.to/2wqq5hv
TikTok~
https://geni.us/tabathatiktok
Instagram ~ https://www.instagram.com/tabathavarg...
Bookbub ~
http://bit.ly/2xXlioq
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 489 reviews
June 7, 2020
LOVED IT. First off, there are not enough books out there about, well I was going to say BIG Girls, Fat Girls …. In reality I should say there are not enough books out there about NORMAL girls/women. I am not skinny. I am usually not happy with my weight. There are a lot of us out there so this book was like a breath of fresh air where the good looking guy fell, and fell hard for the Fat Girl. Great story, really flowed along nicely. Loved the epilogue also.
June 22, 2013
DNF at 50 %.**1 star.
My review has stirred up a lot of emotions and I have decided to remove it. Besides, from now on I will refrain from reviewing books with sensitive subject matter to prevent any further turmoil.
My review has stirred up a lot of emotions and I have decided to remove it. Besides, from now on I will refrain from reviewing books with sensitive subject matter to prevent any further turmoil.
June 15, 2013
FIVE PLUS SIZED STARS.
Roll out the red romance carpet, this story had my name written all over it. 'On the plus side' is the epitome of sweet, funny, predictable and adorable. I haven't enjoyed a story this much in I don't know how long. This story took me back and gave me a lovely, romantic reminder of why I love to read about romance.
What's it about?
Lilly is rich, millionaire status rich, she is also lonely and living with a bundle of self esteem issues which stem from years of being overweight. This loveable plus sized girl dreams of finding that special someone, so When Mr tall, dark out of her league handsome starts to notice Lilly could it be too good to be true? Devin is living a juggling act of keeping his head above the water financially he feels a responsibility to look after his younger sister and the burden of ensuring that his joint business with his father survives. Everything rests on the shoulders of our handsome hero and he will risk everything to keep them together and safe, but will he take it one risk to far when an overbearing mother who is more interested in keeping up appearances than sharing a motherly love offers him a proposition he can't refuse.
Meet the characters ...
Lilly is a girl that not only has a plus sized figure, but a plus sized heart and personality to match. You will not find a more gorgeous character, full of life and a great sense of humour this character had me cheering from the sidelines from chapter one.
Devin Michaels is a devilishly Gorgeous as he is charming, A ladies man with a heart of gold I couldn't have found a better match for our leading lady.
Final thoughts ...
This book served its romantic purpose to perfection. It has the right amount of angst and drama but all served in a heart stopping romantic package. Lovers of this genre looking for easy, predictable and sweet will no doubt fall in love with this book like I have. I almost devoured this novel in one sitting. I completely fell hook line and sinker for the book and I'll most certainly be looking out for more from this author.
5 VANILLA AND CHERRIES STARS.
Roll out the red romance carpet, this story had my name written all over it. 'On the plus side' is the epitome of sweet, funny, predictable and adorable. I haven't enjoyed a story this much in I don't know how long. This story took me back and gave me a lovely, romantic reminder of why I love to read about romance.
What's it about?
Lilly is rich, millionaire status rich, she is also lonely and living with a bundle of self esteem issues which stem from years of being overweight. This loveable plus sized girl dreams of finding that special someone, so When Mr tall, dark out of her league handsome starts to notice Lilly could it be too good to be true? Devin is living a juggling act of keeping his head above the water financially he feels a responsibility to look after his younger sister and the burden of ensuring that his joint business with his father survives. Everything rests on the shoulders of our handsome hero and he will risk everything to keep them together and safe, but will he take it one risk to far when an overbearing mother who is more interested in keeping up appearances than sharing a motherly love offers him a proposition he can't refuse.
Meet the characters ...
Lilly is a girl that not only has a plus sized figure, but a plus sized heart and personality to match. You will not find a more gorgeous character, full of life and a great sense of humour this character had me cheering from the sidelines from chapter one.
Devin Michaels is a devilishly Gorgeous as he is charming, A ladies man with a heart of gold I couldn't have found a better match for our leading lady.
Final thoughts ...
This book served its romantic purpose to perfection. It has the right amount of angst and drama but all served in a heart stopping romantic package. Lovers of this genre looking for easy, predictable and sweet will no doubt fall in love with this book like I have. I almost devoured this novel in one sitting. I completely fell hook line and sinker for the book and I'll most certainly be looking out for more from this author.
5 VANILLA AND CHERRIES STARS.
June 19, 2013
5 ‘You are PRICELESS’ Stars!!!
This was just a fun, sweet, feel good book about a plus sized woman- not the most original story in the world, but still a very enjoyable read!
Lilly has been a ‘big girl’ her whole life. She comes from money, but she doesn’t like to flaunt it- in fact, she prefers people not know. She enjoys her job, her 97’ Honda, and her apartment she shares with her best friend. Lilly was the best kind of main character- she was adorable, caring, loving and funny, but she is also lonely. She is a gorgeous girl, on the inside and out- but because of her weight issues, she has never been in a relationship. What she wants most- she can’t have.
Lilly is at work when she first meets Devin. He is ridiculously handsome, charming, and flirting... with her! And when he asks her out, she is more than a little shocked. They go on their date, and Lilly can’t believe that a guy this hot would want to be out with her. Lilly isn’t the only one shocked. Devin has never been sexually attracted to some one Lilly’s size before- ever. But there is something about Lilly. Not only does he have a blast with her, love her personality etc- he is having trouble keeping his hands to himself. He thought not getting close to Lilly, physically (one of mother dearest’s requirements) would be easy.... well, he was wrong!
The more time goes by, the closer Lilly and Devin become. Devin really struggles with this ‘arrangement’. He wants to tell Lilly the truth so many times. Between his family’s situation, and things with Lilly’s mother- it really puts him in a hard place. Things get even more complicated when they both start developing some serious feelings for one another. Emotionally, physically, they get as close as two people can get.
Devin soon realizes Lilly is worth more to him and his family than any amount of money could ever be. He doesn’t care about the money, her mom, anything- he just wants her. Lilly has something big to tell Devin as well. Once she hears Devin’s news, it is just a heartbreaking mess. Will Lilly ever be able to get past his deception and trust him again? Will Devin be able to convince her that he truly loves her- just the way she is?
This is one of those stories that made me smile. Did it have some heartbreaking moments, sure- but overall I just loved it! It just made my heart happy! I don’t usually rave about the heroine in a book, but hot damn- I loved Lilly! What a strong, selfless, and beautiful woman! I want to be her bff! And Devin, he wasn’t perfect, but I absolutely adored him as well! He has a good heart, and he always saw the good in Lilly. He never looked at her like she was ‘less than’ just because of her weight. He saw the inside. He was caring, loving, sweet and protective. And Jenny, Devin’s little sister, was just awesome. I had a many lol moments with her! This was just a wonderful, relatable story. Once you start it, you won’t be able to put it down!
This was just a fun, sweet, feel good book about a plus sized woman- not the most original story in the world, but still a very enjoyable read!
Lilly has been a ‘big girl’ her whole life. She comes from money, but she doesn’t like to flaunt it- in fact, she prefers people not know. She enjoys her job, her 97’ Honda, and her apartment she shares with her best friend. Lilly was the best kind of main character- she was adorable, caring, loving and funny, but she is also lonely. She is a gorgeous girl, on the inside and out- but because of her weight issues, she has never been in a relationship. What she wants most- she can’t have.
Technically, I could have anything I want. I could buy anything, but the one thing I can’t buy is the one thing I crave. It’s not like you could run thru the closest drive thru and grab a relationship. One hot boy toy to go, please!Devin hasn’t had the easiest life... his mother walked away from his family when he was teen, leaving him with his father and younger sister. He loves his family, but his dad isn’t the most responsible guy and has left them in some financial trouble. If Devin can’t find away to come up with eight grand, his family will lose everything they have- their home and the garage they run. When he meets Lilly’s mother (Ugh...) at the bank, she has an offer he can’t refuse. Take Lilly out a few times, date her a couple of months, and his debt is settled. He knows its not the ‘right’ thing to do, but he feels responsible for his sister and the business so he does it.
Lilly is at work when she first meets Devin. He is ridiculously handsome, charming, and flirting... with her! And when he asks her out, she is more than a little shocked. They go on their date, and Lilly can’t believe that a guy this hot would want to be out with her. Lilly isn’t the only one shocked. Devin has never been sexually attracted to some one Lilly’s size before- ever. But there is something about Lilly. Not only does he have a blast with her, love her personality etc- he is having trouble keeping his hands to himself. He thought not getting close to Lilly, physically (one of mother dearest’s requirements) would be easy.... well, he was wrong!
The more time goes by, the closer Lilly and Devin become. Devin really struggles with this ‘arrangement’. He wants to tell Lilly the truth so many times. Between his family’s situation, and things with Lilly’s mother- it really puts him in a hard place. Things get even more complicated when they both start developing some serious feelings for one another. Emotionally, physically, they get as close as two people can get.
Devin soon realizes Lilly is worth more to him and his family than any amount of money could ever be. He doesn’t care about the money, her mom, anything- he just wants her. Lilly has something big to tell Devin as well. Once she hears Devin’s news, it is just a heartbreaking mess. Will Lilly ever be able to get past his deception and trust him again? Will Devin be able to convince her that he truly loves her- just the way she is?
This is one of those stories that made me smile. Did it have some heartbreaking moments, sure- but overall I just loved it! It just made my heart happy! I don’t usually rave about the heroine in a book, but hot damn- I loved Lilly! What a strong, selfless, and beautiful woman! I want to be her bff! And Devin, he wasn’t perfect, but I absolutely adored him as well! He has a good heart, and he always saw the good in Lilly. He never looked at her like she was ‘less than’ just because of her weight. He saw the inside. He was caring, loving, sweet and protective. And Jenny, Devin’s little sister, was just awesome. I had a many lol moments with her! This was just a wonderful, relatable story. Once you start it, you won’t be able to put it down!
January 14, 2015
3.5 PLUS Stars
”Honestly, she was kind of pretty… in a chunky cute girl kind of way, if you’re into that.”
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I just loved Lily she was kind, selfless and has never even been kissed by a man. Lily's mother secretly makes a deal outside the bank with Devin Michaels who is need of money to save his family’s car business and home for dating her daughter. It’s an arrangement he just can’t pass up.
”When the ninety days are up and as long as my daughter’s happy and you’ve done your job correctly…I’ll pay it.”
Devin jumps into the chance to save his family but what he didn’t expect was falling for each and every part of Lily.
Lily is so taken with Devin and just can’t get over his interest in her.
Devin’s father and sister were fabulous additions to the story as was Lily’s roommate. Devin finds himself breaking things off with his side piece and enjoying Lily’s company and to his amazement he can’t resist her body or her innocence.
”I didn’t want to pretend to be a nice guy for Lily…I actually wanted to be one. Not for any other reason, but she deserved all the sweetness I could give.”
Devin sends a ton of mixed signals to Lily since part of his pact with her mother is that he wouldn't sleep with her. Devin can’t resist Lily and neither can his family.
When Lily almost dies saving his sister and is in ICU I thought well he’s going to let the cat out of the bag…but nope he waits till we are in the ninety percentage mark in the book to tell her the truth.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story that wasn’t as light as I expected when Lily’s past is revealed and Devin’s mommy issues are addressed. Still I enjoyed the story and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
”You will forever be priceless to me.”
”Honestly, she was kind of pretty… in a chunky cute girl kind of way, if you’re into that.”
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I just loved Lily she was kind, selfless and has never even been kissed by a man. Lily's mother secretly makes a deal outside the bank with Devin Michaels who is need of money to save his family’s car business and home for dating her daughter. It’s an arrangement he just can’t pass up.
”When the ninety days are up and as long as my daughter’s happy and you’ve done your job correctly…I’ll pay it.”
Devin jumps into the chance to save his family but what he didn’t expect was falling for each and every part of Lily.
Lily is so taken with Devin and just can’t get over his interest in her.
Devin’s father and sister were fabulous additions to the story as was Lily’s roommate. Devin finds himself breaking things off with his side piece and enjoying Lily’s company and to his amazement he can’t resist her body or her innocence.
”I didn’t want to pretend to be a nice guy for Lily…I actually wanted to be one. Not for any other reason, but she deserved all the sweetness I could give.”
Devin sends a ton of mixed signals to Lily since part of his pact with her mother is that he wouldn't sleep with her. Devin can’t resist Lily and neither can his family.
When Lily almost dies saving his sister and is in ICU I thought well he’s going to let the cat out of the bag…but nope he waits till we are in the ninety percentage mark in the book to tell her the truth.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story that wasn’t as light as I expected when Lily’s past is revealed and Devin’s mommy issues are addressed. Still I enjoyed the story and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
”You will forever be priceless to me.”
June 26, 2013
Guest reviewed for B's Beauty and Books.
I know some people don't see Devin and Lilly as being realistic. That Devin is a hottie and Lilly is a size 20, and even though she's pretty, they aren't well matched. Here's my take.
I see their compatibility as realistic. The hero has never had any innocence- his mom left when he was 13. He helps keeps his dad's business afloat and raise his kid sister and the women he chooses, like Renee (his piece of ass) -are ones's he knows he won't commit to long term. He does mention that Renee is tall and lean, but he also hates all of the "fakeness" about her. Enter Lilly- yes she's plus sized, but he does feel immediate attraction to her in the jewelry store when they first meet. He likes her softness, her "realness" (yes, I'm making words up, but WTH, right?) he likes her smell. The smell of a person is a big part of attraction. When first meeting someone, you get the pheromone boost. I remember when my hubs and I first got together, I loved the way he smelled, even his breath first thing in the morning. But it was all pheromones talking. We've been together 22 years and I still like his smell, but it's not the same as that initial pull.
So Lilly of course, is pretty open about dating him. Why wouldn't she be? She's never had her heart broken, she's not bitter. Even on their date and phone conversations he's very surprised at how low maintenance she is. Her innocence makes him feel sexy. The way she blushes at him and is so open and fun.
Yes she's fat. But she's got a life. She works, though she doesn't have to. She has integrity and a kind spirit. Why wouldn't Devin find that refreshing? As far as him never having dated a fat chick before, I think it's a 'don't knock it 'til you try it' situation.
Here's what I couldn't relate to as a plus sized girl- that Lilly constantly makes everything a reference to food. A threesome with Ben &Jerry or that Devin's voice was "creamy". And she's aware she's doing it. I may be plus sized, but I don't relate anything to food. She's a bit obsessed with food, but her parents set her up for that. Her dad left her and her mom was always saying she wasn't good enough. So if you feel you're never going to be good enough, what the hell? You mom shows you affection by buying you things and you show yourself affection by rewarding yourself with food. If this were a real life story, and if she and Devin went the distance, she'd lose weight. She'd be fulfilled. Her sexual side is a big gaping hole. Fill that up and it would change her. And we see that growth.
What's the most unrealistic for me is the plot device of the mother paying him to date her. But we've read that kind of thing before. Whatever. It didn't turn me off of the book. And even if their relationship was unrealistic, and I don't think it is. Fat girls fantasize too. Who doesn't?
And she does talk/think about her weight a lot. This is hard for me to relate to too. I think she likes who she is, but she does feel hindered by her weight. But that changes once he finds her sexy.
I enjoyed the book.
I know some people don't see Devin and Lilly as being realistic. That Devin is a hottie and Lilly is a size 20, and even though she's pretty, they aren't well matched. Here's my take.
I see their compatibility as realistic. The hero has never had any innocence- his mom left when he was 13. He helps keeps his dad's business afloat and raise his kid sister and the women he chooses, like Renee (his piece of ass) -are ones's he knows he won't commit to long term. He does mention that Renee is tall and lean, but he also hates all of the "fakeness" about her. Enter Lilly- yes she's plus sized, but he does feel immediate attraction to her in the jewelry store when they first meet. He likes her softness, her "realness" (yes, I'm making words up, but WTH, right?) he likes her smell. The smell of a person is a big part of attraction. When first meeting someone, you get the pheromone boost. I remember when my hubs and I first got together, I loved the way he smelled, even his breath first thing in the morning. But it was all pheromones talking. We've been together 22 years and I still like his smell, but it's not the same as that initial pull.
So Lilly of course, is pretty open about dating him. Why wouldn't she be? She's never had her heart broken, she's not bitter. Even on their date and phone conversations he's very surprised at how low maintenance she is. Her innocence makes him feel sexy. The way she blushes at him and is so open and fun.
Yes she's fat. But she's got a life. She works, though she doesn't have to. She has integrity and a kind spirit. Why wouldn't Devin find that refreshing? As far as him never having dated a fat chick before, I think it's a 'don't knock it 'til you try it' situation.
Here's what I couldn't relate to as a plus sized girl- that Lilly constantly makes everything a reference to food. A threesome with Ben &Jerry or that Devin's voice was "creamy". And she's aware she's doing it. I may be plus sized, but I don't relate anything to food. She's a bit obsessed with food, but her parents set her up for that. Her dad left her and her mom was always saying she wasn't good enough. So if you feel you're never going to be good enough, what the hell? You mom shows you affection by buying you things and you show yourself affection by rewarding yourself with food. If this were a real life story, and if she and Devin went the distance, she'd lose weight. She'd be fulfilled. Her sexual side is a big gaping hole. Fill that up and it would change her. And we see that growth.
What's the most unrealistic for me is the plot device of the mother paying him to date her. But we've read that kind of thing before. Whatever. It didn't turn me off of the book. And even if their relationship was unrealistic, and I don't think it is. Fat girls fantasize too. Who doesn't?
And she does talk/think about her weight a lot. This is hard for me to relate to too. I think she likes who she is, but she does feel hindered by her weight. But that changes once he finds her sexy.
I enjoyed the book.
March 17, 2013
4.5 Stars
Well, I was in tears a lot of this. Why? Because I connected with this story. I am no skinny girl. I know what it's like to be made fun of because of your weight. I know what it's like to either laugh at the fat jokes or get angry at them. I know what it's like to be so self conscience you'll never believe a "hot" guy would like you.
I, for one, hated Lilly's mom. I think people want to believe that she was coming from a good place, but what the hell did she think was going to happen? SHE PAID DEVIN TO DATE HER DAUGHTER!! 3 months is long enough to develop feelings. Did she want to see Lilly with a broken heart? She just pissed me off so much.
Okay, so let me back up a bit. Devin lives with his dad and sister and they own an auto shop and live on the same property. His dad sucks at the books and well, they are going to lose both the shop and the house if they don't come up with the money in 90 days. Devin ends up at the bank asking for an extension and he runs into Lilly's mom who offers him a proposition. She'll pay off his loan if he dates her daughter for 90 days.
Devin is this hottie playboy, but it's an offer he can't refuse--he has to save his family home and shop. There's no way he'd develop feelings for a fat girl. Yeah, well little by little Lilly cracks his walls and the playboy falls hard.
It was so beautiful to watch. However, I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Boy, did it ever. I was crushed. Did I mention I hate her mother?
I absolutely LOVED Lilly. Hot damn, I wish I could be like her. Strong, confident, NICE and sweet, selfless, beautiful, and the perfect woman. My heart ached for what happened to her. I wanted to throw up reading it. Mean girls. They make me sick. When Lilly first meets Devin at the cafe and he asks her what kind of guy he is I bawled. The last sentence killed me. I know that insecurity and it hurts my heart.
I could not get enough of Jenny. I freakin' loved her. She was so funny and I loved how she accepted Lilly into the family so easily and called her for stuff.
Overall, fantastic story. My only complaint
Well, I was in tears a lot of this. Why? Because I connected with this story. I am no skinny girl. I know what it's like to be made fun of because of your weight. I know what it's like to either laugh at the fat jokes or get angry at them. I know what it's like to be so self conscience you'll never believe a "hot" guy would like you.
I, for one, hated Lilly's mom. I think people want to believe that she was coming from a good place, but what the hell did she think was going to happen? SHE PAID DEVIN TO DATE HER DAUGHTER!! 3 months is long enough to develop feelings. Did she want to see Lilly with a broken heart? She just pissed me off so much.
Okay, so let me back up a bit. Devin lives with his dad and sister and they own an auto shop and live on the same property. His dad sucks at the books and well, they are going to lose both the shop and the house if they don't come up with the money in 90 days. Devin ends up at the bank asking for an extension and he runs into Lilly's mom who offers him a proposition. She'll pay off his loan if he dates her daughter for 90 days.
Devin is this hottie playboy, but it's an offer he can't refuse--he has to save his family home and shop. There's no way he'd develop feelings for a fat girl. Yeah, well little by little Lilly cracks his walls and the playboy falls hard.
It was so beautiful to watch. However, I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Boy, did it ever. I was crushed. Did I mention I hate her mother?
I absolutely LOVED Lilly. Hot damn, I wish I could be like her. Strong, confident, NICE and sweet, selfless, beautiful, and the perfect woman. My heart ached for what happened to her. I wanted to throw up reading it. Mean girls. They make me sick. When Lilly first meets Devin at the cafe and he asks her what kind of guy he is I bawled. The last sentence killed me. I know that insecurity and it hurts my heart.
I could not get enough of Jenny. I freakin' loved her. She was so funny and I loved how she accepted Lilly into the family so easily and called her for stuff.
Overall, fantastic story. My only complaint
June 11, 2013
4.5 Priceless Stars
This is one of those tug-at-your-heartstrings books that I just adore to bits. This is the story of Lilly.
Lilly
Lilly is rich. Thanks to her Grandma, Lilly will never have to worry about money. Ever. She has them in spades. What she also has in spades is excess pounds. Yup! If you haven't already deduced from the title, Lilly is a plus-size girl. She's insecure about her weight, yes, but she wasn't obsess with it. I mean, this girl embraces ice cream and swears that Spanx is the greatest invention ever. Love her!
Devin
Devin is a down-on-his-luck mechanic who needed money in order to pay his father's debts or else they will lose their house and their business. Devin couldn't afford to lose their house and Lilly's mom just provided him with a way out. The catch? Devin must date her daughter for three months and she will pay off their debt.
Devin set to motion his plan and get his family out of debt except that he didn't count on falling in love with Lilly.
I loved this story from beginning to end. The plot is really simple and you might say, predictable but it was well written, with witty dialogue and very likable characters. Romance books tend to be hero-centric, and more often than not, we get a whiny, unlikable heroine. Not so in this book.
I loved Lilly from the start. She's funny, sweet, relatable and spunky. Something happened to Lilly when she was 15 years old which scarred her physically, and emotionally. What happened to her just broke my heart. It's totally easy to understand why Devin fell for her in spite of her "weight" issues.
Devin was a lovable character, too. His mother left him and his sister when they were young. He could have gone on to do something else that he likes but responsibilities kept him close to home. So when their house and their livelihood are threatened, he had no choice but to accept "the proposition."
I should hate Lilly's mom for interfering. She was a snob but I did feel that what she did came from the heart, however misguided it was. I'm glad that she made her own realizations at the end. It redeemed her character somewhat.
The writing in this book is absolutely refreshing. We get to spend time in both Lilly and Devin's head, which is a plus. And both characters are funny. Another plus. And this book also have some awesome secondary characters. Case in point, Jenny, Devin's sister, and Shannon, Lilly's roommate, who is so going to get a new book soon. I hope. They were great addition to this awesome book.
And yes, it has some angst to it, especially during the last 25% of book, which is to be expected considering the story line. But totally manageable. Nothing over the top. And best of all, it has a great epilogue. :)
Favorite quotes/lines from the book...
So, if you may ask whether I would recommend this book, my answer would be, heck yeah, I would totally recommend this book. This one is a keeper.
This is one of those tug-at-your-heartstrings books that I just adore to bits. This is the story of Lilly.
Lilly
Lilly is rich. Thanks to her Grandma, Lilly will never have to worry about money. Ever. She has them in spades. What she also has in spades is excess pounds. Yup! If you haven't already deduced from the title, Lilly is a plus-size girl. She's insecure about her weight, yes, but she wasn't obsess with it. I mean, this girl embraces ice cream and swears that Spanx is the greatest invention ever. Love her!
Devin
Devin is a down-on-his-luck mechanic who needed money in order to pay his father's debts or else they will lose their house and their business. Devin couldn't afford to lose their house and Lilly's mom just provided him with a way out. The catch? Devin must date her daughter for three months and she will pay off their debt.
Devin set to motion his plan and get his family out of debt except that he didn't count on falling in love with Lilly.
I loved this story from beginning to end. The plot is really simple and you might say, predictable but it was well written, with witty dialogue and very likable characters. Romance books tend to be hero-centric, and more often than not, we get a whiny, unlikable heroine. Not so in this book.
I loved Lilly from the start. She's funny, sweet, relatable and spunky. Something happened to Lilly when she was 15 years old which scarred her physically, and emotionally. What happened to her just broke my heart. It's totally easy to understand why Devin fell for her in spite of her "weight" issues.
Devin was a lovable character, too. His mother left him and his sister when they were young. He could have gone on to do something else that he likes but responsibilities kept him close to home. So when their house and their livelihood are threatened, he had no choice but to accept "the proposition."
I should hate Lilly's mom for interfering. She was a snob but I did feel that what she did came from the heart, however misguided it was. I'm glad that she made her own realizations at the end. It redeemed her character somewhat.
The writing in this book is absolutely refreshing. We get to spend time in both Lilly and Devin's head, which is a plus. And both characters are funny. Another plus. And this book also have some awesome secondary characters. Case in point, Jenny, Devin's sister, and Shannon, Lilly's roommate, who is so going to get a new book soon. I hope. They were great addition to this awesome book.
And yes, it has some angst to it, especially during the last 25% of book, which is to be expected considering the story line. But totally manageable. Nothing over the top. And best of all, it has a great epilogue. :)
Favorite quotes/lines from the book...
There are few things in my life that you’d have to pry from my cold, dead fingers before they were ever taken from me. The first thing is my Spanx. Which, in my opinion, are the best man-made contraptions ever, better than electricity or chocolate. The creators of these life changing pieces of cloth should be put on a pedestal for all the chubby girls of the world to worship. Spanx, the body shaping devices of the fatty girl world…I bow down to you.
I don’t know what they’re made of, or who came up with this fantastical idea, but they’re a godsend. If it wasn’t for my Spanx, every fat roll I own would spill forth like frothy white volcano lava.
Finally, the third thing that I couldn’t live without is ice cream. As far as I was concerned, ice cream could heal broken bones if applied directly to the skin. Think about it. If you considered how many broken hearts ice cream has mended, it wouldn’t really seem that outlandish. Not to mention, ice cream is full of calcium.
Calcium + bones = good!
“You’re that guy—tall, dark, handsome and totally untouchable. You’re mysterious, which drives the girls wild, and all that confidence you have wrapped around yourself is a turn on, too. You’re a challenge and it’s like encoded in human DNA to go after a challenge. I’m willing to bet you have a hundred different walls up to keep people out, which of course makes the girls even crazier. They all want to be the first one to know the real you and I bet you love your car…which is probably some really great classic mustang that you’ve named Bertha or some other horrible old lady name.”
So, if you may ask whether I would recommend this book, my answer would be, heck yeah, I would totally recommend this book. This one is a keeper.
February 24, 2013
Oh my gosh!!! What a freaking SUPRISE that book was!! I know I've been handing out a lot of 5 stars lateley but damn.. if its that good then I have to.... and yay for me.. i've happend to come upon some very good books lately ( thanks to my GR friends ;) )
Wow, I loved Lilly and Devin.. I loved how tough guy Devin was brought to his knees by this girl that had a few extra pounds on her.. Devin was always with the skinny bitches, never loving them but just needed somewhere to get his rocks off. Him and his dad and little sister are about to lose there house and their mechanic garage.. they are going to lose everything. Circumstances put him in the path of Lilly's mother. She wants to pay Devin to date her daughter for a while to give her some happiness. She's controlling and bitchy but she's actually coming from a good place as far as Lilly goes.. she wants her to see some happiness. Devin is all in for it because he will do anything to save his family. He didnt count on Lilly saving him in the process..
OH it was so so good! I cannot reccomend this book enough.. seriously. It had almost zero angst.. just a lot of nervousness waiting on Lilly's world to come crashing down on her when she thinks Devin never loved the fat girl she sees herself as.. Devin falls head over heels in love with her and she changes him in every way.
Its got a good message.. that its not always the skinny girl that gets the hot guy..
Wow, I loved Lilly and Devin.. I loved how tough guy Devin was brought to his knees by this girl that had a few extra pounds on her.. Devin was always with the skinny bitches, never loving them but just needed somewhere to get his rocks off. Him and his dad and little sister are about to lose there house and their mechanic garage.. they are going to lose everything. Circumstances put him in the path of Lilly's mother. She wants to pay Devin to date her daughter for a while to give her some happiness. She's controlling and bitchy but she's actually coming from a good place as far as Lilly goes.. she wants her to see some happiness. Devin is all in for it because he will do anything to save his family. He didnt count on Lilly saving him in the process..
OH it was so so good! I cannot reccomend this book enough.. seriously. It had almost zero angst.. just a lot of nervousness waiting on Lilly's world to come crashing down on her when she thinks Devin never loved the fat girl she sees herself as.. Devin falls head over heels in love with her and she changes him in every way.
Its got a good message.. that its not always the skinny girl that gets the hot guy..
March 23, 2013
Lilly is a plus size woman. She is wealthy and has good friends but on a deeper level she is lonely and resigned to always being the woman that men don't see.
When the bank threatens foreclosure, Devin desperately needs to find $8000 to keep the home where he lives with his father and sister and the family business.
Lilly's mother offers to pay the outstanding loan if Devin will date her daughter.
There is so much about this book to love. It's cute and quirky but also quite deep in some ways. Both Devin and Lilly have baggage but the book isn't really about that. I love that a very real woman got the guy. It's one of those rare books that dragged me through the pages, I just couldn't put it down.
When the bank threatens foreclosure, Devin desperately needs to find $8000 to keep the home where he lives with his father and sister and the family business.
Lilly's mother offers to pay the outstanding loan if Devin will date her daughter.
There is so much about this book to love. It's cute and quirky but also quite deep in some ways. Both Devin and Lilly have baggage but the book isn't really about that. I love that a very real woman got the guy. It's one of those rare books that dragged me through the pages, I just couldn't put it down.
March 20, 2013
This is probably going to be one of the hardest review I've done this month, but it has to be done.
Rich heiress meets dirty garage boy
That’s one way that I could start this review. Tell you all about this story, and everything that happened, but my disappointment would seep through every sentence. In what I hoped would be a beautifully written story I found a mediocre, bland draft.
Let me make it clear that I do not mean any disrespect towards the author or her idea. Writing a novel is no easy feat, nor is it creating an idea and then for people to trash it. Leading to my second point: I’m in no way trashing this book or claiming that other readers not read it.
This book...this book had so much potential, the promise this book contained was, well, what made me want to read this. Boy, did I want to read this book. Devour is what it was, that how I went in and then the cliff happened. And I fell, and I continued with no sign of stopping until that last page with the 100% mark.
On the plus side, starred two characters in the first point of view. Devin Micheals and Lilly Sheffield, and perhaps that were it first went wrong. If only it had been written in third point of view focusing on both of them, then this review would have gone a different way. When I started I confused Devin for a girl. And sometimes through out the different inner monologues this thought wasn’t rectified throughout the novel. Devin read like the inner thoughts of a girl. As for Lilly at first she was witty and funny, but then she grew dreary.
Leading to the turning point that wasn’t so shocking, but yet left many questions. Lilly’s mother one day out of the blue goes up to Devin. The guy who just sucker punched a bank employee, and lands in jail. Though that doesn’t faze Lilly’s mom, nor the fact that he’s just some garage boy. Alas! She does know where he lives, but we never come to find out why she choose him. That’s the thing there was so many loose ends, and nothing was thoroughly explained, everything happened in the blink of a chapter.
What I did enjoy is that Lilly never seem to want to change. We have the cliche story were the girl is overweight and in a scant months she sheds the extra pounds and all is right in the world. This was a refreshment to those shorelines, she never mentioned the want to lose those extra rolls.
And though I liked that. A lot. I just never truly connected with the story, and the one thing I need is to become attached to the story and characters. My emotional investment was nowhere to be found.
There were just outrages incidents that happened in the book that had me gaping at was I was reading. At one point Devin fell asleep in her bed, the next morning he woke up with the morning wood, and suddenly feels a warm body snuggled next to him. Without opening a slit of his eyes, he starts dry-humping said warm body. Not to mentioned that everyone had a smirking problem, and an abundance in the exclamation point department. I’m not even kidding, I have never seen so many exclamation points in a novel.
That’s not even the point! (See I can use them too, Devin!) It’s the fact that a mob of cheerleaders attacked Lilly to the point in were she couldn’t conceive, but instead of pressing charges Lilly merely switches schools. How does that make her seem? Like a saint. Saint my ass, that’s just plain inane. For her mother to be okay with that is beyond my imagination. SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT!
There is also the fact that Devin and Lilly fought around three times. Each time Lilly vowed to forget him, but always forgave him after two sweet words. I’m not cynical. Okay, maybe I am. But come on! That ending was rushed, and that epilogue? What was the point of that?
Finally, the biggest problem. The writing. The voice. See when writing the tell you one thing: Show rather than tell. That’s a big point. There are no rules when it comes to writing. Forget it, forget that there are rules, but that one point. Listen to it. It all read as if a twelve year old wrote it. I’m sorry, but it needs to be said. Not all the story, but for the majority of it. It was all telling, “I felt him touch my hand. I saw him do this. I.I.I”
I AM DONE! (OTPS style)
That’s one way that I could start this review. Tell you all about this story, and everything that happened, but my disappointment would seep through every sentence. In what I hoped would be a beautifully written story I found a mediocre, bland draft.
Let me make it clear that I do not mean any disrespect towards the author or her idea. Writing a novel is no easy feat, nor is it creating an idea and then for people to trash it. Leading to my second point: I’m in no way trashing this book or claiming that other readers not read it.
This book...this book had so much potential, the promise this book contained was, well, what made me want to read this. Boy, did I want to read this book. Devour is what it was, that how I went in and then the cliff happened. And I fell, and I continued with no sign of stopping until that last page with the 100% mark.
On the plus side, starred two characters in the first point of view. Devin Micheals and Lilly Sheffield, and perhaps that were it first went wrong. If only it had been written in third point of view focusing on both of them, then this review would have gone a different way. When I started I confused Devin for a girl. And sometimes through out the different inner monologues this thought wasn’t rectified throughout the novel. Devin read like the inner thoughts of a girl. As for Lilly at first she was witty and funny, but then she grew dreary.
Leading to the turning point that wasn’t so shocking, but yet left many questions. Lilly’s mother one day out of the blue goes up to Devin. The guy who just sucker punched a bank employee, and lands in jail. Though that doesn’t faze Lilly’s mom, nor the fact that he’s just some garage boy. Alas! She does know where he lives, but we never come to find out why she choose him. That’s the thing there was so many loose ends, and nothing was thoroughly explained, everything happened in the blink of a chapter.
What I did enjoy is that Lilly never seem to want to change. We have the cliche story were the girl is overweight and in a scant months she sheds the extra pounds and all is right in the world. This was a refreshment to those shorelines, she never mentioned the want to lose those extra rolls.
And though I liked that. A lot. I just never truly connected with the story, and the one thing I need is to become attached to the story and characters. My emotional investment was nowhere to be found.
There were just outrages incidents that happened in the book that had me gaping at was I was reading. At one point Devin fell asleep in her bed, the next morning he woke up with the morning wood, and suddenly feels a warm body snuggled next to him. Without opening a slit of his eyes, he starts dry-humping said warm body. Not to mentioned that everyone had a smirking problem, and an abundance in the exclamation point department. I’m not even kidding, I have never seen so many exclamation points in a novel.
That’s not even the point! (See I can use them too, Devin!) It’s the fact that a mob of cheerleaders attacked Lilly to the point in were she couldn’t conceive, but instead of pressing charges Lilly merely switches schools. How does that make her seem? Like a saint. Saint my ass, that’s just plain inane. For her mother to be okay with that is beyond my imagination. SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT!
There is also the fact that Devin and Lilly fought around three times. Each time Lilly vowed to forget him, but always forgave him after two sweet words. I’m not cynical. Okay, maybe I am. But come on! That ending was rushed, and that epilogue? What was the point of that?
Finally, the biggest problem. The writing. The voice. See when writing the tell you one thing: Show rather than tell. That’s a big point. There are no rules when it comes to writing. Forget it, forget that there are rules, but that one point. Listen to it. It all read as if a twelve year old wrote it. I’m sorry, but it needs to be said. Not all the story, but for the majority of it. It was all telling, “I felt him touch my hand. I saw him do this. I.I.I”
I AM DONE! (OTPS style)
June 22, 2013
Devin, a hot guy playboy who is trying to save his father's home and garage from the bank.
Lilly, a plus-sized beauty with a heart of gold and loaded.
And no one was more deserving of that love than Lilly. She had gone through all of the torment and bullying as a kid and teenager but still had so much in her heart to give to people.
A proposition by Lilly's mother brings them together. Soon, Devin finds himself falling for the big and beautiful Lilly, but as always, the deal comes to bite Devin in the ass.
This was a predictable story but a nice, easy read with a HEA.
Lilly, a plus-sized beauty with a heart of gold and loaded.
And no one was more deserving of that love than Lilly. She had gone through all of the torment and bullying as a kid and teenager but still had so much in her heart to give to people.
A proposition by Lilly's mother brings them together. Soon, Devin finds himself falling for the big and beautiful Lilly, but as always, the deal comes to bite Devin in the ass.
This was a predictable story but a nice, easy read with a HEA.
August 8, 2014
This turned out to be much better than I thought it would. I had a very good time reading it and this is all you can ask of a book IMO.
Tbh the story wasn't sth overly original. Poor boy getting paid to date rich, chubby girl and falling in love in the process. I know you've heard it before but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Lilly...
I liked Lilly. She was a strong girl, fun to be around and although she was chubby she didn't let it get her down. Did she have insecurities about her body? Well, yes but honestly I think if you ask any girl with extra kilos out there(and some without) they will too! Nevertheless this wasn't a book about a girl whining and complaining about her weight and then stuffing her face. Lilly expected someone who wanted her as she was, she didn't want to become sth else to have someone like her and I couldn't help admiring this. I also liked the fact that although she was loaded she still went to work every morning and wasn't snobbish like her awfull mother.
Devin...
I have to admit that I couldn't make myself like him. He was a fun character to read but I couldn't get over the fact that he got paid to be with Lilly. Yes, he was trying to take care of his family and one should probably admire that but I couldn't. Maybe because I liked Lilly so much.
What I didn't like in this book...
1) Lilly's mother. That bitch showed no respect for her daughter at all when she "bought" her a boy. I know that in her twisted way she loved Lilly but the woman was a snobbish idiot.
2) Renee. Another bitch from hell.
3) The unprotected sex. The above didn't annoy me because they were needed for the plot but the unprotected sex annoyed the hell out of me. You just don't have unprotected sex with a guy whom you've known only a few weeks and who you already know has had his fair share of lovers. And don't get me started with the "I'll pull out" crap. Did they grow up in the 21st century or in a cave? Meh... -1 star for this alone.
4) There were some grammar and spelling mistakes but I don't really care about this so...
What I liked about this book...
1) Lilly and her Ice-cream addiction.
2) Jenny.
3) HEA
4) Surprisingly I enjoyed the story. It didn't have "boring" points.
5) The tragic stories in the hero's and heroine's past. I enjoyed them because even though it becomes clear that they've left scars the heroes don't start the angst and turmoil monologues.
So overall...
PS. This is Adult fiction. It has too much sexual tension and sex to be called New Adult IMO.
Tbh the story wasn't sth overly original. Poor boy getting paid to date rich, chubby girl and falling in love in the process. I know you've heard it before but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Lilly...
I liked Lilly. She was a strong girl, fun to be around and although she was chubby she didn't let it get her down. Did she have insecurities about her body? Well, yes but honestly I think if you ask any girl with extra kilos out there(and some without) they will too! Nevertheless this wasn't a book about a girl whining and complaining about her weight and then stuffing her face. Lilly expected someone who wanted her as she was, she didn't want to become sth else to have someone like her and I couldn't help admiring this. I also liked the fact that although she was loaded she still went to work every morning and wasn't snobbish like her awfull mother.
Devin...
I have to admit that I couldn't make myself like him. He was a fun character to read but I couldn't get over the fact that he got paid to be with Lilly. Yes, he was trying to take care of his family and one should probably admire that but I couldn't. Maybe because I liked Lilly so much.
What I didn't like in this book...
1) Lilly's mother. That bitch showed no respect for her daughter at all when she "bought" her a boy. I know that in her twisted way she loved Lilly but the woman was a snobbish idiot.
2) Renee. Another bitch from hell.
3) The unprotected sex. The above didn't annoy me because they were needed for the plot but the unprotected sex annoyed the hell out of me. You just don't have unprotected sex with a guy whom you've known only a few weeks and who you already know has had his fair share of lovers. And don't get me started with the "I'll pull out" crap. Did they grow up in the 21st century or in a cave? Meh... -1 star for this alone.
4) There were some grammar and spelling mistakes but I don't really care about this so...
What I liked about this book...
1) Lilly and her Ice-cream addiction.
2) Jenny.
3) HEA
4) Surprisingly I enjoyed the story. It didn't have "boring" points.
5) The tragic stories in the hero's and heroine's past. I enjoyed them because even though it becomes clear that they've left scars the heroes don't start the angst and turmoil monologues.
So overall...
PS. This is Adult fiction. It has too much sexual tension and sex to be called New Adult IMO.
July 31, 2014
I started this one because I liked the synopsis. And when I read a couple of chapters I thought: this book’s kind of good and I can give it three stars! I was enjoying it so much. But then, ‘til the end of the book there was so many things that I didn’t like and I just thought this deserve a big 2/5.
The story is pretty cliché and if you don’t have big expectations, you can enjoy it. The main characters are so-cliché too, but they were not as bad as I thought. This is a romance story, then it have so many sappy moments that I liked, and I'm into this chubby-girl-with-a-hot-guy kind of story. Yes, I enjoyed it and I laughed a couple of times BUT this doesn’t mean I’m going to ignore all the bad things in this story.
Then, here’re the things I didn’t like about the story.
1. Devin. I didn’t hate him, but there’re a few things I didn’t like about him. He’s a broken character and he has the capable to say he has mommy issues; this screwed the plot because you just know what the problem with him is! And that’s just too unrealistic, because it’s supposed he’s an arrogant, cocky bastard, and a sensible guy too? This he’s-so-deep-and-intensive thing was no credible at all.
And then, we have his violent side. Why writers believe violent guys are hot? They’re not. They scare me and I didn’t like them. I know maybe he has reasons to be so angry (MAYBE), but I can’t bear all this violence.
His head snapped up with anger on his face. He looked so heated, that for a second I feared he would attack me.
And how he changes is kind of cool, but the change is too precipitate and the author writes a couple of “deep” moments that are not that deep.
2. Lilly. The same here. She’s so freaking saint that is an unrealistic character. She has an ability of forgive and forget that make her a completely saint girl. NO COOL. And all this I-hate-all-my-money is bullshit! She’s freaking rich and she doesn’t go to college? Really? She sends diamonds to poor children… what? If she was a so-deep person, she'd help these children herself, not only with money. You don’t make her more real and deep only because she doesn’t want to be rich, dear author. That’s just bullshit!
3. Pregnancy. Really? You get her pregnant? Oh, that’s just killed the book for me! Because: 1) She can’t have kids and then, just magically, she gets pregnant. Yay!, 2) She was attacked and almost died! She spent time in hospital and had awful injuries but she didn’t lose her baby and the doctor didn’t detect it. Yeah, so real.
4. The mother. How the bitch mother change her attitude in a paragraph was so great! *rolleyes*… Really, that wasn’t realistic!
5. The end. A big MEH to the end!
I don’t give this a 1/5 because I enjoyed a couple of chapters and I think the writer can do it better. I think she has potential, but she needs to improve and don’t fall in stereotypes.
The story is pretty cliché and if you don’t have big expectations, you can enjoy it. The main characters are so-cliché too, but they were not as bad as I thought. This is a romance story, then it have so many sappy moments that I liked, and I'm into this chubby-girl-with-a-hot-guy kind of story. Yes, I enjoyed it and I laughed a couple of times BUT this doesn’t mean I’m going to ignore all the bad things in this story.
Then, here’re the things I didn’t like about the story.
1. Devin. I didn’t hate him, but there’re a few things I didn’t like about him. He’s a broken character and he has the capable to say he has mommy issues; this screwed the plot because you just know what the problem with him is! And that’s just too unrealistic, because it’s supposed he’s an arrogant, cocky bastard, and a sensible guy too? This he’s-so-deep-and-intensive thing was no credible at all.
And then, we have his violent side. Why writers believe violent guys are hot? They’re not. They scare me and I didn’t like them. I know maybe he has reasons to be so angry (MAYBE), but I can’t bear all this violence.
His head snapped up with anger on his face. He looked so heated, that for a second I feared he would attack me.
And how he changes is kind of cool, but the change is too precipitate and the author writes a couple of “deep” moments that are not that deep.
2. Lilly. The same here. She’s so freaking saint that is an unrealistic character. She has an ability of forgive and forget that make her a completely saint girl. NO COOL. And all this I-hate-all-my-money is bullshit! She’s freaking rich and she doesn’t go to college? Really? She sends diamonds to poor children… what? If she was a so-deep person, she'd help these children herself, not only with money. You don’t make her more real and deep only because she doesn’t want to be rich, dear author. That’s just bullshit!
3. Pregnancy. Really? You get her pregnant? Oh, that’s just killed the book for me! Because: 1) She can’t have kids and then, just magically, she gets pregnant. Yay!, 2) She was attacked and almost died! She spent time in hospital and had awful injuries but she didn’t lose her baby and the doctor didn’t detect it. Yeah, so real.
4. The mother. How the bitch mother change her attitude in a paragraph was so great! *rolleyes*… Really, that wasn’t realistic!
5. The end. A big MEH to the end!
I don’t give this a 1/5 because I enjoyed a couple of chapters and I think the writer can do it better. I think she has potential, but she needs to improve and don’t fall in stereotypes.
August 12, 2024
Just an asshole and his doormat
March 2, 2013
Priceless.
That's what this book is!
I haven't cried this much since the last book I've read but it's so damn hard not to cry for this book. The story is just amazing and I love every page of it. I cried for Lilly for what had happened to her, I cried for her good kind heart, and I cried for Devin, because he is so damn good and loved her for all she has.
I'm starting to boost my self-esteem issues in the 'chubby' department and thanks to this book, it made me feel more beautiful and confident for what I have. I know it will be a miracle if there's a gorgeous man who will fell in love with a pretty chunky woman, but I know that everything happens with a purpose and I believe there will come a time in your life that this 'prince' will come and sweep you off your feet and will love you forever for whoever you are, regardless of what weight you have, or what you look like. I'm a young woman but I still believe in happy ever afters and I know someday I will meet that prince charming man. The story is fun and cute! I LOVE IT!
That's what this book is!
I haven't cried this much since the last book I've read but it's so damn hard not to cry for this book. The story is just amazing and I love every page of it. I cried for Lilly for what had happened to her, I cried for her good kind heart, and I cried for Devin, because he is so damn good and loved her for all she has.
I'm starting to boost my self-esteem issues in the 'chubby' department and thanks to this book, it made me feel more beautiful and confident for what I have. I know it will be a miracle if there's a gorgeous man who will fell in love with a pretty chunky woman, but I know that everything happens with a purpose and I believe there will come a time in your life that this 'prince' will come and sweep you off your feet and will love you forever for whoever you are, regardless of what weight you have, or what you look like. I'm a young woman but I still believe in happy ever afters and I know someday I will meet that prince charming man. The story is fun and cute! I LOVE IT!
January 31, 2013
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This book was a really sweet romance. I really enjoyed it.
I loved that the story promoted that slightly bigger girls can be sexy and you don't have to be a stick to gain the love of a good man, that fact was definantly... On the plus side!!
I would definantly recommend this book to others and will be looking forward to future books in the series. I hope Shannon's story is next!!
Favourite quote - " Your the light in every dark part of my soul and I'm drawn to your warmth. I was so broken before you and somehow you put me back together. " - Devin.
There was also a smokin hot bathroom scene... But you'll just have to read if for yourself to find out! Trust me, it's worth it!!
This book was a really sweet romance. I really enjoyed it.
I loved that the story promoted that slightly bigger girls can be sexy and you don't have to be a stick to gain the love of a good man, that fact was definantly... On the plus side!!
I would definantly recommend this book to others and will be looking forward to future books in the series. I hope Shannon's story is next!!
Favourite quote - " Your the light in every dark part of my soul and I'm drawn to your warmth. I was so broken before you and somehow you put me back together. " - Devin.
There was also a smokin hot bathroom scene... But you'll just have to read if for yourself to find out! Trust me, it's worth it!!
February 3, 2013
I'm not doing this a lot (almost never), but I can't continue reading past the 8% point.
The male voice is NOT a male voice. A 22 yo man will never muse about his abandonment issues in the face of his dad losing his business and home.
And then for a bank official to mock him to his face within one minute of meeting him, while asking for a loan?
The story might be good, but if the first 10% of it are written this way - not wasting my time.
The male voice is NOT a male voice. A 22 yo man will never muse about his abandonment issues in the face of his dad losing his business and home.
And then for a bank official to mock him to his face within one minute of meeting him, while asking for a loan?
The story might be good, but if the first 10% of it are written this way - not wasting my time.
March 26, 2013
Jodie: This book hit me on a personal level. Although I wasn't physically beaten for being overweight as a teen like Lilly, I have struggled going from diet to diet & wishing I could look like anyone except myself my whole life. I doubted my self worth as a woman and to this day if someone compliments me I kind of brush it off as if they are taking the piss, and yet I found Lilly beautiful on the inside & out. I want to be just like her. I, like Lilly am a lover of spanx, ice cream & have done the whole false advertising thing & didn't eat in front of my boyfriend. Lol. It turns out I married him & couldn't starve myself in his presence forever.
Lilly went thru so much and deals with her life with such grace and beauty. She is such a loving and selfless person & wants for nothing! You would never know Lilly has money. She wants love and friendship and she only searches for the things that come from the heart. I told you already...girl crush! When I grow up I want to have a heart and soul like Lilly!
Bree: O.M.G Jodie, I laughed so hard when I read the quote
“Spanx, the body shaping devices of the fatty girl world.... I bow down to you. I don't know what they're made of, or who came up with this fantastical idea, but they're a godsend. If it wasn't for my Spanx, every fat roll own would spill forth like frothy white volcano lava.”
Jodie: I know exactly what you mean Bree, I almost weeed in my panties! LOL I actually read some parts of this book over and over...almost like the bible. So many thoughts and emotions Lilly experiences I could identify with. What an awe-inspiring character.
A special shout out to all the awesome high school girls who taunted me daily. Thanks for the fabulous fat girl complex.
Bree: I agree with Jodie. I was drawn into the story immediately and just held my breath, except for when I was laughing hysterically. I really loved Lilly. I mean she is simply put one of the most real characters I have read, it really touched a nerve with me. I jumped up and down for her and cried too. She is one amazing female lead. I am girl crushing!
"The sad part is I like being a slut, which puts me on whole other level of slutdom...a slutty slut. I blame hormones."
Lilly went thru so much and deals with her life with such grace and beauty. She is such a loving and selfless person & wants for nothing! You would never know Lilly has money. She wants love and friendship and she only searches for the things that come from the heart. I told you already...girl crush! When I grow up I want to have a heart and soul like Lilly!
"You're the light in every dark part of my soul and I'm drawn to your warmth. I was so broken before you and somehow you put me back together."
Jodie: Bree for me, On the Plus Side had all the ingredients. At times I laughed so hard I thought I might wee my pants and cry my eyes out at other times. Ms Vargo certainly has the gift of adding spunk to each of her characters. Even the ones you want to hate. The switch in pov is definitely one of my favorite things & was done perfectly in this case. It was amazing to hear first hand how Devin thought & felt as he let his walls down & fell in love with his means to keeping his family together & the one he was forbidden from. Although there was a few douche moments of Devs part, Lilly & Dev were actually exactly what the doctor ordered for each to find their happiness. Their chemistry was hawwwt, and their love was fun & beautiful.
Karma was having her way with me, whips and chains style without a safe word, and I could do nothing to stop her.
Bree: Jodie, really you just had to bring up Devin? Holy hot sauce! Wow! I really wanted to not like him. I wanted to be mad at him. I could never be any of those things. In the end I loved him. I adore him actually and I think he is the perfect leading man. He is a hard worker. He is not afraid to fight for those he cares about and his heart is wounded just enough that when it finally opens up....wowza! It was beautiful to read. It was nice to be inside his head. Hear him falling for Lilly, finding his own truths and growing into a man. Devin had a hard life. His dad drinks too much, he takes care of his sister. His mom crushed him. This all made him into what he was...and in the book you were able to see him heal. The chemistry of Lilly and Devin is Amazing. It's just enough sweet and enough dirty sexy mouth to leave you breathless. Her in securities, his take charge attitude. Well let us just say.. Whew!
"I bet you want to be touched here," he pressed. "I bet you wanna cum. Don't you?" "YES." My voice sounded deep and seductive. It surprised me when I heard it.
They felt like real moments and I loved them all! Brilliant! Read this book! Laughter, tears and a wonderful real love story await you in the pages.
November 7, 2017
The story hit close to home.....in a lot of places. I've always been a big girl( all because my middle name is food!) Although not a size 20, but still once you cross say 10, you're pretty much generalised. Like Lilly. She's cute, smart, fiercely independent and keeps it real. Yet all because of her chunk, she's not a viable hot girl. In fact so much so that her mom has to arrange for a date for her.
Enter Devin , a hot , tatted, mechanic. He's in need of money, momma she-devil needs a companion to her darling daughter. It's a match made in hell. Mirage , but hell. You know shit's gonna explode all over, yet this downward slope continues deeper into the heart , ultimately stops when hits the core of love.
The story seems simple, but isn't. Tabatha is very clever, wraps real touchy subjects in a tissue of humour. She makes Lilly poke fun at her own chubbiness , so no one else does.
Referring to anything in my life as thin was just wrong in so many ways.Guess who got to play squeeze the fat girl into the tiny booth?Did she seriously think I’d want to stuff myself into a skinny girl car every day? Um… no thanks! Feeling like a sardine was never my thing.
She makes her resigned to the fact that she'll be single forever , so she works in a nondescript jewellery store , where hardly any customers frequent and she makes her a hopeful voyeur , who vicariously lives through people watching romantic couples from afar. It'd be funny if it wasn't so heart wrenching. I could feel Lilly's heartache and longings.
I ate everything that wasn’t bolted down.That should’ve been my first thought. Duh, Lilly! Men wanted beach bodies, not beached whales!
The story just jumps at you and nestles in your heart. The scene where lilly pops her cherry, i swear i had tears in my eyes!!! Her struggle to get trendy clothes, her forever being overlooked by hot guys, her unpopularity and bullying by her peers at school, its all very sad and poignant.
I’d always made it a point to never go into Victoria’s Secret. I knew what that bitch’s secret was, and it had everything to do with stringy panties with not enough fabric to cover my ass.Not to mention, looking like a sumo wrestler was never my thing.
How she longs to just feel regularly beautiful and normal , though made to sound funny, I was moved by it and totally related to it as well. We live in a very superficial world full of cruel and mean people and women tear down women more than men. Instead of lifting each other up, we make fun of their appearances or pull them down so we can feel better about ourselves. It's petty and pathetic to say the least and makes me angry .
I loved the subject so much. I'd highly recommend you all reading it. We've all felt ill fitted and off centered many times in life, every girl has been insecure in her skin many times and we should be able to teach our sons and daughters to at least go deeper beyond looks and appreciate true beauty in people around us.
Much like Devin did .
Written very well , with ease and humour , but very in-depth and enlightening. You will emerge as a better person after reading it.
Very endearing
Very subtle
Very heartwarming story of plus sized love
🚫#StopBullying🚫
4.5 xxxl stars
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Enter Devin , a hot , tatted, mechanic. He's in need of money, momma she-devil needs a companion to her darling daughter. It's a match made in hell. Mirage , but hell. You know shit's gonna explode all over, yet this downward slope continues deeper into the heart , ultimately stops when hits the core of love.
The story seems simple, but isn't. Tabatha is very clever, wraps real touchy subjects in a tissue of humour. She makes Lilly poke fun at her own chubbiness , so no one else does.
Referring to anything in my life as thin was just wrong in so many ways.Guess who got to play squeeze the fat girl into the tiny booth?Did she seriously think I’d want to stuff myself into a skinny girl car every day? Um… no thanks! Feeling like a sardine was never my thing.
She makes her resigned to the fact that she'll be single forever , so she works in a nondescript jewellery store , where hardly any customers frequent and she makes her a hopeful voyeur , who vicariously lives through people watching romantic couples from afar. It'd be funny if it wasn't so heart wrenching. I could feel Lilly's heartache and longings.
I ate everything that wasn’t bolted down.That should’ve been my first thought. Duh, Lilly! Men wanted beach bodies, not beached whales!
The story just jumps at you and nestles in your heart. The scene where lilly pops her cherry, i swear i had tears in my eyes!!! Her struggle to get trendy clothes, her forever being overlooked by hot guys, her unpopularity and bullying by her peers at school, its all very sad and poignant.
I’d always made it a point to never go into Victoria’s Secret. I knew what that bitch’s secret was, and it had everything to do with stringy panties with not enough fabric to cover my ass.Not to mention, looking like a sumo wrestler was never my thing.
How she longs to just feel regularly beautiful and normal , though made to sound funny, I was moved by it and totally related to it as well. We live in a very superficial world full of cruel and mean people and women tear down women more than men. Instead of lifting each other up, we make fun of their appearances or pull them down so we can feel better about ourselves. It's petty and pathetic to say the least and makes me angry .
I loved the subject so much. I'd highly recommend you all reading it. We've all felt ill fitted and off centered many times in life, every girl has been insecure in her skin many times and we should be able to teach our sons and daughters to at least go deeper beyond looks and appreciate true beauty in people around us.
Much like Devin did .
Written very well , with ease and humour , but very in-depth and enlightening. You will emerge as a better person after reading it.
Very endearing
Very subtle
Very heartwarming story of plus sized love
🚫#StopBullying🚫
4.5 xxxl stars
#BookBistroBlogApproved
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May 24, 2013
I'm going to sum it up.
Devin: Anger issues, bro. I don't know why so many readers think it's "hot". It's not.
Lilly: A "chubby" girl who gets the guy, As somebody who struggled with weight issues for nearly 10 years, I always like reading about plus-size main characters, however, the way Lilly goes about her weight is unrealistic to me (at least in my case and the case of some of my larger friends). She's a millionaire, but all she does is work at a jewelry store and give diamonds to charity...? Am I missing something here?
Lilly's mom: She pays Devin to go out with Lilly, but forbids them to get sexual or anything. She doesn't think Devin is good enough for Lilly...so why did she set them up? Why didn't she find somebody she deemed "suitable" for her daughter?
Dad: A drunk. Did his drinking issues ever get discussed? No?
Of course there's an attempted rape.
Of course there's mommy issues.
Of course they're from different sides of the track.
Of course Devin "falls in love with Lilly despite her size."
Of course the guy is "the hottest guy ever."
Of course the guy seemingly changes over night.
Some parts were definitely predictable. Some were unrealistic IMO.
Devin often compares things Lilly has/does to what "Renee and those skanks" have/do. I don't like that word. I don't think people should be judged based on their pants size, so why should they be judged based on their sexual history? If we're going to advocate that bullying and name-calling is wrong, ALL name-calling should be considered wrong. Why is it okay for guys to sleep with 50 girls, but not the other way around?
As women, we need to stand together against all of the discrimination. I don't care if you're a size 28 or a size 8. I don't care if you're a virgin, or you've slept with 100 people. It shouldn't matter and it shouldn't be okay to single people out based on sexual history.
To top it all off, there were tons of grammatical errors. Your/you're (why is this still happening) and conscious/conscience among others. I got tired of marking them all and gave up about 1/3 of the way in.
Devin: Anger issues, bro. I don't know why so many readers think it's "hot". It's not.
Lilly: A "chubby" girl who gets the guy, As somebody who struggled with weight issues for nearly 10 years, I always like reading about plus-size main characters, however, the way Lilly goes about her weight is unrealistic to me (at least in my case and the case of some of my larger friends). She's a millionaire, but all she does is work at a jewelry store and give diamonds to charity...? Am I missing something here?
Lilly's mom: She pays Devin to go out with Lilly, but forbids them to get sexual or anything. She doesn't think Devin is good enough for Lilly...so why did she set them up? Why didn't she find somebody she deemed "suitable" for her daughter?
Dad: A drunk. Did his drinking issues ever get discussed? No?
Of course there's an attempted rape.
Of course there's mommy issues.
Of course they're from different sides of the track.
Of course Devin "falls in love with Lilly despite her size."
Of course the guy is "the hottest guy ever."
Of course the guy seemingly changes over night.
Some parts were definitely predictable. Some were unrealistic IMO.
Devin often compares things Lilly has/does to what "Renee and those skanks" have/do. I don't like that word. I don't think people should be judged based on their pants size, so why should they be judged based on their sexual history? If we're going to advocate that bullying and name-calling is wrong, ALL name-calling should be considered wrong. Why is it okay for guys to sleep with 50 girls, but not the other way around?
As women, we need to stand together against all of the discrimination. I don't care if you're a size 28 or a size 8. I don't care if you're a virgin, or you've slept with 100 people. It shouldn't matter and it shouldn't be okay to single people out based on sexual history.
To top it all off, there were tons of grammatical errors. Your/you're (why is this still happening) and conscious/conscience among others. I got tired of marking them all and gave up about 1/3 of the way in.
June 17, 2013
First and foremost, it's terrific to see a story about a plus sized girl whose plus size isn't a 14. Because really, 14 isn't so plus. But that's what every plus sized girl I read about ends up being! Not Lilly though! Yippee!
This was kind of a guilty pleasure story for me. The amount of crap Lilly went through in her life made her one of the most pitiful characters I've read in a long while. However, I loved that she never saw herself as pitiful and when the author revealed pitiful aspects to the hero it wasn't Lilly revealing it so it just made Lilly all the more worthy of my pity and the story all the more gut wrenching.
Lilly is a terrific character. She's in some ways way blessed, but she's been through so much crap that you just want to give her a big hug. I'm a hugger though.
Devin is all I wanted in the male lead here. I love that he was real, that his first impression was that she wasn't his type because she was a "fat chick". Cause nothing makes me roll my eyes faster than when a super hot dude falls into instant love with a girl wearing a size 20. No matter what Shannon says about some guys being into chunky girls, it's too easy. As a girl who has been there, it's just not something I feel like buying. So, I enjoyed the way the relationship and his feelings developed. He's tormented by his own demons and the author did a great job of justifying all of his poor behavior so I didn't have to hate him. Instead I wanted to give him a big ole hug too... Naked, but a hug nonetheless.
I would have enjoyed seeing Renee get a little more of her own medicine, but I still loved the sene when Devin handles her. That and the minor, yet annoying grammatical errors are really my only complaints.
Overall, a sweet, angst driven story that I sped through in 1 day. Yay!
This was kind of a guilty pleasure story for me. The amount of crap Lilly went through in her life made her one of the most pitiful characters I've read in a long while. However, I loved that she never saw herself as pitiful and when the author revealed pitiful aspects to the hero it wasn't Lilly revealing it so it just made Lilly all the more worthy of my pity and the story all the more gut wrenching.
Lilly is a terrific character. She's in some ways way blessed, but she's been through so much crap that you just want to give her a big hug. I'm a hugger though.
Devin is all I wanted in the male lead here. I love that he was real, that his first impression was that she wasn't his type because she was a "fat chick". Cause nothing makes me roll my eyes faster than when a super hot dude falls into instant love with a girl wearing a size 20. No matter what Shannon says about some guys being into chunky girls, it's too easy. As a girl who has been there, it's just not something I feel like buying. So, I enjoyed the way the relationship and his feelings developed. He's tormented by his own demons and the author did a great job of justifying all of his poor behavior so I didn't have to hate him. Instead I wanted to give him a big ole hug too... Naked, but a hug nonetheless.
I would have enjoyed seeing Renee get a little more of her own medicine, but I still loved the sene when Devin handles her. That and the minor, yet annoying grammatical errors are really my only complaints.
Overall, a sweet, angst driven story that I sped through in 1 day. Yay!
June 15, 2013
4.5stars It was obvious where this book was going right from the beginning but surprisingly it tugged at my heart....some feelings were a little close to home. It was a good read, a bit predictable, but I couldn't put it down. X
August 29, 2017
It was growing on me by the end of it, but there were some passages that I didn't like it, some very sexist comments and the story wasn't well developed for my liking.
July 11, 2013
For starters, u should be able to accept some sex, swearing and violence when readng this book. But, if you're looking for a book that will fill you with laughter and tears then this is the book for you. It should definately be on the top of your to read list! I loved that the story advocated that bigger girls can be sexy and that you don't have to be a stick figure to gain the love and attention of a good man. Tabatha Vargo created a dazzling story when she put together this wonderful and amazing story. I thought it was awesome to find a book with a real sized girl.
I read this book in a few hours and I absolutely loved it! Being a chubby girl myself, I have had my battles with self-esteem issues and such. So, hearing Lilly's story brought out some emotions that helped me identify with her on a lot of levels. I was drawn into the story and felt every emotion that these characters felt. There were even a few hot and heavy scenes that had my pulse speeding up! This book had me on the verge of crying, as well as holding my breath, you don't know what to expect. I fell madly in love with both Devin Michaels, the bad boy turned sweetheart and the sassy, cheerful Lilly.
Lilly is not a skinny girl, she has some weight on her but she is still beautiful inside and out. I felt a certain kinship with Lilly that kept me applauding for her strength and positive attitude through everything that life had handed her. She’s plus sized and troubled about her weight, but confident about the social areas in her life. She has a great group friends that love her unconditionally. She’s incredibly sweet and through all of her struggles, we meet a tenacious, radiant, and hopeful woman. From start to finish you follow her through her childhood trauma, her nasty mother and finding true love.
Devin’s family is about to lose everything. When Lilly’s mom overhears of his money problems, she propositions him..... She will pay Devin to pretend to date her daughter. Because he is a good guy (deep down where it counts), he finds this behavior unsettling, but he figures he can spend time with Lilly, get money to save his family, and no one will get hurt. I understood Devin's battle with his changing feelings for Lilly. His side of the story was so rough it actually hurt to read some of the passages. I even felt some of his pain.
I didn't want this book to end! Its got a good message..... it doesn't have to be the skinny girl that gets the hot guy. There was a lot of nervousness while wondering if Lilly's world would come crashing down on her because she thinks Devin may never love the fat girl she sees herself as. This book was extremely aspiring and the realness flowed from the pages. A definate recommendation here!
I read this book in a few hours and I absolutely loved it! Being a chubby girl myself, I have had my battles with self-esteem issues and such. So, hearing Lilly's story brought out some emotions that helped me identify with her on a lot of levels. I was drawn into the story and felt every emotion that these characters felt. There were even a few hot and heavy scenes that had my pulse speeding up! This book had me on the verge of crying, as well as holding my breath, you don't know what to expect. I fell madly in love with both Devin Michaels, the bad boy turned sweetheart and the sassy, cheerful Lilly.
Lilly is not a skinny girl, she has some weight on her but she is still beautiful inside and out. I felt a certain kinship with Lilly that kept me applauding for her strength and positive attitude through everything that life had handed her. She’s plus sized and troubled about her weight, but confident about the social areas in her life. She has a great group friends that love her unconditionally. She’s incredibly sweet and through all of her struggles, we meet a tenacious, radiant, and hopeful woman. From start to finish you follow her through her childhood trauma, her nasty mother and finding true love.
Devin’s family is about to lose everything. When Lilly’s mom overhears of his money problems, she propositions him..... She will pay Devin to pretend to date her daughter. Because he is a good guy (deep down where it counts), he finds this behavior unsettling, but he figures he can spend time with Lilly, get money to save his family, and no one will get hurt. I understood Devin's battle with his changing feelings for Lilly. His side of the story was so rough it actually hurt to read some of the passages. I even felt some of his pain.
I didn't want this book to end! Its got a good message..... it doesn't have to be the skinny girl that gets the hot guy. There was a lot of nervousness while wondering if Lilly's world would come crashing down on her because she thinks Devin may never love the fat girl she sees herself as. This book was extremely aspiring and the realness flowed from the pages. A definate recommendation here!
January 11, 2017
Okay. I'm ready for it. I'm ready to tell you why this story disappointed me. A LOT.
I don't usually like or read romance books, but I'm trying to branch out in 2017 and I've been rewarded. I gave 4-5 stars to Juniper Smoke, The Hating Game AND Worth It. Three books that I loved.
And then there was this book. I kind of want to erase it from my memory. Because I had high expectations and they were shattered. I'm not here to trash the book because writing an entire novel is no small feat. If it were, everyone would have written one by now.
But there are good books and not-so-good books. I loved a number of things about this book, but I hated a shit ton.
1. I loved Lilly at first. But why the FUCK does her story arc make no sense? She's beaten by a bunch of vapid cheerleaders and told she can't have kids...and then she gets pregnant? Ok, cool. Could've been a miracle baby. BUT IN THE EPILOGUE SHES PREGNANT AGAIN? So...she basically could have kids the whole time? What the fuck.
Come the fuck on. Also, I'm sick and fucking tired of women with fertility issues suddenly having a "miracle baby". You don't need babies to be a woman, a strong woman, a beautiful wife. @Romance writers stop this.
2. The end was the definition of rushed. She just forgave Devin? He said one thing? What about Devin's mother? His dad is sad and his sister Jenny goes away to cry AND NOTHING HAPPENS? Come on.
For someone whose mother's departure really messed with his head, Devin gets over it. Quick. What about Lilly's mother? She just changes her entire bitchy personality in one paragraph?
3. SO MANY PLOT HOLES. I could rant about why this book had so much potential but majorly fucked up. I liked some chapters, and I stayed up to read it.
But to be honest, this story was not worth my lack of sleep. I didn't give it 1 star because I think the plot was not completely shitty and there is a lot of potential in the writing. This just needs MAJOR editing.
4. Also, Shannon was just fine with Lilly lying to her this whole time about the money? HER BEST FRIEND? Renee just fucked off after Devin yelled at her once? Lilly was beaten close to DEATH and she somehow kept the baby and the doctors didn't notice she was pregnant. Bullshit.
Like cmon. I was eyerolling so hard by the epilogue I'm surprised I didn't get a migraine. Also, Lilly is a size 20!! Why is the girl on the cover a 12 at most? That isn't rally a huge problem, it's just confusing?? hahaha
It was cool while it lasted. I think I'll lay off the romance for now until I see something awesome.I didn't want to come hate on this book but I couldn't help it. You can't dip shit in sugar and call it a brownie. I'm just angry at this point
I don't usually like or read romance books, but I'm trying to branch out in 2017 and I've been rewarded. I gave 4-5 stars to Juniper Smoke, The Hating Game AND Worth It. Three books that I loved.
And then there was this book. I kind of want to erase it from my memory. Because I had high expectations and they were shattered. I'm not here to trash the book because writing an entire novel is no small feat. If it were, everyone would have written one by now.
But there are good books and not-so-good books. I loved a number of things about this book, but I hated a shit ton.
1. I loved Lilly at first. But why the FUCK does her story arc make no sense? She's beaten by a bunch of vapid cheerleaders and told she can't have kids...and then she gets pregnant? Ok, cool. Could've been a miracle baby. BUT IN THE EPILOGUE SHES PREGNANT AGAIN? So...she basically could have kids the whole time? What the fuck.
Come the fuck on. Also, I'm sick and fucking tired of women with fertility issues suddenly having a "miracle baby". You don't need babies to be a woman, a strong woman, a beautiful wife. @Romance writers stop this.
2. The end was the definition of rushed. She just forgave Devin? He said one thing? What about Devin's mother? His dad is sad and his sister Jenny goes away to cry AND NOTHING HAPPENS? Come on.
For someone whose mother's departure really messed with his head, Devin gets over it. Quick. What about Lilly's mother? She just changes her entire bitchy personality in one paragraph?
3. SO MANY PLOT HOLES. I could rant about why this book had so much potential but majorly fucked up. I liked some chapters, and I stayed up to read it.
But to be honest, this story was not worth my lack of sleep. I didn't give it 1 star because I think the plot was not completely shitty and there is a lot of potential in the writing. This just needs MAJOR editing.
4. Also, Shannon was just fine with Lilly lying to her this whole time about the money? HER BEST FRIEND? Renee just fucked off after Devin yelled at her once? Lilly was beaten close to DEATH and she somehow kept the baby and the doctors didn't notice she was pregnant. Bullshit.
Like cmon. I was eyerolling so hard by the epilogue I'm surprised I didn't get a migraine. Also, Lilly is a size 20!! Why is the girl on the cover a 12 at most? That isn't rally a huge problem, it's just confusing?? hahaha
It was cool while it lasted. I think I'll lay off the romance for now until I see something awesome.I didn't want to come hate on this book but I couldn't help it. You can't dip shit in sugar and call it a brownie. I'm just angry at this point
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2013
SOOOOOOOO!
What I didn't really like about this book was that it opens up with each character telling EXACTLY why they have emotional issues. We all have issues, but no one can honestly pin point what caused them. As a larger woman though, the heroine's issues were believable, but the hero was too ridiculous.
I thought his opening rant of "My mother left me so I put up walls to keep everyone out" was a little forced, he's a little angsty and kind of a douche.
The dialogue was a little silly and I hate how every contemporary romance I have read lately has a male gay friend who is the epitome of gay stereotypes.
This book was actually a solid 3 stars for me for awhile (It's a romance, I expect a certain amount of ridiculousness, These things are a guilty pleasure. It's not Salinger.) until the heroine begins describing the hero's tattoos. I swear it was like bad teenage poetry. A jagged blade over the heart? A tree with words like "fear", "Betrayal" "hate" and shit on them? What did this guy go into a tattoo parlor and say, "Hey, could you make my chest look like a 9th grade art project? I really have some emotional issues that can only be fixed with bad art."
What I didn't really like about this book was that it opens up with each character telling EXACTLY why they have emotional issues. We all have issues, but no one can honestly pin point what caused them. As a larger woman though, the heroine's issues were believable, but the hero was too ridiculous.
I thought his opening rant of "My mother left me so I put up walls to keep everyone out" was a little forced, he's a little angsty and kind of a douche.
The dialogue was a little silly and I hate how every contemporary romance I have read lately has a male gay friend who is the epitome of gay stereotypes.
This book was actually a solid 3 stars for me for awhile (It's a romance, I expect a certain amount of ridiculousness, These things are a guilty pleasure. It's not Salinger.) until the heroine begins describing the hero's tattoos. I swear it was like bad teenage poetry. A jagged blade over the heart? A tree with words like "fear", "Betrayal" "hate" and shit on them? What did this guy go into a tattoo parlor and say, "Hey, could you make my chest look like a 9th grade art project? I really have some emotional issues that can only be fixed with bad art."
February 18, 2013
Let me first say that On The Plus Side took me, wrapped me around its little pinky finger, and had me whooped with the awesomeness that flowed off of these pages. Tabatha Vargo created pure brilliance when she put together this superb and mind blowing tale. I kid you not, it has been over a week since I have finished this book and I am still reeling from how much I LOVED this book.
Ok, ok...time for me to move on in my thoughts. I will definitely let you know closer to the end just how much this book truly ROCKED...*throws hands in air* Yes, I am moving on...
*Sighs* So, where do I begin. I guess let me say that I really connected with this book. Being the chubby girl that I am, I always struggled with self-esteem issues and whatnot...so, hearing her story told brought out feelings that helped me identify with her on many levels. She has such a heart of gold, causing you to instantly feel protective of her. But, don't let the soft side of Lilly fool you. Through all of her battles, we happen upon a strong, beautiful, confident woman. And so starts the journey that is called On The Plus Side.
Lilly, who has resigned to be alone the rest of her life, longing for love, gets the shock of her life when the hot and sexy Devin Michaels struts in to the jewelry store that she is working at. AND...hold the presses...he begins flirting with her...Of course Lilly is a bit taken back with someone as the likes of Devin flirting, but hey, might as well enjoy the fun...
It's not until she takes her break and has lunch at her everyday spot that things really take the turn on this story...Yep, that's right...Devin pops up and WHAM---They now have plans for a date on Friday.
So, what is so intriguing about this tale you may ask?? Not everything is as it seems. This begins the many conflicts and interesting twists that ultimately pull at your heart strings, moments that leave you panting from the heat caused by Lilly and Devin together, and momentous occasions of joy where watching these two people grow throughout this book warms your heart.
I am not going to lie...I fell hard for Devin Michaels. Just because he has this tough exterior and gorgeous looks, doesn't mean that his heart is cold as ice. Following him through every scene, hearing his inner thoughts, causes you to swoon and melt...completely loosing yourself to him...You can definitely understand how Lilly felt and how fighting an attraction like that is just plum crazy....
But, since I have truly rambled on and on...I want to sum up by saying that this is not a book you want to pass by. Wonderfully written with well developed characters while all the while keeping you in suspense wondering...Will they get their HEA?
All I can answer to that is....READ THIS FABULOUS BOOK!!!!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
www.tsktskwhattoread2.blogspot.com
Ok, ok...time for me to move on in my thoughts. I will definitely let you know closer to the end just how much this book truly ROCKED...*throws hands in air* Yes, I am moving on...
*Sighs* So, where do I begin. I guess let me say that I really connected with this book. Being the chubby girl that I am, I always struggled with self-esteem issues and whatnot...so, hearing her story told brought out feelings that helped me identify with her on many levels. She has such a heart of gold, causing you to instantly feel protective of her. But, don't let the soft side of Lilly fool you. Through all of her battles, we happen upon a strong, beautiful, confident woman. And so starts the journey that is called On The Plus Side.
Lilly, who has resigned to be alone the rest of her life, longing for love, gets the shock of her life when the hot and sexy Devin Michaels struts in to the jewelry store that she is working at. AND...hold the presses...he begins flirting with her...Of course Lilly is a bit taken back with someone as the likes of Devin flirting, but hey, might as well enjoy the fun...
It's not until she takes her break and has lunch at her everyday spot that things really take the turn on this story...Yep, that's right...Devin pops up and WHAM---They now have plans for a date on Friday.
So, what is so intriguing about this tale you may ask?? Not everything is as it seems. This begins the many conflicts and interesting twists that ultimately pull at your heart strings, moments that leave you panting from the heat caused by Lilly and Devin together, and momentous occasions of joy where watching these two people grow throughout this book warms your heart.
I am not going to lie...I fell hard for Devin Michaels. Just because he has this tough exterior and gorgeous looks, doesn't mean that his heart is cold as ice. Following him through every scene, hearing his inner thoughts, causes you to swoon and melt...completely loosing yourself to him...You can definitely understand how Lilly felt and how fighting an attraction like that is just plum crazy....
But, since I have truly rambled on and on...I want to sum up by saying that this is not a book you want to pass by. Wonderfully written with well developed characters while all the while keeping you in suspense wondering...Will they get their HEA?
All I can answer to that is....READ THIS FABULOUS BOOK!!!!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
www.tsktskwhattoread2.blogspot.com
September 23, 2017
Devin is an asshole with no respect for women whatsoever. He spends half of his time either punching people of threatening to punch people.
Lilly likes to slut-shame anyone who has a sex life at all and can barely get a sentence out without giggling. She's fat and she knows she's fat but she's okay with that, so she thinks about being fat every minute of every day, because that's what fat people do, right? They don't have any feelings or observations about themselves except that they're fat. That's why not a page goes by without mention of how she's fat.
The good part: there aren't a lot of grammar errors, I guess???
Lilly likes to slut-shame anyone who has a sex life at all and can barely get a sentence out without giggling. She's fat and she knows she's fat but she's okay with that, so she thinks about being fat every minute of every day, because that's what fat people do, right? They don't have any feelings or observations about themselves except that they're fat. That's why not a page goes by without mention of how she's fat.
The good part: there aren't a lot of grammar errors, I guess???
March 10, 2013
Had to give this book 4.5 stars, I truly love a Bad Boy and Devin was truly one of them. I was so angry and upset how her mother did to her. What she went through when those girls beat her up. But she was in loved with a Bad Boy and finally she went out on a date, had a friend, had a family that her adore her. What more can a girl want but to be loved. Even though in the Beginning Devin was just doing a job, to keep his house, but his heart took over. I cried to see Bad Boy Devin seeing his girl in the hospital aww, my heart was hurting. Ms. Vargo loved the book, keep them coming. I applaud you with this very courageous book.
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