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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
2.5 stars.
I totally understand the goals of the book but the self-deprecation by the main character in this book can be extremely triggering to people who struggle with their body image.
That being said, if you can get past that, the book is a pretty cliche high school romance book where the bullied girl makes a bet with the popular, mean cheerleader ex-girlfriend that she can make the ex-boyfriend star quarterback with a hot body fall madly in love with her. Of course it isn't a cliche if the mean ex-girlfriend doesn't humiliate the bullied girl in front of the whole school but telling the guy, who she loves, that it was all a bet and she used him to prove fat girls can get the hot guy. And it wouldn't be that same cliche if the guy said some nasty things after she got food thrown at her by the school and then she moped around her bedroom calling him just to be sent to voicemail. Oh and did I mention she also loses all her new friends because she got the guy they were helping her get and they claim she is selfish for having one lunch with him over them?
That being said, yes the book made me angry and yes I don't think it comes close to what is promised but it falls into the category of "so bad, it is good" much like some Netflix shows. Would I read the next book in the series? Honestly? Yes. I don't even understand why I would. I think it's one of those yeah it's nothing like what it was advertised as but it is still good minus the fat-phobic mom and the triggering mindset of the main character. I think the only reason I would read the second is the glimpse we got at the one of the end was good and I liked the supporting character 1000% more than the main character in this book.
I totally understand the goals of the book but the self-deprecation by the main character in this book can be extremely triggering to people who struggle with their body image.
That being said, if you can get past that, the book is a pretty cliche high school romance book where the bullied girl makes a bet with the popular, mean cheerleader ex-girlfriend that she can make the ex-boyfriend star quarterback with a hot body fall madly in love with her. Of course it isn't a cliche if the mean ex-girlfriend doesn't humiliate the bullied girl in front of the whole school but telling the guy, who she loves, that it was all a bet and she used him to prove fat girls can get the hot guy. And it wouldn't be that same cliche if the guy said some nasty things after she got food thrown at her by the school and then she moped around her bedroom calling him just to be sent to voicemail. Oh and did I mention she also loses all her new friends because she got the guy they were helping her get and they claim she is selfish for having one lunch with him over them?
That being said, yes the book made me angry and yes I don't think it comes close to what is promised but it falls into the category of "so bad, it is good" much like some Netflix shows. Would I read the next book in the series? Honestly? Yes. I don't even understand why I would. I think it's one of those yeah it's nothing like what it was advertised as but it is still good minus the fat-phobic mom and the triggering mindset of the main character. I think the only reason I would read the second is the glimpse we got at the one of the end was good and I liked the supporting character 1000% more than the main character in this book.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I think that most comes from the fact that I am just not the target demographic for this series. High school me would have loved this book, I am so sure of it. CGCDQ follows the typical romance novel plot line. Girl (with flaws) likes unobtainable guy, girl changes a few things about herself, guy notices, they fall for each other, MAJOR DRAMA, and then the resolution that ultimately leads to them getting back together. There are no surprises in the basic plot structure with this one, which makes the likability fall on the characters. And they are ….. okay. Rory is the most relatable to me being the fat, quiet girl who wants the boy who never looks twice at her and with a mom who is constantly trying to change her and puts way to much emphasis on weight. I legit did the same thing Rory does in High School. I would throw away the “healthy” lunch my mom made me (sorry mom) and scrounge up enough money and pity to get some french fries and some nacho cheese to dip them in, because it was the one meal that I felt I had some control over. The guy, Beckett, is nice enough as the love interest, he boarders on a bit “to perfect” for my taste tbh. There were just some things in the story I couldn’t understand and felt very out of place to me. For example, once she “gets the guy” all her friends out of nowhere hate her? I was so confused by this. It seemingly came out of nowhere and left me confused. Like they helped her to get the guy, why do they hate her now???? Also the major dramatic scene was just… so dramatic. It really took me out of the story, it was so overdone.
Overall I am so grateful that girls my size are finally getting representation we deserve. When I was growing up I can’t remember a book with a fat girl who gets the guy (unless she loses like 100lbs). Even though I didn’t love it 100%, I am a sucker for cheesy romance, and this book does deliver on that. It had me squealing in delight and smiling so wide. I gave it a 4/5.
I write more reviews here: https://gothiccornilabooks.wordpress.com
Overall I am so grateful that girls my size are finally getting representation we deserve. When I was growing up I can’t remember a book with a fat girl who gets the guy (unless she loses like 100lbs). Even though I didn’t love it 100%, I am a sucker for cheesy romance, and this book does deliver on that. It had me squealing in delight and smiling so wide. I gave it a 4/5.
I write more reviews here: https://gothiccornilabooks.wordpress.com
I really enjoyed this. The best way I can describe it is late 90's/early 2000's rom-com with a twist. Included is a bet to win the guy's heart, a bitchy mean girl, a great group of girlfriends, and a main character learning to love herself for who she is and not how she looks. This book did a great job of being extremely emotional but still keeping that lighthearted rom-com feel. There were a few things that held this back from being 5 stars (I will tell below with spoilers), but overall this was a fun and fast read and I can't wait to continue on in the series.
Another issue I had was how easily Rory's new friend group dropped her. Like she misses one lunch and they automatically jump to conclusions that she dropped them. They didn't even give her a chance to explain that she had left her phone and that was the reason she didn't contact them. I could totally see if she had ditched them multiple times or acted like she was better than them after they had helped her, but she literally eats lunch somewhere different ONCE and they drop her like a hot pocket.
I also think that the excuse Rory's mom gave her about why she treated Rory the way she did sucks. Like her mom was hella shitty to her and her only excuse was that Rory's grandmother made her mom and her siblings go to the doctor for every little thing. Rory's mom gave her a lame excuse and a simple apology and suddenly Rory forgives her. Like sorry, but that doesn't make up for YEARS of belittling your child.
Now on to some good things. I absolutely ADORED Rory and Aiden's relationship. Even though he was younger, he was always there for Rory. Giving her advice and not judging her. They were the best siblings and nobody can change my mind.
Spoiler
Starting with my biggest issue. I feel like I didn't get enough from Beckett. While I did appreciate that for him Rory's weight was never a problem and he always liked her for who she was, I just felt as though him and his emotions were very surface level. Now this may be a me thing. I have become very used to reading duel POVs which give you more of an in-depth view of the love interest and a more rounded view of the relationship as a whole, but I just wanted more from him.Another issue I had was how easily Rory's new friend group dropped her. Like she misses one lunch and they automatically jump to conclusions that she dropped them. They didn't even give her a chance to explain that she had left her phone and that was the reason she didn't contact them. I could totally see if she had ditched them multiple times or acted like she was better than them after they had helped her, but she literally eats lunch somewhere different ONCE and they drop her like a hot pocket.
I also think that the excuse Rory's mom gave her about why she treated Rory the way she did sucks. Like her mom was hella shitty to her and her only excuse was that Rory's grandmother made her mom and her siblings go to the doctor for every little thing. Rory's mom gave her a lame excuse and a simple apology and suddenly Rory forgives her. Like sorry, but that doesn't make up for YEARS of belittling your child.
Now on to some good things. I absolutely ADORED Rory and Aiden's relationship. Even though he was younger, he was always there for Rory. Giving her advice and not judging her. They were the best siblings and nobody can change my mind.
All for a bet
I saw this author on tiktok and thought I'd give this series a go. Rory had to take a stand for all curvy girls, making new friends was a bonus to her former says of blending into the background and doing as a good daughter should. I felt for her with her mother's constant bullying. Not being able to feel worthy about herself, with the opinion of her immediate family. How the rest of the world viewed her only added on top of that. It's no wonder she had self doubt and belittled herself. Beckett was more soulful than I had imagined he'd be. He was a refreshing change to the sporty jock. Great read.
I saw this author on tiktok and thought I'd give this series a go. Rory had to take a stand for all curvy girls, making new friends was a bonus to her former says of blending into the background and doing as a good daughter should. I felt for her with her mother's constant bullying. Not being able to feel worthy about herself, with the opinion of her immediate family. How the rest of the world viewed her only added on top of that. It's no wonder she had self doubt and belittled herself. Beckett was more soulful than I had imagined he'd be. He was a refreshing change to the sporty jock. Great read.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 Stars - I really enjoyed this book!
The story of Rory a well behaved high school senior who frequently feels that her weight defines her, seeking acceptance by proving to herself and everyone else that even a curvy girl can date the quarterback. Along the way she finds the importance of friendship, loving yourself, and that true beauty comes from actions and personality as much as it does physical appearance.
This book did such an incredible job describing the struggle of being young and overweight, it also
covers the topic of PCOS in a very clear and helpful way. I really wish a book like this had existed when I was a teen because the first time I heard the term PCOS was when I was diagnosed at age 20 and I went through much the same that Rory did. I felt fear, shame, hopelessness, overwhelmed. The author did a fantastic job of walking us through Rory's journey with health issues and how much it impacted every facet of her life.
The character development was excellent, I loved Rory's relationship with her brother. I enjoyed
watching how her relationships changed with her parents over time.
Bennet was so loveable it's hard not to fall for him. I actually wish we had gotten a bit more
Bennet throughout the story, reading the bonus scene from his perspective was especially gratifying.
My only real complaint with this book was how particular friendships worked out, I would have liked more clarification just more in general of how decisions were made and outcomes reached.
The friendships that develop in this book are a key part of the overall story and deserved more
credit.
Overall this was an excellent wholesome book. No sex, no foul language, very minor and not well-described violence. Bullying was a primary concern in this book, something I believe many can relate to. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
The story of Rory a well behaved high school senior who frequently feels that her weight defines her, seeking acceptance by proving to herself and everyone else that even a curvy girl can date the quarterback. Along the way she finds the importance of friendship, loving yourself, and that true beauty comes from actions and personality as much as it does physical appearance.
This book did such an incredible job describing the struggle of being young and overweight, it also
covers the topic of PCOS in a very clear and helpful way. I really wish a book like this had existed when I was a teen because the first time I heard the term PCOS was when I was diagnosed at age 20 and I went through much the same that Rory did. I felt fear, shame, hopelessness, overwhelmed. The author did a fantastic job of walking us through Rory's journey with health issues and how much it impacted every facet of her life.
The character development was excellent, I loved Rory's relationship with her brother. I enjoyed
watching how her relationships changed with her parents over time.
Bennet was so loveable it's hard not to fall for him. I actually wish we had gotten a bit more
Bennet throughout the story, reading the bonus scene from his perspective was especially gratifying.
My only real complaint with this book was how particular friendships worked out, I would have liked more clarification just more in general of how decisions were made and outcomes reached.
The friendships that develop in this book are a key part of the overall story and deserved more
credit.
Overall this was an excellent wholesome book. No sex, no foul language, very minor and not well-described violence. Bullying was a primary concern in this book, something I believe many can relate to. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes