What do you think?
Rate this book
The Worth #1
Worth the Weight
A new body. A new life. An old flame?
Lizzie Hampton is literally a shadow of her former self. Having lost half her body weight, she's headed to her small hometown to test out her new body on an old flame. Just a harmless fling to get her self-confidence back before she returns to the city and the new man in her life.
But Lizzie's plan has a few bumps in the road.
Finn Robbins can't believe Liz is back in town. Desperate to be the holder of her innocence eighteen years ago, he never got the chance. Now she's back and he can finally check her off his to do list. But her friends, his son, and the mysterious Annie may have something to say about that.
Lizzie Hampton is literally a shadow of her former self. Having lost half her body weight, she's headed to her small hometown to test out her new body on an old flame. Just a harmless fling to get her self-confidence back before she returns to the city and the new man in her life.
But Lizzie's plan has a few bumps in the road.
Finn Robbins can't believe Liz is back in town. Desperate to be the holder of her innocence eighteen years ago, he never got the chance. Now she's back and he can finally check her off his to do list. But her friends, his son, and the mysterious Annie may have something to say about that.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
1335 people are currently reading
4375 people want to read
About the author
Mara Jacobs
29 books372 followersMara Jacobs is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Worth series.
After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in advertising, Mara spent several years working at daily newspapers in advertising sales and production. This certainly prepared her for the world of deadlines!
She writes mysteries with romance, thrillers with romance, and romances with…well, you get it.
Forever a Yooper (someone who hails from Michigan's glorious Upper Peninsula), Mara now splits her time between the U.P. and Las Vegas.
You can find out more about Mara’s books at
www.marajacobs.com
Mara loves to hear from readers. Contact her at mara@marajacobs.com
After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in advertising, Mara spent several years working at daily newspapers in advertising sales and production. This certainly prepared her for the world of deadlines!
She writes mysteries with romance, thrillers with romance, and romances with…well, you get it.
Forever a Yooper (someone who hails from Michigan's glorious Upper Peninsula), Mara now splits her time between the U.P. and Las Vegas.
You can find out more about Mara’s books at
www.marajacobs.com
Mara loves to hear from readers. Contact her at mara@marajacobs.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 544 reviews
April 27, 2013
Might be spoilery?
Abandoned.
I knew what it was going to be like before I started reading it, but it was free, so hey, why not, right?
I understand that the protag was in a completely different situation that I myself am, and I get that. But as interesting as the story itself was, the constant fat-shaming was not endearing me to the character. Yes, she grew up a size 10 and at some point between her youth and mid 30s she doubled in size and was horribly humiliated during a potential sexual encounter. So she doesn't try again for another 10 years? And feels like she HAD to lose weight to be worthy of some guy who is "perfect for her on paper" (and we have yet to meet) but she doesn't want to have sex with him in her once-again-thin body (that she inspects ALL THE TIME) without giving it a test drive with someone who she won't hate if he's repulsed by her (which is a total crock of shit, because she had to "prepare herself" when she thought he was going to say he was leaving their date early because she was too fat). Come on.
Of course, this might just be me. I've never been skinny so I don't know what it feels like to be this person. But our heroine's shallow need to take her new body for a test drive so she can shallowly marry a trophy husband that might be a total asshole (who knows, I didn't get far enough to even find out if we meet this guy) does not endear me to her. I'll read a story about a self-aware bitch any day. But Liz is not a nice person and she doesn't even realize it. Or at least that's what I'm getting here.
Abandoned.
I knew what it was going to be like before I started reading it, but it was free, so hey, why not, right?
I understand that the protag was in a completely different situation that I myself am, and I get that. But as interesting as the story itself was, the constant fat-shaming was not endearing me to the character. Yes, she grew up a size 10 and at some point between her youth and mid 30s she doubled in size and was horribly humiliated during a potential sexual encounter. So she doesn't try again for another 10 years? And feels like she HAD to lose weight to be worthy of some guy who is "perfect for her on paper" (and we have yet to meet) but she doesn't want to have sex with him in her once-again-thin body (that she inspects ALL THE TIME) without giving it a test drive with someone who she won't hate if he's repulsed by her (which is a total crock of shit, because she had to "prepare herself" when she thought he was going to say he was leaving their date early because she was too fat). Come on.
Of course, this might just be me. I've never been skinny so I don't know what it feels like to be this person. But our heroine's shallow need to take her new body for a test drive so she can shallowly marry a trophy husband that might be a total asshole (who knows, I didn't get far enough to even find out if we meet this guy) does not endear me to her. I'll read a story about a self-aware bitch any day. But Liz is not a nice person and she doesn't even realize it. Or at least that's what I'm getting here.
November 26, 2014
DNF'd at 18%. I had zero respect for either hero or heroine, and my tolerance level for "woe is me, I used to be fat" bullshit is abysmally low. OK, you used to be overweight and now you're not. We get it. Move.On.
The saddest part, however, was that even though I was annoyed, I was also bored. And I think that's saying something.
The saddest part, however, was that even though I was annoyed, I was also bored. And I think that's saying something.
November 19, 2013
Worth the Weight is my first book by Mara Jacobs. I came across this book as a free read, and wasn't too impressed with some of the reviews for it. Still, it was free and I decided there wouldn't be any loss should I try it and not like it. I'm really happy I took the chance.
Summary:
Elizabeth "Lizzie" Hampton is headed to her small Michigan hometown from where she has lived the past eighteen years in Detroit. She's a new woman and has a plan to fulfill the one dream she never allowed herself to jumpstarted her new way of life. See, for twelve of the last eighteen years, Lizzie has been overweight and distant from personal relationships besides those with her parents, brother, and two best friends, Katie and Alison. She has always been successful and confident in her career of public relations, but seemed to disconnect from her body, make bad choices, and continue to do nothing about it. Three years ago, she woke up. She started losing weight, feeling better about herself, but looking better doesn't change the fact that she is woefully inexperienced with intimacy and scared to get back out there. This is where her plan comes in. She takes two months off work (after tying up loose ends), makes the trip home to Copper Country to "visit her parents", and then casually runs into her ex-flame, Finn Robbins, thereby creating the opportunity to try out her new body on him before jumping into a serious relationship with someone else. Finn was a boy Lizzie dated when she was eighteen, and they both felt the undeniable need and longing they had for each other, but Lizzie wouldn't let herself ever from the plan she had for her life which didn't include giving up her v-card before junior year of college. Still, she wanted Finn, the bad boy that made her body come alive, but Finn broke her heart, ruining any chance she would have given him. Now, she's determined to have him, and test out her new slimmer body at the same time. Finn Robbins cant believe he's looking at the one girl he wanted so badly, but never got. Essentially, his one that got away. But now she's back and he can do all the things he never got to do before, and finally let go of his mental hold on her. It's plain to see that both Finn and Lizzie are different people, have lived through life, which can take its toll, but the underlying passion and chemistry they shared so long ago is still there and humming right along. Both are pleased that they are looking for the same thing, a Summer fling, and then they can move on with their lives. Whether good or bad, life and love always has a way of veering from any plan, and soon Finn and Lizzie are caught up in so much more than a fling. Finn has lived a hard life that has taught him some painful lessons, right or wrong, and Lizzie has a long journey to complete with her body image and confidence in that arena, not to mention uncovering the reason for her weight-gain to begin with. It will take a lot of trust on both sides, as well as Finn's son, Lizzie's friends, and the mysterious Annie to make their way to a place where they can show their love for each other freely and commit to a future. Only time will tell if old habits and past lessons will get in the way of what they each were looking for, but never saw.
I loved the storyline. Not only was is about a woman's positive image of herself, and the struggle a woman can go through to achieve it, but it was also about pride and self-worth. I adored Lizzie. She was sweet, kind, giving, and funny. Her ability to bring humor was admirable, and the struggle she went through to come to a place where she was content in her looks was inspirational. Every woman has had issues with their looks at some point, and letting people know it's okay and that you can't internalize it is a very good lesson. So many people have eating issues and choose to suffer in silence instead of being criticized or brought low for it. Lizzie, realized she was shoving her emotions down deep in order to be the person everyone expected, and damaged her body in doing so. She's a very strong woman. Finn was a classic example of a man raised in a neglectful home. His views on women were skewed by his alcoholic mother and ex-wife, and his own self-worth damaged from the difficult childhood he led. He was a fantastic father, and incredibly strong for standing by his family like he did. Him and Lizzie together were amazingly sweet, and I love that they got their second chance at romance. Supporting cast was just as captivating and really cemented my intention to keep reading the series. Just an aside or soapbox moment, if you will, about something I read in some reviews before reading...I don't feel this book was about a woman who couldn't be happy unless she was a twig. Even after she lost the weight, it said multiple times that she was soft and curvy, which is in the image of the average woman. She was overweight. Unhealthily so, and decided to change her life, elongate it by becoming healthier, and making herself happy. That is admirable, and I guess my point is, is that those reviews that hinted she was shallow for her actions in losing weight and her plan afterwards obviously didn't read closely enough. A fantastic read in which the author pulled me in from the start, I look forward to reading on about Katie and Alison. <3
Summary:
Elizabeth "Lizzie" Hampton is headed to her small Michigan hometown from where she has lived the past eighteen years in Detroit. She's a new woman and has a plan to fulfill the one dream she never allowed herself to jumpstarted her new way of life. See, for twelve of the last eighteen years, Lizzie has been overweight and distant from personal relationships besides those with her parents, brother, and two best friends, Katie and Alison. She has always been successful and confident in her career of public relations, but seemed to disconnect from her body, make bad choices, and continue to do nothing about it. Three years ago, she woke up. She started losing weight, feeling better about herself, but looking better doesn't change the fact that she is woefully inexperienced with intimacy and scared to get back out there. This is where her plan comes in. She takes two months off work (after tying up loose ends), makes the trip home to Copper Country to "visit her parents", and then casually runs into her ex-flame, Finn Robbins, thereby creating the opportunity to try out her new body on him before jumping into a serious relationship with someone else. Finn was a boy Lizzie dated when she was eighteen, and they both felt the undeniable need and longing they had for each other, but Lizzie wouldn't let herself ever from the plan she had for her life which didn't include giving up her v-card before junior year of college. Still, she wanted Finn, the bad boy that made her body come alive, but Finn broke her heart, ruining any chance she would have given him. Now, she's determined to have him, and test out her new slimmer body at the same time. Finn Robbins cant believe he's looking at the one girl he wanted so badly, but never got. Essentially, his one that got away. But now she's back and he can do all the things he never got to do before, and finally let go of his mental hold on her. It's plain to see that both Finn and Lizzie are different people, have lived through life, which can take its toll, but the underlying passion and chemistry they shared so long ago is still there and humming right along. Both are pleased that they are looking for the same thing, a Summer fling, and then they can move on with their lives. Whether good or bad, life and love always has a way of veering from any plan, and soon Finn and Lizzie are caught up in so much more than a fling. Finn has lived a hard life that has taught him some painful lessons, right or wrong, and Lizzie has a long journey to complete with her body image and confidence in that arena, not to mention uncovering the reason for her weight-gain to begin with. It will take a lot of trust on both sides, as well as Finn's son, Lizzie's friends, and the mysterious Annie to make their way to a place where they can show their love for each other freely and commit to a future. Only time will tell if old habits and past lessons will get in the way of what they each were looking for, but never saw.
I loved the storyline. Not only was is about a woman's positive image of herself, and the struggle a woman can go through to achieve it, but it was also about pride and self-worth. I adored Lizzie. She was sweet, kind, giving, and funny. Her ability to bring humor was admirable, and the struggle she went through to come to a place where she was content in her looks was inspirational. Every woman has had issues with their looks at some point, and letting people know it's okay and that you can't internalize it is a very good lesson. So many people have eating issues and choose to suffer in silence instead of being criticized or brought low for it. Lizzie, realized she was shoving her emotions down deep in order to be the person everyone expected, and damaged her body in doing so. She's a very strong woman. Finn was a classic example of a man raised in a neglectful home. His views on women were skewed by his alcoholic mother and ex-wife, and his own self-worth damaged from the difficult childhood he led. He was a fantastic father, and incredibly strong for standing by his family like he did. Him and Lizzie together were amazingly sweet, and I love that they got their second chance at romance. Supporting cast was just as captivating and really cemented my intention to keep reading the series. Just an aside or soapbox moment, if you will, about something I read in some reviews before reading...I don't feel this book was about a woman who couldn't be happy unless she was a twig. Even after she lost the weight, it said multiple times that she was soft and curvy, which is in the image of the average woman. She was overweight. Unhealthily so, and decided to change her life, elongate it by becoming healthier, and making herself happy. That is admirable, and I guess my point is, is that those reviews that hinted she was shallow for her actions in losing weight and her plan afterwards obviously didn't read closely enough. A fantastic read in which the author pulled me in from the start, I look forward to reading on about Katie and Alison. <3
October 5, 2018
Oh, hurrah, another book where the h had absolutely no self esteem due to her weight, and who had the juvenile logic of a middle-schooler.
Why can't there be a book where the plus-sized/curvy heroine has SOME self-esteem issues (like many women do), but isn't in need of ongoing psychological help?
Why can't there be a book where the plus-sized/curvy heroine has SOME self-esteem issues (like many women do), but isn't in need of ongoing psychological help?
December 8, 2012
I bought this book after a bad review. Maybe not bad, but probably a 'C' review. I think the reviewer said the hero was to insecure for her. Since I'm way over Alphaholes, I'll give anything that's not borderline abusive a try. It does brush against one of my least favorite tropes - lose weight/find love - but I read it anyway.
I'm glad to report that the weight is not about the hero and his reaction to the heroine's new body. He only knew her when she was thin in her earlier life - so he wasn't one of those I never noticed you until you peeled off that fat (and glasses and maybe unpinned your hair).
The first 45 percent of the book had me chugging along ot see what would happen next. The last 55 percent - I just waded through to get to the end. The writing is fine, compelling at points - but in the end, I think I agree with the reviewer - I didn't much like the hero. His insecurities (about accepting charity, being poor, working a minimum wage job, not following his dreams) got boring. I wanted to shake him, tell him to call off the pity party, and get it together.
All that said, there was a preview of book #2 in the series . . . and I'm actually thinking about getting it. There's a LOT on the TBR pile right now, so we'll see.
I'm glad to report that the weight is not about the hero and his reaction to the heroine's new body. He only knew her when she was thin in her earlier life - so he wasn't one of those I never noticed you until you peeled off that fat (and glasses and maybe unpinned your hair).
The first 45 percent of the book had me chugging along ot see what would happen next. The last 55 percent - I just waded through to get to the end. The writing is fine, compelling at points - but in the end, I think I agree with the reviewer - I didn't much like the hero. His insecurities (about accepting charity, being poor, working a minimum wage job, not following his dreams) got boring. I wanted to shake him, tell him to call off the pity party, and get it together.
All that said, there was a preview of book #2 in the series . . . and I'm actually thinking about getting it. There's a LOT on the TBR pile right now, so we'll see.
December 18, 2018
Some people have a very curious idea about what acceptable behaviour is.
Oh, and anyone who was so obese as to have stretchmarks, doesn't just have "jiggely thighs", they have an enormous excess of skin, which needs surgery, and that leaves scars. I would have been on board with an honest story about what it means to lose so much weight and then start being intimate again, but as it is this heroine is a totally pukeworthy liar, and the weight loss comes right out of a Disney movie.
December 19, 2012
Good read, page turner. Much too long and woefully predictable
June 19, 2017
With a check list in hand Lizzie Hampton returns home with one particular goal in mind, Finn Robbins. Finn isn't looking for attachments, he has had enough of marriage and has enough priorities as it is. When Lizzie and Finn meet again the feelings they had when they were teenagers is back in full force but as the feelings continue to grow they both question if what they have is anything but temporary.
There is another part of the story that delves into Lizzie losing weight and the reasons behind it as well as the reason Lizzie is wanting a tryst with Finn. There were elements I loved about this book but a few that I had to scratch my head about. I am a sucker about ugly duckling stories though so it worked well for what I was looking for.
There is another part of the story that delves into Lizzie losing weight and the reasons behind it as well as the reason Lizzie is wanting a tryst with Finn. There were elements I loved about this book but a few that I had to scratch my head about. I am a sucker about ugly duckling stories though so it worked well for what I was looking for.
September 4, 2014
DNF at 28%. Because looks and being skinny are the only things that matter.
No thank you.
No thank you.
April 26, 2013
I knew this plan was going to go downhill. I never felt more anxious and scared for a character in a book than I did for Lizzie Hampton.
The book is just what the description reads: Girl leaves town, goes to college, gains a lot of weight, loses it, then wants to test it out on a "safe bet". On someone she knows would always be there to have sex with her.
I'm more of "they-fall-in-love-decide-to-have-a-future-then-we-get-to-the-juicy-details" kind of gal. This "Plan" of Lizzie's worried me from the start. I didn't like how she had a hidden agenda for Finn who was a genuinely nice guy who had real life problems to deal with.
I wasn't surprised in the way he acted when he found out about her plan, but I was relieved that the story ended as happy as it did. If it didn't I might have chucked my e-reader out the window.
It was a slow read for me, but when it got to the part about his daughter I had to keep reading to see if the operation would work. I only hope that we can peek into Finn and Lizzie's relationship a little more with the next book "Worth the Drive" solely centered on Lizzie's friend Katie.
This wasn't a spectacular book, but I liked the easy way it played out. The detail of everything was almost exhausting, but it was nice during the love scenes as it allowed a sense of build up instead of just rushing in. I'm also glad that Finn wasn't a shallow character and made Lizzie look at herself for who she was. And that he loved her for it. After all- she had to love herself before she could love anyone in return. So I was proud of the male character for loving the woman the way she was made instead of shooting her down the moment he saw the stretch mark scars.
The book is just what the description reads: Girl leaves town, goes to college, gains a lot of weight, loses it, then wants to test it out on a "safe bet". On someone she knows would always be there to have sex with her.
I'm more of "they-fall-in-love-decide-to-have-a-future-then-we-get-to-the-juicy-details" kind of gal. This "Plan" of Lizzie's worried me from the start. I didn't like how she had a hidden agenda for Finn who was a genuinely nice guy who had real life problems to deal with.
I wasn't surprised in the way he acted when he found out about her plan, but I was relieved that the story ended as happy as it did. If it didn't I might have chucked my e-reader out the window.
It was a slow read for me, but when it got to the part about his daughter I had to keep reading to see if the operation would work. I only hope that we can peek into Finn and Lizzie's relationship a little more with the next book "Worth the Drive" solely centered on Lizzie's friend Katie.
This wasn't a spectacular book, but I liked the easy way it played out. The detail of everything was almost exhausting, but it was nice during the love scenes as it allowed a sense of build up instead of just rushing in. I'm also glad that Finn wasn't a shallow character and made Lizzie look at herself for who she was. And that he loved her for it. After all- she had to love herself before she could love anyone in return. So I was proud of the male character for loving the woman the way she was made instead of shooting her down the moment he saw the stretch mark scars.
February 28, 2013
As someone who struggles with her own body issues, there were parts of this book that made me think, "Wow, I could have written this, because that's EXACTLY how I feel" or "Whoa, I was just thinking the same thing yesterday". Also, having spent some time in the Houghton/Hancock area of Michigan's U.P., I enjoyed the author's description of the setting. A few problems - its predictability (then again, it's a romance, how ELSE is it supposed to end?), quite a few spelling and grammatical errors (I'm usually willing to overlook a few here and there, but there was enough here for it to be a distraction every time I stumbled over a misspelled or misplaced word), and the random blunt sexual references thrown in (I'm okay when it is leading up to or directly involved with the sex scenes, but sometimes, in the middle of something else going on, the author would make a comment about a character's throbbing body part or something, and it seemed unnecessary to what was going on right at that moment in the story and came across as more jarring than hot). Overall, I did really enjoy the story and the characters. And, considering at the time I purchased it, the e-book was free, I am MORE than satisfied with what I got for the price! Word of warning: I was expecting it to be a contemporary romance, but, while there are not a LOT of them, the sex scenes that are depicted were pretty explicit, bordering on, if not downright in the category of, erotica, so just a heads up if that is something that would bother you, as I don't think that was mentioned in any of the information when I purchased the book.
June 1, 2013
This is the first in the "Worth" series by Mara Jacobs.
Elizabeth fell in love with Finn in high school. When Finn saw that things were really heating up but their lives were headed in different directions, he not only broke up with Liz, he broke her heart.
Fast forward 15 years. Liz has a successful PR firm in Detroit, specializing in athletes, and has struggled for the past 3 years to lose the ton of weight she gained after she left home. She's come back home to visit her parents and friends for 2 months and has a "plan" to finally be with Finn to give herself the confidence in her new slim body to go after a real relationship. Finn's battled life for the past 15 years - an alcoholic wife who abandoned him and his children, Stevie and Annie, who is wheelchair bound due to a spinal problem she was born with. Saving the needed funds to pay for Annie's much needed surgery has been his struggle all these years.
When Liz and Finn meet again, things don't go according to Liz's plan. She never thought she'd fall in love with Finn again. Liz has self-esteem issues because of her weight and Finn has trust issues because of his ex-wife. Only when they accept each other and their baggage can they finally enjoy the love that has been simmering all these years.
I certainly understood Liz's image issues but they consumed her and a good portion of this book. Readers who have never suffered with a weight issue may get bored with this but it was part of the process to me. I'm looking forward to the next two books.
Elizabeth fell in love with Finn in high school. When Finn saw that things were really heating up but their lives were headed in different directions, he not only broke up with Liz, he broke her heart.
Fast forward 15 years. Liz has a successful PR firm in Detroit, specializing in athletes, and has struggled for the past 3 years to lose the ton of weight she gained after she left home. She's come back home to visit her parents and friends for 2 months and has a "plan" to finally be with Finn to give herself the confidence in her new slim body to go after a real relationship. Finn's battled life for the past 15 years - an alcoholic wife who abandoned him and his children, Stevie and Annie, who is wheelchair bound due to a spinal problem she was born with. Saving the needed funds to pay for Annie's much needed surgery has been his struggle all these years.
When Liz and Finn meet again, things don't go according to Liz's plan. She never thought she'd fall in love with Finn again. Liz has self-esteem issues because of her weight and Finn has trust issues because of his ex-wife. Only when they accept each other and their baggage can they finally enjoy the love that has been simmering all these years.
I certainly understood Liz's image issues but they consumed her and a good portion of this book. Readers who have never suffered with a weight issue may get bored with this but it was part of the process to me. I'm looking forward to the next two books.
June 9, 2013
Light romance between Finn & Elizabeth (Lizzie). Finn and Lizzie dated when she was 18 - he broke her heart by rejecting her. Years later she returns to their home town with "A Plan". This is the story of Lizzie's plan which was to be a fling with Finn. Trials and tribulations of that fling.
sequel Work the drive - this is the story of Lizzie's friend Kate.
sequel Work the drive - this is the story of Lizzie's friend Kate.
May 16, 2018
My Musings
This one started a bit slow, but before long, I fell in love with Lizzy and Finn and of course, Annie. The author seems to understand eating disorders, and she really touched my soul. This book came really close to earning 5 stars. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. Happy ☺reading 📚!
This one started a bit slow, but before long, I fell in love with Lizzy and Finn and of course, Annie. The author seems to understand eating disorders, and she really touched my soul. This book came really close to earning 5 stars. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. Happy ☺reading 📚!
Want to read
October 16, 2017FREE on Amazon today (10/16/2017)!
April 16, 2014
Liz has her own successful PR firm in Detroit where most of her clients are well known athletes. She had gained a lot of weight after school and worked hard to lose it in the last three years. One of the things she wanted to do now was to Find, F*^% and Forget Finn Robbins who she was in-love with when she was a teenager, but he broke up with her, leaving her heart broken. She goes back to that small town to stay with her parents for two months so she can carry out "The Plan" with Finn. Liz wants to complete "The Plan" for two reasons. To get Finn out of her system and to try out her new body before finding the real relationship. Finn's life has not been easy in the 15 years since he has seen Liz. His alcoholic wife left him and his two children and his 10 year old daughter is in a wheelchair with a spinal problem. Surgery may help her problem so Finn has constantly struggled to save money for the surgery. Also, he had to give up his career dreams for his family.
What Finn thought was an accidental meeting with Liz was actually set up as part of "The Plan" but when they get together things don't go the way Liz expected. She didn't expect to fall in love with Finn again.
I liked the character development and thought it was very well done. While I didn't like Liz's "Plan", I did like her and how she was so kind to everyone - except for what she planned on doing to Finn. Finn was a really nice guy and tried to provide for his family. He always felt like he came from the wrong side of town and was never good enough for Liz so getting rid of the chip on his shoulder was not easy. He had a lot of problems in his life but dealt with them. Finn's son, daughter and grandmother were great additions in this story. They helped show the strength of Finn's character.
I really liked this book and thought the ending was terrific. I highly recommend it.
What Finn thought was an accidental meeting with Liz was actually set up as part of "The Plan" but when they get together things don't go the way Liz expected. She didn't expect to fall in love with Finn again.
I liked the character development and thought it was very well done. While I didn't like Liz's "Plan", I did like her and how she was so kind to everyone - except for what she planned on doing to Finn. Finn was a really nice guy and tried to provide for his family. He always felt like he came from the wrong side of town and was never good enough for Liz so getting rid of the chip on his shoulder was not easy. He had a lot of problems in his life but dealt with them. Finn's son, daughter and grandmother were great additions in this story. They helped show the strength of Finn's character.
I really liked this book and thought the ending was terrific. I highly recommend it.
August 2, 2016
Elizabeth, on the surface, has it made. She’s a successful business owner, beautiful, from a great family and is an all around nice girl. But things are not always as they appear. For as together as her life seems, there are areas that she just can’t seem to get a hold on. After losing a great deal of weight, Elizabeth is determined to make up for lost time and secure herself a lover before settling down with her dream man.
Finn is a hardworking man who has never had anything handed to him. Despite the wickedly cruel hand life has dealt him since his youth, he holds his head up, straightens his shoulders, and does what a man has to do to keep going. But even the strongest of men get weary and he’s just about at his breaking point. Then the fates seem to have dealt him a break when he ran into his old flame, Elizabeth.
Years of heartbreak, disappointments and shoulda-coulda-wouldas culminate in one electric moment. Sparks fly between these two former lovebirds, but is it enough to rekindle what once was, or is a fling necessary to extinguish the embers once and for all?
Mara Jacobs has done a wonderful job on this story, fusing it with real issues. For anyone who has ever felt like they were ‘less than,’ or dealt with body image issues, or had so many hits below the belt that life at times didn’t seem worth living, this is the book for you. The characters were extremely relatable. Worth the Weight had just the right amount of spice that makes for a good romance, twists and turns to keep a reader guessing, and sweetness to keep the hope of love alive. This stand-alone novel did not disappoint, and I look forward to reading the next installment in the series.
Finn is a hardworking man who has never had anything handed to him. Despite the wickedly cruel hand life has dealt him since his youth, he holds his head up, straightens his shoulders, and does what a man has to do to keep going. But even the strongest of men get weary and he’s just about at his breaking point. Then the fates seem to have dealt him a break when he ran into his old flame, Elizabeth.
Years of heartbreak, disappointments and shoulda-coulda-wouldas culminate in one electric moment. Sparks fly between these two former lovebirds, but is it enough to rekindle what once was, or is a fling necessary to extinguish the embers once and for all?
Mara Jacobs has done a wonderful job on this story, fusing it with real issues. For anyone who has ever felt like they were ‘less than,’ or dealt with body image issues, or had so many hits below the belt that life at times didn’t seem worth living, this is the book for you. The characters were extremely relatable. Worth the Weight had just the right amount of spice that makes for a good romance, twists and turns to keep a reader guessing, and sweetness to keep the hope of love alive. This stand-alone novel did not disappoint, and I look forward to reading the next installment in the series.
May 8, 2015
Okay I tried to write a review on audible because that is where I got this book. But for some reason it never finished and I accidentally submitted. I really wanted to read this book because of it being a plus size character. As a plus size woman myself I like to read about women in my size or smaller it makes the book more realistic in my mind even though I know it's fiction. I really enjoyed the story I'm glad is a happily ever after. Her girlfriends were supportive and judgmental. Like most girlfriends are. One of the down points for me in this book was how she hated herself or felt really low of herself because she was fat but then when she lost the weight it was like all her problems just disappeared. To me that's not realistic, even in fiction in my opinion. I think The author could have shown maybe more of her struggles of losing the weight how she kind of overcame some of her obstacles that maybe made her gain the weight in the first place. But other than that I really enjoyed this book it showed that love can stand the test of time even when you May not have thought you were in love in the first place. Definitely worth reading through I know there are some parts that kind of mess you up and make you not want to finish it but hang in there it's a really good book.
Now I'm off to read the second book in the series because I love Katie and I hope she gets her happily ever after.
Now I'm off to read the second book in the series because I love Katie and I hope she gets her happily ever after.
October 5, 2015
like a bunch of others here, i got a free kindle copy of this. i read it on the airplane coming home from vacation and i'm not even sure why i finished it--sheer orneriness, i guess. let me save you all a lot of time. every trope about a woman not being worthy of love until she is thin is in this book. the only people who would ever date an overweight woman are apparently chubby chasers and fat fetishists. so right out of the gate, i hated the heroine's attitude. then we are told what a wonderful person she is, giving and loved by everyone who meets her. only the whole premise of this book is that she think that the hero of the book is beneath her so she decides to travel to her home town and sleep with him to get over her shyness about showing the guy she's really interested in her stretch marks. charming. then there's the way that the book treats the character who is disabled. when the hero discovers the heroine's plan, he's so insecure that he goes off and insults and shames her in front of half the town...and then she wants him back. as i said, i'm not sure why i finished it--i'm looking at all these people who abandoned it with envy. welcome to the first book i deleted from my kindle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book even though I had doubts about it from the bad reviews I had seen. I could totally relate to the character and now I see why some gave bad reviews. Those readers could never possibly understand the correlation between eating/obesity/OCD issues and the need to plan every aspect of life and to be in control unless they have lived it and been hurt somewhere in life to the point that they NEED to stay in control while still fighting deep rooted insecurities. This book could have almost been about my life. I was young and thin once, devastated by an abusive marriage where I was also cheated on for years I became obese, food became my lover. Depression ruled me for years until I woke up one day and decided enough was enough. I lost the weight but still see myself as fat, much as Liz does. I have OCD and need to stay in control of everything. This book was really a sort of therapy for me. It validated how I feel as well as made me aware I am not alone, there are others out there who understand. Don't be too quick to judge the author in her writing as you would have to put yourself in Liz's shoes to understand her at all.
August 10, 2016
So, there is this not-so-secret secret that publishers will drop the kindle version of the first book in a series to free right before the latest book in the series comes out. This is the hopes of getting you reading the series and then paying money to finish it. It seems like good marketing to me because if you get the first sample for free, you can decide to support the rest in the series or not. I got this book for free in one of these deals. I must say that I was surprised at how much I actually liked this book. And the marketing worked because yep, I want to see what happens in book two especially since you get the prologue for the next book at the end of this one. URG....Marketers.....doing their job effectively.....URG.
If only I could give half stars as this is about 3.5 for me.
If only I could give half stars as this is about 3.5 for me.
April 26, 2013
I grudgingly grabbed this free title despite repeated misgivings based on the cover art and the title alone. I was not misguided in my hesitancy.
The author starts out subtly fat-shaming and implying that the protagonist's only hope at getting back this man from her high school days is because she's thin again. While it's never explicitly stated that this woman's only true value appears when she loses the weight she gained, it is repeatedly, insidiously entwined in the "plot".
I forced myself to keep reading to see if there was any redemption later in the book. There were several half-hearted attempts where the main character's friends said that they'd love her any way she was, and her new-found handsome hunk said the same. It felt fake and insincere.
Don't bother.
The author starts out subtly fat-shaming and implying that the protagonist's only hope at getting back this man from her high school days is because she's thin again. While it's never explicitly stated that this woman's only true value appears when she loses the weight she gained, it is repeatedly, insidiously entwined in the "plot".
I forced myself to keep reading to see if there was any redemption later in the book. There were several half-hearted attempts where the main character's friends said that they'd love her any way she was, and her new-found handsome hunk said the same. It felt fake and insincere.
Don't bother.
February 17, 2014
A New Body...A New Life...An Old Flame?
Lizzie Hampton is literally a shadow of her former self. Having lost half her body weight, she's headed to her small hometown to test out her new body on an old flame.
Just a harmless fling to get her self confidence back before she returns to the city and the new man in her life.
But Lizzie's plan has a few bumps in the road.
Finn Robbins can't believe Liz is back in town. Desperate to be the holder of her innocence eighteen years ago, he never got the chance. Now she's back and he can finally check her off his to do list.
But her friends, his son, and the mysterious Annie may have something to say about that.
Lizzie Hampton is literally a shadow of her former self. Having lost half her body weight, she's headed to her small hometown to test out her new body on an old flame.
Just a harmless fling to get her self confidence back before she returns to the city and the new man in her life.
But Lizzie's plan has a few bumps in the road.
Finn Robbins can't believe Liz is back in town. Desperate to be the holder of her innocence eighteen years ago, he never got the chance. Now she's back and he can finally check her off his to do list.
But her friends, his son, and the mysterious Annie may have something to say about that.
August 10, 2015
[2015 Reading Challenge]
A book with bad reviews
the romance was cute-ish, although the thought processes disturbing at times. other than that, well, there's nothing quite going for it ... although i do actually want to check out the second instalment to find out how life goes for the protagonist's friend.
so, perhaps, it wasn't a total debacle after all.
plus, i needed to check off the 'romance' item on my reading challenge, and considering this was free, i thought, why not? it needs quite a bit of editing, though.
Final Consensus: 1.49 rounded up to 2
A book with bad reviews
the romance was cute-ish, although the thought processes disturbing at times. other than that, well, there's nothing quite going for it ... although i do actually want to check out the second instalment to find out how life goes for the protagonist's friend.
so, perhaps, it wasn't a total debacle after all.
plus, i needed to check off the 'romance' item on my reading challenge, and considering this was free, i thought, why not? it needs quite a bit of editing, though.
Final Consensus: 1.49 rounded up to 2
May 13, 2013
Lizzie has returned to her home town to find, F*** and forget Flynn the guy who dumped her as a teenager. She has lost a load of weight and wants to test out her body on someone who she can't care about, before heading into a relationship with someone more appropriate!
And so the story starts and you can guess the ending early on in the book, but to be honest an OK read and kept my interest despite the guess!
And so the story starts and you can guess the ending early on in the book, but to be honest an OK read and kept my interest despite the guess!
Read
May 30, 2013I didn't really like the main male character -whiney, full of self pity and self sabotage as well as pretty narcissistic at times. While I liked the main female better her constant internal thoughts about her body issues and insecurities somehow felt more like a downer than what I think was the intended message to be (which I think was going for self awareness and acceptance). I think it will have a fairly broad audience, it just wasn't for me.
July 25, 2014
DNF - I just couldnt bring myself to finish the book. The writing and story was good if a little slow moving. Dont get me wrong. I jumped to the next in the series. But the female character has such weight issues and the male had such a difficult family life, it felt like a train wreck waiting to happen. I just couldnt watch it.
April 25, 2019
Old love new life.
I love those old love, reconnecting stories. Ms. Jacobs did a fine job of keeping the flow smooth and added just enough surprises that I didn't want to put the book down. And now I'm wondering why I reread the thing. It was definitely worth the second time around.
I love those old love, reconnecting stories. Ms. Jacobs did a fine job of keeping the flow smooth and added just enough surprises that I didn't want to put the book down. And now I'm wondering why I reread the thing. It was definitely worth the second time around.
October 10, 2015
Finally finished this book, it just seemed very slow, and I just couldn't get into it properly. There was also a lot of errors, so needs more work doing on it. I doubt I will be reading anymore books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 544 reviews