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Review: To Be Honest

1/13/2019

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To Be Honest
​by Maggie Ann Martin

Synopsis

Savannah is dreading being home alone with her overbearing mother after her big sister―and best friend―goes off to college. But if she can just get through senior year, she'll be able to escape to college, too. What she doesn't count on is that her mother's obsession with weight has only grown deeper since her appearance on an extreme weight-loss show, and now Savvy's mom is pressuring her even harder to be constantly mindful of what she eats.

Between her mom's diet-helicoptering, missing her sister, and worrying about her collegiate future, Savvy has enough to worry about. And then she meets George, the cute new kid at school who has insecurities of his own. As Savvy and George grow closer, they help each other discover how to live in the moment and enjoy the here and now before it disappears.

To Be Honest is another sharp, witty novel from Maggie Ann Martin, about a spunky heroine who is dealing with very real issues―body image, parental pressure, loneliness, first love, and finding your way―with heart and humor.

Review

This book was not what I thought it was going to be. 

It was better. 

I started reading To Be Honest expecting a love story with the back drop of the issues of a fat girl. Since I am a fat girl (woman. whatever.), I was curious as to how the protagonist's size would be treated. Big people are not usually written about, and when we are written about - we usually hate ourselves etc. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book did not follow the formula I usually find in other stories. Beware - spoilers.

Savvy is having some difficulty because her sister, who is also her best friend, is going off to college - leaving her behind with the shadow of her mother. Their mother had been a part of a weight-loss show that appears to have had a less than healthy effect on her and the family. Aside from that, Savvy is busy focusing on her journalism efforts with her other, non sister best friend, Grace, and trying to figure out what is going on between her and Grace's cousin, George. 

Instead of the focus being on Savvy's would-be love life, the focus was actually on Savvy herself. The author focused on the struggles Savvy has with her mother who back-handedly insults Savvy's body, the disappointment of having a father who prioritizes his new wife over his daughter, the adjustment of having her sister at college, and THEN comes the trouble with how George feels about her. Through all these experiences, we get to know Savvy - the anxiety and panic she feels in certain situations, how she actually loves how she looks, but is cut down by comments her mother makes, or when she thinks about how her best friend is treated differently because of their size difference.

Not once does Savvy turn bitter at the women around her for them being smaller than she is. Savvy's concern for her mother is more about her mother's moods and overall health than any kind of jealousy. Savvy has also learned to be strong - maybe too strong that is translating as too tough to be around, something Grace helps her to see. 

Then after everything we have George. He is adorable as he is infuriating. Once he explains himself, it makes more sense - but I don't blame you if you want to smack him in the meantime. I know I did. 

All in all - I was surprised when I turned the last page (not knowing it was the last page) to find the story had ended. This was not because the author failed to write a well-rounded story, no, it was because I wanted to learn more about Savvy - especially after her receiving validation from her family, George, and herself. 

The only downfall for me about this story is that some things were wrapped up together too quickly, like the journalism project and Savvy's decision to possibly attend school for journalism. I was totally for that direction - I just thought she accepted it a bit too quickly for an anxious person haha (did I mention I also have anxiety?). 

Even with that in mind - I definitely recommend this book for all readers. I'd love to know what you think, so feel free to let me know!

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Review: The Wingman

3/16/2018

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The Wingman
by Natasha Anders

Synopsis

She was supposed to be his one-night distraction. But their attraction is undeniable.

Introverted Daisy McGregor is used to being a wallflower, but what she lacks in style, she makes up for with an acerbic wit, a passion for life, and a deep devotion to her family. So she’ll suffer through her sister Dahlia’s bachelorette party and accept the cloud of pity for going stag to the wedding.

Out at the pub, sexy bad boy Mason Carlisle is a reluctant wingman tasked with entertaining Daisy while his brother flirts with her oldest sister, Daffodil. When the plan fails and Mason’s true intent is revealed, he feels intense guilt—and a sensual spark of desire for the unlikeliest of women.
​
Daisy decides to use this unfortunate encounter to her advantage: to make it up to her, Mason will be another kind of wingman, playing the role of her boyfriend and wedding date. Will their ruse unravel completely—or will Mason and Daisy’s undeniable attraction ignite a scorching love affair that knows no rules?

Review

Every once in awhile I come across a romance novel that I am unable to put down...that I MUST consume as quickly as possible. The Wingman is definitely one of these reads for me. 

Mason is asked by his brother Spence to keep Daisy, the other McGregor sister, busy while Spence talks to her older sister Daffodil. Mason doesn't feel the best about this situation, but feels bad enough for Spence and his broken relationship to agree with the situation. Little does Mason realize that meeting Daisy is definitely going to be a memorable experience. 

I am constantly on the look out for romance novels where the heroine is plus-sized, nerdy, geeky. or just different. As a plus-sized woman, I like to read about a character I can relate to sometimes. Daisy certainly has her insecurities, but she is also unabashedly herself. And that, is wonderful. 

This novel has everything I love: plus-sized and smart heroine, alpha hero who isn't (entirely) afraid of showing that he cares, dogs(!), and a conflict that is a bit more complex without it coming off as a scene from a telenovela (soap opera). Both Mason and Daisy learn quite a bit about each other, and I felt included in their "relationship" without feeling that it was dragging on. Each scene portrayed had a purpose, and I love love love the dual points of view. I loved reading Daisy's thoughts as much as I loved reading Mason's. 

This novel made me cringe, laugh, sigh, and swoon. It made my heart break, and it gingerly pieced it back together. I definitely recommend this book to any romance reader in the mood for a steamy sweet romance. I will also make sure to check out Natasha Anders's other reads as well!
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Review: On the Plus Side

4/6/2017

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On the Plus Side
by Tabatha Vargo

Synopsis

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.***

Review

I am a sucker for books with a plus size heroine (I wonder why? haha). The best part of this particular book, however, was the twist of how Devin comes across to be in Lilly's life. It shows the reader how there are more layers than what we see in  front of our faces. And any book, any writing, that can give it's characters layers and purpose is the kind of book that I know I will enjoy. On the Plus Side does exactly that. Lilly is a sweet and intelligent woman who doesn't ask for the trouble she inevitable finds herself in. I truly hurt for the pain she feels throughout the book. Devin is a sweet man who means well - who takes care of those he cares about. Layers. This is all about caring  for these characters that are not perfect, but who strive to do better for themselves and those they care about. 

Even though this story is trope-y, I could very easily see myself seeing these characters as people. Now that, is good story telling. 



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