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Big Girl Panties
"Savvy, smart, and sexy!" Susan Andersen, New York Times bestselling author of That Thing Called Love
Holly didn't expect to be a widow at thirty-two. She also didn't expect to be so big. After her husband's death, food was the one thing she could always count on. Then she meets Logan Montgomery, a personal trainer so hot that he makes her sweat in all the right (and so embarrassingly wrong!) places. Charmed by her witty wisecracks and sharp insights, he offers to help her get back in shape. Holly turns out to be a natural in the gym, slimming down into a bona fide looker with killer curves—and a new kind of hunger. Before either of them can stop it, their training sessions lead to even more steamy workouts away from the gym. But can Logan commit to a woman who doesn't fit his ideal? Now that Holly's turning other men's heads, does she even need Logan anymore? Are they a couple built to last . . . or destined to fizzle?
Holly didn't expect to be a widow at thirty-two. She also didn't expect to be so big. After her husband's death, food was the one thing she could always count on. Then she meets Logan Montgomery, a personal trainer so hot that he makes her sweat in all the right (and so embarrassingly wrong!) places. Charmed by her witty wisecracks and sharp insights, he offers to help her get back in shape. Holly turns out to be a natural in the gym, slimming down into a bona fide looker with killer curves—and a new kind of hunger. Before either of them can stop it, their training sessions lead to even more steamy workouts away from the gym. But can Logan commit to a woman who doesn't fit his ideal? Now that Holly's turning other men's heads, does she even need Logan anymore? Are they a couple built to last . . . or destined to fizzle?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2013
2510 people are currently reading
16139 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Evanovich
5 books1,961 followersStephanie Evanovich is a full-fledged Jersey girl who began writing fiction while waiting for her cues during countless community theater projects. She attended New York School of Film and Television and acted in several improvisational troupes and a few small-budget movies, all in preparation for the greatest job she ever had, raising her two sons. Now a full-time writer, she's an avid sports fan who holds a black belt in tae kwon do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,817 reviews
November 20, 2015
I'll be honest here; I'm a bit sensitive when it comes to stories where "weight" is an issue because... frankly, not everyone is unhappy with their numbers, regardless of what society tells them they're supposed to be. I hate the 'preachy' feel of some books, and the 'you can't possibly be happy the way you are' ignorant, judgmental ideas floating around out there. So, for these reasons, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I began reading Big Girl Panties, but what I got was a laugh out loud, poignant, sexy story.
Holly Brennan is a 32 year old widow who’s found comfort and acceptance in food. She’s gained far too much weight since her husband Bruce’s passing, but feeling lost and alone, food has become her constant, dependable, companion.
Oh, how I love it when Fate steps in!!!
On a plane ride home from wrapping up a business deal, Holly finds herself seated next to a blond Adonis. She feels awkward, uncomfortable and embarrassed, and to hide her awkward, uncomfortable and embarrassed state, she starts talking about herself. Making jokes about her weight, putting herself down... but her seat partner wasn't having any of that.
Logan Montgomery isn’t exactly thrilled when he sees the overweight, frumpy woman approaching. The last thing he wants is to sit by her the entire flight home, but the more she talks, the more Logan realizes that Holly Brennan has bigger problems than just food. Feeling guilty for his initial reaction, Logan offers to help Holly get herself, and her eating habits, back on track, and thus begins a beautiful friendship.
As a woman who carries around more than a few extra pounds myself, I was able to relate to Holly in a big way. She, like me, suffers from insecurities, but her insecurities are not based in self-doubt or low self esteem, but more on her awareness of how others perceive her. For me, this made her a compelling character who I wanted to know better, and I enjoyed every minute of her journey to rediscovering her true inner-self and stepping back into the light of the living.
Logan Montgomery is kind of a stereotypical Hollywood… what word can I use? Groupie? Yes, but not really, because he’s got a huge following of his own. A Hollywood star? I suppose that’s true to a degree, though not in acting or music. He’s actually a personal trainer to the rich and famous and, because of this, he’s got some of that “beautiful people” attitude going on. So, like Holly, I had a hard time trusting his true motives towards her.
But start to finish, watching their relationship grow from one of trainer/trainee to friends to lovers was such a fun experience! My heart ached, my heart soared, I laughed and I cried… I truly enjoyed this story!
I hear this is Ms. Evanovich’s debut novel, and if that’s the case, I’m excited to say we have a brilliant new voice in the contemporary romance genre.
My thanks to Avon Books and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2013
This book had the makings of a great romance but it's was poorly written, very stilted and the non stop head jumping between the hero and heroine on the same page was ridiculous. The love scenes were horrible, so not sexy at all. The fat shaming by the hero toward the heroine and those around him was very uncomfortable. It appears the heroine is 80lbs overweight, and even when she loses half her weight and we're told she had more muscle than fat and is lean, the men in this book still think she's fat because she's double digits and will never be a single digit.
This book read more like a first draft and the characters had weak personalities and the way the acted and reacted made no sense at all. I'm really surprised this was published in the first place because it needs a good content editor. (now I know why this was published, Nepotism here because Stephanie is Janet Evanovich's niece)
Don't waste your time on this one, although I do have to say the secondary couple have a spanking fetish which gave me some chuckles. But again seems so out of place in a book like this.
This book read more like a first draft and the characters had weak personalities and the way the acted and reacted made no sense at all. I'm really surprised this was published in the first place because it needs a good content editor. (now I know why this was published, Nepotism here because Stephanie is Janet Evanovich's niece)
Don't waste your time on this one, although I do have to say the secondary couple have a spanking fetish which gave me some chuckles. But again seems so out of place in a book like this.
July 4, 2013
****CONTAINS SPOILERS, SORT OF*****
The title of this book should have been warning enough but I wanted to read something different than my usual genres. Stephanie Evanovich clearly has the ability to write humorous, sexy romance and I would have give this book 3 stars if it weren't for the completely offensive characterization of Holly, the main character. After seeing her young husband through a grueling death, Holly is overweight and depressed -- understandably so -- but she also has a great sense of humor. She sits next to a personal trainer ("an Adonis") on a plane and he encourages her to contact him to start an exercise plan.
Holly sticks to her exercise plan with astonishing determination, changes her diet, and loses 20 pounds in 4 months! Logan, except for one incident, turns out to be a shallow, world-class jackass but Holly falls for him anyway. He is perfectly satisfied having hot sex with her at any given moment but can't shake his ideal image of the stick-thin model (which he should realize is an unhealthy weight for most women) and actually considers liposuction for the slight bulge in her tummy that he knows no amount of exercise will eliminate. On the other hand, he notes the usefulness of grabbing that little budge when he wants to move her into adventurous sexual positions. It takes another way-too-many-chapters before he works up the courage to take her out in public and risk ruining his reputation by dating a chubby girl. And, the whole time, she's perfectly happy scheduling her life around his and is downright astonished that he even gives her the time of day because he's just so darn perfect. Ugh.
Evanovich tries to show how much Logan grows emotionally but it's too little-too late, especially since she continues to burden Holly with I'm-not-worthy-to-be-dating-such-a-hot-guy traits. The author throws in some light dominance/submission (mostly spanking) because, like (her aunt?) Janet, Stephanie Evanovich apparently knows how to ride a gravy train, too. If she can figure out how to write a truly strong female character instead, she might have a bright future in this genre. I almost gave up on this novel 3 times but I wanted to see if she could redeem it in the end. Sadly, no.
The title of this book should have been warning enough but I wanted to read something different than my usual genres. Stephanie Evanovich clearly has the ability to write humorous, sexy romance and I would have give this book 3 stars if it weren't for the completely offensive characterization of Holly, the main character. After seeing her young husband through a grueling death, Holly is overweight and depressed -- understandably so -- but she also has a great sense of humor. She sits next to a personal trainer ("an Adonis") on a plane and he encourages her to contact him to start an exercise plan.
Holly sticks to her exercise plan with astonishing determination, changes her diet, and loses 20 pounds in 4 months! Logan, except for one incident, turns out to be a shallow, world-class jackass but Holly falls for him anyway. He is perfectly satisfied having hot sex with her at any given moment but can't shake his ideal image of the stick-thin model (which he should realize is an unhealthy weight for most women) and actually considers liposuction for the slight bulge in her tummy that he knows no amount of exercise will eliminate. On the other hand, he notes the usefulness of grabbing that little budge when he wants to move her into adventurous sexual positions. It takes another way-too-many-chapters before he works up the courage to take her out in public and risk ruining his reputation by dating a chubby girl. And, the whole time, she's perfectly happy scheduling her life around his and is downright astonished that he even gives her the time of day because he's just so darn perfect. Ugh.
Evanovich tries to show how much Logan grows emotionally but it's too little-too late, especially since she continues to burden Holly with I'm-not-worthy-to-be-dating-such-a-hot-guy traits. The author throws in some light dominance/submission (mostly spanking) because, like (her aunt?) Janet, Stephanie Evanovich apparently knows how to ride a gravy train, too. If she can figure out how to write a truly strong female character instead, she might have a bright future in this genre. I almost gave up on this novel 3 times but I wanted to see if she could redeem it in the end. Sadly, no.
September 2, 2014
I received this book as an ARC and it has got to be one of the worst books I have ever read. And that is saying something...
I went ahead and finished the book just in case my initial instincts were wrong (they weren't), or that the book would take a turn for the better (it didn't).
The only thing I could think when I read the last page was :"Seriously? They just publish anything that walks across the desk these days don't they?"
What kind of message does this send to women? That you'll never be good enough to have the love that you desire unless someone takes a hand in your life and performs a makeover?
What really makes me angry, and I mean livid, is the fact that Logan, the main love interest, spends almost the entire book thinking as badly of Holly's appearance as she does herself. It is only after she has transformed that he begins to take an interest in her and that, friends, is not love, it's selfish and shallow. This is the example we want to set before women as a desirable partner? No thank you Ms. Evanovich, I'll stay single.
I can't believe a woman actually wrote this awful excuse for chauvinist apologia. I've seen women who can write amazing male characters that encompass emotion, thought, and behavior, but this was just bad.
Small consolation: at least I didn't spend money on it.
I went ahead and finished the book just in case my initial instincts were wrong (they weren't), or that the book would take a turn for the better (it didn't).
The only thing I could think when I read the last page was :"Seriously? They just publish anything that walks across the desk these days don't they?"
What kind of message does this send to women? That you'll never be good enough to have the love that you desire unless someone takes a hand in your life and performs a makeover?
What really makes me angry, and I mean livid, is the fact that Logan, the main love interest, spends almost the entire book thinking as badly of Holly's appearance as she does herself. It is only after she has transformed that he begins to take an interest in her and that, friends, is not love, it's selfish and shallow. This is the example we want to set before women as a desirable partner? No thank you Ms. Evanovich, I'll stay single.
I can't believe a woman actually wrote this awful excuse for chauvinist apologia. I've seen women who can write amazing male characters that encompass emotion, thought, and behavior, but this was just bad.
Small consolation: at least I didn't spend money on it.
July 29, 2019
I really wish I would have looked at the rating and reviews before I read this book. I could have saved myself a lot of annoyance and time.
The characters were all obnoxious, the dialogue was inane, and the book just wasn't good.
2 stars instead of 1 because I didn't hate it. The second half of the book was marginally better than the first, but I have no desire to continue with this series.
The characters were all obnoxious, the dialogue was inane, and the book just wasn't good.
2 stars instead of 1 because I didn't hate it. The second half of the book was marginally better than the first, but I have no desire to continue with this series.
February 12, 2014
NOTE: I've seen a lot of negative comments about how this novel handles weight. I thought the characters grew in acceptance. Yes, Logan starts out with some negative thoughts, but he overcomes them. And Amanda does nothing but accept Holly from the beginning (and Amanda is mentioned as not being some model stick figure either). Please consider reading all the reviews, and not just the negative ones, when making your book buying decisions. HUGS!
When Holly's husband died, she turned to food as an escape and quickly lost herself in it. Then she runs into Logan Montgomery, a personal trainer who offers her a change. Little did he know she would change him, too.
Holly throws herself into Logan's routines and the two spend more and more time together. As they do, the bond between them grows. But can Logan look past "his type"? Can Holly believe she's good enough?
Charm and wit abound in this book. Holly is a likable character, both because she is funny and honest. She showcases the insecurity so many of us have in relationships, although hers is about her weight. And Logan could have easily become a cliche--a man fighting his ideal view of a woman--but thanks to his close friend, Chase, we see sides of Logan that counteract the surface. After all, the heart of this story is overcoming surface judgements.
In addition, the characters are believable and likeable. Chase and his wife, Amanda, deserve their own story (which I was glad to see they are getting in the author's next book). But here they serve as friends and catalysts for change. They are entertaining, believable, and sexy. Most importantly, they increase the same qualities in Holly and Logan.
I laughed out loud several times, and I sniffled when Holly doubted herself. Who hasn't struggled with insecurity in some form? One of the sweetest moments comes courtesy of Holly's longtime friend, Tina, when she sees something in Logan that Holly, and the reader, hadn't fully realized before.
Big Girl Panties is a fast-read full of witty punches, sexy romance, raw emotion, and great characters. I highly recommend it. A home run!
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
When Holly's husband died, she turned to food as an escape and quickly lost herself in it. Then she runs into Logan Montgomery, a personal trainer who offers her a change. Little did he know she would change him, too.
Holly throws herself into Logan's routines and the two spend more and more time together. As they do, the bond between them grows. But can Logan look past "his type"? Can Holly believe she's good enough?
Charm and wit abound in this book. Holly is a likable character, both because she is funny and honest. She showcases the insecurity so many of us have in relationships, although hers is about her weight. And Logan could have easily become a cliche--a man fighting his ideal view of a woman--but thanks to his close friend, Chase, we see sides of Logan that counteract the surface. After all, the heart of this story is overcoming surface judgements.
In addition, the characters are believable and likeable. Chase and his wife, Amanda, deserve their own story (which I was glad to see they are getting in the author's next book). But here they serve as friends and catalysts for change. They are entertaining, believable, and sexy. Most importantly, they increase the same qualities in Holly and Logan.
I laughed out loud several times, and I sniffled when Holly doubted herself. Who hasn't struggled with insecurity in some form? One of the sweetest moments comes courtesy of Holly's longtime friend, Tina, when she sees something in Logan that Holly, and the reader, hadn't fully realized before.
Big Girl Panties is a fast-read full of witty punches, sexy romance, raw emotion, and great characters. I highly recommend it. A home run!
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
August 31, 2013
Being a Big girl I tend to want to read novels written in the perspective of a bigger girl. The concept of putting on Big Girl Panties is common for me for both physically and emotionally. It's hard growing up big without developing some thick skin in the process.
I expected this novel to be as hilarious as its jacket read it would be. I was disappointed. I kept waiting to laugh out loud and my closest reaction was probably a half smirk. Beyond this, I expected the usual chick lit romance element. Unfortunately I found it lacking in even this. The plot is perhaps overly simplistic. A fat widow boards a plane and has to squeeze in beside a hot personal trainer who immediately judges her. As the plane does what planes do, we are too quickly thrust into a "suspension of disbelief" mode wherein the personal trainer Logan Montgomery somehow magically convinces the fat chick to join his personal gym. And I realize I'm saying the fat chick a lot, but without looking at the book jacket I simply do not remember the fat chick's name. Perhaps that says something about the novel too, for while the novel progresses the fat chick becomes skinny. She's lost herself on a treadmill and was lost before she got on it. Logan upon seeing his beautiful creation falls for her and after a poorly constructed, entirely unbelievable conflict, we wade through the remainder of the novel losing interest in whether it ever gets resolved or not. At least, this is the way I viewed it.
It really irks me when bigger women are portrayed as just these unhappy amoebas until a man enters their lives and makes them take a more appealing shape. Yes, society does judge us, fat chicks. Yes, we are aware of that. But aren't we more?
*Please note I generally don't put the same degree of expectation on a chick lit as I would a non fiction. Chick lits to me are meant to be light and fun. However, I do still have some expectations and I do still hold out hope it's entirely possible for a fat chick to be a whole chick either before meeting a man or even after meeting one.*
I expected this novel to be as hilarious as its jacket read it would be. I was disappointed. I kept waiting to laugh out loud and my closest reaction was probably a half smirk. Beyond this, I expected the usual chick lit romance element. Unfortunately I found it lacking in even this. The plot is perhaps overly simplistic. A fat widow boards a plane and has to squeeze in beside a hot personal trainer who immediately judges her. As the plane does what planes do, we are too quickly thrust into a "suspension of disbelief" mode wherein the personal trainer Logan Montgomery somehow magically convinces the fat chick to join his personal gym. And I realize I'm saying the fat chick a lot, but without looking at the book jacket I simply do not remember the fat chick's name. Perhaps that says something about the novel too, for while the novel progresses the fat chick becomes skinny. She's lost herself on a treadmill and was lost before she got on it. Logan upon seeing his beautiful creation falls for her and after a poorly constructed, entirely unbelievable conflict, we wade through the remainder of the novel losing interest in whether it ever gets resolved or not. At least, this is the way I viewed it.
It really irks me when bigger women are portrayed as just these unhappy amoebas until a man enters their lives and makes them take a more appealing shape. Yes, society does judge us, fat chicks. Yes, we are aware of that. But aren't we more?
*Please note I generally don't put the same degree of expectation on a chick lit as I would a non fiction. Chick lits to me are meant to be light and fun. However, I do still have some expectations and I do still hold out hope it's entirely possible for a fat chick to be a whole chick either before meeting a man or even after meeting one.*
March 4, 2013
Reviewed at http://www.mandikayereads.com/archive...
This book had so much potential. But honestly, it just made me mad. The only message this book sent was that overweight women are broken and don’t deserve love until they’re fixed.
This is an unacceptable view of women.
Even while part of me enjoyed the romance aspect of the novel – who doesn’t enjoy a good romance? – I found myself loathing every part of the book because it said that Holly wasn’t worth love until she was beautiful by society’s standards. Her first husband was someone she settled for because she knew that as an overweight woman she’d likely never find someone else.
What kind of message is that?
It’s utter ridiculousness!
And after she lost most of her weight? Logan still didn’t want to bring her out in public and acknowledge her because she just wasn’t quite thin enough.
I’m not even kidding.
I’d suggest you pass on this one unless you want to give yourself high blood pressure.
This book had so much potential. But honestly, it just made me mad. The only message this book sent was that overweight women are broken and don’t deserve love until they’re fixed.
This is an unacceptable view of women.
Even while part of me enjoyed the romance aspect of the novel – who doesn’t enjoy a good romance? – I found myself loathing every part of the book because it said that Holly wasn’t worth love until she was beautiful by society’s standards. Her first husband was someone she settled for because she knew that as an overweight woman she’d likely never find someone else.
What kind of message is that?
It’s utter ridiculousness!
And after she lost most of her weight? Logan still didn’t want to bring her out in public and acknowledge her because she just wasn’t quite thin enough.
I’m not even kidding.
I’d suggest you pass on this one unless you want to give yourself high blood pressure.
February 23, 2013
Probably some spoilers here, so you're warned.
This book was terrible; chick lit at its worst. The writing was so cliched I couldn't stand it. I give props for a decidedly different kind of heroine (read: physically realistic), but I'm so tired of reading about female main characters who live and die by the acceptance of the men in their lives. And of course she has to be "saved" in the end. I didn't find this book empowering, or that it did anything to stand against the hackneyed and insulting plot lines in most fiction that is aimed at women. The fact that Logan calls Holly his "beautiful swan" in the last scene was the last straw. There are plenty of women out here in the world who are capable of transforming themselves and their lives on their own. Why doesn't someone write about that for a change?
This book was terrible; chick lit at its worst. The writing was so cliched I couldn't stand it. I give props for a decidedly different kind of heroine (read: physically realistic), but I'm so tired of reading about female main characters who live and die by the acceptance of the men in their lives. And of course she has to be "saved" in the end. I didn't find this book empowering, or that it did anything to stand against the hackneyed and insulting plot lines in most fiction that is aimed at women. The fact that Logan calls Holly his "beautiful swan" in the last scene was the last straw. There are plenty of women out here in the world who are capable of transforming themselves and their lives on their own. Why doesn't someone write about that for a change?
Read
August 8, 2013review posted on Got Fiction? Books
DNF due to the fat-shaming.
I had a hard time getting passed that. I tried to skip to the end to see if it got better, and I just couldn't get how in the world this guy was considered the "hero" of the book?
Basically Logan is a personal trainer and Holly is overweight. They sit on a flight next to each other and from the get-go Logan the Jackwagon is mentally groaning "Oh poor me, I'm sitting next to a fat person. wah wah wah."
Okay, well, if he had changed his tune during the book I'd be writing this review so differently, but he didn't. He was ashamed of himself for having feelings for her. It was ridiculous and it never ended. So I ended it.
DNF
Note:
When I saw what Smart Bitch Sarah had to say about it I felt vindicated! I'm not the only one who couldn't handle this guy as the love interest (I refuse to call him a hero).
***Review copy courtesy of Avon and Avon Addicts
DNF due to the fat-shaming.
I had a hard time getting passed that. I tried to skip to the end to see if it got better, and I just couldn't get how in the world this guy was considered the "hero" of the book?
Basically Logan is a personal trainer and Holly is overweight. They sit on a flight next to each other and from the get-go Logan the Jackwagon is mentally groaning "Oh poor me, I'm sitting next to a fat person. wah wah wah."
Okay, well, if he had changed his tune during the book I'd be writing this review so differently, but he didn't. He was ashamed of himself for having feelings for her. It was ridiculous and it never ended. So I ended it.
DNF
Note:
When I saw what Smart Bitch Sarah had to say about it I felt vindicated! I'm not the only one who couldn't handle this guy as the love interest (I refuse to call him a hero).
***Review copy courtesy of Avon and Avon Addicts
October 5, 2020
Oops. I got names mixed up, as I do. I thought I was borrowing a Janet Evanovich book.
Oh, well... This was an OK distraction for when doing chores.
Gorgeous demigod, personal trainer dude, with all his faculties and hormones intact, falls for the average, overweight Holly. If that doesn't scream escapist fiction I don't know what does.
Oh, well... This was an OK distraction for when doing chores.
Gorgeous demigod, personal trainer dude, with all his faculties and hormones intact, falls for the average, overweight Holly. If that doesn't scream escapist fiction I don't know what does.
April 7, 2013
Stephanie Evanovich… Stephanie Evanovich… Why does that name sound so familiar?
Yeah, you won’t find it in her official bio, but Stephanie is, in fact, the niece of that other well-known literary Evanovich. Good news! Her debut novel, the cleverly-titled Big Girl Panties, should find favor with Aunt Janet’s fans. When I heard the premise of the novel, my first thought was of Jennifer Weiner, and while Evanovich isn’t the seasoned pro that Weiner is, it’s another good comparison. Zaftig heroine + comedy + romance is a winning formula.
Holly Brennan is the novel’s eponymous big girl. Widowed in her early thirties, it’s easy to empathize with the weight she gained during her husband’s illness and in the two years since. She’d wanted a roomier seat in first class, but wouldn’t you know the only seat available on the packed flight between Toronto and New Jersey is next to an Adonis with dimples. He’s as thrilled as she is.
The Adonis, it turns out, is personal trainer Logan Montgomery, and he’s actually a lot nicer than his initial impression would indicate. Before either knows what’s happening, Logan has offered to take her on as a client and help her slim down and get healthy. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that lives are changed.
Evanovich’s characters are appealing, and it’s easy to become invested in their relationship. She’s also exploring a dynamic that both Bridget Jones and I can relate to: an average-looking girl involved with a far more traditionally-attractive man. Is there a woman in America without body image issues? She may be the one that can’t relate to Holly’s struggles. For the rest of us, it will be all too easy to empathize.
Big Girl Panties is a light and diverting read. The humor is far less madcap than many a chick lit novel, and therefore requires a little less willing suspension of disbelief. Still, if I have one criticism it would be that some of the novel’s situations and the characters’ actions felt contrived. This was especially the case as the tale drew to a close. Nonetheless, I didn’t let that take away my pleasure in a sweet romance.
Speaking of, let’s talk about sex. Some readers want their fiction as pure as the driven snow, while apparently there’s this whole other market hungering for fifty shades of I-don’t-know-what. I fall somewhere in between, but I have to admit that my eyebrows were raised when there was a fairly graphic sex scene just a few pages into the book. That was not an indication, it turns out, of a non-stop barrage of sex, but be forewarned that there are several rather explicit passages. We all know that writing erotica is hard to pull off. There are a few lines here that’ll make you groan—and not in a good way. (Note to self: Select “Smutty Reading of the Month” to share with book club.)
Debut novels are a mixed bag, and Ms. Evanovich has some room for improvement, but she’s off to a great start. Despite a few criticisms, Big Girl Panties was a truly enjoyable and entertaining read. I consumed it happily in a day, completely caught up in the lives, loves, and laughs. Ahhh, if life were really like this, I’d actually go to the gym…
Yeah, you won’t find it in her official bio, but Stephanie is, in fact, the niece of that other well-known literary Evanovich. Good news! Her debut novel, the cleverly-titled Big Girl Panties, should find favor with Aunt Janet’s fans. When I heard the premise of the novel, my first thought was of Jennifer Weiner, and while Evanovich isn’t the seasoned pro that Weiner is, it’s another good comparison. Zaftig heroine + comedy + romance is a winning formula.
Holly Brennan is the novel’s eponymous big girl. Widowed in her early thirties, it’s easy to empathize with the weight she gained during her husband’s illness and in the two years since. She’d wanted a roomier seat in first class, but wouldn’t you know the only seat available on the packed flight between Toronto and New Jersey is next to an Adonis with dimples. He’s as thrilled as she is.
The Adonis, it turns out, is personal trainer Logan Montgomery, and he’s actually a lot nicer than his initial impression would indicate. Before either knows what’s happening, Logan has offered to take her on as a client and help her slim down and get healthy. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that lives are changed.
Evanovich’s characters are appealing, and it’s easy to become invested in their relationship. She’s also exploring a dynamic that both Bridget Jones and I can relate to: an average-looking girl involved with a far more traditionally-attractive man. Is there a woman in America without body image issues? She may be the one that can’t relate to Holly’s struggles. For the rest of us, it will be all too easy to empathize.
Big Girl Panties is a light and diverting read. The humor is far less madcap than many a chick lit novel, and therefore requires a little less willing suspension of disbelief. Still, if I have one criticism it would be that some of the novel’s situations and the characters’ actions felt contrived. This was especially the case as the tale drew to a close. Nonetheless, I didn’t let that take away my pleasure in a sweet romance.
Speaking of, let’s talk about sex. Some readers want their fiction as pure as the driven snow, while apparently there’s this whole other market hungering for fifty shades of I-don’t-know-what. I fall somewhere in between, but I have to admit that my eyebrows were raised when there was a fairly graphic sex scene just a few pages into the book. That was not an indication, it turns out, of a non-stop barrage of sex, but be forewarned that there are several rather explicit passages. We all know that writing erotica is hard to pull off. There are a few lines here that’ll make you groan—and not in a good way. (Note to self: Select “Smutty Reading of the Month” to share with book club.)
Debut novels are a mixed bag, and Ms. Evanovich has some room for improvement, but she’s off to a great start. Despite a few criticisms, Big Girl Panties was a truly enjoyable and entertaining read. I consumed it happily in a day, completely caught up in the lives, loves, and laughs. Ahhh, if life were really like this, I’d actually go to the gym…
May 20, 2013
Raised my eyebrows when there was a pretty explicit sex scene 18 pages in. Apparently 50 shades has influenced more writers.
I tried to like this, and failed. The switching of POV mid paragraph made for confusing, jarring reading. There were three pretty explicit sex scenes that were cliche. There is the fat shaming and Logan's weird feelings about Holly's size. And why is it necessary for the secondary characters to have a weird spanking relationship. So nope, can't recommend.
For a much better story about size & love read Jennifer Weiner's Good in Bed.
I tried to like this, and failed. The switching of POV mid paragraph made for confusing, jarring reading. There were three pretty explicit sex scenes that were cliche. There is the fat shaming and Logan's weird feelings about Holly's size. And why is it necessary for the secondary characters to have a weird spanking relationship. So nope, can't recommend.
For a much better story about size & love read Jennifer Weiner's Good in Bed.
February 26, 2020
We get it. She's HUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGEEEEEE!
I enjoyed the girl power and trying to take control of your life. But why be with someone who is embarrassed by you. Someone who is struggling to accept you for who you are.
Logan, the hero, was kind of shallow and sometimes the heroine came off as too accepting. Also, I don't want to hear narration of Logan with another woman. Not cool. There are also some very long inner monologues that became boring.
But that revenge though!!! Yes, honey!
I enjoyed the girl power and trying to take control of your life. But why be with someone who is embarrassed by you. Someone who is struggling to accept you for who you are.
Logan, the hero, was kind of shallow and sometimes the heroine came off as too accepting. Also, I don't want to hear narration of Logan with another woman. Not cool. There are also some very long inner monologues that became boring.
But that revenge though!!! Yes, honey!
October 26, 2021
Rating 3.25 Stars
“I live sports all day long. I watch ESPN 24 Hours a day just to have a clue what he’s talking about. I made everything that was important to him important to me. And for what. So I could be his best buddy until he gets tired of playing with me. He never once made a plan based on anything I like to do.”
When I started listening to this book I was expecting a Chicklit funny light type read. This was not exactly what I had anticipated.
First off Chicklit books are generally clean romances nothing too explicit. I listen to my audiobooks on a speaker while doing all kinds of tasks including showering. So as I’m listening to Big Girl Panties I learned within the first 10 minutes this is NOT a clean romance. Which is fine I have no problem with that but I wouldn’t listen to it on my speaker where my kids can hear. I had my son pounding on the door asking what the heck I was listening to and there was nothing I could do except take the quickest shower of my life..lol. It was embarrassingly funny. But lesson learned, next time I will make sure of what I’m listening to before I put it in earshot of the kiddos.
Second I was hoping Holly was going to be a take no prisoners kind of girl. I want a strong curvy girl as the MC. And Holly was kind of meek to me. She put up with Logan calling all the shots of their relationship, where they went, and keeping her a secret by spending most nights at home. She definitely had her moments when she broke out of her shell and I applauded those times. 👏
Third I did not like Logan at all. I think he was a narrow minded tool who is very much interested in the aesthetics of a person. Even when he changes his tune he’s still telling his ex Barbie doll girlfriend she’s so beautiful she deserves the kind of guy who will worship her. What about worshipping her for her personality or being a good person? It shouldn’t be ALL about looks!!
My Blurb:
Holly meets Logan on a flight going back home. Logan is a built handsome guy so of course Holly notices him as they are seated next to each other. But Holly knows he won’t be interested in her. She is not a girl that’s Logan’s type. She is not a knockout size 2 Barbie doll. She is a full figured girl with an emphasis on the full, that jumped on the plane not caring what she looked like or even bothering to comb her hair. But Holly has a reason for letting herself go. Her husband has passed away from cancer and she still hasn’t been able to pull herself together.
Logan learns this while they are conversing on the flight back home and decides he can help Holly out. He offers her his services as a Personal Trainer so she can get herself back in shape and move on with life. And of course Logan’s not worried about attraction because Holly’s not really his type. Until after months of working together Holly is looking really good and Logan does starts thinking of Holly as more than a friend. But can he get past the fact that Holly is not his usual size 2 kind of girl?
“We’re the only ones that can be responsible for our own happinesses.”
I definitely thought Big Girl Panties had some funny moments. Especially when Holly learns about Logan’s “Ugly Duckling” mantra. The outfit she choose to wear was hilarious I almost split my gut open laughing so hard as I was listening to it!
The story flowed smoothly and I was entertained.
And it also had some life lessons. Don’t change yourself for a guy. You deserve to be equal partners in any relationship. And you can’t depend on happiness to come from others. You have to do the work to make yourself own self happy.
Even though this wasn’t a favorite and not exactly what I thought, I’ll most definitely give Stephanie Evanovich books another try.
“I live sports all day long. I watch ESPN 24 Hours a day just to have a clue what he’s talking about. I made everything that was important to him important to me. And for what. So I could be his best buddy until he gets tired of playing with me. He never once made a plan based on anything I like to do.”
When I started listening to this book I was expecting a Chicklit funny light type read. This was not exactly what I had anticipated.
First off Chicklit books are generally clean romances nothing too explicit. I listen to my audiobooks on a speaker while doing all kinds of tasks including showering. So as I’m listening to Big Girl Panties I learned within the first 10 minutes this is NOT a clean romance. Which is fine I have no problem with that but I wouldn’t listen to it on my speaker where my kids can hear. I had my son pounding on the door asking what the heck I was listening to and there was nothing I could do except take the quickest shower of my life..lol. It was embarrassingly funny. But lesson learned, next time I will make sure of what I’m listening to before I put it in earshot of the kiddos.
Second I was hoping Holly was going to be a take no prisoners kind of girl. I want a strong curvy girl as the MC. And Holly was kind of meek to me. She put up with Logan calling all the shots of their relationship, where they went, and keeping her a secret by spending most nights at home. She definitely had her moments when she broke out of her shell and I applauded those times. 👏
Third I did not like Logan at all. I think he was a narrow minded tool who is very much interested in the aesthetics of a person. Even when he changes his tune he’s still telling his ex Barbie doll girlfriend she’s so beautiful she deserves the kind of guy who will worship her. What about worshipping her for her personality or being a good person? It shouldn’t be ALL about looks!!
My Blurb:
Holly meets Logan on a flight going back home. Logan is a built handsome guy so of course Holly notices him as they are seated next to each other. But Holly knows he won’t be interested in her. She is not a girl that’s Logan’s type. She is not a knockout size 2 Barbie doll. She is a full figured girl with an emphasis on the full, that jumped on the plane not caring what she looked like or even bothering to comb her hair. But Holly has a reason for letting herself go. Her husband has passed away from cancer and she still hasn’t been able to pull herself together.
Logan learns this while they are conversing on the flight back home and decides he can help Holly out. He offers her his services as a Personal Trainer so she can get herself back in shape and move on with life. And of course Logan’s not worried about attraction because Holly’s not really his type. Until after months of working together Holly is looking really good and Logan does starts thinking of Holly as more than a friend. But can he get past the fact that Holly is not his usual size 2 kind of girl?
“We’re the only ones that can be responsible for our own happinesses.”
I definitely thought Big Girl Panties had some funny moments. Especially when Holly learns about Logan’s “Ugly Duckling” mantra. The outfit she choose to wear was hilarious I almost split my gut open laughing so hard as I was listening to it!
The story flowed smoothly and I was entertained.
And it also had some life lessons. Don’t change yourself for a guy. You deserve to be equal partners in any relationship. And you can’t depend on happiness to come from others. You have to do the work to make yourself own self happy.
Even though this wasn’t a favorite and not exactly what I thought, I’ll most definitely give Stephanie Evanovich books another try.
October 15, 2013
I wanted a lighthearted romantic novel that was tastefully done. I should have just picked up a Nicholas Sparks novel since they are reliably romantic and well-written and don't approach the Fifty Shades dom zone. This was not at all what I thought it was going to be; I am sorry I picked it up.
This book is billed as a romantic comedy but it is neither romantic nor funny. It is just depressingly sad. My heart really moved for Holly in the beginning, when she was overweight and wanted to work on herself and was not obsessed with Logan. But she definitely lost herself a third of the way in. And Logan: once a playboy, always a playboy. I saw virtually no change in him as he used the same tired lines and same horrible behavior towards women from start to finish. (Note the language he uses in his first scene with Natalie with the language he uses in his last scene with Natalie: not all that different. P.S. it is never ok to call a woman a skank, Stephanie Evanovich!) I thought the book was completely degrading towards women and did a disservice to the issues of weight, self-esteem and healthy relationships.
My recommendation: pass, pass, pass!
This book is billed as a romantic comedy but it is neither romantic nor funny. It is just depressingly sad. My heart really moved for Holly in the beginning, when she was overweight and wanted to work on herself and was not obsessed with Logan. But she definitely lost herself a third of the way in. And Logan: once a playboy, always a playboy. I saw virtually no change in him as he used the same tired lines and same horrible behavior towards women from start to finish. (Note the language he uses in his first scene with Natalie with the language he uses in his last scene with Natalie: not all that different. P.S. it is never ok to call a woman a skank, Stephanie Evanovich!) I thought the book was completely degrading towards women and did a disservice to the issues of weight, self-esteem and healthy relationships.
My recommendation: pass, pass, pass!
July 3, 2013
Holly Brennan has no idea what she's in for when she steps on a plane coming back from a business meeting in Toronto. When she's seated next to Logan Montgomery, she catches his slight whiff of disdain over her body, and the logistics of sitting next to an overweight woman. Logan, a personal trainer with his own gym, impulsively takes Holly on as his "project," which results in so much more than Logan's own personal version of The Ugly Duckling with a little Pygmalion thrown in.
Filled with humor, a little kink and a lot of personal growth, Big Girl Panties is an oddity in today's contemporary romance genre. While Holly does lose weight and get into shape under Logan's tutelage and her own perserverence, she does remain against type, and that's what makes this novel so endearing. One would think that all the personal growth was on Holly's side. After all, she has to overcome isolation, loneliness, guilt over her husband's death, and a horrid upbringing, in order to curb her emotional eating. That's all fine and expected in this kind of story and Holly does do a superb job doing just that. But Logan too, needs to put his big boy shorts on and grow up. His growth comes from realizing that he can move beyond his own image others have of him (and what he has of himself), stop caring about what others think, and learn to not only think for himself, but put aside everything else to gain his own happiness. I enjoyed Logan's awakening more than I did Holly's, actually.
The novel is filled with good advice on emotional eating and fitness, probably not intentional as they fit totally into the story, but I got that out of it as well. The only recommendation I have is to cut Chase and Amanda's backstory to a minimum. I'm unaware if these two have appeared in a previous novel, although I have a feeling that would explain why they get so much "press" in this book. If that's the case, and even if it's not, I really didn't need to know the details of their relationship. Hey, whatever works! I don't think the two or three pages explaining their back story was necessary. One or two sentences could have done it. At times, their narration took away from Holly and Logan, and that's a pity. While an interesting secondary couple, their story should not impede the main event, especially when the main event is so darn good!
Really good contemporary romance with more than one twist. I highly recommend it.
Filled with humor, a little kink and a lot of personal growth, Big Girl Panties is an oddity in today's contemporary romance genre. While Holly does lose weight and get into shape under Logan's tutelage and her own perserverence, she does remain against type, and that's what makes this novel so endearing. One would think that all the personal growth was on Holly's side. After all, she has to overcome isolation, loneliness, guilt over her husband's death, and a horrid upbringing, in order to curb her emotional eating. That's all fine and expected in this kind of story and Holly does do a superb job doing just that. But Logan too, needs to put his big boy shorts on and grow up. His growth comes from realizing that he can move beyond his own image others have of him (and what he has of himself), stop caring about what others think, and learn to not only think for himself, but put aside everything else to gain his own happiness. I enjoyed Logan's awakening more than I did Holly's, actually.
The novel is filled with good advice on emotional eating and fitness, probably not intentional as they fit totally into the story, but I got that out of it as well. The only recommendation I have is to cut Chase and Amanda's backstory to a minimum. I'm unaware if these two have appeared in a previous novel, although I have a feeling that would explain why they get so much "press" in this book. If that's the case, and even if it's not, I really didn't need to know the details of their relationship. Hey, whatever works! I don't think the two or three pages explaining their back story was necessary. One or two sentences could have done it. At times, their narration took away from Holly and Logan, and that's a pity. While an interesting secondary couple, their story should not impede the main event, especially when the main event is so darn good!
Really good contemporary romance with more than one twist. I highly recommend it.
November 16, 2017
I loved this book so much! It has what all good romantic comedies should have: quirky characters, witty dialogue and romance. Plus, with a title like that, all women should be reading this and getting inspired to put on their big girl panties and grab life by the horns.
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
March 24, 2018
vary cute
November 8, 2013
Just no.
I only made it to page 18.
Here are some "gems" that await you in just the first 18 pages:
--Page 3: "She...stuffed a...satchel under the seat...and ran her fingers through the rat's nest on her head before sitting in it." So, I guess the protagonist sat on her own head.
--Page 5: Karma is suddenly introduced as a means to explain why the male love interest goes from being a jerk to being, in addition to a perfect physical specimen, both charming and sweet.
--Pages 6-8: More random karma shout-outs.
--Page 5 & Page 9: On page five, Logan (the love interest) can tell that the protagonist noticed his initial rude reaction to her. But on page nine, we have a sentence that states that he guesses he did not hide his reaction as well as he thought.
--Page 12: And I quote: "...telling him she would take up his gauntlet."
--Page 16: The beginning of a sex scene. Yes, already! But, it gets worse! This is a borderline-pornographic scene. And for some unknown reason, the scene does not involve the protagonist but another woman altogether.
--Pages 16-17: Check out all the extra adverbs!
--Page 17-18: In addition to even more superfluous adverbs, the dialog here! Ach!
--Page 18: The "sex kitten" (novel's words, not mine) attempts to "mark" Logan. Huh?
In all sincerity, I wanted to read this story. I was intrigued by the premise and excited about a light, fluffy read that would hopefully make me laugh.
Other than the inexplicable sex scene starting so early (and graphically) on page 17, many of the issues that stopped my reading dead in its tracks could be fixed with the encouragement and mentoring of a great editor. If this author keeps writing, I hope she will go through a much more rigid draft and review process and find a more seasoned editor.
September 16, 2013
2.5 Stars
Holly has never been “model thin”, but after losing her husband four years ago, she really started packing on the pounds. Go figure that the one time she has to venture out of her comfort zone (to fly to Canada and finalize one of her late husband’s accounts) she winds up seated next to Logan, a personal trainer to the rich and famous who could fill-in as a Greek god at a moment’s notice. A mixture of pity and curiosity has Logan offering his training services to Holly at a reduced rate where friendship and more develops.
Maybe it was the fact that for the first time in FOREVER, the temperature was not 100+ degrees and I could enjoy the outdoors while I read, therefore releasing some endorphins. Maybe it was because I’m a bit of a chubbette and I’ve always had the hots for Bob Harper while he screams at the fatties on “The Biggest Loser”. Maybe it was because this was written by Janet Evanovich’s niece. Whatever the reason, I opened this little nonsensical story and just couldn’t put it down. Although I read plenty of romance-y type books, I’ve never been one to fall for the pure fluff. Prime example – I consider the Stephanie Plum series to be the perfect guilty pleasure light read, but I refuse to acknowledge that Janet E. had a plethora of romance novels before introducing me to Ms. Plum. In a nutshell, if you are a fan of the traditional boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back just in time for the big finale romance (with a couple of steamy love scenes thrown in for good measure) – or if you just want something fun to read by the pool, this is a winner.
Holly has never been “model thin”, but after losing her husband four years ago, she really started packing on the pounds. Go figure that the one time she has to venture out of her comfort zone (to fly to Canada and finalize one of her late husband’s accounts) she winds up seated next to Logan, a personal trainer to the rich and famous who could fill-in as a Greek god at a moment’s notice. A mixture of pity and curiosity has Logan offering his training services to Holly at a reduced rate where friendship and more develops.
Maybe it was the fact that for the first time in FOREVER, the temperature was not 100+ degrees and I could enjoy the outdoors while I read, therefore releasing some endorphins. Maybe it was because I’m a bit of a chubbette and I’ve always had the hots for Bob Harper while he screams at the fatties on “The Biggest Loser”. Maybe it was because this was written by Janet Evanovich’s niece. Whatever the reason, I opened this little nonsensical story and just couldn’t put it down. Although I read plenty of romance-y type books, I’ve never been one to fall for the pure fluff. Prime example – I consider the Stephanie Plum series to be the perfect guilty pleasure light read, but I refuse to acknowledge that Janet E. had a plethora of romance novels before introducing me to Ms. Plum. In a nutshell, if you are a fan of the traditional boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back just in time for the big finale romance (with a couple of steamy love scenes thrown in for good measure) – or if you just want something fun to read by the pool, this is a winner.
July 29, 2013
I gave this a 5 star review not because I think the book is perfect (you'll see below in a minute), but because I absolutely loved the idea of challenging our culture's weight bias.
That, and the writing was funny, entertaining, and the sexual tension was THROUGH THE ROOF! I may need to fan myself...
Okay, here goes.
What I liked:
1) Holly and Logan's relationship. Best part of the book, by far. They had interesting dynamics.
2) Hilarious! I laughed out loud so many times.
3) Logan is sexy as all get up, smart, successful, genuinely a good (but not perfect) guy, and knows just how to please a woman in bed. Nuff said.
4) Holly's witty sarcasm. Loved her sense of humor!
5) Excellent building sexual tension. I loved that they were friends first, and then then he started to get jealous when other guys checked her out (EEEK!), etc.
6) Challenges our ideas about weight, image, and attraction.
7) Chase and Amanda Walker were sooo funny.
8) Happy ending, as all chick lit novels should have :)
What I didn't like:
1) Holly slapping Logan in the face at the Halloween party seemed out of character. All through the book she wasn't whiny or willing to play the victim. I understand that she was hurt by the "duckling/swan" comparison, but physical violence seemed like a stretch for her. I was even willing to put up with the bratty, theatrical "swan" costume scene because she was in a bad space (mentally) and feeling hurt, but I felt like she took it WAY out of proportion. It would have been better if she threw a glass of wine his Logan's face, or something.
2) Logan seemed to forgive her giving him a black eye a bit too quickly. I mean, if someone hit me, even if I loved them, I don't' think I'd want them back. Think about if this situation were reversed, with Logan giving Holly the black eye. Changes things, eh?
But all in all, I thoroughly loved this book (even if the slapping scene didn't sit well with me), and would recommend it to anyone who loves romance.
That, and the writing was funny, entertaining, and the sexual tension was THROUGH THE ROOF! I may need to fan myself...
Okay, here goes.
What I liked:
1) Holly and Logan's relationship. Best part of the book, by far. They had interesting dynamics.
2) Hilarious! I laughed out loud so many times.
3) Logan is sexy as all get up, smart, successful, genuinely a good (but not perfect) guy, and knows just how to please a woman in bed. Nuff said.
4) Holly's witty sarcasm. Loved her sense of humor!
5) Excellent building sexual tension. I loved that they were friends first, and then then he started to get jealous when other guys checked her out (EEEK!), etc.
6) Challenges our ideas about weight, image, and attraction.
7) Chase and Amanda Walker were sooo funny.
8) Happy ending, as all chick lit novels should have :)
What I didn't like:
1) Holly slapping Logan in the face at the Halloween party seemed out of character. All through the book she wasn't whiny or willing to play the victim. I understand that she was hurt by the "duckling/swan" comparison, but physical violence seemed like a stretch for her. I was even willing to put up with the bratty, theatrical "swan" costume scene because she was in a bad space (mentally) and feeling hurt, but I felt like she took it WAY out of proportion. It would have been better if she threw a glass of wine his Logan's face, or something.
2) Logan seemed to forgive her giving him a black eye a bit too quickly. I mean, if someone hit me, even if I loved them, I don't' think I'd want them back. Think about if this situation were reversed, with Logan giving Holly the black eye. Changes things, eh?
But all in all, I thoroughly loved this book (even if the slapping scene didn't sit well with me), and would recommend it to anyone who loves romance.
March 16, 2017
An overweight widow and a hot, sexy personal trainer find they have much in common when they meet on a plane, become friends and learn you can’t judge a book by its cover as they humorously grow and change…and fall in love.
July 16, 2013
I'm really on the fence with this book. I was super stoked to see that Janet Evanovich's niece had written a book and its a romantic comedy.
The problem for me is it is too much a comedy and not enough romance, mostly because Logan is more than a bit shallow and Holly totally lacks any self esteem. Her parents are elderly hoarders who only want her so she can take care of them. Her husband died of pancreatic cancer...and she's overweight.
ARGH!
Poor Holly.
However she has spunk and that makes things really funny at times.
Holly isn't going to let the super hot guy sitting next to her in coach make her life hell for the flight and through that comes the offer to help her through personal training.
I think that's why this book was a bit off putting for me. Why do all books about fat girls have to be about the struggle to lose weight so that the super hot guy will fall madly in love with them? (Oh and this is coming from a fat girl, m'kay?)
Of course as she loses weight she gets noticed and Logan does start falling for her. Slowly but surely Logan starts to be less shallow, though he still ponders how he's going to get her to lose those last 20 pounds.
ARGH
I liked the book a lot, but it somehow didn't live up to the hype.
I read this book in one evening. That in itself should prove that it is enjoyable. I found myself laughing out loud many times as I turned the pages. In that respect you can draw comparisons to her aunt Janet. I can definitely see this book being made into a movie too. I just fear that Owen Wilson, Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler might be involved...
The problem for me is it is too much a comedy and not enough romance, mostly because Logan is more than a bit shallow and Holly totally lacks any self esteem. Her parents are elderly hoarders who only want her so she can take care of them. Her husband died of pancreatic cancer...and she's overweight.
ARGH!
Poor Holly.
However she has spunk and that makes things really funny at times.
Holly isn't going to let the super hot guy sitting next to her in coach make her life hell for the flight and through that comes the offer to help her through personal training.
I think that's why this book was a bit off putting for me. Why do all books about fat girls have to be about the struggle to lose weight so that the super hot guy will fall madly in love with them? (Oh and this is coming from a fat girl, m'kay?)
Of course as she loses weight she gets noticed and Logan does start falling for her. Slowly but surely Logan starts to be less shallow, though he still ponders how he's going to get her to lose those last 20 pounds.
ARGH
I liked the book a lot, but it somehow didn't live up to the hype.
I read this book in one evening. That in itself should prove that it is enjoyable. I found myself laughing out loud many times as I turned the pages. In that respect you can draw comparisons to her aunt Janet. I can definitely see this book being made into a movie too. I just fear that Owen Wilson, Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler might be involved...
April 28, 2017
I struggled with how many stars to give this book. I didn't like it, which usually means one star...but that seemed pretty harsh. Thusly, it got a pity star. I didn't hate everything about the book. There were actually quite a few parts I found pretty cute. I was excited about this book because I thought the heroine would get healthy and get confident and realize she was worth more than she thought...I was disappointed because I felt like it was the exact opposite.
Holly's husband has just passed away when she meets Logan on a plane home to New Jersey. She ends up becoming a client of his, he is a personal trainer, and loses 40 pounds. They become friends and eventually more.
There was just sooo much fat shaming in this book. It made it hard to read. I am sure the author would feel like Logan came around and that is the point, but to me he came around way too late. It took him the entire book to not be ashamed of Holly. He dreamed of her losing more weight, he thought maybe she should get lipo, lamented that she would never be in "single digit clothes", he wouldn't take her out in public, it was just sad. He had a heart to heart with his bestie and realized it was a deeper problem within him and had nothing to do with Holly, but it just wasn't enough to make the book worth all the awkwardness.
Not a fan, also, really not loving the title. I think the premise was interesting. The book just ended up being a sad commentary on the obsession our society has with Fifty shades of Grey and being super skinny.
UPDATE: After publishing this review and thinking more about the book, I took away the pity star. I just really didn't like it.
Holly's husband has just passed away when she meets Logan on a plane home to New Jersey. She ends up becoming a client of his, he is a personal trainer, and loses 40 pounds. They become friends and eventually more.
There was just sooo much fat shaming in this book. It made it hard to read. I am sure the author would feel like Logan came around and that is the point, but to me he came around way too late. It took him the entire book to not be ashamed of Holly. He dreamed of her losing more weight, he thought maybe she should get lipo, lamented that she would never be in "single digit clothes", he wouldn't take her out in public, it was just sad. He had a heart to heart with his bestie and realized it was a deeper problem within him and had nothing to do with Holly, but it just wasn't enough to make the book worth all the awkwardness.
Not a fan, also, really not loving the title. I think the premise was interesting. The book just ended up being a sad commentary on the obsession our society has with Fifty shades of Grey and being super skinny.
UPDATE: After publishing this review and thinking more about the book, I took away the pity star. I just really didn't like it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2025
What happens when an over weight, 32 year old, widow ends up sitting next to a physical trainer to the stars in coach on the plane...Life changing experiences for both and Big Girl Panties gives you a front row seat.
Logan Mongomery is a trainer to many professional athletes. He is an all around good guy but he's been focused on his appearance and persona for so long that when he finds himself attracted to Holly Brennan, an over weight client, he doesn't know how to deal with his feelings.
Holly Brennan finds herself a widow and over weight. When she sits next to a beautiful man on the plane she never expected an offer for personal training sessions. Changing her life, one rep at a time, Holly must face her sorrow, food addiction and self image issues all under the watch of a man that sets her pulse on fire.
This was an enchanting story about two people discovering happiness through lots of self growth and friendships. Logan, Mr. Perfect, discovers that maybe a life based on appearance and looks doesn't offer everything he desires. Holly comes to grips with her life losses, changes and her own ability the create her own destiny of happiness. Stephanie Evanovich takes absolutely average human issues, weaves them into a fascinating story that pulls you in and rivets you to the characters plight. A delightful, touching story of personal growth and love.
This ARC copy of Big Girl Panites was given to me by HarperCollins - William Morrow in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication July 9, 2013.
Logan Mongomery is a trainer to many professional athletes. He is an all around good guy but he's been focused on his appearance and persona for so long that when he finds himself attracted to Holly Brennan, an over weight client, he doesn't know how to deal with his feelings.
Holly Brennan finds herself a widow and over weight. When she sits next to a beautiful man on the plane she never expected an offer for personal training sessions. Changing her life, one rep at a time, Holly must face her sorrow, food addiction and self image issues all under the watch of a man that sets her pulse on fire.
This was an enchanting story about two people discovering happiness through lots of self growth and friendships. Logan, Mr. Perfect, discovers that maybe a life based on appearance and looks doesn't offer everything he desires. Holly comes to grips with her life losses, changes and her own ability the create her own destiny of happiness. Stephanie Evanovich takes absolutely average human issues, weaves them into a fascinating story that pulls you in and rivets you to the characters plight. A delightful, touching story of personal growth and love.
This ARC copy of Big Girl Panites was given to me by HarperCollins - William Morrow in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication July 9, 2013.
March 5, 2014
2.5
It was cute.
However, I didn't necessarily agree with some of the underlying clichés. Look people, fat is NOT synonymous with ugly. STOP THIS THINKING IMMEDIATELY.
I also don't like or agree with this idea that "women be acting out because they want attention". One character (who is into spanking with his wife) suggests to another character (who has never tried spanking, and whose love interest has never suggested an interest in spanking) that she is just asking for a spanking for acting a certain way. And you know what? That douchenozzle takes his advice and spanks her!! I personally think he deserved more than a slap to the face. My message here isn't that spanking is bad... just that it should be between two consenting adults who are entirely aware of what is going on. If that is the case, then kudos, spank away, I implore you. However, you do not go around spanking someone all willy-nilly. I'm not talking some love taps during the deed either. I'm talking about bending someone over your knee out of nowhere in a discipline manner. I AM A GROWN WOMAN. DO NOT PATRONIZE ME BECAUSE YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DISCIPLINE ME OVER MY ACTIONS. YOU ARE MISTAKEN. Man, that type of thinking gets on my nerves.
Sorry, I'm making a way bigger deal of this than it was in the book. I have some major hot-button issues. lol
It was cute.
However, I didn't necessarily agree with some of the underlying clichés. Look people, fat is NOT synonymous with ugly. STOP THIS THINKING IMMEDIATELY.
I also don't like or agree with this idea that "women be acting out because they want attention". One character (who is into spanking with his wife) suggests to another character (who has never tried spanking, and whose love interest has never suggested an interest in spanking) that she is just asking for a spanking for acting a certain way. And you know what? That douchenozzle takes his advice and spanks her!! I personally think he deserved more than a slap to the face. My message here isn't that spanking is bad... just that it should be between two consenting adults who are entirely aware of what is going on. If that is the case, then kudos, spank away, I implore you. However, you do not go around spanking someone all willy-nilly. I'm not talking some love taps during the deed either. I'm talking about bending someone over your knee out of nowhere in a discipline manner. I AM A GROWN WOMAN. DO NOT PATRONIZE ME BECAUSE YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DISCIPLINE ME OVER MY ACTIONS. YOU ARE MISTAKEN. Man, that type of thinking gets on my nerves.
Sorry, I'm making a way bigger deal of this than it was in the book. I have some major hot-button issues. lol
March 23, 2019
I enjoyed listening to this romance during my runs.
It was fun to see how the "ugly duckling" with grit and determination became "almost" a beautiful swan. The characters were very likable and interesting.
I could have done without the sex scenes - not that I am very opposed to sex scenes in general but in most cases I thought more along the lines of: Oh no! Come on, I want to know how the story is going on.
There is quite a bit of body shaming going on but if you can get past that it is a very fun read.
It was fun to see how the "ugly duckling" with grit and determination became "almost" a beautiful swan. The characters were very likable and interesting.
I could have done without the sex scenes - not that I am very opposed to sex scenes in general but in most cases I thought more along the lines of: Oh no! Come on, I want to know how the story is going on.
There is quite a bit of body shaming going on but if you can get past that it is a very fun read.
June 13, 2013
This was okay as far as romance novels go, but don't expect to be touched by the sentimentality of the story. In fact, it may end up being insulting to some, though I do believe the intent was to motivate and encourage. There was an overwhelming amount of stereotyping (the rich, the overweight, the personal trainers) that made it hard to swallow at times, and the ending was way too simple and predictable for my taste. A quick easy read that is sure to fade easily from memory.
February 24, 2019
This book was confusing to me. On one hand, I liked it and on the other, I really did not. I could see what message the author was trying to convey to us. The problem was that Ms. Evanovich had a bit of a problem communicating that message in a way that was clear and convincing. This book was by no means a comedic book. It dealt with very difficult issues – widowhood, morbid obesity, a lack of self-respect and even bullying.
Holly has never been a thin woman, and with her body type, she never will be. However, the fact that she recently nursed her husband through a long bout with cancer has not been kind to her figure. One day as she is flying home from Toronto, she has the bad luck (or it could be good luck) to sit next to one of the most handsome men she has ever seen. The ticket taker wanted Holly to buy two seats to accommodate her butt, and of course, Mr. Adonis (Logan) sees her as fat, sloppy, pathetic and possibly smelly. Now, mind you Mr. Adonis (Logan) is a personal trainer to athletes and fashion models. He is a serial dater of 6-foot tall blonde-haired snotty, stick figure women, sorry I mean beautifully slender models. Holly sits next to Logan they get to talking and by the end of the flight, Logan decides to take her on as a client.
Some parts of the book are truly wonderful, there are believable conversations between the protagonists, things happen to move the story in the right direction. Then there are parts of this book that you may be wishing to pluck out your own eyeballs – parts where the protagonists are not acting like the mature adults the reader knows them to be.
The sexual interludes can be hot one moment and downright silly the next. Ms. Evanovich decided to make a pair of secondary characters, fetishists and does not do a very good job with it.
The ending is somewhat trite and clichéd, but we finally get to the meat or the heart of the issues that both Holly and Logan have, and while Holly’s answer to adversity this time is to walk out and go back to a hated life, things do work out in the end. You will have a bit of difficulty stretching your disbelief for this book and I think that that is the main issue I had with it. I know it is fiction and it is romantic fiction to boot so we get to play in a different playground than other authors play in. But even though it is fiction, the main part of the book still has to be believable and I’m afraid that this book strays just a little too far from credibility for my taste.
Holly has never been a thin woman, and with her body type, she never will be. However, the fact that she recently nursed her husband through a long bout with cancer has not been kind to her figure. One day as she is flying home from Toronto, she has the bad luck (or it could be good luck) to sit next to one of the most handsome men she has ever seen. The ticket taker wanted Holly to buy two seats to accommodate her butt, and of course, Mr. Adonis (Logan) sees her as fat, sloppy, pathetic and possibly smelly. Now, mind you Mr. Adonis (Logan) is a personal trainer to athletes and fashion models. He is a serial dater of 6-foot tall blonde-haired snotty, stick figure women, sorry I mean beautifully slender models. Holly sits next to Logan they get to talking and by the end of the flight, Logan decides to take her on as a client.
Some parts of the book are truly wonderful, there are believable conversations between the protagonists, things happen to move the story in the right direction. Then there are parts of this book that you may be wishing to pluck out your own eyeballs – parts where the protagonists are not acting like the mature adults the reader knows them to be.
The sexual interludes can be hot one moment and downright silly the next. Ms. Evanovich decided to make a pair of secondary characters, fetishists and does not do a very good job with it.
The ending is somewhat trite and clichéd, but we finally get to the meat or the heart of the issues that both Holly and Logan have, and while Holly’s answer to adversity this time is to walk out and go back to a hated life, things do work out in the end. You will have a bit of difficulty stretching your disbelief for this book and I think that that is the main issue I had with it. I know it is fiction and it is romantic fiction to boot so we get to play in a different playground than other authors play in. But even though it is fiction, the main part of the book still has to be believable and I’m afraid that this book strays just a little too far from credibility for my taste.
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