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Big & Beautiful #2
Lush & Lovely
Claire doesn't trust men. No matter what, she knows she can't. She did once and paid for it. She won't go there again.
But Aidan is different. He's a friend. Yeah, he asks her out all the time, but she knows he's not serious. After all, a guy who looks like Aidan wouldn't be interested in a woman who looked like Claire.
Then Claire discovers Aidan is serious. He wants Claire. Badly. And instead of being scared, she's exhilarated by his attention.
Can she put the past behind her and trust Aidan, or herself, enough to let him in?
But Aidan is different. He's a friend. Yeah, he asks her out all the time, but she knows he's not serious. After all, a guy who looks like Aidan wouldn't be interested in a woman who looked like Claire.
Then Claire discovers Aidan is serious. He wants Claire. Badly. And instead of being scared, she's exhilarated by his attention.
Can she put the past behind her and trust Aidan, or herself, enough to let him in?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2015
164 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Mary E. Thompson
96 books363 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Mary E Thompson spent most of her childhood wishing she had a few less curves. She hid in the pages of books because her favorite characters never cared what size her clothes were. Now, neither does Mary, and she writes stories that celebrate women like her. Real women who have curves, chase dreams, and find love, because we should all be happy, no matter our dress size.
Mary spends her non-writing time with her husband and two kids, watching too much TV, cheering for her hometown football team (Go Bills!), and hiding chocolate from her family.
Mary spends her non-writing time with her husband and two kids, watching too much TV, cheering for her hometown football team (Go Bills!), and hiding chocolate from her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
dnf
December 5, 2018“Fat girls don’t get raped”????????????
Heroine was raped in past. She was a beautiful cheerleader. So she purposefully gotten overweight over the years because “fat girls don’t get raped”!!!
Check out this review of Lush & Lovely by Mary E. Thompson
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
What she said.
Author needs to educate herself on rape culture and reality.
Heroine was raped in past. She was a beautiful cheerleader. So she purposefully gotten overweight over the years because “fat girls don’t get raped”!!!
Check out this review of Lush & Lovely by Mary E. Thompson
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
What she said.
Author needs to educate herself on rape culture and reality.
nope
June 21, 2018DNF on page two! "Fat girls don't get raped"?!?!?! JFC, yes we do, every goddamn day. Please learn about rape culture and patriarchy and fuck off with the idea that rape has ANYTHING to do with a woman's attractiveness. Jesus.
March 21, 2025
Minor spoilers ahead:
Not a fan of how topics were covered in this, especially with SA. Throwing the grape word around like it was nothing was off-putting, because it isn't.
And I'm not a fan of Claire, she was WAY too jumpy for me, literally runs away every time something happens. Like she ups and leaves so quick. Aidan deserves better than that, better than Claire.
The first time they were intimate she leaves abruptly, and doesn't contact him for a couple of days. And when they're at work, he's keeping his distance for good reason, and she's upset he didn't make her a coffee like he always does. And then runs away again. Like girl, you have no right to feel like that.
She never stops to think how it would make Aidan feel, at all. She says she wants to be with him and then does it again, like what do you want? She needs to go to therapy. She should have been in some sort of counselling (it's mentioned once but never again) if she struggled this much.
Aidan is the reason why I leave 2 Stars, because he never gave up on her when my ass would have walked away.
Not a fan of how topics were covered in this, especially with SA. Throwing the grape word around like it was nothing was off-putting, because it isn't.
And I'm not a fan of Claire, she was WAY too jumpy for me, literally runs away every time something happens. Like she ups and leaves so quick. Aidan deserves better than that, better than Claire.
The first time they were intimate she leaves abruptly, and doesn't contact him for a couple of days. And when they're at work, he's keeping his distance for good reason, and she's upset he didn't make her a coffee like he always does. And then runs away again. Like girl, you have no right to feel like that.
She never stops to think how it would make Aidan feel, at all. She says she wants to be with him and then does it again, like what do you want? She needs to go to therapy. She should have been in some sort of counselling (it's mentioned once but never again) if she struggled this much.
Aidan is the reason why I leave 2 Stars, because he never gave up on her when my ass would have walked away.
June 23, 2017
Nice story, but the main character has serious trust and image issues. I'm not sure a guy would keep coming back as often as she doubts him. The writing, pace, and editing are good; I just would have liked her to like herself better. In the beginning, she talks a good game of not needing a man and comes off strong and independent. As soon as she's in a relationship, she loses all her self-confidence. Believe me, being on the heavy side myself, I can understand her worries, but I don't try to come off as little Miss Strong and Independent, either. I think it's great to have books about heroines who aren't shaped like Barbie, but if her image makes her so unsure of her relationship, why doesn't she take steps to make herself feel better about her body?
However, that said, I did still enjoy the story, and I'll buy more of the series. I'm hoping for a strong big beautiful woman who's happy with herself. I think that character would make a great role model.
However, that said, I did still enjoy the story, and I'll buy more of the series. I'm hoping for a strong big beautiful woman who's happy with herself. I think that character would make a great role model.
December 29, 2023
"Fat girls don't get r****...."
Please don't spend your money on this book.
I couldn't even get halfway through the first chapter. The heroine drones on and on about the typical cliches like being hurt by a high school boyfriend and not believing in love, but can handle friendship.
All that was okay and I could move past it hoping it got better until the author literally typed the sentence "I also learned fat girls don't get r*aped."
I am absolutely flabbergasted that someone would allow that to be published in this day and age and this was on the second page. I'm sure this was an excuse to explain why she went from being a cheerleader to a size 20.
Even if the rest of the book was perfection, I seriously feel this ranks up as one of the most offensive things I read in a so called romance. And I am livid.
Please don't spend your money on this book.
I couldn't even get halfway through the first chapter. The heroine drones on and on about the typical cliches like being hurt by a high school boyfriend and not believing in love, but can handle friendship.
All that was okay and I could move past it hoping it got better until the author literally typed the sentence "I also learned fat girls don't get r*aped."
I am absolutely flabbergasted that someone would allow that to be published in this day and age and this was on the second page. I'm sure this was an excuse to explain why she went from being a cheerleader to a size 20.
Even if the rest of the book was perfection, I seriously feel this ranks up as one of the most offensive things I read in a so called romance. And I am livid.
March 25, 2024
Great Friends to More Romance
I really enjoyed this book and think Claire's traumatic past was handled with tact and care. You find out what happened and how, you also see how it affected Claire and her life. You feel for Claire and understand her fears. Aidan was so sweet, patient, and caring, he was perfect for Claire and the right person to help her heal. I also enjoyed Lexi' s introduction into the group and how she helped Claire reason things out. Claire was reasonable and thought about the advice given to her even though it wasn't what she wanted to hear. I really liked that about her, she was able to see the why to her reactions and decisions and how to see past her struggles to find happiness by taking a chance with Aidan. He definitely proved through his actions and words that he really cared about her and loved her. I've read the entire series once through already and this book is one of my favorites out of all of them.
I really enjoyed this book and think Claire's traumatic past was handled with tact and care. You find out what happened and how, you also see how it affected Claire and her life. You feel for Claire and understand her fears. Aidan was so sweet, patient, and caring, he was perfect for Claire and the right person to help her heal. I also enjoyed Lexi' s introduction into the group and how she helped Claire reason things out. Claire was reasonable and thought about the advice given to her even though it wasn't what she wanted to hear. I really liked that about her, she was able to see the why to her reactions and decisions and how to see past her struggles to find happiness by taking a chance with Aidan. He definitely proved through his actions and words that he really cared about her and loved her. I've read the entire series once through already and this book is one of my favorites out of all of them.
August 25, 2018
Feels written AROUND intimate scenes
If i broke it down. 1/8=work drama 1/4 = eating 1/8 = worrying about her weight 1/2 =sexual relationship/intimacy
I swear to the writing gods that this woman wrote all the intimate scenes FIRST then put a storyline in to REVOLVE around the sex... you know... tomake sure there wasn't too much plot to take away from the intimate scenes. Seemed too... unrealistic and quick... a lot of intimate details and no much of other stuff... the the really story was an after thought and the whole thing was just about sex
If i broke it down. 1/8=work drama 1/4 = eating 1/8 = worrying about her weight 1/2 =sexual relationship/intimacy
I swear to the writing gods that this woman wrote all the intimate scenes FIRST then put a storyline in to REVOLVE around the sex... you know... tomake sure there wasn't too much plot to take away from the intimate scenes. Seemed too... unrealistic and quick... a lot of intimate details and no much of other stuff... the the really story was an after thought and the whole thing was just about sex
November 5, 2018
I enjoyed this book and was happy to see that the author dealt with the subject of boyfriend rape from such a healthy perspective. Victims of violence and abuse need counseling but dealing with living with the aftermath is no easy transition. Claire's handling of her life and love was indicative of how some people are able to cope. The love and patience exhibited by Aiden is rare but wonderful if you can find it.
November 15, 2019
Oh my heart
Again, I was completely blown away. I am totally in love with Mary E. Thompson's work. She makes me laugh, she makes me smile, she makes me sad, she makes me cry. Her words truly are breathtaking. The feelings are so raw and real. I can't wait to read the rest of this series and to read her other works as well.
Again, I was completely blown away. I am totally in love with Mary E. Thompson's work. She makes me laugh, she makes me smile, she makes me sad, she makes me cry. Her words truly are breathtaking. The feelings are so raw and real. I can't wait to read the rest of this series and to read her other works as well.
July 31, 2020
Lush & Lovely
Big & Beautiful reminds me of the magazine I purchased in college. It made me feel worth and I would me desired by good looking man. These novels bring manifest the same feelings. But, I am older. An a great husband who made me fall in love with him . By his love for my ass and thighs. Please continue putting big beautiful woman on your front covers. Worthy read.
Big & Beautiful reminds me of the magazine I purchased in college. It made me feel worth and I would me desired by good looking man. These novels bring manifest the same feelings. But, I am older. An a great husband who made me fall in love with him . By his love for my ass and thighs. Please continue putting big beautiful woman on your front covers. Worthy read.
July 1, 2018
Love reading about Big and Beautiful
This was another great read but I liked Mandy's story a little better, maybe I identify with her situation more. Hope to eventually read all the books in this series 😊
This was another great read but I liked Mandy's story a little better, maybe I identify with her situation more. Hope to eventually read all the books in this series 😊
October 25, 2018
Lush&love book2
This is a good book it lets people really enjoy it's also about big people having feelings. I love this series I'm glad someone is writting about bigger size people . Because we're not all small...
This is a good book it lets people really enjoy it's also about big people having feelings. I love this series I'm glad someone is writting about bigger size people . Because we're not all small...
January 6, 2019
A dreamboat of a friend
Claire and Aiden have such a great friendship and it takes Claire by surprise when she realizes Aiden wants more. Theirs is a story of acceptance and patience.
Claire and Aiden have such a great friendship and it takes Claire by surprise when she realizes Aiden wants more. Theirs is a story of acceptance and patience.
April 13, 2021
This series was so good I could not put it down and I rushed to get the entire series...all 13 books of them. You will absolutely love every single character in the book, you will laugh out loud through and just shake your head at the antics of these fearless women. No spoilers, sorry. Go on, hurry don’t hesitate, these are just to damn good to pass up. My review will be the same for all 12 books cuz they are all amazing!
September 3, 2021
Good but…
Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy the author’s writing but this just wasn’t as good as the others. It felt like everything was being rushed and there wasn’t enough character info to decide how I felt about Aiden…
Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy the author’s writing but this just wasn’t as good as the others. It felt like everything was being rushed and there wasn’t enough character info to decide how I felt about Aiden…
May 19, 2024
Very cute! So far loving this series. Voluptuous girls deserve love too, this series goes through the thoughts of big girls and their flaws and why it feels so hard to find love. But when you finally do it’s definitely worth it!!
July 11, 2017
enjoyed Aiden and Claire. It was sexy and hot.
March 25, 2018
Fun but I had some major issues with the ending. The low self esteem thing in a lot of Mary Thompson's stuff gets old after a while too.
March 11, 2019
😘
Oh my gosh! I just love Claire! She has struggled through so much and sweet as pie Aidan brings her back to life! This HEA gave me the girly giggles and my heart happy!
Oh my gosh! I just love Claire! She has struggled through so much and sweet as pie Aidan brings her back to life! This HEA gave me the girly giggles and my heart happy!
July 24, 2020
Another good one!
I really enjoyed this story of Claire and Aiden's path to a happily ever after. This is another really good book and I intend to read them all!
I really enjoyed this story of Claire and Aiden's path to a happily ever after. This is another really good book and I intend to read them all!
January 18, 2021
Good story
I connected with the characters and story. Whirlwind romance. I will continue reading this series. Give a try it is worth it
I connected with the characters and story. Whirlwind romance. I will continue reading this series. Give a try it is worth it
June 20, 2021
Hot, sexy, Claire and Aiden finally start dating, Aiden has loved her from first sight, but the grand canyon is the icing on the cake.
August 31, 2023
I loved this one! Guarded, traumatized heroine and determined, friend-zoned hero, in a sweet but spicy story.
January 14, 2024
Years
Anyone who says years as friends can't change for the best. Hasn't met these two. Their story could easily be a true story. Good story.
Anyone who says years as friends can't change for the best. Hasn't met these two. Their story could easily be a true story. Good story.
December 23, 2024
I like the general premise of the series but the characters are really flat. Each one is a one trick pony.
March 19, 2025
Aidan is adorable!
August 19, 2025
The “fat girls don’t get raped” topic is vile, I thought this would be a fun romance series but it really isn’t
January 30, 2017
I love this!!!
January 25, 2022
Great book!
I very much liked this book! I thought the way she handled the more sensitive topics was well done, though I can't remember a trigger warning which I would suggest. Their relationship is one I definitely swoon over, gotta love friends to lovers!
I very much liked this book! I thought the way she handled the more sensitive topics was well done, though I can't remember a trigger warning which I would suggest. Their relationship is one I definitely swoon over, gotta love friends to lovers!
February 5, 2016
Claire has been friends with Aidan Matthews for years. She loved working with him. He asked her out every week. She joked it off. Why ruin a perfectly good friendship. Claire swore off sex a long time ago. Afraid to put herself back out there. She kept things they way they were. Aiden tried everything over the years to get Claire to go out with him. Staying her friend was a given but that didn't mean he would give up trying to catch her.
Claire had trouble trusting men after what happened with her high school boyfriend. Her friends stuck by her and never pushed her to try and move on. They might suggest it now and then. When she realized Aiden just wasn't playing with and was serious. She wasn't sure what to do. Men like him never went for women like her. She is afraid to take that step from friendship to dating. Aiden was determined to wait out Claire. She was the women for him and he would wait however long it took for her to realize it.
Claire had trouble trusting men after what happened with her high school boyfriend. Her friends stuck by her and never pushed her to try and move on. They might suggest it now and then. When she realized Aiden just wasn't playing with and was serious. She wasn't sure what to do. Men like him never went for women like her. She is afraid to take that step from friendship to dating. Aiden was determined to wait out Claire. She was the women for him and he would wait however long it took for her to realize it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews