" & it did not disappoint! So much I could relate to
932423
I've waited for this book, since reading Dina's first book "Everything I Never Wanted to Be." & it did not disappoint! So much I could relate to. One minute tears are streaming down my face & the next, I'm laughing! So real & heartfelt. Thank you Dina, you give me hope!
2762905
Fat Chance seemed to fit in with where I'm sitting emotionally these days, therefore, it was both depressing & uplifting simultaneously. I found it so entertaining.

'I can't help wondering why I do this to myself, why I give so much of my personal power to random strangers I pass in daily life. Until that moment, I had felt wonderful, beautiful, and confident.'

The book takes us on a journey of self discovery. Literally. Cass starts off quite separate from the world and lives in fear of other people's judgement, and hating everything about herself from her eyes to her toes. She feels like an outsider in her own life. Bit by bit, piece by piece, she learns about her self worth & the detriment of letting others have the power over her state of mind.

'It's not really that other people feel that it's okay to be cruel to me, though as I've said, it does hit my vanity pretty hard. What really sends me into suidical thoughts and makes me realize that I need help, is that I am no better, that I am being cruel to me. I have turned into this vile, nasty person, spending all of my time being horribly, emotionally abusive to myself. This I can not live with. How can I ever expect anyone to love me, as I am, if I don't even like myself? How can I show anyone the good in me, if I can't see it?'

So many thoughts and feelings Cass had, I know I have felt over the years. I could relate to her in a way that seemed to surpass a book character in my imagination. Although some of her thought processes had me giggling, I absolutely know that in that moment, it's a very genuine and true reaction.

'Fat or thin, short or tall, I am woman, and the sheer complexity of my woman-ness makes me a beautiful creation.'

I found the relationships beautiful from the intricate family unit, to her oh-so supportive & wise therapist & eventually her partner Drew who you could not fault. Ever. I enjoyed reading about Cass doing the stairs, yoga and running & all of her eating habits.

"I see beautiful," he answers. "If you want the full on, vulgar man answer, I see warm soft legs I can't wait to sink into. I see full round breasts that will keep me busy for hours. I see deep dark eyes that will flutter closed while I'm busy removing clothes, without a damn care in the world what sizes they are, I see a good woman with a good heart, and full lips, and a sweet ass to boot." - Awwwwwwwww

I get that she felt weak internally but as someone looking in, she was made of tough stuff. She was inspirational. And honest. I wanna be as awesome as Cass when I grow up...

'...It's time for me to take back my power. It's time for me to be the one who decides whether I'm lovely or not, or worthy, or attractive.'

I loved that we got a good length ending. I adored seeing Cass become more & more confident & out of her shell with Drew sexually & emotionally.

"Today's quote is Glen Beck, who said, "Sometimes, the hardest part of the journey is believing you are worthy of the trip."

I feel this book has an amazing message and not just as a feel good to those that are overweight, but to everyone fat, thin, tall or short. A wonderful insight to how some perceive themselves & is effected by everyone around them.

"...no woman should ever judge herself by the number on a scale, a tag, or a measuring tape. You are so much more than that, and I can't wait until you can see what I can see."
3408776
I was prepared to be entertained... and wasn't disappointed.. but I was also surprisingly moved. Who'da thought!
4716299
Its soulful, its laugh out loud funny, its cringe-inducing its Kun at his best, once again with the beloved bur-under-your-saddle protagonist Sid Straw. This sequel was so fitting and satisfying. To say I loved it would be an understatementI was sad when it was over until I realized that I could read it again, and the story endured itself to me ever more. What did I love so much about it? The prolific use of personal stationary? The favors that were paid back & forward & back again? Perhaps. But it was truly how Kun explored the dichotomies of life and love and the adventure in simple daily tasksand of course, the relationships and friendships that give value at each turn. At the heart of book for me was the unstated questioncan Sid Straw win at life? While he loses at so many other society and socially-deemed customs, can he win not just at life in general, but at the life that hes created for himself? It was a heartwarming, ironic and funny journey that answers that question and many more (that you may or may not what answered, I might add). Please can somebody make a movie out of these books already?!? Im throwing my wallet in rising endorsement. Buy & read this book now. Its time well spent.
3413491
When I heard this song, I knew I had to have it and... it didn't disappoint at all. Great song!
4946468
I feel like I know Kinsey very well & enjoy her paths through life
2010070
Such a delightful book, far exceeding expectations! I thoroughly loved & enjoyed "Up All Night." It was exceptionally well written, with a wonderful balance of genuineness & levity.

In today's world where most only share their triumphs & successes...It was so heartwarming to find that Rhonda was courageous enough to share her real stories with tremendous candor. She is inspiring, offering true lessons for empowerment & sage advice for others in so many diverse areas of life.
1979601
I could not get this story out of my head when I had to attend to things other than reading. I felt like I was able to get in each of their minds and feel the despair, magical thinking, and comedy of life. I really enjoyed the honesty of failure and expectation we put upon ourselves and our family. Best book I've read in while!
4866601
When I 1st heard Jen Kirkman had a book coming out, I was interested. Heard the title & read a little before it came out & was a little more intrigued. I didn't want to put my kindle down, the book was so enjoyable for this 32yr old. I felt it spoke to me in a way. The stories are hilarious from her adventures of babysitting (I couldn't wait for the kid to fall asleep to eat the junk food in the house to), to the nail salon..it goes on & on...So glad I bought it.
4575737
I was so looking forward to this book!! And it certainly didn't disappoint!! I absolutely loved it!! This is one of the best books that I've read this year. The emotions that it pulled from me, with Colleen's usual surprise plot twists, was unbelievable. I didn't cry in this one, but my heart ached for these three characters caught in a... Oh, I really do t want to leave a spoiler!! There are so many layers to be peeled back, I really don't want to take away any 'reveal excitement', and there is plenty!! And the laughs, from pranking, are hilarious, with many laugh out loud moments. Swoon worthy characters, absolutely beautiful, packed with surprises (again, secrets to be revealed!!). The fun of this story, is not knowing any of the secrets to be revealed, and there are heaps of WTF secrets to be revealed!! It's supposed to be a sensory experience in conjunction with the soundtrack. I didn't read with the soundtrack, but it did listen to it before reading it, via utube, so I had these amazing songs in my head as I read the song reveals. It still carried me away on this musical journey, I still felt the 'feels'. Loved this book, and I will never forget this wonderfully original experience.
4134893
It was very well written & I believed every word she wrote!
It kept me interested & wanting more after each page!
133764
I have to say this book didn't take me quite in the direction I was thinking it would from the blurb but  never the less it was a spectacular read!

Hearing from Hallen as a naive teenager really set the background and where his head is at, hes not some jumped up gigilo that thinks the world owes him a favour, he gets caught in a lifestyle he never would have chosen and only ever really tolerated, his relationships with some of his clients are so sweet & sincere you cannot help but adore him. Yes he messes up often but he owns that and he definitely learns from it! His journey to becoming an adult and everything he experienced really kept me captured & I was desperate to find out where his life would lead.

His relationship with Laura threw me a little & I felt she had a better handle on the reality of it than Hallen did, he over simplified it & didn't really consider at any point the implications it might have on her and her circumstances, he wanted her to grow & love but only on his terms, there was an imbalance there that if only hed taken a step back & reflected he could have saved them the train wreck of heart ache we all saw coming from a mile off!

This book epitomises the saying you cant help who you fall in love with and highlights the trials and tribulations of Taboo relationships but Jayne Harvey-Berrick has a way of getting the reader to root for her characters regardless, read & find out if Hallen & Laura overcome the obstacles of their own creation & get their very own Happy Ever After!
2922649
I gave this book 5 stars for the suspense & the absolutely engulfed feeling that I felt while reading this novella!  After getting to the fourth or fifth chapter, I couldn't put it down.  This story is a wonderful exhibit of a woman's courage to accept what bad experiences she has gad to face at the hands of a sadistic maniac rapist, and actually find the anger inside herself that pushes her toward redemption & vindication after getting even with these individuals.  While some would consider these acts of retaliation as the wrong route to take in a situation like the one Tessa was thrown into, I couldn't help but wonder what transformation these critics would undergo if they were to experience the same trauma.  Overall, this read was wonderful in my eyes for simply putting the awful story of rape & all of the ramifications that come along with it so the readers can actually see the pain, sorrow, & trauma that comes with it!!
4253932
Just the Thing is the 2nd storyline in the Donnigan Family following Gavin Donnigan and Zoe York. It is a contemporary journey between two grief-stricken wounded souls that find each other, connect and fall in love. Their journey to each other is not easy; their emotional experiences, thoughts, dialogue and chemistry is very real. You experience a wide range of emotions while reading Just the Thing. It has it all and MORE! It is a very substantial story; you are witness to the power of love, laughter, familial bonding & pranks and satisfying sex. I laughed out loud at the humor Marie Harte so cleverly weaves within moments of pain, love, grief, passion and very scorching sex between Gavin & Zoe. Gavin & Zoe are two people that are relatable to men & women in this day and age. Marie Harte eloquently deals with real world issues of Survivors Guilt and PTSD within Just the Thing. Marie Harte weaves magic in creating the Donnigan Family  you want all of them to be your own Family!! Like, her first Donnigan Story - A Sure Thing, I did not want Just the Thing to end...ever. Marie teases us at the end of the Just the Thing with a peak into sister Hope Donnigans story that will be coming out next. *I received an e-version ARC of Just the Thing and I LOVE the Donnigans so much, I bought A Sure Thing & Just the Thing in paper format also!!
1066298
Joy, Heartbreak, and the Web of Friendship

I had no expectations delving into this book, and Im so glad I didn't as I couldn't have anticipated the investment Id feel in the lives of these women.  Admittedly, I shirked responsibilities in the 24 hrs from the moment I flipped to the first page until the moment I coasted to the last.

Each of the five friends brought something to the mix that was relatable.  If you asked me to choose a favorite, I wouldnt be capable.  Michelles evolvement from being only wife and mom to finding her place in the world aside from those titles was very realistic and relatable to many mothers who find themselves waking up one day and realizing theyve forgotten the feeling of individuality.  Alissas fear of being enough is something most women struggle with at different periods in their lives no matter the catalyst.  Danis longing to fulfill the dreams of her heart only to be inhibited by lifes cruel irony stands true for so many.  As a woman who struggled a very long time with infertility, her story resonated. Chances struggle to protect her heart from the vulnerability of love rings true even if everyones story of self-protection isn't the same.  And even though I didn't have a chance to get to know Katie nearly as well as the others, the way she clings to the idealist view of life and the roles we should all play made sense as that was her way of coping with the compromises she was making in her own life.  Who hasn't done that at some point or another?

If someone is a part of your life long enough, no matter the type of relationship, its going to be messy sometimes.  Human nature dictates that very thing, and healing rifts is entirely dependent on choosing to see the person we love and care about over and above the flaws that tend to demand attention.  Putting five females, with five different personalities and lives into a lifelong friendship requires a lot of allowances, forgiving, and unconditional love.

I can honestly say that Im hoping for a continuation in the story of these five women.  I felt a sense of loss leaving their story and characters as well as a sense of longing to know where it continued. Thanks for the book hangover, Ms. Carter. Cant wait to see where you take them next!
855352
There was something about this book that made me not want to stop reading...and I'm glad for it! I didn't want it to end! oh and Ally..she's just too much! I actually laughed out loud wishing there would be a second book but loving it the way it is
988107
The characters came alive for me; what an enchanting story! It read like watching a movie, & left me wanting more. Or wishing I'd read it slower; or could forget it, & re-read it anew.