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Big Girl Panties: A Curvy Girl Sports Romance
This romantic comedy will break your heart... and then make you laugh so hard it'll put the pieces back together!
One man's trash is another man's treasure. When my ex-husband, Chris, left me shattered, I thought I'd never recover. Then Matt, a famous wrestler, came into my life. He patiently put me back together, making me feel beautiful again even when I couldn't see it myself. Just as I started to believe in love again, I discovered the cruel it had all been nothing more than a bet.
Big Girl Panties delivers a perfect storm of angst, humor, and sizzling romance. It's a story about rediscovering love—both with someone new and, most importantly, with yourself.
Big Girl Panties delivers a perfect storm of angst, humor, and sizzling romance. It's a story about rediscovering love—both with someone new and, most importantly, with yourself.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2025
150 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 21, 2025
HOORAY 🙌🏻 this book brought me out of my book slump!! I slurped this up in one sitting and I have no regrets. It was just what I needed 💋
September 14, 2025
Brooklyn Wallace, was expecting a much different outcome for her first anniversary. Hence, the new négligée she had purchased and was wearing to surprise her husband, Chris. However, Chris had a much more disturbing message he needed to tell her which would shake her foundation. He told her that he had never been sexually attracted to her. She had been going to the gym five days a week, and that maybe it would do her some good. He felt they should take a break from their marriage, explore other options, and work on themselves. Brooklyn repeated, take some time to work on themselves?
He said, Well, you. She asked, How long are you talking? He said, two years, and in that time they should have an open marriage. She can see how hard it will be for her to find a man in her current state. It had been her father who had offered him the partnership in his firm if he married her. Then we can see from there. "You take care of me and our home. I knew someday you'd make a great mom." "A great mom?" She gestured vaguely between us. "Chris, we haven't had sex since…" Brooke honestly couldn't remember. He'd barely touched her since they'd gotten married.
"How exactly was l supposed to get pregnant?" "I think we got married too soon." He completely sidestepped her question. "Too young." "What are you trying to say, Chris?" "I think we need… Space to explore other options." "I know it probably doesn't appeal to you the same way it does me, he continued, apparently on a roll now. "I'm in my prime, and you're…" "I mean, it's going to be harder for you to find someone…" "What the actual f--k, Chris?" "This isn't coming out right." He held up his hands. But it was coming out right, wasn't it? He was the catch, and she was the consolation prize.
He was the main character, and she was the quirky best friend who existed solely to make him look better by comparison. His DUFF. Chris had that effortless appeal that drew people in. He was tall and lean, with perfectly styled dark hair, and eyes to match. I'd always felt like we were on equal footing, that I had as much of a chance with him as anyone else. How naive I'd been. Six years of memories began rearranging themselves like a jigsaw puzzle. Revealing a completely different picture. Chris and I had met in the café where she worked. He'd come in every morning for a specialty coffee and a bagel, and I'd thought his persistence was charming.
Now I wondered if he'd just been really, really committed to his long-term career strategy. "I want a divorce." "Don't be silly, Brooke." He flopped onto our bed. "I don't want a divorce. I want an open marriage, and maybe you can work on yourself during that time." "Work on myself?" with his mansplaining smile. "I know you hate gyms and working out, but you're going to have to put on your big girl panties and get it done." He paused, looking pleased with himself. "No pun intended." "And if I say No? If I don’t agree to you dating other people?" "Come on, Brooke.”
"We both know it's your only option." What the actual f--k? "No, it's not, Chris. I want a divorce." "Trust me, Brooke, you don't want a divorce. You have no idea how hard the dating world will be as a plus-size woman." "I don't care." And I really, truly didn't. I would rather be alone with a Netflix subscription and a decent vibrator. Then spend another minute with someone who saw me as a consolation prize. "I'm going out tonight, and you should go out too. I'm sure you'll change your mind once you see how hard it is out there."
Six months later, he threw a tantrum, but she got a divorce. She also found or should I say he found her, that night at the very bar her friend got engaged in. He was dared by his wrestling buddies to ask her out. He is, Matt Mataio 'The Mountain' Strickland. Something later that will bite him in the a$$. They talk for hours, and the chemistry is off the charts. However, when he walks her home, he doesn't ask for her number or where her coffee shop is. However, pretty much before her doors were even opened, guess who showed up? Yup, Matt. When he laughed and said Do you know there are seven other coffee shops in the area.
That right there took him up a wrung of wanting to like Matt. But between her father's and Chris’s misogynistic backhanded complaints, and the outright digs and disrespect. Brooke is having a hard time taking his free and unsolicited kindness, praise, and decency at face value. However, she is loving the flirtatious banter they fall into so naturally. Don't think Matt is coming into this unscathed. Ten years ago he suffered his own divorce when his wife cheated. This was his high school sweetheart. He believed they were secure. But he wants more, and he wants to explore it with Brooke.
So, when Chris enters the shop yelling at her telling her she needs to call her dad, and she tells him that’s a him problem, not a her problem. When ‘The Mountain’ got all up in his business, telling him not to speak to his girlfriend that way. It shocked Chris. Matt kissed Brooke to bring it home to Chris and told him to get gone. Welcome to their meet-cute.
He said, Well, you. She asked, How long are you talking? He said, two years, and in that time they should have an open marriage. She can see how hard it will be for her to find a man in her current state. It had been her father who had offered him the partnership in his firm if he married her. Then we can see from there. "You take care of me and our home. I knew someday you'd make a great mom." "A great mom?" She gestured vaguely between us. "Chris, we haven't had sex since…" Brooke honestly couldn't remember. He'd barely touched her since they'd gotten married.
"How exactly was l supposed to get pregnant?" "I think we got married too soon." He completely sidestepped her question. "Too young." "What are you trying to say, Chris?" "I think we need… Space to explore other options." "I know it probably doesn't appeal to you the same way it does me, he continued, apparently on a roll now. "I'm in my prime, and you're…" "I mean, it's going to be harder for you to find someone…" "What the actual f--k, Chris?" "This isn't coming out right." He held up his hands. But it was coming out right, wasn't it? He was the catch, and she was the consolation prize.
He was the main character, and she was the quirky best friend who existed solely to make him look better by comparison. His DUFF. Chris had that effortless appeal that drew people in. He was tall and lean, with perfectly styled dark hair, and eyes to match. I'd always felt like we were on equal footing, that I had as much of a chance with him as anyone else. How naive I'd been. Six years of memories began rearranging themselves like a jigsaw puzzle. Revealing a completely different picture. Chris and I had met in the café where she worked. He'd come in every morning for a specialty coffee and a bagel, and I'd thought his persistence was charming.
Now I wondered if he'd just been really, really committed to his long-term career strategy. "I want a divorce." "Don't be silly, Brooke." He flopped onto our bed. "I don't want a divorce. I want an open marriage, and maybe you can work on yourself during that time." "Work on myself?" with his mansplaining smile. "I know you hate gyms and working out, but you're going to have to put on your big girl panties and get it done." He paused, looking pleased with himself. "No pun intended." "And if I say No? If I don’t agree to you dating other people?" "Come on, Brooke.”
"We both know it's your only option." What the actual f--k? "No, it's not, Chris. I want a divorce." "Trust me, Brooke, you don't want a divorce. You have no idea how hard the dating world will be as a plus-size woman." "I don't care." And I really, truly didn't. I would rather be alone with a Netflix subscription and a decent vibrator. Then spend another minute with someone who saw me as a consolation prize. "I'm going out tonight, and you should go out too. I'm sure you'll change your mind once you see how hard it is out there."
Six months later, he threw a tantrum, but she got a divorce. She also found or should I say he found her, that night at the very bar her friend got engaged in. He was dared by his wrestling buddies to ask her out. He is, Matt Mataio 'The Mountain' Strickland. Something later that will bite him in the a$$. They talk for hours, and the chemistry is off the charts. However, when he walks her home, he doesn't ask for her number or where her coffee shop is. However, pretty much before her doors were even opened, guess who showed up? Yup, Matt. When he laughed and said Do you know there are seven other coffee shops in the area.
That right there took him up a wrung of wanting to like Matt. But between her father's and Chris’s misogynistic backhanded complaints, and the outright digs and disrespect. Brooke is having a hard time taking his free and unsolicited kindness, praise, and decency at face value. However, she is loving the flirtatious banter they fall into so naturally. Don't think Matt is coming into this unscathed. Ten years ago he suffered his own divorce when his wife cheated. This was his high school sweetheart. He believed they were secure. But he wants more, and he wants to explore it with Brooke.
So, when Chris enters the shop yelling at her telling her she needs to call her dad, and she tells him that’s a him problem, not a her problem. When ‘The Mountain’ got all up in his business, telling him not to speak to his girlfriend that way. It shocked Chris. Matt kissed Brooke to bring it home to Chris and told him to get gone. Welcome to their meet-cute.
August 30, 2025
Rating - 2.5
Small rant I’m not finished yet but
I was enjoying this read until I got to a line about “real women with real curves” and not wanting to “hold onto skin and bones” and honestly like… I’ll finish the book but, it’s disappointing that in a book that I had thought was going to have body positivity is just using demeaning and dehumanising women/people with smaller body types. Why can’t we be enthusiastic about all body types like yeah we all have preferences but why does that mean be rude about the ones you’re not into (which isn’t even true in this case, he had stated he liked all women!)
Real talk I worked with teenagers in an educational setting and do you know how more many cases we had of body shaming based bullying against “smaller” girls than “bigger” girls? So much, but it’s awful either way.
I’ve held girls, who physically can’t put on weight and are stuck at a size xxs, they want to gain weight to stop the teasing and feel good about themselves, while they cry over people saying similar things. To read that in what is kind of a slap in the face. We don’t need to kick another person/body type down just to big up another. I hate this idea of body positivity it’s just so false and hypocritical. I feel like the book let itself down in this regard. “No body shaming by the H” but like, that is body shaming just not against the h.
Not all readers of curvy girl romances are themselves curvy. I’ve been every size between UK 6 and UK 20. I read romances about all sizes and body types, a wide range and this is just something I hate to see.
Also the H said he doesn’t have a little brother then like 2 pages later he has a whole ass little brother ?
—
Alright, finished it, the ending was cute and sweet. I feel like more could have been done around the Hs friends though, like we don’t really get any satisfaction or resolution with them… any like clarity or confrontation? They were there in the start for the whole bet situation, we don’t see them again until the very end when one of them pops up, blows everything up in the space of like 3 short sentences and then disappears and they’re not mentioned again. She’d been dating him for 9 months at this point and going to most of his matches are we saying he never introduced her to his friends? With his management also, the story line for angst and drama was opened up with them and it just didn’t go anywhere, we didn’t see or hear about them again? I dunno it was odd, it kind of just felt like the first like 40% of the book stuff was happening then it kind of slowed its pace, I feel like of the times when they were just doing day to day stuff it could have been used for resolving or expanding some of the plot lines that were opened, lots of things were mentioned and then never mentioned or referenced again.
It was a sweet, light read and I’d have found it mostly chill and enjoyable if not for the weird body shame-y stuff at the start, which yeah did put a damper on my enjoyment, along with the unresolved stuff
Small rant I’m not finished yet but
I was enjoying this read until I got to a line about “real women with real curves” and not wanting to “hold onto skin and bones” and honestly like… I’ll finish the book but, it’s disappointing that in a book that I had thought was going to have body positivity is just using demeaning and dehumanising women/people with smaller body types. Why can’t we be enthusiastic about all body types like yeah we all have preferences but why does that mean be rude about the ones you’re not into (which isn’t even true in this case, he had stated he liked all women!)
Real talk I worked with teenagers in an educational setting and do you know how more many cases we had of body shaming based bullying against “smaller” girls than “bigger” girls? So much, but it’s awful either way.
I’ve held girls, who physically can’t put on weight and are stuck at a size xxs, they want to gain weight to stop the teasing and feel good about themselves, while they cry over people saying similar things. To read that in what is kind of a slap in the face. We don’t need to kick another person/body type down just to big up another. I hate this idea of body positivity it’s just so false and hypocritical. I feel like the book let itself down in this regard. “No body shaming by the H” but like, that is body shaming just not against the h.
Not all readers of curvy girl romances are themselves curvy. I’ve been every size between UK 6 and UK 20. I read romances about all sizes and body types, a wide range and this is just something I hate to see.
Also the H said he doesn’t have a little brother then like 2 pages later he has a whole ass little brother ?
—
Alright, finished it, the ending was cute and sweet. I feel like more could have been done around the Hs friends though, like we don’t really get any satisfaction or resolution with them… any like clarity or confrontation? They were there in the start for the whole bet situation, we don’t see them again until the very end when one of them pops up, blows everything up in the space of like 3 short sentences and then disappears and they’re not mentioned again. She’d been dating him for 9 months at this point and going to most of his matches are we saying he never introduced her to his friends? With his management also, the story line for angst and drama was opened up with them and it just didn’t go anywhere, we didn’t see or hear about them again? I dunno it was odd, it kind of just felt like the first like 40% of the book stuff was happening then it kind of slowed its pace, I feel like of the times when they were just doing day to day stuff it could have been used for resolving or expanding some of the plot lines that were opened, lots of things were mentioned and then never mentioned or referenced again.
It was a sweet, light read and I’d have found it mostly chill and enjoyable if not for the weird body shame-y stuff at the start, which yeah did put a damper on my enjoyment, along with the unresolved stuff
September 26, 2025
This book has a lot of potential. I enjoyed it a lot, hence the 4-stars, but there were some things that could use some tweaking:
Some random typos with quotation marks and things
The “bet” that the story is based on is kind of a second thought in the narrative until the end and even then it’s quick
In the end, the author seemed to try to smash a bunch of ideas and lessons together in a way that felt inorganic. We skip 6 months and the FMC has a podcast with A MILLION LISTENERS, which seems shoehorned in to justify the title of the book, and then at the end, there’s an unnecessary reunion with a family member character who wasn’t really present for the book so didn’t seem to carry the emotional weight its placement in the book seemed to suggest it should. Basically, it was like the emotional ending, and I didn’t give a shit.
But there’s a lot more good than bad and I thought it was very entertaining!
Some random typos with quotation marks and things
The “bet” that the story is based on is kind of a second thought in the narrative until the end and even then it’s quick
In the end, the author seemed to try to smash a bunch of ideas and lessons together in a way that felt inorganic. We skip 6 months and the FMC has a podcast with A MILLION LISTENERS, which seems shoehorned in to justify the title of the book, and then at the end, there’s an unnecessary reunion with a family member character who wasn’t really present for the book so didn’t seem to carry the emotional weight its placement in the book seemed to suggest it should. Basically, it was like the emotional ending, and I didn’t give a shit.
But there’s a lot more good than bad and I thought it was very entertaining!
August 29, 2025
I’m not crying, you’re crying……
That headline was directed at the last chapter. Tears of joy.
So formality first. This was a first for this author. And I was very impressed.
I LOVE a manly man who knows when the world has given him a goddess.
Brooke was a ray of sunshine even when the world poo poo’ed on her. Even at her lowest and most vulnerable she was empowering. She let the negativity from the world hold her hostage but she still had an internal strength.
Her girl friends were the best.
Matt was a goner the moment he saw Brooke. I loved reading his POV.
I laughed, I shed some happy tears.
The best character had to be Karen. You will need to read to find out about this little ‘Karen’.
That headline was directed at the last chapter. Tears of joy.
So formality first. This was a first for this author. And I was very impressed.
I LOVE a manly man who knows when the world has given him a goddess.
Brooke was a ray of sunshine even when the world poo poo’ed on her. Even at her lowest and most vulnerable she was empowering. She let the negativity from the world hold her hostage but she still had an internal strength.
Her girl friends were the best.
Matt was a goner the moment he saw Brooke. I loved reading his POV.
I laughed, I shed some happy tears.
The best character had to be Karen. You will need to read to find out about this little ‘Karen’.
August 16, 2025
The Divorcee and her Mountain Man
What a gem of a story by a talented author!
Brooke is downtrodden, having been mentally abused for many years by her ex husband and parents. She lacks any confidence in herself due to being plus-sized and suffering emotional trauma from those who should really care about her. Matt lost a bet and the price he paid was having to hookup with Brooke - a meeting that changed his thoughts on relationships and set them both up with a story that would happily change their future lives.
This was a light-hearted, laugh out loud tale filled with panoramic scenes and a wonderful cast of characters that kept me entertained and satisfied the feel-good side of me.
What a gem of a story by a talented author!
Brooke is downtrodden, having been mentally abused for many years by her ex husband and parents. She lacks any confidence in herself due to being plus-sized and suffering emotional trauma from those who should really care about her. Matt lost a bet and the price he paid was having to hookup with Brooke - a meeting that changed his thoughts on relationships and set them both up with a story that would happily change their future lives.
This was a light-hearted, laugh out loud tale filled with panoramic scenes and a wonderful cast of characters that kept me entertained and satisfied the feel-good side of me.
December 19, 2025
I appreciate how Matt is basically the definition of a massive Samoan man witha heart of gold, but i found Brooke to be a bit bland. Her insecurity is her only personality trait, and i wasn't a fan.
The storyline itself was a bit bland too, I didn't find that much actually happened in the story, and that with them dating for 9 months we don't actually know much about either of them.
Also, I'm not really sure what the point was of calling this a sports/wrestler romance because it's not particularly a focal point in the story and we don't actually see much of it at all really. It just felt irrelevant with how insignificant it was to the plot.
The storyline itself was a bit bland too, I didn't find that much actually happened in the story, and that with them dating for 9 months we don't actually know much about either of them.
Also, I'm not really sure what the point was of calling this a sports/wrestler romance because it's not particularly a focal point in the story and we don't actually see much of it at all really. It just felt irrelevant with how insignificant it was to the plot.
August 22, 2025
Thank you
Thank you for a lovely smooth read. The words flowed off the page. A sweet romance with a small amount of spice. But this book proved to be more than just a romance, it is a woman's discovery of her self worth and the support she receives from her friends and new partner.
Loved the front cover. It would appear, purely by coincidence, the male character reminds me of a certain current wrestler. Even my daughters recognised it as him, so it wasn't just my wishful thinking.
Thank you for a lovely smooth read. The words flowed off the page. A sweet romance with a small amount of spice. But this book proved to be more than just a romance, it is a woman's discovery of her self worth and the support she receives from her friends and new partner.
Loved the front cover. It would appear, purely by coincidence, the male character reminds me of a certain current wrestler. Even my daughters recognised it as him, so it wasn't just my wishful thinking.
August 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. I actually started reading this story a while ago when it was on Kindle Vella, and stopped when I had to start paying per chapter. So I waited for the book to come out. In the meantime, I chatted with the author, who advised me to start rereading it from the beginning because she had made changes to it.
In the story, all the characters will bring you along during their journey. There is some steam in the book, and it ends with a Happily Ever After.
Below is a book quote I got from the book:
"I'm like a fairy godmother, but with better timing."
In the story, all the characters will bring you along during their journey. There is some steam in the book, and it ends with a Happily Ever After.
Below is a book quote I got from the book:
"I'm like a fairy godmother, but with better timing."
September 21, 2025
1. For the whole book, Matt was painted as this kind, sweet, funny, awesome guy. Are we forgetting that he was also a douchebag who had zero respect for women and regularly used them in some game with his buddies???
2. This book was really disappointing. Brooke found out that Matt only approached her because he lost a bet and also that he had lied about it when the ONE thing he had repeatedly promised her was complete honesty. She was angry at him for 2.5 seconds and then started questioning whether she was “overreacting” and was angry at herself for “shutting him down so quickly”. She wanted to call him but she was afraid that he had already moved on.
3. After his betrayal, Matt tried to apologize to her once and then just walked away and did nothing for months. He didn’t bother to do anything until 90% of the way through the book and then it was just a weak gesture and Brooke was so grateful that I was done. DNF
2. This book was really disappointing. Brooke found out that Matt only approached her because he lost a bet and also that he had lied about it when the ONE thing he had repeatedly promised her was complete honesty. She was angry at him for 2.5 seconds and then started questioning whether she was “overreacting” and was angry at herself for “shutting him down so quickly”. She wanted to call him but she was afraid that he had already moved on.
3. After his betrayal, Matt tried to apologize to her once and then just walked away and did nothing for months. He didn’t bother to do anything until 90% of the way through the book and then it was just a weak gesture and Brooke was so grateful that I was done. DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2025
Loved the characters but...
I really liked Matt and Brooke. Brooke's conversations with Karen were a delight. Really enjoyed the way the better was dealt with.
What irritated was the 'this kiss was different' every time they kissed. It got ridiculous and I found it distracting. Really contemplated 3 stars but did like the characters.
Worth a read but don't think I'll try this author again.
I really liked Matt and Brooke. Brooke's conversations with Karen were a delight. Really enjoyed the way the better was dealt with.
What irritated was the 'this kiss was different' every time they kissed. It got ridiculous and I found it distracting. Really contemplated 3 stars but did like the characters.
Worth a read but don't think I'll try this author again.
January 5, 2026
Loved both main characters! Matt is just perfect, and I could understand Brooke's fears of Matt being too good to be true. It was awesome seeing Brooke gain confidence and trust that she is enough as she is. The spice amount was just right for me... well written. I never really got into wrestling but I am glad I stumbled across this one in KU.
August 19, 2025
Fun Read
This was such a fun read! From beginning to the end you root for this couple. And who couldn't love a Samoan Golden Retriever leading man - with such a satisfying ending as well!
This was such a fun read! From beginning to the end you root for this couple. And who couldn't love a Samoan Golden Retriever leading man - with such a satisfying ending as well!
September 18, 2025
Amazing book!
Is amazing read characters have a lot of depth and emotion, some funny and tearjerking moments. Some women may be able to relate to main character. Good ammount of spicy scenes. Must read!!
Is amazing read characters have a lot of depth and emotion, some funny and tearjerking moments. Some women may be able to relate to main character. Good ammount of spicy scenes. Must read!!
October 30, 2025
Matt and Brooke
I love this couple. He helped her see that she was beautiful regardless of what other people said. She had work to do on her confidence due to the fact that she mentally abusive father and and ex-husband.
I love this couple. He helped her see that she was beautiful regardless of what other people said. She had work to do on her confidence due to the fact that she mentally abusive father and and ex-husband.
December 28, 2025
Beautiful!
This is a story of how words can hurt a persons self esteem if they demean and are cruel, but also how words of love and encouragement can make a difference. Beautiful story!
This is a story of how words can hurt a persons self esteem if they demean and are cruel, but also how words of love and encouragement can make a difference. Beautiful story!
August 15, 2025
Total Swoonfest. Loved it. Got me right in the feels!
Such a great read.
Such a great read.
August 20, 2025
relatable and in love
So in love with this book!!! I can relate to this like crazy! You are an amazing author and I love everything you write!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
So in love with this book!!! I can relate to this like crazy! You are an amazing author and I love everything you write!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
September 3, 2025
Cute, fun read.
September 14, 2025
thank you
This was a cute love story, the amazing man showing up for her! Showing her that she worth it! I love that she gets closer in the end!
This was a cute love story, the amazing man showing up for her! Showing her that she worth it! I love that she gets closer in the end!
October 18, 2025
Seen
I love stories like this cause it's almost like being seen. I wish there would be chapters on her mom now.
I love stories like this cause it's almost like being seen. I wish there would be chapters on her mom now.
October 25, 2025
Cute med burn
December 20, 2025
Loved this book and the characters were adorable. I think women feeling unworthy is a normal thing. There are so many things in life that tell us we’re not good enough.
January 2, 2026
So good must read love it
October 24, 2025
I liked the idea of this book. But the dialogue, lines, scenes were very cliche. Seemed unoriginal.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews