Crashing her cheating boyfriend’s wedding in a fit of rage was not voluptuous Belle Broune’s best plan. Now she’s been branded by the gossips as ‘The Other Woman’. Oh, the shame of it!
Wedding guest Marty Lawson finds it all very funny, but when family connections result in him trying to comfort her in his usual jovial way, the sparks start to fly between them. Can he convince this luscious woman that he’s serious and not just simply amusing himself?
I was bothered at turns by some of the things in this novel, but the issues were sort of...patched...at later points. Belle seemed to do a lot of crying and a lot of jumping to conclusions. For a 30 year old woman, she was frustratingly juvenile to me. Virginity doesn't necessarily correlate to naivety. Like most BBW heroines, Belle had a giant "I'm fat and nobody could really love me, and nobody could truly be attracted to me" chip on her shoulder. Despite Marty's blatant and unwavering interest in her, Belle walks around feeling sorry for herself because a "man like that could never love a girl like me". Again, frustratingly common in BBW romances. I guess my problem with this, and most others, is that I'm very tired of reading the Sad Fat Girl trope. I'm sick of slogging through 100+ pages of the heroine doggedly refusing to acknowledge someone else's attraction to them. Not that I don't understand that this is a common mindset and that its indicative of self esteem issues symptomatic of growing up fat in a world that hates fat people. I am very well acquainted with this aspect of reality. I'm just kind of frustrated that every single BBW heroine I read displays these insecurities and its almost formulaic in its execution. Here's some apparently beautiful woman whose only "flaw" is that she's overweight (and the way the weight is described on most of them, it seems to be distributed in the most socially "acceptable" way). The woman is a good person but the world is terrible, every other non-fat woman who isn't the woman's friend is a "skinny bitch". All the thin women are jerks and sluts and materialistic assholes who only want to go after the guy because he's hot or has money. The man is usually flawless. He tries time and again to win the woman over despite her erratic and nonsensical behavior. He is usually immediately attracted to all her softness and her beauty.
We spend the entirety of the book, between initiation and ending, dealing with the results of the woman's insecurities. She thinks she's unlovable, he tries to convince her otherwise, she acts crazy because she's insecure, he ignores all signs and continues forward. I also hate how often the man says garbage like "you're not fat" because that's awful and untrue. Every one of these women is fat. And that's a truth I think of as important for any of their significant others to realize. I hate it in real life too, because its saying that 'fat' can't simultaneously be 'beautiful' and that's just not true. All of these women are meant to be beautiful, at least to their partners. Why can't they be both? It's because fat is almost like a slur, and not admitting that their partner is fat is like admitting that they believe all the negative connotations behind the word. Simply acknowledging the physical state of their partners isn't saying that they think they're lazy, or stupid, or they smell, or whatever else people really mean when they use fat as a derogatory term. It means that yes, they're aware their partner is fat, and no...it does not matter to them.
All that said, the book wasn't an entirely tortuous read compared to others in the genre. Bell's Sad Fat Girl syndrome wasn't as horrific as others either. There were many more points in this book that didn't quite sit well with me, but if you're reading mindlessly, its not too awful. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this to anyone, but it wasn't as offensive as it could have been and the sex parts were passable.
Wow, I knew that Marty's story was going to be a good one. Hubba freakin hubba! The front cover is very fitting for the image that I have in my head while reading. Hot & sexy, some parts as I read, my breath caught & honestly found I was in need of a cold shower.
Marty Lawson, youngest son & playboy & major player in big business. Love his sense of humour. Love the whole story. Belle Broune never stood a chance. No matter how hard she tried to stay away from him, there is no woman alive that would have walk away from him. The character of Marty Lawson, with all of his past playboy antics. He is the ultimate wet dream of every red blooded woman with an ounce of life left in her body.
I know a huge statement to make, but from the first time we met him in the 'Big Girls Lovin' series he stood out. I still love his sister Cindy's husband, Tim (the vet) his story was so hot it nearly melted my computer screen. I loved that we got to hear from Cindy & Tim again. At a family lunch, the picture of Tim & Marty wrestling with shirts ripped open, get the picture. But reading about Marty in his pursuit of an inexpeienced & recently hurt Belle. I love the description that Marty looks like sex on legs.
Belle Broune, after she embarasses the hell out of herself at confronting the guy who broke her heart, tries to reclaim her life as best she can. But Marty who witnesses the scene, not knowing who this woman is, gets his chance to start to know her & feels the attraction straight away. Belle has issues & her insecurities & fear of getting hurt again nearly cost her the chance of a love of a life time.
Wonderful story that while reading you will either have the hugest smile on your face 1 minute or tearing up with the pain & then panting for breath the next. Marty manages to win Belle over, like I said before, she's only human & he in my head is a God. To put aside the issue's of plus size women. Marty really is every womans dream.
Sexy, hot, passionate, funny, romantic, real characters with some raw issues that some women like Belle deal with every day. Even at times our heart is in pain for what Marty is feeling, bringing tears to our eyes, just shows how loveable he is.
Fantastic story, with a true romantic heart pulling HEA. Well done.
she was really weird and annoying bc thats a requisite w a fat heroine. she must hate herself and be confused as to why “GOOD LOOKING” men will like her (which btw all these women are generally the excusable type of fat., smaller side of fat, and i am as well and honestly it just makes me feel terrible about myself but it’s like i guess it “could be worse” and it sends out a horrible message. double points for the people begging her to believe shes not fat even if she is cos it’s a fact.)
not only that! but there are so many rude people around. and it rly is unattractive when men sleep around but women cant and all the other women r hos but these dudes are just hot and the sluts cant help themselves??? not only is it misogynist it’s exhausting. i know this is a trope but.
then theres the writing...”mounds” enough said.
i mean romance novels are a vit of a slog im learning and im trying to get through ones with fat protags and find at least ONE that isnt excruciating...and one more thing WHEN SOMEONE TELLS YOU NO THEY MEAN FUCKING N-O. i finished with like 70% left. but srsly not listening to women isnt cute.
So sweet!!, Marty you are an absolute gem!!, so patient, so kind and so damn cheeky!, you slowly wore Belle down but honestly she didn't stand a chance, great story, loved Marty's parents can they adopt me please?!!, nice to hear from Cindy and Tim the gorgeous vet. Really liked Holly the best friend and even Alan who I've never warmed to actually grew on me. Oh and the kittens, Cleo the cat and Marty's dog Sugar I love it when there's pet in stories!!. The best bit for me was when Belle was finally honest about her insecurities with Marty had me sighing so adorable. Loved it, loved it. Now I've finished these books (sad). But I want to read more by Ms V and what do I find there's more and Alan is next!!, Yay!, happy dance.
Very cute story for all the BBW out there. The best part of this story was what a scorned woman did with shocking head turning payback to a womanizing arse!!!! Good read.
A very strong 4 stars!! This started out slow for me, but it ended up being a very sweet guilty pleasure read.
I was IN LOVE with Alex’s story and based on what we saw of Marty in the previous books, I knew he was likeable but I didn’t think I could love him as much in his own book. I was wrong.
Unlike the other heroes where we could understand why they fell hard for the heroines, this one was not obvious – Marty’s reasons were not as tangible and believable. However, once I got past it and just took his word for it, it was really very sweet. I like how this author empowers her heroines with confidence from the support of a good man (maybe except Cindy – she’s plenty confident on her own.) Here, Belle needed it especially after her trust was betrayed by Trevor and Marty was perfect for the job.
My favorite part was perhaps 6 months later in their relationship when Marty worried he was losing Belle. Even then he never took her affections for granted and was still trying to earn her love. His conversation with his dad was endearing and just amazing! This, like much of this author’s BBW books, is a grown woman’s fairy tale and I was definitely caught up in it.
One thing I kind of wish was part of the story is if Belle and Marty met and played together as children and met again as adults – not so farfetched since their parents are long-time close friends. It would just be a sweet addition for the H/h to have that link in their past.
Sweet and hot story! I enjoyed reading this book so much, it was sweet and pretty hot too, I think Marty is my favorite hero in these related stories from AV. The story flowed so well, there were no jarring moments between the characters, which then made my experience as the reader so much nicer. Every woman should have a Marty!! Great story and a keeper.
Other readers hate it when a plus size FMC struggles with her body. Realistically if a person went thru what she did and her new love was as handsome, and rich along with being a playboy I think most women would struggle with their body image. I just thought it was wonderful that he recognized it for what it was and worked on it with her. Lovely story. Lovely HEA
Some annoying typos, but overall pretty cute. Maybe a 3.5 because the heroine was a little annoying at times jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst too much.
not that good! no relationship built really and all verdenius men have a personality before they become the same dude once they make out with/sleep with the women. work on that.
I am being lazy (again!) with The Lawson Boys you're going to get a two for one experience; one review, two books! In my defense it isn't just sheer laziness that motivates me, but also to stop from repeating myself, both the books in this series, Alex and Marty are very similar and what I think about one, very much applies to the other.
As I wade my way through Ms Verdenius's books I am finding this to be a regular occurrence, her books are very similar in character and tone. I know exactly what I am going to find when I open one of her books up; A very sexy hero and a BBW heroine who needs his lovin' and convincing that he doesn't mind a few extra lumps and bumps on her body. This all comes together to give you a sweet and sexy romance between two very likable characters.
If you have read some of Ms Verdenius's other books you will also recognise the Marty and Alex, this is another aspect of her books I enjoy most of the people in it have also popped up in her other series or standalones so they are familiar and you know a lot of the secondary characters. But, despite this, these books are repetitious and it can be a bit boring when you know exactly what is going to happen, especially when the vocabulary is almost exactly the same, we definitely have some word favoritism going on here.
But, this is a sexy and fun little series and I enjoyed mind oogling Alex and Marty, especially Marty, I can't resist a man with a nipple piercing!
I'm a big fan of Angela Verdenius' books and this is no exception. Belle was a sweetheart. She was timid and shy, with a strong, confident woman dying to get out. I can see how her self hatred (well, maybe not hate) could come across as pitying, but her vulnerability felt honest to me. The first man she trusted with not just her heart, but her virginity, basically made her feel like she was nothing. When Marty comes along to changer her perception, of course she's going to be resistant. There's a lot of hate talk she has to unlearn before she can fully open herself up to someone else.
It was a little (okay, a lot) annoying that Alan kept referring to her as the big girl, big chick, whatever, but honestly, and unfortunately, most of the time that's how bigger people are described in real life.
I highly enjoyed this book. The characters felt honest. Not just the main characters, but the best friends, the parents, everything. I like the fact that her books aren't overly dramatic with people ending up in the hospital or crazy ex girlfriends. It's basically about the relationship between two people, which is hard enough on its own, and the way they get over their own issues and come together.
I really enjoy these stories :) If you have not read the previous books, don't worry I don't think it is necessary to do so before reading this one. However more enjoyment can be derived from having read the others first. Marty is very patient with Bella's insecurities. Although at first you wonder if he may be an over confident, smug womaniser, he quickly shows his redeeming qualities. Bella's character is at times a bit of a worry but I still liked her. The secondary characters of Holly and Alan were fun and supportive. This story is for pet lovers. There is a fair bit of Aussie slang and even a smattering of Pommie slang...which us Aussies have melded into our own :). For Americans there is included a bit of a glossary to help you with these terms at the start of the book and a reminder of Australian spelling that you may think are typos. Having said that I did come across some typos as well but I have yet to read an ebook that doesn't have some...shrug...you get over it. I recommend this story as a fun and sweet romance. There are some hot love scenes but not until a fair way into the story.
*I got a free ARC of this book via Manic Readers in exchange of an honest review*
This review was first published at Risqué Reviews, and is where you can find the full review.
THE LAWSON BOYS: MARTY was a delicious tale. Verdenius just has a sense of humor that I really appreciate, making me love both the heroine and the hero. The story was hot, fun, and a good read. I did find some typos though, but I plan to read the first book in the series because THE LAWSON BOYS: MARTY definitely hit a sweet spot with me. And Belle Broune is officially one of my new favorite heroines! Seriously, the interactions between Marty and Belle are great.
Love this entire series, although it's not marked as a series. Marty and Belle are a great couple -- and how they meet is just funny! You'll have to have the fan on as you read how Marty wins over Belle - it's that HOT!
Funny and real characters, plus-sized heroines (in this series), and Australia as the background. Truly enjoyable!
I'd recommend this order for reading these books--that way, you can continue seeing the characters from the previous books in the lives of the characters of the next book:
Doctor's Delight Cop's Passion Vet's Desire The Lawson Boys: Alex The Lawson Boys: Marty The Virgin Sex Queen
I must admit that I loved this hero more than I cared for the heroine, but it's that way for me in many of my favorite books. I liked the curvy heroine and her vulnerability. It was real and I could relate to it. Her insecurity regarding her figure wasn't the focus of the story, but a revelation for the couple to work through. I enjoyed that. I'm excited to start the first book, Alex,--yes I'm reading the series out of order. This Big Girl Lovin' series is the curvy bomb!! I love that the writer is from Australia. I get to learn about iced coffee's and biccies. I love the slang. This book made me smile!
This was fun. The heroine made quite and entrance-coming to the city, walking into a wedding and letting everyone know that the groom had been with her just weeks before--and then slapping him. The wedding stopped and everything became crazy. The heroine even appears in the papers as "the other woman." She then meets the city's playboy, who is the son of the people she is staying with. And they are attracted to each other. The scandal is a problem to her, though, which makes it hard for him to make time with her. Great story
I think out of the series of books Marty is my favorite i love the way although normally confident he was brought down not by some stunning model type but by someone that could be anyone of us. i have to admit i have read and re read this book many times. Totally love it the hole series in this range are brilliant love this author and i thank her for showing curvaceous women as desirable because we are.
What a really, really enjoyable short story. Belle is one strong, bold, insecure, tender & loving BBW. Marty is a sexy, wealthy, down to earth, funny, & kind bachelor. They are not two people anyone would see together. But, after his friends wedding both their lives start changing in a public way. Sit back and enjoy the ride it is so much fun. The characters in this book are fun free spirits that will have you smiling as you read. So worth the read these two characters make it worth it.
This book was a surprise. I didn't expect much going in but mild entertainment, and it was a bit slow here and there. But Marty's character was really entertaining and HOT. It was a sexier read than I was expecting too. What's-her-face was kinda annoying with her incessant insecurities. But Marty with his wee dog and friend Alan, made up for it. Loved the way Marty stands up for her over and over again. Sweet!
OMG I truly loved Martin Lawson, what a man with a such Ego, pride and a humungous Heart; My heart goes pittle pattle, just thinking of him. He was such a big influence in Belle's life that who wouldn't want someone in your life.
NICE STORY.... Well Marty was fun , n Belle was really cute... but what i really don't get is why everybody was bothering belle about what she did... what she did was awesome, i liked her guts... that jerk deserved it....
I love how Marty interact with his family. Perfect picture of a happy family. Too bad there were no signs of Alex. But there was Alan, the one with the songs of Mike and Maddy *grin* This book is so good. So many fun scenes. I just love the Lawson boys. A whole lot :)
I'll review this book after I finish reading another one by Verdenius, The Virgin Sex Queen. I've been jotting things down and I'm writing a thogough review on these books. It might not be award winning literature, but if I read it, it's worth a thought.
Rereads are the best. I forgot how much I loved Marty. More importantly I forgot how much of an ass Alan is. I know I loved him in the next but but dang. And I still love Mike and Tim. I just love how all these worlds are all intertwined. Makes me feel like it's more of a real world.