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For The Love of Laney
What do you do when you’re overweight, and don’t have any friends? When your own mom constantly points out every single flaw you have, every chance she gets? How do you cope? For 18 year old Laney, she uses food as a coping mechanism. When her life gets to be too much, and the walls close in around her, she locks herself in her room and binge eats. For the past 18 years she has been made fun of, and tormented by her classmates, mentally abused by her own mom. She feels unworthy of love, and happiness. She feels as if everyone hates her. So she closes up, shutting down, refusing to let anyone in. Too scared of being hurt. It’s all she’s ever known. Things begin to change, when her perfect brother, Ajay brings his hot roommate, Levi home with him for the summer. Levi is just as cocky as he is sexy. He instantly rubs Laney the wrong way. She does her best to avoid him, but he doesn’t seem to take the hint. The more she tries to push him away, the more he fights go get in. As they spend more and more time together, Laney begins to lower her walls. But when Levi learns her secret, she shuts down again, and pushes him away. Can he break the walls she’s spent the last 18 years building? He’s determined to help her, but in the process he ends up falling head over heels in love with her. The one thing that scares him, is will she be there to catch him?***************************************************Warning this book contains strong coarse language, and intense sexual situations. It is not recommended for readers under the age of 17.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2014
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209 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 13, 2016
I won't trash the book because I'm sure the author went through great pains to write it and I know that being an author leaves you vulnerable.
But...
Man. I was looking for an inspirational book that would have me cheering the heroine on and hoping that she'd get her happily ever after. Instead, I got a terrifically blah book with a blah heroine and a blah story. The writing bugged me to no end. I'm not an editor, and I'm certainly not perfect with my English grammar, but I at least somewhat know when a comma is needed and when it is not. These errors made my reading stilted and completely took me out of the story.
Laney was sweet but a bit annoying. She was a doormat for most of the book, and her entire family, especially her mother, took advantage of her.
I found Levi to be boring. Laney insisted he was cocky, but I saw nothing of the sort. He was just irritating.
Meh. It was an okay read that has already been returned.
But...
Man. I was looking for an inspirational book that would have me cheering the heroine on and hoping that she'd get her happily ever after. Instead, I got a terrifically blah book with a blah heroine and a blah story. The writing bugged me to no end. I'm not an editor, and I'm certainly not perfect with my English grammar, but I at least somewhat know when a comma is needed and when it is not. These errors made my reading stilted and completely took me out of the story.
Laney was sweet but a bit annoying. She was a doormat for most of the book, and her entire family, especially her mother, took advantage of her.
I found Levi to be boring. Laney insisted he was cocky, but I saw nothing of the sort. He was just irritating.
Meh. It was an okay read that has already been returned.
on-kindle-to-read
November 16, 201811/16/18 Ammy freebie
April 26, 2025
I usually don't mind these types of books because I like rooting for the MC, but this one is just, meh, for me. Cute curvy girl is trying to get her life together and falls for the brother's friend. If that sounds great for you then check this out.
March 27, 2015
This is
NOT a bad book
. I unfortunately lost interest hence the 2* - DNF 45%
The blurb appeared to promise a book featuring a vulnerable character hiding behind a Bada$$-Sarcastic-Unfriendly exterior in order to shield her insecurities.
However, in this instance it's NOT the case.
Laney is a passive, emotionally unstable, whinge-y, angst-y victim who sobs all night, rather than a chubby rendition of Daria-combined-Helga (from Hey Arnold)- combined-Janis Ian (Goth girl from Mean Girls).
Levi is a ok. He's not the cliché tall, dark handsome type I was expecting but nor is he massively interesting either.
It would have been great IF THERE WAS BANTER between them. But mostly it's Laney projecting her insecurities.
She manifests them during bouts of weeping, jealousy, swooning (over Levi) and binge-eating. While Levi plays the supportive (and occasionally jealous)hero/Knight spectator to Laney's self-destruction.
I felt the book would have been so much more better if Laney wasn't the cliché melancholy passive, emotionally unstable victim.
But a vulnerable and insecure girl hiding behind a bully-sarcastic-intellectually-superior b**ch attitude with lots of banter between the protagonist
The subplot and supporting characters were poorly developed.
The blurb appeared to promise a book featuring a vulnerable character hiding behind a Bada$$-Sarcastic-Unfriendly exterior in order to shield her insecurities.
However, in this instance it's NOT the case.
Laney is a passive, emotionally unstable, whinge-y, angst-y victim who sobs all night, rather than a chubby rendition of Daria-combined-Helga (from Hey Arnold)- combined-Janis Ian (Goth girl from Mean Girls).
Levi is a ok. He's not the cliché tall, dark handsome type I was expecting but nor is he massively interesting either.
It would have been great IF THERE WAS BANTER between them. But mostly it's Laney projecting her insecurities.
She manifests them during bouts of weeping, jealousy, swooning (over Levi) and binge-eating. While Levi plays the supportive (and occasionally jealous)
I felt the book would have been so much more better if Laney wasn't the cliché melancholy passive, emotionally unstable victim.
But a vulnerable and insecure girl hiding behind a bully-sarcastic-intellectually-superior b**ch attitude with lots of banter between the protagonist
The subplot and supporting characters were poorly developed.
September 8, 2014
This is one of those books that seemed to hit close to home for me in some ways and I felt like I could connect with Laney at times. Laney is 18 and has been overweight most of her life. She puts up with her mom being so verbally abusive to her and I would have loved to have slapped her face to take up for Laney.
“You’re not his type. He can have any girl he wants. What are you trying to do? Eat yourself to death.” But I do understand there are parents that will belittle their children and make them have little or no self-esteem.
So, when her brother Ajay brings home his college roommate Levi for the summer, her life will never be the same. She soon realizes she wants more for herself than what she has and starts to work out even though that doesn’t stop her from hiding food. What surprises me is that Levi seems to understand her more than any of her family ever has.
“I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the first time I laid my eyes on you.” – Levi
As the summer progresses and more feelings surface, Laney realizes she wants things more than she ever thought she could and I love seeing how Levi supports her in every way. When she finds out her mom isn’t as perfect as she seems, Levi protects her and I think I fell for him myself after that.
“You’re so beautiful. Don’t ever be embarrassed of your body. You’re perfect.” – Levi
Laney opens up, spreads her wings, and becomes someone she can be proud of. Even though the obstacles weren’t easy, she kept trying and with the help of her family and especially Levi, she really blossoms throughout this book and grows so much. I think this is one of those books that anyone who has ever had a weight problem should read. You get the good with the bad: having a bitch of a mom and then finding love. The good can sometimes outweigh the bad!
“You’re not his type. He can have any girl he wants. What are you trying to do? Eat yourself to death.” But I do understand there are parents that will belittle their children and make them have little or no self-esteem.
So, when her brother Ajay brings home his college roommate Levi for the summer, her life will never be the same. She soon realizes she wants more for herself than what she has and starts to work out even though that doesn’t stop her from hiding food. What surprises me is that Levi seems to understand her more than any of her family ever has.
“I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the first time I laid my eyes on you.” – Levi
As the summer progresses and more feelings surface, Laney realizes she wants things more than she ever thought she could and I love seeing how Levi supports her in every way. When she finds out her mom isn’t as perfect as she seems, Levi protects her and I think I fell for him myself after that.
“You’re so beautiful. Don’t ever be embarrassed of your body. You’re perfect.” – Levi
Laney opens up, spreads her wings, and becomes someone she can be proud of. Even though the obstacles weren’t easy, she kept trying and with the help of her family and especially Levi, she really blossoms throughout this book and grows so much. I think this is one of those books that anyone who has ever had a weight problem should read. You get the good with the bad: having a bitch of a mom and then finding love. The good can sometimes outweigh the bad!
June 12, 2014
Ok so I am not one who usually reads the NA books. I am old enough to have teenagers, and lord knows I want to forget my teen years. Growing up my best girlfriend who treated poorly by her mother like this girl. She was bullemic due to it. Also as we got older to help her self esteem she would sleep with or attempt to sleep with everyone I dated. I wasn't the thinnest girl either so I could empathize with Laney. I however had a mother who loved me unconditionally.
I loved the book. It would be a great book for those in that age bracket.
I loved the book. It would be a great book for those in that age bracket.
May 27, 2014
Downright pitiful. Author needs to buy an English book.
May 21, 2018
Great
I hated her mom I mean what the hell your parents especially your mom should give you encouragement not beat you down I loved the book all the way through I especially loved Levi how he always was there for Laney no matter where he was ! All in All great book!!!! Melanie !!! I’d definitely read it again!! Book nerds you need to read this book!!!!!!
I hated her mom I mean what the hell your parents especially your mom should give you encouragement not beat you down I loved the book all the way through I especially loved Levi how he always was there for Laney no matter where he was ! All in All great book!!!! Melanie !!! I’d definitely read it again!! Book nerds you need to read this book!!!!!!
August 25, 2025
I enjoyed this book it's about a girl that's really obeses and the way her mom treats her and is ignorant to her and in the end her mother's the one that gets the damage cuz she finally finds her voice and tells her mom how it is when she finds out her mom's been cheating on her dad
July 15, 2017
this is one of my favourite books, less because of the love story but more because of how honest the author was about her disorder, how she overcame it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2021
Great!
This book was so good! At times literally laugh out loud funny and other times it was tugging on my heart stings. I don’t do many rereads but I would re-read this !
This book was so good! At times literally laugh out loud funny and other times it was tugging on my heart stings. I don’t do many rereads but I would re-read this !
June 20, 2014
~Review~
To shoot and score at love!
There are sad tales, but tales as paths can change for good or for bad. And for Laney, one summer changed her life, and brought her all the happiness that in eighteen years she never had.
Laney, it’s a size plus girl who is constantly verbally abused by her mother and bullies. In her pain to not have or reach the perfect body, she drowns in guilt and eats without control and without self-awareness to her health. All those years of abuse, she finds solace in food and makes herself a food binger. Until one day a cocky boy enters her life with straightforward answers makes her crack her pity shell. She becomes empowered and begins to realize that in order to people reach to her, she must grasp the line and hold it. Now she has the ball on her side of the court, and she will play for keeps. But will Laney confront all the player’s and still shoot without missing? I guess you have to find out on your own.
This story was a light and tender read. It presents many aspects of bulling and verbal abuse. Also, this book presents that life can change for good, that you can always heal from the things that once hurt you. To become free and confident in your own skin, but most importantly to accept yourself as you truly are.
To know more about this review and some visuals, click the link below:
http://intellectualvixens.wordpress.c...
To shoot and score at love!
There are sad tales, but tales as paths can change for good or for bad. And for Laney, one summer changed her life, and brought her all the happiness that in eighteen years she never had.
Laney, it’s a size plus girl who is constantly verbally abused by her mother and bullies. In her pain to not have or reach the perfect body, she drowns in guilt and eats without control and without self-awareness to her health. All those years of abuse, she finds solace in food and makes herself a food binger. Until one day a cocky boy enters her life with straightforward answers makes her crack her pity shell. She becomes empowered and begins to realize that in order to people reach to her, she must grasp the line and hold it. Now she has the ball on her side of the court, and she will play for keeps. But will Laney confront all the player’s and still shoot without missing? I guess you have to find out on your own.
This story was a light and tender read. It presents many aspects of bulling and verbal abuse. Also, this book presents that life can change for good, that you can always heal from the things that once hurt you. To become free and confident in your own skin, but most importantly to accept yourself as you truly are.
To know more about this review and some visuals, click the link below:
http://intellectualvixens.wordpress.c...
September 19, 2015
There are times when Laney can’t cope with life. When things get too hectic, she secretly over eats. This is how she endures when she feels criticized, analyzed and poked fun at. Eating is her escape and temporary comfort. Laney has developed a very low self-esteem and she thinks she is worthless in everyone’s eyes. Life couldn’t get any worse…that is until an overconfident, handsome friend of her brother comes into the picture. Not letting her guard down, she avoids Levi (her brother’s friend) as best as she can, but as they see each other more and get to know each other further, Levi finds out her embarrassing secrets. With her families support and her new found love, Levi, Laney begins to make positive changes. Melanie Cole has fashioned a genuine love story, concerning a reluctant and unconfident teenage girl who becomes strong enough to face her fears of self-dislike and an eating disorder with the help of a young man who genuinely cares for her. I feel that Melanie wrote this book with the intention to let young woman know that even if they face a debilitating circumstances, condition, i.e. bad habit, depression, insecurity, self-inflicted disorder, that they should never give up hope even when life seems hopeless. Help and love can come in the most least expected ways.
February 12, 2015
A must read!!!
Now, I don't usually read young author stories with the characters being 18 and 21, but in this case, I am very glad that I did!! There is so much packed into this one book, and I couldn't get enough! Laney and Levi are two people just trying to make it work and so many things keep getting in the way of it. I loved everything about this book, except how the brother and father treated her. I get that she could have done more to talk to her dad, especially to have a relationship, but he let the mother treat her like nothing, and didn't stand up for her. I just couldn't get over that. Other than that little detail, I just couldn't get enough!!
Now, I don't usually read young author stories with the characters being 18 and 21, but in this case, I am very glad that I did!! There is so much packed into this one book, and I couldn't get enough! Laney and Levi are two people just trying to make it work and so many things keep getting in the way of it. I loved everything about this book, except how the brother and father treated her. I get that she could have done more to talk to her dad, especially to have a relationship, but he let the mother treat her like nothing, and didn't stand up for her. I just couldn't get over that. Other than that little detail, I just couldn't get enough!!
June 23, 2014
Wow! The reviews on this book are a bit mixed. It seems you either loved it or hated it. I really liked it. Laney could be annoying at times, but when you really think about it...it makes perfect sense. Why would she have any type of confidence when her mom has spent her entire life putting her down. I really liked her. There were some editing mistakes, but it didn't bother me much. It was a quick, easy read and I thought the love story was sweet.
October 26, 2016
A very easy to read book, very glad the main character Laney finally found the courage to make changes to her life, yes there are some grammar mistakes, but it made no difference. Well done Melanie Cole! I'll be reading more of your books. Laney's character did hit close to home, it shows there is such things as love, and happiness. Glad her family finally took notice of her too.. Hopefully a happy sequel soon?
January 16, 2015
An OK read but some of the writing could have done with some proof reading. This story is close to home and the storyline didn't disappoint, only the end I found a bit rushed. Not keen on the language the family used on each other after they found out about the mother cheating. Love Levi, I guess Laney was his exception. Nick was a great guy too and I would have loved to read more of him.
April 24, 2015
Totally relatable.
I liked it because I can relate to Laney regarding weight and self-esteem issues. It was a pretty good,story. The brother was the annoying character for me but I could understand why he was like that. Levi so sweet. He complemented Laney's character. All in all a good read.
I liked it because I can relate to Laney regarding weight and self-esteem issues. It was a pretty good,story. The brother was the annoying character for me but I could understand why he was like that. Levi so sweet. He complemented Laney's character. All in all a good read.
August 4, 2015
Laney, it's a size plus girl who is constantly verbally abused by her mother and bullies. In her pain to not have or reach the perfect body, she drowns in guilt and eats without control and without self-awareness to her health. All those years of abuse, she finds solace in food and makes herself a food binger. Until one day a cocky boy
This story was a light and tender
This story was a light and tender
May 1, 2015
Sweet story
Good novel. It's a coming of age slash learning to love yourself slash finding your strength while coping with a scary narcissistic mother and hot damn thankfully meeting a guy who notices you story. Overall very relatable.
Good novel. It's a coming of age slash learning to love yourself slash finding your strength while coping with a scary narcissistic mother and hot damn thankfully meeting a guy who notices you story. Overall very relatable.
May 26, 2014
My kind of book. loved it, definitely will read again
June 23, 2014
I would have gave it 5 stars, but it ended too quickly. I wanted more confrontation and more confidence.
September 7, 2016
Chock full of manufactured drama, an incredibly juvenile writing style, and a heroine that everyone knows is beautiful but her? Ugh, no.
July 15, 2014
wasn't terrible, wasn't great.
September 15, 2014
3.5 Stars
Everything felt too rushed an unbelievable. One second they meet, the next their in love, THE END... Huh?
Everything felt too rushed an unbelievable. One second they meet, the next their in love, THE END... Huh?
January 30, 2015
Happy ending
It was a very typical good-looking guy date fat loner girl put it was a very nice love story. A
It was a very typical good-looking guy date fat loner girl put it was a very nice love story. A
June 21, 2014
Was a sweet easy read! Really cute
July 17, 2014
I thought that this was a very good book and I hope to read more by this author
July 18, 2014
I thought this was a good book. Too short!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews