Freaking adorable

It’s been a loooooooong while since I’ve read a YA novel and this was the perfect one to stop that years long break. This was an amazing book. Any pre teen or teen girl needs to read this and maybe even some adult women too.

edit: after some thought, bumping down to 3 stars and honestly, it should probably be lower. I don't recommend it

Not really what I was expecting

What I didn't like:
1) this is probably on me but I didn't expect the level of fatphobia the FMC experienced. I knew it was part of the plot but I didn't expect it to be quite that extensive. I just want a book featuring a fat MC who isn't bullied extensively for it

2) the author's tiktoks about this were pretty misleading, especially the one about the quarterback writing his number on her cheek

3) I hate when everything in the world is stacked against the FMC. Like geez, how do you have time to even think about love when everything else in your life sucks

4) the adults in this book sucked. Not just the parents but also the school administration, etc. Nothing they said at the end made up for the hurt they caused

5) I'm learning I don't like friend fights in books. Give me the ride-or-die besties

6) again my fault since it's on the back cover, but I didn't like the bet plotline

I actually found myself not wanting to pick it up again because I was struggling to read about Rory just getting beat down over and over again

So why 4 stars? Well the romance was adorable and I liked the writing. So it was still pretty good, just not the best. I doubt I'll reread. But I will read the other books in the series (partially because I already bought them. Partially because I'm curious if they'll be better).

FYI for anyone looking to read these books -- the audiobooks are free on YT (on the author's channel, not pirated). Maybe try that first before spending the money

I don't do this often.... cry because of a book but this one almost had me sobbing. It brought up so many memories of not feeling like I belonged in school, trying to hide on the fringes. Brings up the emotions of being a curvy girl and how you feel the world perceives you. I had a lot of the same issues as Rory, and still do have some of them. Finally after 28 years and a hysterectomy my primary care wondered if I had PCOS but now we will never know for sure.

Sorry for the emotional dump on this review but I don't think I have connected to a book as much as I did this one. Kudos to Kelsie Stelting for such an amazing story with amazing characters!
emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I ATE THIS BOOK UP! Had me sobbing the last 25% because wife was that???? Will be reading the rest of the books in the series for sure

This book touched me.

Okay honestly, it's pretty filled with cliches and the writing is sub-par - BUT.

As a girl who grew up with a lot of intrusive thoughts about her weight and the fat she was gaining, this book was CONFIDENCE BOOSTING. Honestly opened my eyes to my own way of looking at myself that I had never seen in 25 years of life. I couldn't put it down.
Challenged stereotypes and fat-shaming, and gave me a new respect and desire for the way a man should treat me.

A little spicy but nothing drastic, the romance will grab you.

I was pleasantly surprised by how seen and understood this book made me feel.

Curvy girls can date quarterbacks

I truly love this story. Wish it was around when I was in HS. Can't wait to read more of this series

I recieved a ARC copy of this book and it gave me renewed hope in life that there is love out there for plus sized women like me and I am in love with this book. It gave my heart all the feels and I cannot wait to read the second book in this series. This book is so wonderfully written and my heart was captured while reading it.

I wish these books had been around when I was in high school! Great true YA read for those who enjoy it.

The presented dilemma was predictable in its outcome, but a good YA story.

Really loved this book. I couldn’t put it down, in saying that I think this is the quickest I’ve read a book. Looking forward to reading the next one and seeing what happens with the next girl.