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Fat Chances
Annie Powers is eighteen and overweight. When her twin sister, Molly talks her into going to a Zumba class, all Annie expected was a lot of sweat and sore muscles. But when she laid eyes on the very handsome and muscular Zumba instructor, Cory Shields, not only did he leave her gasping for breath from the exercises, but also from their kiss.
Dazed and confused, Annie struggles to understand why someone like Cory would be attracted to her. At the same time, Cory tries to make her understand that she is just as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside.
Annie knows she needs to learn to love herself before she can let Cory into her life. But can she?
"Fat Chances” will warm your heart and reminds us all that it’s what’s in the heart, not in the body, that counts.
Dazed and confused, Annie struggles to understand why someone like Cory would be attracted to her. At the same time, Cory tries to make her understand that she is just as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside.
Annie knows she needs to learn to love herself before she can let Cory into her life. But can she?
"Fat Chances” will warm your heart and reminds us all that it’s what’s in the heart, not in the body, that counts.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 25, 2012
Annie is about to give up on life. She wants nothing more than to finish her senior year and run from town. She has had it with the perfect bodies, the mindless chatter and the escapades of her "chatty" twin sister. All she sees is a fat girl in the mirror, surrounded by thousands of skinny people. No one could have worse self esteem than Annie. (Well OK, I did in high school and still fall prey to it now.) She has to learn to love herself before she can learn to love anyone else.
Enter Cory the super hot Zumba instructor. Cory comes to town and happens to teach the Zumba class Annie's sister drags her too. And for some reason, Cory falls for Annie. What follows is a look at what happens when body types get overlooked, people follow their hearts, and love is given a chance.
Annie gives Cory every reason to walk the other way. She yells at him, misjudges his motives and tries to push him away. But Cory keeps coming back, until he manages to sell Annie on the fact his feelings are genuine and she needs to give him a chance. ( I was actually surprised he did keep coming back. Guys just don't come as sweet and understanding as Cory.) Once again J.S.Wilsoncroft has given me a book I devoured in no time. Her female characters are real and imperfect and they always get the hot looking guy. I was left wishing that Cory could come out of the pages of the book. At times I felt he was too good to be true. And maybe he is. But this is a romance novel and Wilsoncroft writes them to please. And please it does. She is becoming the master of feel good, heart felt romance. ( And her love scenes.. well they are really coming into their own!) And everyone else better watch out. I absolutely adored this book.
Beach season is coming up and I can think of no better book to sit on the beach with. I am left waiting for her next release with eagerness. Wishing for my own Cory to show up!
Enter Cory the super hot Zumba instructor. Cory comes to town and happens to teach the Zumba class Annie's sister drags her too. And for some reason, Cory falls for Annie. What follows is a look at what happens when body types get overlooked, people follow their hearts, and love is given a chance.
Annie gives Cory every reason to walk the other way. She yells at him, misjudges his motives and tries to push him away. But Cory keeps coming back, until he manages to sell Annie on the fact his feelings are genuine and she needs to give him a chance. ( I was actually surprised he did keep coming back. Guys just don't come as sweet and understanding as Cory.) Once again J.S.Wilsoncroft has given me a book I devoured in no time. Her female characters are real and imperfect and they always get the hot looking guy. I was left wishing that Cory could come out of the pages of the book. At times I felt he was too good to be true. And maybe he is. But this is a romance novel and Wilsoncroft writes them to please. And please it does. She is becoming the master of feel good, heart felt romance. ( And her love scenes.. well they are really coming into their own!) And everyone else better watch out. I absolutely adored this book.
Beach season is coming up and I can think of no better book to sit on the beach with. I am left waiting for her next release with eagerness. Wishing for my own Cory to show up!
May 18, 2012
Annie is the girl at her school that gets called disgusting names by her classmates thanks to being overweight. She hates to exercise and has tried all the diets out there to no avail. She has come to terms with being overweight and would just like to finish her remaining school year and leave town to go live with her aunt. She has had it with all the 'skinny' people in her small town and just wants to leave it all behind. That is until she meets Cory...breathtakingly, beautiful Cory.
Molly, Annie's twin sister, finally wears her down enough to go to Zumba one night. *Enter sexy Zumba teacher* Cory is romance novel material...everything about him screams gorgeous! So why is he suddenly interested in Annie? What does she have to offer this sexy man that other skinnier, prettier girls can’t?
Annie cannot fathom what Cory sees in her, but he is adamant that he is truly into her. Now it’s all up to Annie…will she beable to see in herself what Cory sees before it’s too late? Or will a lifetime of being self-conscience ruin something great before it ever gets a chance to begin?
Another amazingly, sweet book by Wilsoncroft. I believe that she could write about a grill cheese sandwich and I would inhale it. Fat Chances was such a wonderful book, I devoured it within a few hours.
I am in love with how the characters, mainly the females, are not model perfect. It makes the stories more real and easier to relate to. At least it is to me. And the men she writes about...nom nom…I could just eat them up. They are adorable and caring…and I am absolutely positive that they do not exist in the real world. *I kid, I kid. My hubby is perfect and loves me just the way I am.*
If you haven’t read any of Wilsoncroft’s books…get to it. What are you waiting for? Her books are real and I am almost sure you will love them as much as I do.
Molly, Annie's twin sister, finally wears her down enough to go to Zumba one night. *Enter sexy Zumba teacher* Cory is romance novel material...everything about him screams gorgeous! So why is he suddenly interested in Annie? What does she have to offer this sexy man that other skinnier, prettier girls can’t?
Annie cannot fathom what Cory sees in her, but he is adamant that he is truly into her. Now it’s all up to Annie…will she beable to see in herself what Cory sees before it’s too late? Or will a lifetime of being self-conscience ruin something great before it ever gets a chance to begin?
Another amazingly, sweet book by Wilsoncroft. I believe that she could write about a grill cheese sandwich and I would inhale it. Fat Chances was such a wonderful book, I devoured it within a few hours.
I am in love with how the characters, mainly the females, are not model perfect. It makes the stories more real and easier to relate to. At least it is to me. And the men she writes about...nom nom…I could just eat them up. They are adorable and caring…and I am absolutely positive that they do not exist in the real world. *I kid, I kid. My hubby is perfect and loves me just the way I am.*
If you haven’t read any of Wilsoncroft’s books…get to it. What are you waiting for? Her books are real and I am almost sure you will love them as much as I do.
January 15, 2015
Fat Chances is a difficult book for me to rate. I'm settling on a generous 3-stars because "hot-guy-falls-hard-for-the-sad-fat-girl" is my most favorite guilty-pleasure read ever. I really get off on the self esteem issues and the heroine disbelieving that hottie-hero could be attracted to her. I LOVE IT.
BUT... this book was a little thin on plot and realism. Complete instant-love for no reason whatsoever. The main characters were young (I don't like reading about high school aged kids, which is what the heroine is) and the heroine was immature and completely bitchy. I felt like she was unnecessarily suspicious and angry at him but I bought it and went with it...then she did a 180 and capitulated to physical intimacy ridiculously fast.
Despite all of that, it was a quick and fun read. Also, the subject matter went a long way in furthering the enjoyment-factor.
BUT... this book was a little thin on plot and realism. Complete instant-love for no reason whatsoever. The main characters were young (I don't like reading about high school aged kids, which is what the heroine is) and the heroine was immature and completely bitchy. I felt like she was unnecessarily suspicious and angry at him but I bought it and went with it...then she did a 180 and capitulated to physical intimacy ridiculously fast.
Despite all of that, it was a quick and fun read. Also, the subject matter went a long way in furthering the enjoyment-factor.
March 16, 2013
Fat Chances is a sweet Young Adult romance that I enjoyed from beginning to end. We have Annie, an overweight high-school senior that only wants to graduate and get as far away as possible from the school where she has been tormented for years.
J.S. Wilsoncroft has a knack for writing very realistic and believable characters. There is a great line toward the beginning in which Annie is talking about escaping and getting into the 'real world' where she'd be with people that had their own problems and wouldn't worry so much about hassling her for having her own.
I think a lot of us fall into that trap at some point in time, and as the mother of two teenage girls I see it first hand. School can be a nightmare and other kids,especially other girls, can be cruel. Many of us become fixated on one thing about ourselves and believe if we can just fix that one thing, or get away from that one thing, then all of our problems are solved. In Fat Chances, Annie begins to understand that her biggest problem isn't her weight or even other people, it's her own lack of self worth and that's something she can't escape.
Cory is her Zumba instructor, handsome and fit, and he takes an immediate interest in Annie. He finds her beautiful and Annie goes on the defense right away. She assumes he's not sincere, that he's one of those hot guys that thinks it's funny to play mind games with fat girls. She can't wrap her head around the concept that a guy like Cory would ever be interested in her. She's torn between wanting to believe him and a lifetime of humiliating experiences telling her that she shouldn't.
Mixed in with her internal struggle is her relationship with her twin sister who has the 'I saw him first' attitude and is angry that Cory has chosen Annie as the object of his affection. The fights, the screaming, the family drama is very real. These girls could've been my own daughters.
The author makes it easy for me to put myself in Annie's shoes. There is a time when Cory gets a peek at her unshaven legs and she's horrified, and another time when she's self-conscious about him feeling her rolls when he holds her. One part made me almost cry with laughter but I won't mention which one because it falls into the spoiler category. Loved those little touches that are both funny and heart-breaking in their realism.
My only complaint is that I wish I had more time with these characters. The ending was satisying but it felt a little rushed and didn't give me the 'closed door' feeling I prefer. I wonder if there might be a follow-up story at some point.
Overall, I loved Fat Chances for it's realism, for tackling an issue that hits very close to home for so many, and for doing it so well. Oh! I can't go without giving praise to the cover. It's beautiful and absolutely perfect. Five stars!
J.S. Wilsoncroft has a knack for writing very realistic and believable characters. There is a great line toward the beginning in which Annie is talking about escaping and getting into the 'real world' where she'd be with people that had their own problems and wouldn't worry so much about hassling her for having her own.
I think a lot of us fall into that trap at some point in time, and as the mother of two teenage girls I see it first hand. School can be a nightmare and other kids,especially other girls, can be cruel. Many of us become fixated on one thing about ourselves and believe if we can just fix that one thing, or get away from that one thing, then all of our problems are solved. In Fat Chances, Annie begins to understand that her biggest problem isn't her weight or even other people, it's her own lack of self worth and that's something she can't escape.
Cory is her Zumba instructor, handsome and fit, and he takes an immediate interest in Annie. He finds her beautiful and Annie goes on the defense right away. She assumes he's not sincere, that he's one of those hot guys that thinks it's funny to play mind games with fat girls. She can't wrap her head around the concept that a guy like Cory would ever be interested in her. She's torn between wanting to believe him and a lifetime of humiliating experiences telling her that she shouldn't.
Mixed in with her internal struggle is her relationship with her twin sister who has the 'I saw him first' attitude and is angry that Cory has chosen Annie as the object of his affection. The fights, the screaming, the family drama is very real. These girls could've been my own daughters.
The author makes it easy for me to put myself in Annie's shoes. There is a time when Cory gets a peek at her unshaven legs and she's horrified, and another time when she's self-conscious about him feeling her rolls when he holds her. One part made me almost cry with laughter but I won't mention which one because it falls into the spoiler category. Loved those little touches that are both funny and heart-breaking in their realism.
My only complaint is that I wish I had more time with these characters. The ending was satisying but it felt a little rushed and didn't give me the 'closed door' feeling I prefer. I wonder if there might be a follow-up story at some point.
Overall, I loved Fat Chances for it's realism, for tackling an issue that hits very close to home for so many, and for doing it so well. Oh! I can't go without giving praise to the cover. It's beautiful and absolutely perfect. Five stars!
July 20, 2012
"Fat Chances" is an easy read about a insecure plus sized eighteen year old who falls for her sister's Zumba instructor, Cory. I finished this story in mere hours. It is nice to see more authors offering plus-sized heroines for romance readers. But this story fell short for me because a lot of authors emphasize the insecurities of being plus sized but never add any growth or depth to the female leads making them appear weak and stupid. This was once again the case in "Fat Chances".
PROS:
.The author tackled a topic that is not mainstream featuring a plus-sized young adult heroine.
.The story was simple enough to follow.
CONS:
.After Annie and Cory got together, the story pretty much was over so it didn't need to continue.
.The dialogue and interactions between the characters were weak. And used weird plot devices. I could see where the author might have meant to go or could have gone but it just didn't get there.
.The characters came across like kids trying to be adults and the adults acted like kids. There were tantrums, weird goofy smiles, a lot of yelling and tears. And ughs.
.Cory - he smiled, he kissed, he grinned at her insults and basically had no other reactions, he smoldered for Annie...but why? There's no real reason as to why this 22 year old is so infatuated with eighteen year old Annie - a high-schooler who acted actually younger than her age. And he had no characterization or depth or anything really interesting about him.
.The unbelievability of this story - and not because of the differences of the main characters bodies. There was no real interactions to even call what Annie and Cory had a relationship. They were acquaintances at best.
.Annie felt better about her self once she lost eighteen pounds in a matter of days? Apparently by missing meals? A good message to send to readers? No. And once she does, she's ready to have sex with Cory, the creepy grinning muscle ape.
.The ending was weird. Are they in love? Annie is moving out?
.Ugh - the expression was too many times. I kept imagining Annie grunting like a cave-woman for no reason.
I don't recommend for lovers of BBW reads because the story is flat. The characters were one dimensional. I'm tired of having to read weak BBW heroines and feel obligated to give stellar reviews instead offering the honest truth about bad stories which this was. Applauding weak stories breeds more weak stories to be published for this genre. FAT CHANCES was not worth the time or effort.
It was just one big UGH!
PROS:
.The author tackled a topic that is not mainstream featuring a plus-sized young adult heroine.
.The story was simple enough to follow.
CONS:
.After Annie and Cory got together, the story pretty much was over so it didn't need to continue.
.The dialogue and interactions between the characters were weak. And used weird plot devices. I could see where the author might have meant to go or could have gone but it just didn't get there.
.The characters came across like kids trying to be adults and the adults acted like kids. There were tantrums, weird goofy smiles, a lot of yelling and tears. And ughs.
.Cory - he smiled, he kissed, he grinned at her insults and basically had no other reactions, he smoldered for Annie...but why? There's no real reason as to why this 22 year old is so infatuated with eighteen year old Annie - a high-schooler who acted actually younger than her age. And he had no characterization or depth or anything really interesting about him.
.The unbelievability of this story - and not because of the differences of the main characters bodies. There was no real interactions to even call what Annie and Cory had a relationship. They were acquaintances at best.
.Annie felt better about her self once she lost eighteen pounds in a matter of days? Apparently by missing meals? A good message to send to readers? No. And once she does, she's ready to have sex with Cory, the creepy grinning muscle ape.
.The ending was weird. Are they in love? Annie is moving out?
.Ugh - the expression was too many times. I kept imagining Annie grunting like a cave-woman for no reason.
I don't recommend for lovers of BBW reads because the story is flat. The characters were one dimensional. I'm tired of having to read weak BBW heroines and feel obligated to give stellar reviews instead offering the honest truth about bad stories which this was. Applauding weak stories breeds more weak stories to be published for this genre. FAT CHANCES was not worth the time or effort.
It was just one big UGH!
May 29, 2012
Rating: 3 stars ***
Annie an overweight senior in high school, deals with her self esteem, bullying, thinking she is fat and looks ugly. Everyday struggles she learns to live with. Until one day , one Zumba class and one hot instructor named Cory, it all changes for her. Cory is amazed by her beauty, inside and out. Cory shows Annie she is worthy of love and takes her on a journey to self discovery. I wont give away the whole story as always, that is for you, the reader to discover.
This book promotes building self esteem in big girls and shows them that they are still beautiful inside and out and deserve to be loved. J.S. Wilsoncroft, did not sugar coat the story when it comes to certain scenes in the book, she lays it out straight and tackles the everyday problems head on. Even though this book wasn’t really for me, pick this book up and read this story as everyday teen issues do exist, sex in high school does exist and you never know, you might be able to help someone who deals with the same issues as Annie.
Links:
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http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...
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http://twowomenandabookreview.blogspo...
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Best Wishes,
Melissa
Annie an overweight senior in high school, deals with her self esteem, bullying, thinking she is fat and looks ugly. Everyday struggles she learns to live with. Until one day , one Zumba class and one hot instructor named Cory, it all changes for her. Cory is amazed by her beauty, inside and out. Cory shows Annie she is worthy of love and takes her on a journey to self discovery. I wont give away the whole story as always, that is for you, the reader to discover.
This book promotes building self esteem in big girls and shows them that they are still beautiful inside and out and deserve to be loved. J.S. Wilsoncroft, did not sugar coat the story when it comes to certain scenes in the book, she lays it out straight and tackles the everyday problems head on. Even though this book wasn’t really for me, pick this book up and read this story as everyday teen issues do exist, sex in high school does exist and you never know, you might be able to help someone who deals with the same issues as Annie.
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/loveisdeaf72
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Write-...
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...
Our Links:
http://twowomenandabookreview.blogspo...
https://www.facebook.com/TwoWomenanda...
Best Wishes,
Melissa
December 31, 2015
Oh my goodness, I've just finished this and I have a huge smile on my face.
I LOVED this story!
I can totally empathise with the main character, Annie, as she struggles with her feelings. She is an overweight teenager who has low self esteem. She can't believe that anyone would want to be her friend, never mind anything more.
In steps Cory, a young Zumba teacher at the local gym who has all the ladies ogling him as he takes the classes.
But Cory only has eyes for one young lady - Annie.
Annie's self esteem issues, however, threaten any friendship/relationship which may develop between them.
Can she allow herself to believe that Cory likes her for herself, that he isn't trying to make her a laughing stock, that he does actually care for someone like her?
This story struck a chord with me, I too am overweight and have always struggled with low self esteem, although the image I give out is one of always being ok. Annie is exactly the same. I could totally understand why Annie dealt with the attraction from Cory the way she did, and that just helped with my enjoyment of this story.
I LOVED this story!
I can totally empathise with the main character, Annie, as she struggles with her feelings. She is an overweight teenager who has low self esteem. She can't believe that anyone would want to be her friend, never mind anything more.
In steps Cory, a young Zumba teacher at the local gym who has all the ladies ogling him as he takes the classes.
But Cory only has eyes for one young lady - Annie.
Annie's self esteem issues, however, threaten any friendship/relationship which may develop between them.
Can she allow herself to believe that Cory likes her for herself, that he isn't trying to make her a laughing stock, that he does actually care for someone like her?
This story struck a chord with me, I too am overweight and have always struggled with low self esteem, although the image I give out is one of always being ok. Annie is exactly the same. I could totally understand why Annie dealt with the attraction from Cory the way she did, and that just helped with my enjoyment of this story.
August 16, 2014
1.5/5.0
With Fat Chances, the author deals with a subject that is mostly ignored in the Young Adult fiction – obesity. The mocking and bullying that Annie suffers is painful and her insecurities are real. However, there were some major problems with the story.
Read full review in the 2012 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
With Fat Chances, the author deals with a subject that is mostly ignored in the Young Adult fiction – obesity. The mocking and bullying that Annie suffers is painful and her insecurities are real. However, there were some major problems with the story.
Read full review in the 2012 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
January 22, 2013
2.5 Stars
Fat Chances follows the story of Annie, an overweight teenager, who meets hot Zumba instructor, Cory, sending her life into chaos with her family, feelings, and of course, Cory. Annie finds it difficult to understand that the highly sought after instructor could find her attractive and want to be with her when he could have any skinny girl he wants. She’s unsure of her feelings and his intentions, therefore she tries to stay away from him.
J.S. Wilsoncrof is a very talented writer. Her writing is unique and well written. Fat Chances, is unlike anything I’ve read before, with having a lead heroine over weight. I enjoyed getting inside the mind of Annie and hearing about her struggles of her weight. She was a likeable character. However, I found her to be, at times, a little too negative about herself. I wanted to see more of her accepting herself for who she is and embracing her curvy figure.
Cory is very sweet, but I found his character to be unrelatable. I liked the idea of a hot guy falling for a heavy girl and building a relationship together showcasing opposites really can attract. But, for someone who is into nutrition, dieting, and exercise, it was hard to see how he could fall for a girl with Annie’s body type.
On this note- I feel the story was under developed. The story has a lot of great potential, and I mean this! This could be a great romantic story about two people with different lifestyles who come together. I wanted to feel what Annie was feeling when she met Cory. I wanted to feel their relationship develop; their chemistry. One minute they’re meeting and then the next they can’t be without one another.
The secondary characters were a nice addition to see inside Annie’s family and friends. I wished we had more. Annie’s twin sister contributes drama making the story more interesting. I feel the story was more “Adult” than it’s High School setting with 18 year olds.
Overall the novel was interesting. I’m glad I read it. It’s a nice read if you’re looking for something quick.
Fat Chances follows the story of Annie, an overweight teenager, who meets hot Zumba instructor, Cory, sending her life into chaos with her family, feelings, and of course, Cory. Annie finds it difficult to understand that the highly sought after instructor could find her attractive and want to be with her when he could have any skinny girl he wants. She’s unsure of her feelings and his intentions, therefore she tries to stay away from him.
J.S. Wilsoncrof is a very talented writer. Her writing is unique and well written. Fat Chances, is unlike anything I’ve read before, with having a lead heroine over weight. I enjoyed getting inside the mind of Annie and hearing about her struggles of her weight. She was a likeable character. However, I found her to be, at times, a little too negative about herself. I wanted to see more of her accepting herself for who she is and embracing her curvy figure.
Cory is very sweet, but I found his character to be unrelatable. I liked the idea of a hot guy falling for a heavy girl and building a relationship together showcasing opposites really can attract. But, for someone who is into nutrition, dieting, and exercise, it was hard to see how he could fall for a girl with Annie’s body type.
On this note- I feel the story was under developed. The story has a lot of great potential, and I mean this! This could be a great romantic story about two people with different lifestyles who come together. I wanted to feel what Annie was feeling when she met Cory. I wanted to feel their relationship develop; their chemistry. One minute they’re meeting and then the next they can’t be without one another.
The secondary characters were a nice addition to see inside Annie’s family and friends. I wished we had more. Annie’s twin sister contributes drama making the story more interesting. I feel the story was more “Adult” than it’s High School setting with 18 year olds.
Overall the novel was interesting. I’m glad I read it. It’s a nice read if you’re looking for something quick.
February 22, 2014
Fat Chances by J. S. Wilsoncroft is about an 18 year old, overweight, and insecure young girl named Annie. Annie and her Twin Sister Molly have a struggling relationship. Molly begs Annie to go to Zumba with her because there is a hot new Instructor named Cory that everyone likes to drool over. Will Annie be able to accept that not everyone sees her the way she sees herself? Will Cory be the man to bring her out of her insecurity rut? Will she throw what Cory is offering back in his face?
I thought that the author was right to point out the bullying issues that overweight teenagers have to go through. It really is a major issue that is often overlooked. Thanks JS for bringing that to light. Life can be hard for an overweight woman, but she has to be willing to help herself. Will Annie be able to help herself?
It didn't take me long to read this short story. Although the concept and blurb interested me I felt that the author didn't quite hit the mark on this one. Everything felt rushed. I understand that the young Annie was insecure but with being an overweight woman as well it was to the extreme. One minute she hated on her body the next she wanted to sit down with a tub of ice cream all to herself. I can understand the nervousness about the possibility of Cory playing a sick game. There are guys out there that do that type of thing all the time. However there are also those men out there that like women with meat on their bones; I know because I have seen both sides. My husband is 140 pounds and loves me, curves and all.
I wished some of the scenes were more detailed and didn’t feel like an afterthought. I was happy for Annie when she finally figured out she was worthy of Cory but then the book just ends. No epilogue, no future plans, nothing. Maybe it was the author’s intentions for you to add your own forever thoughts.
I thought that the author was right to point out the bullying issues that overweight teenagers have to go through. It really is a major issue that is often overlooked. Thanks JS for bringing that to light. Life can be hard for an overweight woman, but she has to be willing to help herself. Will Annie be able to help herself?
It didn't take me long to read this short story. Although the concept and blurb interested me I felt that the author didn't quite hit the mark on this one. Everything felt rushed. I understand that the young Annie was insecure but with being an overweight woman as well it was to the extreme. One minute she hated on her body the next she wanted to sit down with a tub of ice cream all to herself. I can understand the nervousness about the possibility of Cory playing a sick game. There are guys out there that do that type of thing all the time. However there are also those men out there that like women with meat on their bones; I know because I have seen both sides. My husband is 140 pounds and loves me, curves and all.
I wished some of the scenes were more detailed and didn’t feel like an afterthought. I was happy for Annie when she finally figured out she was worthy of Cory but then the book just ends. No epilogue, no future plans, nothing. Maybe it was the author’s intentions for you to add your own forever thoughts.
May 27, 2012
3.5*
Overweight teenager Annie has her life turned up side down when her twin sister Molly drags her along to Zumba class to help her lose weight. She can’t believe it when the hunky instructor, Cory starts to show an interest in her, and she repeatedly finds herself making clumsy mistakes which only make him notice her more.
‘Fat chances’ gives us an insight into the feelings of an overweight girl, she constantly puts herself down and thinks no-one could possibly find her attractive. Her negativity colours the feeling of the whole book and at times I found it a little too pessimistic. I am overweight and ‘hate’ my body shape so can easily relate to Annie and her situation, but felt that I would have enjoyed this story more had it had a few light hearted moments where Annie could laugh at herself instead of continuously mentioning her fat thighs and spare tyres.
The latter part of the story was a little more upbeat but unfortunately this section of the book felt rushed as if the author just wanted to get it over with so we weren’t able to fully enjoy Annie in happier times.
Overall the novel was well written and interesting, it did drag in a few places because of variations of the same negative theme but I’m glad I read it and would recommend it for a Sunday afternoon in the garden read.
Copy supplied for review
Overweight teenager Annie has her life turned up side down when her twin sister Molly drags her along to Zumba class to help her lose weight. She can’t believe it when the hunky instructor, Cory starts to show an interest in her, and she repeatedly finds herself making clumsy mistakes which only make him notice her more.
‘Fat chances’ gives us an insight into the feelings of an overweight girl, she constantly puts herself down and thinks no-one could possibly find her attractive. Her negativity colours the feeling of the whole book and at times I found it a little too pessimistic. I am overweight and ‘hate’ my body shape so can easily relate to Annie and her situation, but felt that I would have enjoyed this story more had it had a few light hearted moments where Annie could laugh at herself instead of continuously mentioning her fat thighs and spare tyres.
The latter part of the story was a little more upbeat but unfortunately this section of the book felt rushed as if the author just wanted to get it over with so we weren’t able to fully enjoy Annie in happier times.
Overall the novel was well written and interesting, it did drag in a few places because of variations of the same negative theme but I’m glad I read it and would recommend it for a Sunday afternoon in the garden read.
Copy supplied for review
September 4, 2012
I got this book in GR giveaway...
I was very exited to read this book... But my expectations didn't get fully fulfilled.
The cover of the book isn't nice. The picture in the back is much better.
It is a very quick read... I completed it in a really less time. I really like that!!
This book is about the overweight problem of Annie... Many people have experienced it .. Me too. Not so much but little, yes.
I like the concept and the topic. All the emotions of Annie and Cory were understandable. Annie's discomfort and thoughts are true. Having experienced it.. I know its like that!
The writing style was very simple and good. I like it.
The problem with the book was there wasn't a story. Nothing big and shocking happened. The romantic scenes between Allie and Cory were missing. They out of nowhere fell in love and couldn't live without each other..
Many people may think it as a very sweet read without much drama.. Personally, I like Drama :P
There wasn't much conversations between them. I like the characters individually but didn't like them as a couple.
This book with such a talented writer could have been an awesome read. Some things were missing and lots of things could have been better.
But all in all.. This book was a good read and I am glad I won it :)
I was very exited to read this book... But my expectations didn't get fully fulfilled.
The cover of the book isn't nice. The picture in the back is much better.
It is a very quick read... I completed it in a really less time. I really like that!!
This book is about the overweight problem of Annie... Many people have experienced it .. Me too. Not so much but little, yes.
I like the concept and the topic. All the emotions of Annie and Cory were understandable. Annie's discomfort and thoughts are true. Having experienced it.. I know its like that!
The writing style was very simple and good. I like it.
The problem with the book was there wasn't a story. Nothing big and shocking happened. The romantic scenes between Allie and Cory were missing. They out of nowhere fell in love and couldn't live without each other..
Many people may think it as a very sweet read without much drama.. Personally, I like Drama :P
There wasn't much conversations between them. I like the characters individually but didn't like them as a couple.
This book with such a talented writer could have been an awesome read. Some things were missing and lots of things could have been better.
But all in all.. This book was a good read and I am glad I won it :)
July 1, 2012
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This book is a quick read and features two likeable characters, Annie and Cory. The main issue in the back is Annie's body image and weight, which is covered in detail, and the worry and angst that this sort of issue creates in the mind of a girl is written with insight.
Cory is a gorgeous character: good looking, kind, respectful.
Whilst I read the book with interest and enjoyed the author's writing style, I have to admit I did think this book would have worked better condensed into a short story. The body image issues are covered with some humour (which works well) but there is a lot of repetition. I think this is fine if the reader has had similar issues, and understands that this is all you think about in this situation, but if they haven't they may find it a bit too much.
The writer is obviously talented, however I felt the narrative wavered between that of a younger teen than Annie was in the book (she is 18) and that of a much older adult.
As a result I am keen to read The Unfaithful Widow by this author, as I have a feeling I will enjoy this a lot more.
A little note about the cover - I preferred the image on the back of the book to the one used on the front.
This book is a quick read and features two likeable characters, Annie and Cory. The main issue in the back is Annie's body image and weight, which is covered in detail, and the worry and angst that this sort of issue creates in the mind of a girl is written with insight.
Cory is a gorgeous character: good looking, kind, respectful.
Whilst I read the book with interest and enjoyed the author's writing style, I have to admit I did think this book would have worked better condensed into a short story. The body image issues are covered with some humour (which works well) but there is a lot of repetition. I think this is fine if the reader has had similar issues, and understands that this is all you think about in this situation, but if they haven't they may find it a bit too much.
The writer is obviously talented, however I felt the narrative wavered between that of a younger teen than Annie was in the book (she is 18) and that of a much older adult.
As a result I am keen to read The Unfaithful Widow by this author, as I have a feeling I will enjoy this a lot more.
A little note about the cover - I preferred the image on the back of the book to the one used on the front.
October 2, 2012
Annie is an overweight 18 year old girl with a twin sister who is horrible to her. When her twin makes her go to a new Zumba exercise class with her to see the "hot" instructor; Annie is embarrassed by her body. When the instructor, Cory comes on to her, she thinks he is just playing games with the "fat" girl and being mean.
Annie is a character with low self-esteem and body image issues like many teens and young women in this world. Her reactions and fears are normal for her situation, and I found myself empathizing with her for most of the book. Cory on the other hand, did not seem like a well-developed character. Although he is an instructor and 22 years of age, he seemed very childish in a few parts of the story.
I really didn't like Molly, Annie's twin sister, at all. As far as her character development; I thought she was a bit too hateful to her sister, though that does add tension and drama to the story. There was never any love or concern at all on her part, and that bothered me. She was convincingly selfish and self-centered. I almost felt sorry for her . . . almost.
The book is pretty good. I do need to say that due to the sensitive nature of the story, a sex scene - I would not recommend this to anyone under 18.
Annie is a character with low self-esteem and body image issues like many teens and young women in this world. Her reactions and fears are normal for her situation, and I found myself empathizing with her for most of the book. Cory on the other hand, did not seem like a well-developed character. Although he is an instructor and 22 years of age, he seemed very childish in a few parts of the story.
I really didn't like Molly, Annie's twin sister, at all. As far as her character development; I thought she was a bit too hateful to her sister, though that does add tension and drama to the story. There was never any love or concern at all on her part, and that bothered me. She was convincingly selfish and self-centered. I almost felt sorry for her . . . almost.
The book is pretty good. I do need to say that due to the sensitive nature of the story, a sex scene - I would not recommend this to anyone under 18.
February 6, 2014
My rating is more like a 1.5, maybe 1.75. The synopsis made it seem like this story would be quite promising, and while I liked the overall idea presented in the storyline, there were too many things that just were in the negative column for me. Here's those things:
-The immediate, insta-love Cory showed for Annie. It just seemed too unreal, especially given the circumstances under which they met.
-Annie's constant negative, put-down attitude toward herself. This to me was a total turnoff to this book-and I'm an overweight woman that is not comfortable with that fact...but the way Annie was always thinking such extremely nasty things about herself seemed way overboard. I get that the author was trying to show that Annie has self-esteem issues, but this just seemed overly excessive.
-While I know Annie and Molly are both still in high school, they are both 18 so I would expect them to act more mature...the way they spoke and acted felt more like a 14 or 15 year old might act.
-Grammar and editing issues-there were quite a few of these
This book could benefit from lengthening the story so events could progress at a more realistic rate (everything just went way too fast to really be believable) as well as writing the characters in a more mature way.
-The immediate, insta-love Cory showed for Annie. It just seemed too unreal, especially given the circumstances under which they met.
-Annie's constant negative, put-down attitude toward herself. This to me was a total turnoff to this book-and I'm an overweight woman that is not comfortable with that fact...but the way Annie was always thinking such extremely nasty things about herself seemed way overboard. I get that the author was trying to show that Annie has self-esteem issues, but this just seemed overly excessive.
-While I know Annie and Molly are both still in high school, they are both 18 so I would expect them to act more mature...the way they spoke and acted felt more like a 14 or 15 year old might act.
-Grammar and editing issues-there were quite a few of these
This book could benefit from lengthening the story so events could progress at a more realistic rate (everything just went way too fast to really be believable) as well as writing the characters in a more mature way.
July 11, 2013
I wasn't sure what I was going to think of this book just from its title. It's true what the old saying says "Never Judge a Book by its Cover" I've just finished this book and straight off It made me laugh.
This book is about a Senior in high school who is overweight (like me) and she gets depressed about her weight. Her twin sister talks her into going to Zumba class with her and starts ranting on about the instructor. When Annie sets eyes on Cory (The Instructor) she gets the most intense feelings ever. This book really made me thing about my weight. Its true beauty is in the eye of the beholder and no matter what anyone else thinks so long as you know your loved for who you are on the inside by the person you are with then thats all that matters.
I'm greatful to my husband for loving me like this. I was skinny when I met him and I've ballooned something silly and he still loves me and wants me. It was good being able to read a book that I could personally relate to.
This book is a must read. I would like to know whats going to happen with Cory and Annie so i'm hoping there is going to be a follow up. Many thanks for an excellent book.
This book is about a Senior in high school who is overweight (like me) and she gets depressed about her weight. Her twin sister talks her into going to Zumba class with her and starts ranting on about the instructor. When Annie sets eyes on Cory (The Instructor) she gets the most intense feelings ever. This book really made me thing about my weight. Its true beauty is in the eye of the beholder and no matter what anyone else thinks so long as you know your loved for who you are on the inside by the person you are with then thats all that matters.
I'm greatful to my husband for loving me like this. I was skinny when I met him and I've ballooned something silly and he still loves me and wants me. It was good being able to read a book that I could personally relate to.
This book is a must read. I would like to know whats going to happen with Cory and Annie so i'm hoping there is going to be a follow up. Many thanks for an excellent book.
July 8, 2012
Fat Chances is a short, fast read by J.S. Wilsoncroft. I was approached by the author for a review and the synopsis caught my interest. Annie, the main character is the narrator of the story. I have to say I tried hard to like Annie. However, she spent so much time feeling sorry for herself and being negative that it was nearly impossible. You feel sorry for her, yes, but you also want to shake her to get her head straight.
I am a big girl. No doubt about it, I always have been. However, I learned to be ok with myself because I like who I am on the inside and my husband, family and friends love me just the way I am. I was a little peeved that Annie didn't really start to like herself until she lost a few pounds. It felt like she was still judging herself by her looks and what she appeared to be to the world.
That being said, I liked the romance and the story of Annie and Cory's relationship as it finally got off the ground. I laughed a lot while reading this and enjoyed Wilsoncroft's writing style. I'll definitely be checking out her other books.
I am a big girl. No doubt about it, I always have been. However, I learned to be ok with myself because I like who I am on the inside and my husband, family and friends love me just the way I am. I was a little peeved that Annie didn't really start to like herself until she lost a few pounds. It felt like she was still judging herself by her looks and what she appeared to be to the world.
That being said, I liked the romance and the story of Annie and Cory's relationship as it finally got off the ground. I laughed a lot while reading this and enjoyed Wilsoncroft's writing style. I'll definitely be checking out her other books.
May 16, 2013
Reviewer: Stacey
Rating: 4 out of 5 Fairies
JS Wilsoncroft's short story, Fat Chances, was uplifting in a strange way, maybe because it was very true to life.
Annie is on the plump side with no confidence and no self-esteem. She has a twin who looks exactly the same from the neck up, but from the neck down its a completely different story. She decides to take a Zumba class where she meets a super hot guy who apparently falls for her, but Annie has a hard time believing him.
Annie has always been picked on for her weight, so has built up a wall to protect herself, will he be the one to break the wall and will Annie allow her wall to crumble to let him in?
A best friend who loves Annie for who she is tells her to believe in him and herself. Will a love she could have be lost? And will she realise in time that big girls are beautiful?
I give this book 4 fairy stars...I must say I was left feeling a bit depressed at the end and wanting more.
Disclosure: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Fairies
JS Wilsoncroft's short story, Fat Chances, was uplifting in a strange way, maybe because it was very true to life.
Annie is on the plump side with no confidence and no self-esteem. She has a twin who looks exactly the same from the neck up, but from the neck down its a completely different story. She decides to take a Zumba class where she meets a super hot guy who apparently falls for her, but Annie has a hard time believing him.
Annie has always been picked on for her weight, so has built up a wall to protect herself, will he be the one to break the wall and will Annie allow her wall to crumble to let him in?
A best friend who loves Annie for who she is tells her to believe in him and herself. Will a love she could have be lost? And will she realise in time that big girls are beautiful?
I give this book 4 fairy stars...I must say I was left feeling a bit depressed at the end and wanting more.
Disclosure: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. It's about twins, Annie and her sister Molly. They are not identical twins. Molly is taller and thinner than Annie who is around five foot and a size 18. Annie feels fat and unlovable. Her sister wants her to go to a zumba class at a local gym after school. They are 18 and seniors in high school. Molly keeps telling Annie that the instructor named, Cory, is HOT. They wind up making a bet about exercising and Annie gives in. She has a horrible experience during the first half of the class, even though she has to agree with her sister that Cory is hot. She tries to sneak out during break and Cory follows her. He talks to her a few minutes then he suddenly kisses her. Annie is shocked and upset she thinks he feels sorry for her and he turns around and kisses her again. I think I loved this story because it gets into some of our hang ups about being heavy and loving ourselves enough for someone else too. You have to read this one to find out what happens when Molly thinks Annie stole her man. A great read and it is a shorter story
May 30, 2012
Annie is an overweight young woman with low self confidence, and an invisible armor which doesn't allow her to get close to many people. When Corey a handsome and fit Zumba instructor shows interest in her, it is beyond Annie's comprehension, and she fights against his pursuit. Luckily for her, Corey doesn't give up easy. It is a struggle but eventually Annie's armor weakens, and she starts to believe in Corey. But it is only after she realizes she has to love herself that she can truly give herself to Corey. Kudos to J.S. for tackling a subject that is very relevant to teenagers these days, relevant to all women really, who need to know that they are always worthy of the best, whether they are too skinny, too fat, or just bullied into not believing in themselves. J.S. always helps you connect with a character's emotions, and feel the same things. It is what makes her books and stories so great.
January 12, 2013
Summery:
Annie is an over weight insecure 18 year old who constantly puts herself down as well as listening to others confirm what she thinks about herself. One day her sister convinces her to go to a zumba class to see the instructor that her sister pretty much has the hotts for and reluctantly Annie goes. Annie soon realizes she has caught the eye of the instructor and finds it hard to be believe that he would want to be with her instead of some skinny girl.
My take:
I had received this book free from the author and decided to take a chance and read the book. I really enjoyed this book, I never really find much love stories that include the overweight girl getting the guy. Another plus is that its a quick read its only 170 pages. I recommend this being 18 and up only because in the end there is a sex scene in the end.
Annie is an over weight insecure 18 year old who constantly puts herself down as well as listening to others confirm what she thinks about herself. One day her sister convinces her to go to a zumba class to see the instructor that her sister pretty much has the hotts for and reluctantly Annie goes. Annie soon realizes she has caught the eye of the instructor and finds it hard to be believe that he would want to be with her instead of some skinny girl.
My take:
I had received this book free from the author and decided to take a chance and read the book. I really enjoyed this book, I never really find much love stories that include the overweight girl getting the guy. Another plus is that its a quick read its only 170 pages. I recommend this being 18 and up only because in the end there is a sex scene in the end.
June 10, 2012
I'm not sure if it was due to the fact I connected to the character on a personal level, or if it was because I wish my husband was like Corey. I would love to be loved on that level. It was the type of thing that some people dream about and here it was in reality. I could not put this book down. I couldn't put the book down until the end and then I wanted more!!!
This spoke to me. Being a large girl myself I knew all the humiliation and worries and fear that Annie feels. I could put myself in here shoes and truly relate to all her statements and thoughts. And to find a guy that can see past the outside and see the beauty on the inside is a beautiful thing. Everyone should learn from this. Beauty is what is inside you. Not what your shell looks like.
This spoke to me. Being a large girl myself I knew all the humiliation and worries and fear that Annie feels. I could put myself in here shoes and truly relate to all her statements and thoughts. And to find a guy that can see past the outside and see the beauty on the inside is a beautiful thing. Everyone should learn from this. Beauty is what is inside you. Not what your shell looks like.
January 19, 2013
I didn't get it. As much as I wanted to believe in the story, I just couldn't! Maybe if the story was longer??? For instance, how could hot zumba instructor Cory (who is older and more experienced, by the way) fall so deeply and quickly in love with 18 year old high school student Annie in just one meeting? Sure, I believe in love and first sight and maybe he really did just fall in love at first sight with her, but I wish there was just something more, you know because she didn't seem very attractive (and it had nothing to do with her size or weight). She was very "curt"??? She was stand-offish to me, highly irregular for a sweet guy to find attractive in someone (I think). I don't know, I just wish there was more...
January 10, 2019
Excellent book! It's not about anything supernatural or make believe. It's the kind of story you enjoy reading. It's a story you could identify with easily because either you know someone who struggled with her weight or maybe you had this problem. There's always a point in our lives when we are not happy with our body. FAT CHANCES give us a lesson. THE BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER! Great book Jamie!!!!!
Book read on 5/26/2012
Book read on 5/26/2012
July 18, 2013
3.5 stars
Fat Chances is about Annie an overweight 18 year old being unhappy with herself yet still finding that someone special, while battling with demons of self doubt and unhappiness.
I enjoyed the story although I found some parts hard to read especially when Annie would put herself down. I'm glad that things worked out how they did for Annie I just wanted her to be happy within herself and find joy in the things around her.
I found the ending to be a bit disappointing, I would have liked more.
Over all a good read.
Fat Chances is about Annie an overweight 18 year old being unhappy with herself yet still finding that someone special, while battling with demons of self doubt and unhappiness.
I enjoyed the story although I found some parts hard to read especially when Annie would put herself down. I'm glad that things worked out how they did for Annie I just wanted her to be happy within herself and find joy in the things around her.
I found the ending to be a bit disappointing, I would have liked more.
Over all a good read.
September 26, 2014
I read this book hoping to love it. But I was actually shocked at it. Anne is a annoying brat who is so self centered, she could fix herself up if she really tried. But she makes so many excuses. All I read was IM FAT, wah wah wah Im fat. I think I would have liked to hear Cory say more about why he liked her, in real life Im sure a guy would say heck with this after all the stuff she put him through. I think they should have got to know each other more before the first kiss. Maybe if Molly had said more about her sister, but Anne had a bad attitude.
January 6, 2014
Such a dramatic hot mess.
The writing and plot were meh.
Annie was annoying.
Cory was corny and flat.
Molly ...whatev.
But this little gem right here put it right over the top:
"It was Chris Hurd. I didn't care much for Chris. Personally, I always thought that he had identity issues. You know the type, white dude who wants to be a rapper, wearing baggy jeans that hung below the crack of his ass, walking around swinging his arms like an ape"
Yeh, I'm going to let that marinate yawl.
The writing and plot were meh.
Annie was annoying.
Cory was corny and flat.
Molly ...whatev.
But this little gem right here put it right over the top:
"It was Chris Hurd. I didn't care much for Chris. Personally, I always thought that he had identity issues. You know the type, white dude who wants to be a rapper, wearing baggy jeans that hung below the crack of his ass, walking around swinging his arms like an ape"
Yeh, I'm going to let that marinate yawl.
August 7, 2013
I just finished this book, and loved it!! My only complaint - I wish it was longer! Being a bigger girl all my life, I understand the struggle of the main character. This is a really fun, exciting romance, and it was over much too quickly. Thank you J.S. for this fun character - I hope you write more stories about her!
December 31, 2013
The story was interesting. Annie was an overweight 18 yr old with a big self esteem issue. She goes to a Zumba class with her sister and meets the hot instructor all the women are drooling over. He notices her right away but Annie just thinks he's toying with her. Eventually Cory wins her over but not without a lot of tears. All due to her issues.
February 16, 2014
Final feeling: strong mix of positive and negative
Pros: I love how Annie found a man who loved her for who she was regardless her looks. Cons: she lost 18 pounds by anorexia and bulimia. The only meal she ate in the last half of the story was McDonald's and she vomited twice. A major negative in what could have been an inspiring story.
Pros: I love how Annie found a man who loved her for who she was regardless her looks. Cons: she lost 18 pounds by anorexia and bulimia. The only meal she ate in the last half of the story was McDonald's and she vomited twice. A major negative in what could have been an inspiring story.
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