What do you think?
Rate this book
The Amazing Erica #1
The Husband Diet
Erica Cantelli’s life feels more suffocating than a size 4 dress.
On the surface she’s maintaining the image of successful career woman, perfect wife and a doting mother with two wonderful children.
In reality she’s running out of hours in the day; 6 dress sizes bigger than she wants to be; and the only man who shows her any affection is her gay best friend.
In fact fantasizing about how to kill her increasingly disinterested husband is just about all that keeps Erica sane. That and a whole different type of fantasizing about the incredibly handsome new school principal, Julian Foxham.
When her husband jokes about trading her in for two size tens, Erica knows something has to change. But is another diet really the answer? Or is getting rid of him the fastest path to happiness? Now if she could only stop thinking about the gorgeous Mr Foxham…
For any woman who’s ever felt under-appreciated, or thought about giving up on their dreams, Erica is a hilarious breath of fresh air.
On the surface she’s maintaining the image of successful career woman, perfect wife and a doting mother with two wonderful children.
In reality she’s running out of hours in the day; 6 dress sizes bigger than she wants to be; and the only man who shows her any affection is her gay best friend.
In fact fantasizing about how to kill her increasingly disinterested husband is just about all that keeps Erica sane. That and a whole different type of fantasizing about the incredibly handsome new school principal, Julian Foxham.
When her husband jokes about trading her in for two size tens, Erica knows something has to change. But is another diet really the answer? Or is getting rid of him the fastest path to happiness? Now if she could only stop thinking about the gorgeous Mr Foxham…
For any woman who’s ever felt under-appreciated, or thought about giving up on their dreams, Erica is a hilarious breath of fresh air.
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2013
124 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Barone
22 books83 followersNancy grew up in Canada, but at the age of 12 her family moved to Italy. Catapulted into a world where her only contact with the English language was her old Judy Blume books, Nancy became an avid reader and a die-hard romantic.
Nancy stayed in Italy and, despite being surrounded by handsome Italian men, she married an even more handsome Brit. They now live in Sicily where she teaches English.
Like Erica, the heroine of The Husband Diet, Nancy is of Italian descent, but she swears that is where the similarities stop. And she’s absolutely never fantasized about murdering her husband.
Nancy has had a number of romance novels published, but The Husband Diet is her first Women’s Fiction book. She is a member of the RWA and a keen supporter of the Women’s Fiction Festival at Matera where she meets up once a year with writing friends from all over the globe.
Nancy stayed in Italy and, despite being surrounded by handsome Italian men, she married an even more handsome Brit. They now live in Sicily where she teaches English.
Like Erica, the heroine of The Husband Diet, Nancy is of Italian descent, but she swears that is where the similarities stop. And she’s absolutely never fantasized about murdering her husband.
Nancy has had a number of romance novels published, but The Husband Diet is her first Women’s Fiction book. She is a member of the RWA and a keen supporter of the Women’s Fiction Festival at Matera where she meets up once a year with writing friends from all over the globe.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
May 7, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Well. This is awkward. My first official arc is a DNF.
Okay look. I was promised a cute rom-com. I wanted something easy to enjoy. I wanted a snarky FMC and an adorable MMC. I did not get it.
What I got instead was an unnecessarily convoluted story that made no sense at multiple some points. I could not, for the life of me, relate to the FMC. She was whiny and would out of nowhere say the most unhinged sh*t I've ever heard in my life. Here's a quote:
Huh...? Who ... told you that, miss girl?
I do understand the sentiment, I guess? But it was so ... out there? I mean, some people just don't want kids? Don't have enough money? There are tons of reasons? The FMC really did stretch before jumping to that conclusion.
Last but not least, I was simply not a fan of the prose. I'm sure Nancy Barone is a good writer, but her writing felt childish in a way that made the story & characters hard to relate to.
Oh well. Onto the next one!
Well. This is awkward. My first official arc is a DNF.
Okay look. I was promised a cute rom-com. I wanted something easy to enjoy. I wanted a snarky FMC and an adorable MMC. I did not get it.
What I got instead was an unnecessarily convoluted story that made no sense at
« Any man in love with his woman would have been overjoyed to learn she was expecting a baby from him. »
Huh...? Who ... told you that, miss girl?
I do understand the sentiment, I guess? But it was so ... out there? I mean, some people just don't want kids? Don't have enough money? There are tons of reasons? The FMC really did stretch before jumping to that conclusion.
Last but not least, I was simply not a fan of the prose. I'm sure Nancy Barone is a good writer, but her writing felt childish in a way that made the story & characters hard to relate to.
Oh well. Onto the next one!
June 19, 2022
This book seems to be two books in one -- the before book which focuses on a miserable wife of a horrible husband who is focused on her weight and feels like she has to change herself to keep her husband. This section of the book was interesting but disturbing, especially as I never want anyone to get the message that they must change their body to be acceptable in any way. Thankfully in the second section we do get a different message however, this is not until she does lose some of her weight, so lower weights are still glorified in the book. That is one reason I would not recommend this novel to anyone I know who struggles with weight related issues. This message is way too loud in our society to begin with. It does not need to be hammered further in someone's downtime. I understand why the author added this, but I would have preferred it if reduction of weight was not part of the story line.
The second book is a love story about a woman who has been badly harmed in her past and her eyes being opened to possibilities she did not see before. This part of the book, which still carried threads from the initial book, was a much more fun read. I felt like the book could have been written better, the language was pretty basic, did not help me to visualize the environments and some situations very well. However. I did feel like I knew the main character well, as she was developed throughout the book in a strong and clear way. The rest of the characters less so, but still enough that you felt like you knew them.
This book may be a good beach read or something to read when you are sick and do not want to think a lot. For me, it was an okay book, but I am not likely to come back to read the sequel.
Thank you to Atria books, Netgalley , and the author for the opportunity to read this e-galley.
The second book is a love story about a woman who has been badly harmed in her past and her eyes being opened to possibilities she did not see before. This part of the book, which still carried threads from the initial book, was a much more fun read. I felt like the book could have been written better, the language was pretty basic, did not help me to visualize the environments and some situations very well. However. I did feel like I knew the main character well, as she was developed throughout the book in a strong and clear way. The rest of the characters less so, but still enough that you felt like you knew them.
This book may be a good beach read or something to read when you are sick and do not want to think a lot. For me, it was an okay book, but I am not likely to come back to read the sequel.
Thank you to Atria books, Netgalley , and the author for the opportunity to read this e-galley.
November 18, 2017
I initially liked the 3 books in this series as chick lit in the genre.
The Husband Diet
My Big Fat Italian Break-Up
Romance, Rivals and Ravioli
But then I realised that our heroine wasn’t fat at all! She was a larger size than her mother and sisters true, but I looked up the weight to height ratios on the health sites and found that 78 kilos at 5 foot 10 inches is just within the normal range. And is probably a UK size 14. US size 10/12. True at 88 kilos she was overweight - not obese but... and she was only that weight at times.
This spoils the books in my opinion.
If you are going to have all that angst about weight and curves and whether your boyfriend/lover/husband would prefer someone slimmer then you really need to be overweight... and honestly she would only struggle up a hill if she wasn’t fit, and not because she was too heavy!
So my initial assessment of a 4 went down to a 3 or even a 2 (?) as this book hints of fat shaming when a normal sized woman anguishes over her weight. And also is a very bad example for our young women.
The Husband Diet
My Big Fat Italian Break-Up
Romance, Rivals and Ravioli
But then I realised that our heroine wasn’t fat at all! She was a larger size than her mother and sisters true, but I looked up the weight to height ratios on the health sites and found that 78 kilos at 5 foot 10 inches is just within the normal range. And is probably a UK size 14. US size 10/12. True at 88 kilos she was overweight - not obese but... and she was only that weight at times.
This spoils the books in my opinion.
If you are going to have all that angst about weight and curves and whether your boyfriend/lover/husband would prefer someone slimmer then you really need to be overweight... and honestly she would only struggle up a hill if she wasn’t fit, and not because she was too heavy!
So my initial assessment of a 4 went down to a 3 or even a 2 (?) as this book hints of fat shaming when a normal sized woman anguishes over her weight. And also is a very bad example for our young women.
April 29, 2022
I struggled with my star review for the husband diet. It wasn't bad- it was very well written, and the characters were very realistic- I just didn't connect to Erica the way I usually can with MCs. Someone who loves to read second chance at love romances, with a strong, determined, occassionally insecure leading lady would adore this story. I think I just wasn't in the headspace to really fall in love with it.
January 10, 2025
THE BATTLE IS OVER! I AM DONE WITH THIS BOOK. I MADE IT. I’M BORED OUT OF MY MIND BUT I MADE IT!
I decided to read it because well, I’m a big girl too, and thought let’s support the representation, but this ain’t no representation for me. How depressing, how dramatic and how absolutely stupid. I can’t believe I wasted time trying to get to the end of it.
I decided to read it because well, I’m a big girl too, and thought let’s support the representation, but this ain’t no representation for me. How depressing, how dramatic and how absolutely stupid. I can’t believe I wasted time trying to get to the end of it.
May 28, 2013
Ever since Nancy first brainstormed the plot of The Husband Diet with all of us in Matera, I’ve been longing to read it. The story of Erica, a plus-sized woman who put aside her own dreams to help her egocentric husband get his business off the ground. Fast forward twelve years and Erica is still putting her wants aside for the sake of Ira, who still hasn’t managed to get his business going. But now Erica has two kids to think about. And then there’s Erica’s shallow mother, Marcy, who seems to thrive on making her daughter feel awful and who never provides her with the emotional support Erica desperately needs. Thank God Erica has her gay best friend Paul in her corner to remind her that she is beautiful no matter what size she is and that she is a great mom with kids who adore her. Paul gives Erica the unconditional love and support she’s been missing but she wishes she had someone who could take care of her physical needs as well, and that certainly isn’t her husband who announces that she is too heavy to turn him on.
Enter Julian Foxham, brave spider killer and dead sexy headmaster of the school Erica’s children attend. His good looks and quiet calm set Erica’s heart racing and remind her there is hope for her love life–there are other men in the world and, unlike her husband, they find her incredibly attractive. At first Julian is nothing more to Erica than a perfect fantasy hero but then it becomes obvious he’s interested in more than just a parent-teacher relationship with Erica…well, I won’t spoil it for you.
Take my advice and order yourself a copy of The Husband Diet. If you want a book that will have you laughing and rooting for the heroine from page one until the very end and wishing you had your own spider-killing hottie, then this is the book for you. I loved how Erica shakes off the shackles of her self-doubt (and her deadbeat hubby) and rediscovers her plan to get what she wants in life. It’s lighthearted without being fluffy and Erica’s moments of introspection will have you nodding in empathy–let’s face it, we’ve all had those moments when we don’t believe in ourselves and we need someone else to shake some sense into us.
Enter Julian Foxham, brave spider killer and dead sexy headmaster of the school Erica’s children attend. His good looks and quiet calm set Erica’s heart racing and remind her there is hope for her love life–there are other men in the world and, unlike her husband, they find her incredibly attractive. At first Julian is nothing more to Erica than a perfect fantasy hero but then it becomes obvious he’s interested in more than just a parent-teacher relationship with Erica…well, I won’t spoil it for you.
Take my advice and order yourself a copy of The Husband Diet. If you want a book that will have you laughing and rooting for the heroine from page one until the very end and wishing you had your own spider-killing hottie, then this is the book for you. I loved how Erica shakes off the shackles of her self-doubt (and her deadbeat hubby) and rediscovers her plan to get what she wants in life. It’s lighthearted without being fluffy and Erica’s moments of introspection will have you nodding in empathy–let’s face it, we’ve all had those moments when we don’t believe in ourselves and we need someone else to shake some sense into us.
July 20, 2022
I really wanted to like this book. The premise, while familiar, was enticing, but the actual story and writing failed to wow me. The writing felt basic and the passage of time in the book was poorly done. It was difficult to tell when time passed. The story seemed to suddenly progress without notice.
Given that, I probably could have gotten past that and chalked it up to the breezy, fun read I was expecting the book to be. However, so many things the main character did or said put me off. I understand her toxic relationship with her body at the beginning of the book, given the way her husband and other family members treated her. I was hoping and expecting that she would lose some of that toxicity and learn to embrace herself, but she never really did. She remained fatphobic and self deprecating.
Then there was the way she spoke of Paul, her best friend who felt very flat. At one point she says something along the lines of "Even Paul, a gay man, was more of a real man than Ira would ever be." [Not a direct quote, but you get the gist}. Such a misogynistic and borderline homophobic statement was off putting to say the least.
Later, when she learns that Julian was adopted, she thinks to herself, "I could never abandon my babies" and later Julian calls his birth mother (whom he's never met), his "real mother".
I could go on about issues similar to these, but suffice to say, I will not be reading anymore in this series or likely from this author.
Given that, I probably could have gotten past that and chalked it up to the breezy, fun read I was expecting the book to be. However, so many things the main character did or said put me off. I understand her toxic relationship with her body at the beginning of the book, given the way her husband and other family members treated her. I was hoping and expecting that she would lose some of that toxicity and learn to embrace herself, but she never really did. She remained fatphobic and self deprecating.
Then there was the way she spoke of Paul, her best friend who felt very flat. At one point she says something along the lines of "Even Paul, a gay man, was more of a real man than Ira would ever be." [Not a direct quote, but you get the gist}. Such a misogynistic and borderline homophobic statement was off putting to say the least.
Later, when she learns that Julian was adopted, she thinks to herself, "I could never abandon my babies" and later Julian calls his birth mother (whom he's never met), his "real mother".
I could go on about issues similar to these, but suffice to say, I will not be reading anymore in this series or likely from this author.
November 3, 2013
Wow if this is Nancy's debut book I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Absolutely loved this book with its emotional highs, lows, laughs and tears.
Have you ever felt that a diet just isn't enough? That the dead weight your carrying runs deeper than the extra few pounds you gained over the years? If so then you need the Husband Diet. You'll shed the pounds and gain a confidence that you haven't seen in years. Of course finding your own personal Julian is one thing every woman needs.
Have you ever felt that a diet just isn't enough? That the dead weight your carrying runs deeper than the extra few pounds you gained over the years? If so then you need the Husband Diet. You'll shed the pounds and gain a confidence that you haven't seen in years. Of course finding your own personal Julian is one thing every woman needs.
July 1, 2022
This was a really easy read. Well developed characters and a pretty honest look at marriage breakdown and the aftermath for the wife. Plenty of pain and angst but also a healthy dose of humour.
I loved the second chance element to the story and the plot twist towards the end kept things interesting.
I received an arc of this book.
I loved the second chance element to the story and the plot twist towards the end kept things interesting.
I received an arc of this book.
July 6, 2013
Did not hold my interest at all. I actually gave up half way through so maybe the second half is better? First book I have abandoned in a while.
July 26, 2014
downright dumb.
February 21, 2016
Awful
Far fetched . Holes everywhere in the story . Would not recommend to my enemy sorry to be so blunt.
Far fetched . Holes everywhere in the story . Would not recommend to my enemy sorry to be so blunt.
July 21, 2019
Nice easy read
Proof that there is life after heartache. Never lose weight for a man, lose it for yourself. Nice Sunday read.
Proof that there is life after heartache. Never lose weight for a man, lose it for yourself. Nice Sunday read.
February 14, 2016
A real easy enjoyable read , loved it
July 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️
From the moment I started this book, I couldn't put it down and ended up finishing it in one sitting! The story follows Erica Cantelli, a woman balancing the complexities of motherhood, a demanding job, and an unsupportive shell of a husband who relies on her to keep his dreams of being a businessman afloat. I loved how Erica’s struggles with her weight, marital problems, longing to live in Tuscany and feel closer to her family’s roots, and familial issues were portrayed—it made it easy to understand her thought process and relate to aspects of her character.
What I loved most was how easy it was to get into the book. The writing is super engaging, and the characters are well-developed. Erica’s inner thoughts had me laughing and at times concerned for her (her thoughts had me thinking she’d be behind bars soon 😭).
I did find that the fast pace made certain plot points feel a bit rushed. For example, the quick jump into an unofficial relationship between Erica and Julian felt a bit unrealistic. I would have liked a bit more buildup there to make their connection feel more natural.
Even with that, I really enjoyed The Husband Diet. It's a book that's easy to lose yourself in, though at times quite repetitive. The mix of humor, romance, and personal growth makes it a nice read. I’d give it a 3.75 out of 5. If you're in the mood for a simple feel-good, empowering story, this one may be a solid contender. I’ll also be reading the next book in this series, ‘My Big Fat Italian Break-up’ as I think I’ll enjoy that one more, based on the blurb.
🌶️
From the moment I started this book, I couldn't put it down and ended up finishing it in one sitting! The story follows Erica Cantelli, a woman balancing the complexities of motherhood, a demanding job, and an unsupportive shell of a husband who relies on her to keep his dreams of being a businessman afloat. I loved how Erica’s struggles with her weight, marital problems, longing to live in Tuscany and feel closer to her family’s roots, and familial issues were portrayed—it made it easy to understand her thought process and relate to aspects of her character.
What I loved most was how easy it was to get into the book. The writing is super engaging, and the characters are well-developed. Erica’s inner thoughts had me laughing and at times concerned for her (her thoughts had me thinking she’d be behind bars soon 😭).
I did find that the fast pace made certain plot points feel a bit rushed. For example, the quick jump into an unofficial relationship between Erica and Julian felt a bit unrealistic. I would have liked a bit more buildup there to make their connection feel more natural.
Even with that, I really enjoyed The Husband Diet. It's a book that's easy to lose yourself in, though at times quite repetitive. The mix of humor, romance, and personal growth makes it a nice read. I’d give it a 3.75 out of 5. If you're in the mood for a simple feel-good, empowering story, this one may be a solid contender. I’ll also be reading the next book in this series, ‘My Big Fat Italian Break-up’ as I think I’ll enjoy that one more, based on the blurb.
April 30, 2022
Thank you Net galley for sending me an arc!
Well..... That was an extremely disappointing read to say the least. I tried extremely hard to like this book, however was unable to do so. The beginning was strong and the mc although awkward and miserable came across as a decently written character, going through relatable situations.
However as the book progresses the plot gets weirdly complex for absolutely no reason. Everything keeps moving way too fast to the point where the reader struggles to understand where all the sudden development and changes came from and end up simply not caring about anything other than getting this book over with.
For a book advertised as humorous it sure uses a whole lot of misogyny and body shaming from Erica and at some point Julian towards other people who are skinnier than the mc, and underground misogyny.
On the topic of characters, Erica kept getting worse after the romantic interest was introduced. Both her and Julian develope feelings extremely quickly and are constantly seen as a cute perfect little couple that everyone in the book ships (unless of course they are a character that is being demonized.)
I deeply despised the love interest since from his introduction to the end of the book the writing gets consistently worse. I personally believe that Erica would of been better of single than with him and I will definitely avoid reading the rest of this series.
Well..... That was an extremely disappointing read to say the least. I tried extremely hard to like this book, however was unable to do so. The beginning was strong and the mc although awkward and miserable came across as a decently written character, going through relatable situations.
However as the book progresses the plot gets weirdly complex for absolutely no reason. Everything keeps moving way too fast to the point where the reader struggles to understand where all the sudden development and changes came from and end up simply not caring about anything other than getting this book over with.
For a book advertised as humorous it sure uses a whole lot of misogyny and body shaming from Erica and at some point Julian towards other people who are skinnier than the mc, and underground misogyny.
On the topic of characters, Erica kept getting worse after the romantic interest was introduced. Both her and Julian develope feelings extremely quickly and are constantly seen as a cute perfect little couple that everyone in the book ships (unless of course they are a character that is being demonized.)
I deeply despised the love interest since from his introduction to the end of the book the writing gets consistently worse. I personally believe that Erica would of been better of single than with him and I will definitely avoid reading the rest of this series.
June 27, 2022
This is the first book of The Amazing Erica series and also the first book for me by this author. The characters were well-developed and were realistically portrayed which made them quite relatable. Erica was a strong and determined character who had insecurity issues with her weight. She is in an unhappy marriage and had put her own dreams aside to support her husband and the business he was trying to get off the ground. All these years later, she is still putting her wishes on hold, and his business is still struggling. On top of that, she has to deal with her husband's displeasure and jokes about her weight. Erica knows she can't go on like this and that something has to change. She needs to start thinking about her happiness now and what she wants. The handsome headmaster at her kids' school might just be the one to help her to do that.
This was humorous and fun, second chance at love story with well-crafted characters and an interesting plot. The only thing I will say that kind of turned me off from the book was the message that seem to came across that you have to lose weight or change yourself in order to please someone else or be acceptable. But other than that it was an entertaining story and I enjoyed Ms. Barone's storytelling. I would like to try more books by her in the future.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This was humorous and fun, second chance at love story with well-crafted characters and an interesting plot. The only thing I will say that kind of turned me off from the book was the message that seem to came across that you have to lose weight or change yourself in order to please someone else or be acceptable. But other than that it was an entertaining story and I enjoyed Ms. Barone's storytelling. I would like to try more books by her in the future.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
January 9, 2023
DNF. I got about twentyish pages in and tried my hardest to persevere, but it was impossible. Erica felt real and well fleshed out and likeable enough until you were confronted with her homophobia ("gay" is not a catch all personality descriptor for someone and yet that's how we're frequently introduced and reintroduced to Paul, her gay BFF). The fatphobia was difficult to stomach too - I mean it's realistic, the concern-trolling, the bullying etc. But you can tell the author and MC think like this too and there's not much introspection or challenging of these deeply held beliefs. I thought the meet-cute with the new love interest was too soon and highly contrived and jarringly fantastical. While I didn't like most of the characters and world building until that point, it all felt *real*. We know these people, we know this world. The new love interest's introduction felt like I was reading a feverish delusion created by a grieving Erica because her marriage has imploded. Incredulously, he was real. I couldn't finish this despite my best efforts.
April 24, 2022
She is 34 years old wife , mother , manager in on of the best hotel in Boston and a 20 size . She does not care that she is not thin but her husband and mother are always telling to lose weight . Her children adores her and she is their hero . After she dicsover her husband is having an affair she ask him for divorce . While trying to be a good single mother she loses some weight because she does not have the time to think about food and she really want to be healthy for her and the kids . After a weird and fanny first meeting with the most handsome man she discover that he is her kids school principal . He is a caring and lovely man that really care about her and her children .
I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 9, 2025
Absolutely loved it!
This story was so realistic that I couldn’t put it down! I was completely devoted to it from the beginning! The FMC was hilarious! The way she responded to the trauma, tragedy and everyday challenges of her life cracked me up laughing because it was like reading about myself. Because most of the time, that’s how I respond to things in my life. I love so much about this book. The banter between the family, the love of cooking, the relationship she had with her children, the importance of spending time with them even when she didn’t have the support she needed from her family, she persevered. I loved that she wasn’t a twenty something year old with a killer body. The author created a realistic character. One with strength and courage and morals and values. Superb job! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story was so realistic that I couldn’t put it down! I was completely devoted to it from the beginning! The FMC was hilarious! The way she responded to the trauma, tragedy and everyday challenges of her life cracked me up laughing because it was like reading about myself. Because most of the time, that’s how I respond to things in my life. I love so much about this book. The banter between the family, the love of cooking, the relationship she had with her children, the importance of spending time with them even when she didn’t have the support she needed from her family, she persevered. I loved that she wasn’t a twenty something year old with a killer body. The author created a realistic character. One with strength and courage and morals and values. Superb job! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 18, 2016
Not quite the hilarious read I was hoping for - quite tragic really.
Having read a story last week about a husband on a diet that literally had me laugh out loud on most pages, I just felt really sorry and sad for the character - the wife - incidentally - in this book. That asside, it was quite a good read; pure fantasy mind you.
The writing was quite good, although there were quite a few repetitions if phrases or sentences which I find irritating but most people would probably not even notice. It is a longish book and I had to read to the end so had to be quite good but don't expect deep and meaningful. It did get a bit more funny towards the end but I really wouldn't class it as a comedic novel.
Having read a story last week about a husband on a diet that literally had me laugh out loud on most pages, I just felt really sorry and sad for the character - the wife - incidentally - in this book. That asside, it was quite a good read; pure fantasy mind you.
The writing was quite good, although there were quite a few repetitions if phrases or sentences which I find irritating but most people would probably not even notice. It is a longish book and I had to read to the end so had to be quite good but don't expect deep and meaningful. It did get a bit more funny towards the end but I really wouldn't class it as a comedic novel.
June 22, 2022
New Review Alert! 37/50📚
Thank you @headofzeus and @netgalley for this awesome read by @barone.nancy
⚜My Summary
📚I enjoyed this book from beggining to end. I laughed, smiled and was angry and wanted to knock out Erica's husband Ira at times. This book gave me all the feels. Nancy took us on the journey of Erica's life; fighting for her marriage, divorce, family secrets, her kids, building up her self esteem, and my favorite finding love. This book is a spicy must read! Very hard to our down!
⚜ Favorite/ Least Favorite Part
📚My favorite part was definitley her meeting Julian. Everything changed.
📚My Least Favorite part was Ira and his crazy selfish antics.
⚜Would I recommend?
📚Absolutely!
Just Read Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you @headofzeus and @netgalley for this awesome read by @barone.nancy
⚜My Summary
📚I enjoyed this book from beggining to end. I laughed, smiled and was angry and wanted to knock out Erica's husband Ira at times. This book gave me all the feels. Nancy took us on the journey of Erica's life; fighting for her marriage, divorce, family secrets, her kids, building up her self esteem, and my favorite finding love. This book is a spicy must read! Very hard to our down!
⚜ Favorite/ Least Favorite Part
📚My favorite part was definitley her meeting Julian. Everything changed.
📚My Least Favorite part was Ira and his crazy selfish antics.
⚜Would I recommend?
📚Absolutely!
Just Read Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 1, 2021
I really enjoyed finally reading a romance book where the protagonist is a delectable, desirable woman with curves and soft bits. Yes! I loved that in this book there was no talk of washboard tummies or tiny hips and that the romance was driven by character, timing and desire. I thought Erica was just lovely and very relatable, as was her story of being let down by her cheating, judgemental husband who she ultimately kicks to the kerb to get on with a better life for her and her children. If you want to read a romance with a difference, a tale that celebrates femininity in all its forms, then this book will not disappoint.
April 23, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
This story of a woman wronged by a cheating husband who finds love is classic. The plot was charming and sweet, albeit far fetched. However, this book is supposed to take place in Boston, but was originally published in England. So much of the language was British and that was confusing and distracting. Also, it seems that Barone chose who place her story in Boston without ever even visiting the area. Perhaps this bothered me because I live quite close to Boston, but again it was confusing and distracting. I feel like with better editing this could have been a mich better read.
This story of a woman wronged by a cheating husband who finds love is classic. The plot was charming and sweet, albeit far fetched. However, this book is supposed to take place in Boston, but was originally published in England. So much of the language was British and that was confusing and distracting. Also, it seems that Barone chose who place her story in Boston without ever even visiting the area. Perhaps this bothered me because I live quite close to Boston, but again it was confusing and distracting. I feel like with better editing this could have been a mich better read.
June 18, 2022
this was fun and adorable book. it had it upsetting moments but they were needed for the whole story to unfold.
great characters, even the crappy ones that you hate bc if not for them then the story would not be as good.
Some characters will even shock you with what they do
Oh wow the love and feelings of Julian unbelievable, he is def a book boyfriend that you would want.
this book was about love, loss, family drama and finding a new future and happiness.
Such a great feel good book
loved it def a 5 star book
I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me an advance copy of this book to read and my opinions are my own, honest and voluntarily given.
great characters, even the crappy ones that you hate bc if not for them then the story would not be as good.
Some characters will even shock you with what they do
Oh wow the love and feelings of Julian unbelievable, he is def a book boyfriend that you would want.
this book was about love, loss, family drama and finding a new future and happiness.
Such a great feel good book
loved it def a 5 star book
I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me an advance copy of this book to read and my opinions are my own, honest and voluntarily given.
September 21, 2022
Such a great read!!!
I lol'ed through about 80% of the book, and the other 20% I kept thinking about how relatable this book is to so many females out here.
This woman, married with 2 kids constantly body shames herself, and I just kept thinking about how real this book is, on so many levels. We as women never feel good enough and the story (albeit super entertaining) was also at the same time such an eye opener for me, as I too am in a constant struggle with my body on a daily! Mom bod is definitely a thing 🤷♀️
Anyways, a solid 5 stars for keeping me hooked and for finally giving me a book about a real woman's body, none of the perkynonsense 🤣
I lol'ed through about 80% of the book, and the other 20% I kept thinking about how relatable this book is to so many females out here.
This woman, married with 2 kids constantly body shames herself, and I just kept thinking about how real this book is, on so many levels. We as women never feel good enough and the story (albeit super entertaining) was also at the same time such an eye opener for me, as I too am in a constant struggle with my body on a daily! Mom bod is definitely a thing 🤷♀️
Anyways, a solid 5 stars for keeping me hooked and for finally giving me a book about a real woman's body, none of the perkynonsense 🤣
May 16, 2022
Well, this was just a delightful read. I've devoured it in 2 days! Erica, bless her, what a great character, showing us the damage that a narcissistic husband can bring to the table. I wanted to murder him with her. Having been a young single mother many years ago, it really resonated, and wanted her to get the happy ending she so deserved. Which is why I couldn't put it down, I needed to know how it ended, fast! Thank you to Nancy Barone, NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the arc copy in exchange for an honest review #TheHusbandDiet #NetGalley
April 23, 2022
The start of the book will infuriate you. That's the fun part of the book, and the rest is about a strong woman, Erica, who finally puts herself first. It was a nice break from my usual read. Strong women protagonist is hard to find. Erica is the very day woman that's not a perfect 10 in society's eyes. It is a very refreshing story.
Thank you to Head of Zeus, Aria and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Head of Zeus, Aria and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2022
A big thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus Publishing/Aria for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book.
I understand that this is a reissue. This for me started out slow, but wow did it heat up. I found it interesting, and absolutely loved the dynamics between Erica and Julian. Her ex Ira turned out to be a sad horrible person. I was jealous that Erica was able to move on and find an amazing guy!! This doesn't happen for all of us. But I will keep hoping. 4 stars.
I understand that this is a reissue. This for me started out slow, but wow did it heat up. I found it interesting, and absolutely loved the dynamics between Erica and Julian. Her ex Ira turned out to be a sad horrible person. I was jealous that Erica was able to move on and find an amazing guy!! This doesn't happen for all of us. But I will keep hoping. 4 stars.
July 25, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for the e-ARC. I am not gonna even lie this book started with a 1 star and then I kept reading it cuz I had read the reviews and was like no it has to get better and it did it redeemed itself. I did not like the beginning where all she talked about was her being fat. But I got thru those chapters and Im so glad I did cuz there was a good story after all that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews