On the Plus Side (Chubby Girl Chronicles Book 1)
J**N
ummm, wow.
'I want love...the kind they write books about, but my fear of rejection refuses to make it possible.A special shout out to all the awesome high school girls who taunted me daily. Thanks for the fabulous fat girl complex.'Every so often you come across a book that grabs hold of you and refuses to let go, this was that book for me. I connected with this story on a deeper level than even I expected, being a plus size gal myself. I won't go into the plot much, the blurb lays it out there quite well, so I'm just gonna rant a bit.From the second Devin accepts the deal from Lilly's mom (which happens pretty early on) you just know there is no way this is gonna end well. I spent the majority of the book on edge, nervously anticipating the moment it all blew up, knowing it was gonna be bad. And I wasn't wrong. I have to admit, it took me a verrryyy long time to warm up to Devin. Being in his head was not a comfortable place to be, though it was necessary. His thoughts often made me cringe, rage & cry. I understood his reasoning for going into the deal in the first place, I truly did, taking care of your family is of the utmost importance, still... didn't make it any easier to swallow. His absolute certainty that this "job" would be easy, how could she NOT fall for him & his complete lack of concern whatsoever that he could possibly develop feelings for the fat girl was appalling to me. This guy had very little conscious to speak of. When he does start to genuinely like her, and **gasp** becomes attracted to chubby, his reaction is to get pi**ed. His insensitivity & complete lack of brain to mouth filter hurt her so often & brought me to tears many times. I did love his sister Jenny though, she was a riot."It's not my fault he didn't protect his balls. You always protect your balls. Even I know that, and I'm a chick.""That's debatable. Me and Dad aren't so sure anymore. Also, could you please not talk about balls with me? I'm pretty sure there's like a rule about little sisters saying the word balls anywhere in the vicinity of their brother. If there isn't, let's just go ahead and put that rule on the books.""I'm assuming the new rule applies to the word c***, too?""Yes! That word is strictly forbidden.""Don't be a little b***h, Dev.""Watch your damn mouth, Jenny. Could you at least attempt to be a lady? Ladies don't kick boys in their balls because they win a game of Halo. I'd be pi**ed if I was him, too. You need to call him and apologize. Josh has been your best friend too long- don't let a stupid game ruin that.""First of all, he did not win and B, I was raised by two dudes. I'm pretty sure the lady train left the station when I was nine. Whatever, I guess I'll run him over some gummy worms later and say sorry. He's such a baby. It's just balls. He smacked me in the boob once and you didn't hear me b***hin' and moanin' ."By the time he finally pulls his head out of his a** and sees the beauty of what's in front of him, everyone is too deeply involved. I connected with Lilly on so many levels it wasn't even funny, we have so freakin much in common. The shyness & complete lack of self esteem (thank you mean girls), her inability to freely accept that a hott guy could be interested in her (thank you douchbags), her quickness to crack jokes at herself before anyone else can."Why no camouflage? I think some of the pink camo stuff is cute.""The whole point of camouflage is to blend in. A girl my size ain't blending into anything."Growing up I learned quickly to make the jokes before anyone else could. It slowed the teasing if I made people laugh with me instead of at me.'All the mushy love thoughts and the "no one wants me" whining was starting to get on my nerves. Aunt Flo's definitely knocking at my door, and she brought the b***h triplets P, M, and S with her.'This girl had a heart of gold. So sweet, caring, gentle, giving, compassionate & funny. When she falls, she falls hard and that made me want to choke Devin even more. But even I have to admit, he really did grow and change as the book wore on which is why I eventually fell for him. The whole situation just broke my heart. In the end, this is a book I would recommend to everyone. Plus size girls will truly understand & feel it, everyone else will get a glimpse of what our emotions go through.
K**C
I was on the fence when I first heard about this book..
As weird as this is going to sound..I was on the fence when I first heard about this book and read the title. I am a chubby girl myself but I wasn't sure if I wanted to read about one..and it be a love interest because I wasn't sure if it would come off as believable and real to me. I know, I know..criticise me if you must but I'm just trying to be honest. Maybe it was my own self consciousness peeking through..I don't know. But anyway, I am involved in a type of book club group and many of the girls that I follow in the group were giving the book raving reviews so I figured what the hell..might as well try it myself..and it didn't hurt that the male lead devin michaels was definite eye candy.I must say..I was so very wrong. This book was extremely passionate and the realness emanated off of the pages. I loved the chemistry that Lilly and Devin share. Their love is beautiful and unique. I feel more beautiful being above average weight..and that I may actually find my prince charming out their someday. I fell head over heels in love with both Devin Michaels..bad boy turned mushyyyy sweetheart and the beautiful and confident Lilly. I loved the character development throughout the story..especially that of the evil ice queen-mother. She really grew and I hope that if these characters are shown in another book..it shows that the relationship with the mother has great into a great one because it seems that she really feels guilty and may actually act like a good mother.I already foresee a second book coming on..involving a certain redhead and another notorious but sexy playboy?I guess only time will tell..but I know that I will most definitely be waiting in line for it.Tabatha, you did an amazing job at telling this story. I love the characters and I loved the ending. I cannot wait to read more of your work.I give this book 4 stars. I hope to write a more lengthy and detailed review on my review website as I don't want to give any spoilers here. I would recommend this book, without a doubt. <3
M**Y
I laughed, cried and swooned so much!
To say I enjoyed this would be an understatement, I loved it!! It was a great read which sent me through a turmoil of emotions.I have been looking forward to read this book for weeks now and then it was released early (turning into mush) and it did not dissapoint.Lilly, she's like my new idol, her self confidence reminded me so much of me now I'm not skinny but I'm not fat either, I'm a little chubby though. Her joking about being fat was refreshing, I joke about myself like that all the time, some people may not like it but it made me love her that little bit more. Lily's weight problems were realistic and great to read because it broke the mold of other books where the protagonists are super skinny but hate on themselves for not being perfect etc (which annoys me so much!)Now onto Devin... oh my God I'm in love. His character grew so much from being the play boy who thought Lilly was chunky to being beautiful. He was just swoony.... *sigh*brilliant book and definitely recommend reading it, I couldn't put it down. This book had me laughing, crying and swooning so much, some bits really broke my heart.... enough said.YOU WONT REGRET IT!!!
M**4
Not an Erotic read, more a love story
I found this book in the erotic section and by the front cover you can't help but think its an Erotic book...but its not, its a love story/new adult book. I did like the book once i wrapped my head around this, it had a great story that had you hoping for a HEA and it was really good that the book centered around a woman who was larger than the normal stick thin but i did feel as though they went on about her size a bit too much. I have read other books by Tabatha that were an Erotic read but as far as romance books go i would recommend this.
J**O
Hmmmm
I have read others by Tabatha Vargo and decided to give this a go as I have enjoyed the others. However I didn't even finish this and is been left on my e-shelf. It made me feel uncomfortable tbh, not because of the character but because the story was centred around a pity date for the daughter which made his character unlikeable to me and everything he said or did unbelievable and I just couldn't get it back. It may be that because I didn't finish it and if I had of done my review might have been different.
B**Y
Go Girl
How great to read a love story where the heroine isn't skinny - Lily is kind, beautiful and overweight, but has never had a boyfriend. Her mother secretly decides to arrange a temporary boyfriend to give Lily the confidence to start dating.This is a lovely feel good story that will appeal to any woman carrying any extra pounds in weight or anyone who enjoys a good love story.
T**A
Loved it...
Absolutely loved this book. It was so funny in places yet so heartbreaking in others. Fell in love with the characters from the very beginning. The authors style of writing just flows making this book an easy read & one you don't wanna put down. Highly recommend. No cliffhanger but I'm praying it's a series, would love more about the others.
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