Down and Out in Bugtussle: The Mad Fat Road to Happiness

Mad Fat Girl #3

by Stephanie McAfee

New York Times bestselling author Stephanie McAfee delivers another irreverent, laugh-out-loud page-turner about the (mis)adventures of plus-size spitfire Graciela “Ace” Jones.  With her fiancé now her ex-fiancé, Ace has hightailed it back to Bugtussle, Mississippi, and back to her Gramma Jones’s house. Her best friends, Lilly and Chloe, are delighted she’s back, but Ace still has some challenges ahead of her. For one thing, her replacement as Bugtussle High School’s art teacher, Cameron Becker, refuses to vacate the position. So Ace is stuck working as a substitute teacher while harboring fantasies of running Miss Becker out of town. On top of that, Lilly and Chloe are obsessed with setting her up on less-than-romantic blind dates—even though all she wants is a break from her pitiful love life. To ease her troubled mind, Ace resolves to restore her grandmother’s gardens to their former glory. But in the well-worn gardening book she’s dug out of her grandmother’s attic there are a series of suspicious notes that indicate her grandmother may have had a special someone in her past. Now, with her faithful chiweenie, Buster Loo, by her side, Ace is determined to get to the bottom of her grandmother’s secret life, all the while hoping her own life isn’t about to implode....

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Humor, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery, Ebooks

363 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2013

About the author

Like Elvis, I was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. And while I'm not the King (or Queen) of anything that I know of, I do have a white steed, a noble knight, and a royal court. Ok, I'm lying. I have a brown chiweenie, a buck wild toddler, and if we line our "Cars" cars up just right...

I have lived in the Wild Wild West, but don’t live there anymore because I discovered that some people belong in the south and I am one of those people. Humidity, as it turns out, is not such a bad thing after all. Neither are thunderstorms. Plus I have a deep love and genuine appreciation for normal sweet tea, fresh seafood, SEC football, and large bodies of salty water. So now I live in Florida.

I have a B.A. in English from the University of Mississippi and I'm a life-long fan of the Ole Miss Rebels. I also have an M.A. in Secondary Education from the University of Alabama, which gives me the right yell “Roll Tide!” every now and then. Despite my solid educational background, my work history is what you might call checkered (if you wanted to be nice). It ranges from dispatching at my father’s trucking company to teaching high school Spanish to temping at a technology consulting firm in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Another thing about me: One day, I decided to write a book. It’s called Diary of a Mad Fat Girl and I think it’s pretty funny. Maybe you might think it's funny too!

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want deeply moving and a box of tissues, this is not the book for you. This is a fun, fast, light read. It was entertaining and I laughed so much. I loved the humor. Some of it was mean spirited but I loved the quick wit of it all. This was so funny.

I've read the first 2 book in this series and loved them. I like Ace Jones and most of all, she is always in a state of progression, which I always appreciate. I will say that I have to be in the mood for this kind of book when I read them and this seemed to be just the ticket for today.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, my name is Candace and I am addicted to the Stephanie McAfee series revolving around the loud and crazy Graciela 'Ace' Jones. I flipping LOVE Ace, the main character of McAfee's Diary of a Mad Fat Girl, Happily Ever Madder, and now Down and Out in Bugtussle. I truly think McAfee hit literary gold when she first wrote about the adventures of Ace and her friends. McAfee's latest book involving Ace will be released in the beginning of July. However, I got lucky enough to receive Down and Out in Bugtussle before its release and I have to say I LOVED it just as much as I loved the first two books in the series.


In Down and Out in Bugtussle, Ace has returned to Mississippi after her disastrous move to Florida to live with her ex-fiancee. When she left the small town of Bugtussle, Ace was full of hopes and dreams. Her perfect life with Mason was unfolding and she had opened her own Art Gallery. However, after many ups and downs, Ace realizes that she has yet to find true happiness and returns to her hometown and back to the life she was so excited to leave behind.

Back in Bugtussle, Ace is nursing a wounded heart but surrounded by her best friends Chloe, Lilly, and Jalena. With her teaching position taken over by a new teacher, Ace finds herself the low woman on the totem pole as she becomes a permanent substitute teacher, a definite step backward. Ace has big hopes of winning her job back and can't wait to see the new snobby teacher fired. Ace also makes two new teacher friends. Stacey is another long term sub and a lover of all 80's rock with the big hair to prove it. She marches to the beat of her own drum and Ace can't help but like her. As for the sassy and spectacular Freddie, Ace wants to dislike him since he is BFF's with her rival. However, as she gets to know him she finds herself drawn to him and his outspoken ways.



Throughout Down and Out in Bugtussle, Ace finds herself coming to the aid of Chloe and Lilly, both of whom are having difficulties in their personal relationships. Ace also starts unraveling a mystery involving her deceased grandmother's love life. By following clues that she finds in her grandmother's flower book, Ace makes it her goal to find out just her her dear grandma was.



I found myself laughing out loud at the situations Ace and Stacey find themselves in. This new friendship is heartwarming and hilarious, and I loved every minute of it. I enjoyed how McAfee had Ace hanging out with various friends, not just her bestie's Lilly, Chloe, and Jalena. Ace is frequently with Stacey, Freddie, Hatter, Cameron, and her elderly friends including Birdie.



I definitely recommend Stephanie McAfee's Down and Out in Bugtussle: The Mad Fat Road to Happiness. This book is the PERFECT beach/pool read. The ending of Down and Out in Bugtussle was left open and didn't have a ton of closure so I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment in the Ace Jones series.

*The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of the book, Down and Out in Bugtussle, for the purpose of review.*

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series. Parts of it had me laughing.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a free copy of Stephanie McAfee's Down and Out in Bugtussle as a Goodreads first reader. I loved every word on every page of this delightfully funny book. I was totally entertained and on numerous occasions, was forced to stop reading as I was laughing too hard to see. This happened with such frequency that my husband banished me to do all my reading in a different room until I had finished the book. I enjoyed spending time with these high spirited and outspoken ladies and truly wished my friends were half this funny, insightful, or honest. I plan to track down her two previous works, and will be on the look-out for future offerings from this sparkling and gifted talent. Well done -I actually want to give it 4 and three-fourths stars!

[Tara Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of her book and all of them are great! Lots of laughs.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly entertaining, laugh out loud funny! Stephanie McAfee has created a gem of a series!!

[RoloPoloBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mad Fat Girl Series by Stephanie McAfee
Source: Overdrive Audio/Public Library
My Rating: 4/5 stars

The Bottom Line: To date, there are three books (and two novellas!) in Stephanie McAfee’s Mad Fat Girl Series: Diary of a Mad Fat Girl, Happily Ever Madder, and Down and Out in Bugtussle. To be completely honest, I only requested the first book in this series because of the title 😊 I find it hard to resist such fun titles, and what I got behind the title was just as fun! The series revolves around the life, love life, antics, and shenanigans of one Ace Jones. Ace Jones is a spitfire if ever there was one and her mouth and actions often get her into a world of trouble. Ace Jones is fiercely loyal to her friends, hopelessly in love with a man she can’t seem to make a relationship work with, and often up to no good as a result of the very best of intentions. While there are many, many, many tremendously funny moments over the course of the three books, there are also some serious topics such as abuse and bullying addressed. What I found particularly fun about these books are solid characters, both good and bad, who populate the little town of Bugtussle. From Ace and her best friends, to the local barkeep, to the little old ladies who seem to know everything about everyone, there is a character for everyone in this series. Overall, I found the first and third books to be the best (to date) with the middle book being a bit slower, but necessary. By the end of the third book, Ace and her friends have been through the wringer and back again and not even one of them are showing any signs of slowing down!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars: Ace is back funnier than ever!

Ace packed up, closed her art gallery and left her former fiancé behind. She returned home to Bugtussle to her friends and her grandma's house. Even though it hurts to let go of her dreams, she is thankful to be back home among her friends. Ace accepts a job as a permanent substitute teacher in hopes of getting her old job back, but what Ace doesn't expect is to make some unlikely friends and grow a bit in spite of her issues with bullies and mean people. Can Ace find happiness back home where she belongs?
What I Liked:
*I was pleased to see that Ace has gotten her sass and spark back. A bit of her snappy, snarky humor was missing in book two as she tried to turn over a new leaf and be nicer. I was glad that she gave that up and went back to standing up to the bullies and speaking her mind. Rest assured, there are plenty of mad cap moments as Ace gets into a few tangles because she refuses to back down, even if that means risking the wrath of the airport security all over Chapstick. If you loved Ace's humor in Diary of a Mad Fat Girl, you will enjoy her escapades in this book.
*I adore Ace. She is one of those characters that you just can't help but like because she is genuine. She doesn't put on any airs and she is your normal, average every day person. She is a bit on the plump side because she tends to indulge in too much pizza and beer. Ace's witty humor makes me laugh out loud, and I am not talking the fake kind, I mean genuine laughing and snickering. I think many of us can sympathize with Ace as she struggles to fit into her pants, goes to work, deals with mean people and pushes through the day so she can rush home and change out of those too tight pants. If you are a fan of books with hilarious and realistic protagonists definitely give this series a try.
Even though Ace spends a great deal of time being angry and depressed about her broken dreams and too tight pants, she does show considerable growth in this book. She ends up taking her rival under her wing and helping her out even if it means she might lose out on getting her job back. I liked that Ace decided to take the high road. She is definitely moving beyond being mad and fat.
*I love that this is a series that you can pick up any book and not miss a beat. There is not a main plot running through the books so you don't have to read them in order. These are books that you can grab and read and enjoy as they each follow whatever happens to be going on in Ace's life. These are simple, easy, funny reads perfect for when you need a pick me up or an afternoon on the beach or just lazing in the sun.
And The Not So Much:
*I was a bit disappointed that there was not really much discussion on how things ended with Ace's fiancé. It mentioned that Ace went back and tried to work things out but failed. I would like to know more about what went down.
*I was also frustrated that none of the story lines were picked up from book two, but then again it is nice that each book is its own story so you don't have to worry about reading them in order.

Down and Out in Bugtussle was the perfect summer read. I laughed and snickered at Ace's one of a kind humor. I love that this series follows a likable and realistic heroine who is battling the bulge and trying to find her happiness. I think many of us can relate to Ace's plight. If you are looking for a funny, mindless read to perk up your spirits or pull you out of a reading slump, I would highly recommend checking out The Diary of a Mad Fat Girl Series. I am a personally a big fan and I cannot wait to see what Ace will do next!

Favorite Quotations:
"I walk into the guest room and pick up the pants I ironed last night. When I put them on, I discover that they won't zip. Great, I think. Should've tried those on first. I head back to my closet and dig through my "teacher clothes" for the hundredth time. After several minutes of pure, unadulterated frustration, I locate a pair of black pants that I think will work. It's the "big" pair reserved for "fat" days. I take a deep breath and slip them on. It takes some huffing and puffing, but I finally get the bastards zipped. Who knew that two and a half months of wearing nothing but sweatpants would put such a strain on the ol' buttonholes?"
"I think about fist-whipping her fake tits until one pops out onto the gym floor, but then Chole would fire me for sure and I don't need that, so instead I say, "I'm supposed to be in the gym, Ms. Becker! "I'm not here on cock-watch."
"I start thinking I'd rather go lie in the parking lot and be run over by incoming traffic than be in this classroom all day, but I want my job back, so I've to to stay with it. My ass isn't getting any smaller and my pants aren't getting any bigger, but all I can do is sit there and fantasize about chocolate-covered doughnuts."
"Not happening. Sorry. I don't tolerate bitches and bullies. I never will."
"Damn those tight-ass "fat" pants. Damn them! I won't buy a size up, I won't. I put the book down and wonder if instead I should be reading a book called How Not to Be a Fatass When You've Read every Damned Book in Print About How Not to Be a Fatass but You're Still a Fatass and Here's Why!
"I'd rather have eyelashes burnt off with a flamethrower."

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

After breaking up with her fiancé, Ace has gone back home. But she is not sitting around nursing her wounds. She gets work as a substitute teacher and though she hopes that she will get her old job back, it doesn’t seem likely since that position has been filled. She has taken up residence in her grandmother’s home and wants to restore the gardens to their former glory. There’s a bit of a mystery about her grandmother’s life, and Ace wants to find out more about it. Though she is busy helping her friends, both old and new, and looking for a new love, Ace still makes time for Buster Loo, her dog. Humor abounds as Ace jumps from one thing to another.

[Heather]

This series is a nice comfort read. I liked it much better than book 2, and I am REALLY glad that Mason played no role in it. I do wish Ace drank less and was less hot-tempered. The teacher's lounge is not a place where people call each other "bitch," believe it or not. And she doesn't have to mouth off to everyone who makes her mad.

But the story is pretty good, even if the author can't seem to master an ending.

[Holly Keimig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to find out what happened to Ace Jones. I still feel like many things are unresolved and am afraid there will be no book 4. Ace does start to put her life back together in this one, though. She finds a love for gardening and tries out being a permanent sub. There are new quirky characters and a few big surprises. Enjoyable light listen.

[Teri-K · Rating 1 out of 5]

20% in I just had to stop. Clearly this book isn't for me. I don't find profanity hilarious. I think it's sad when people put themselves down constantly, not amusing. And there were so many characters referred to by first and last names that I got tired of trying to keep them straight. Too bad. I like humor but this isn't my style.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book while I was looking for something light to read on a plane. It fulfilled that requirement. I had not read the previous books in the series but it works as a stand alone story. The characters were believable as was the plot.

[Erica Chaillot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and how much Ace has transformed throughout the series. This book and series keeps getting better and better. I am very happy (even though it is bittersweet) to read her last Ace book next. Selfishly, I wish she would continue the saga forever

[Vicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

The third installment in the series finds our protagonist (I use the term loosely) out to make her life difficult again. She is hard to truly like as she is her own worst enemy and make hot-headed decisions that put her into tough spots. But it is a fun, light read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this little series. I hope there are more to come.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another visit with Ace Jones!

What fun these books are! Just the right blend of small town and crazy, with large scoops of old and new friendship mixed in!

[Heather Koehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series! Laugh out loud laughter throughout the book. Love Ace and love Stacy! Is there a book 4?

[Joanne Heins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like this character, funny, profane, amoral...ok, only sleeps around. Still, good writing, and I like seeing whats next.

[Carey Case Rivard · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun beach read

[Wendy E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Watching for the next one - fun series!

[Laura Rogalla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, light read.

[Joelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A huge improvement from the 2nd book. I definitely felt that the storylines were stronger and the new characters were more likable.

[Cindy Lynch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, but it ended rather abruptly. I guess that's what you get for reading a book in a series.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was enjoying these, but this one went way too far into glorifying LEOs and just felt really Trumpy. Gross. Stop worshipping cops. It's toxic and dangerous to POC.

[Sara Goldenberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

started out strong but faded as time went on.

[Mabel Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as entertaining as the first two. I have had so much fun reading this trilogy, I am really going to miss Ace Jones!!!

[Sarah Mathisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is so funny!!! This book is awesome

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

OMG! Did I really just waste 10 hours of my life listening to this audio book???

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.