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The Bully Project #1
Less Than Perfect
This little piggy is my target.
This little piggy I shall break.
This little piggy will forgive me.
This little piggy's heart's at stake.
Momma had a mantra; “Ignore the bullies and they’ll go away, poof, like magic.”
When I was still naïve enough to believe her, this suggestion had made perfect sense. Only for some reason, it never worked for me. At first, I thought that I wasn’t ignoring hard enough.
Then, I realized that magic only works when you’re pretty.
This world wasn’t kind to little pigs.
We don’t live long.
Sooner or later, someone always came along to blow our worlds down around us.
If I wanted to survive, if I wanted boys like Marcus to leave me alone, I’d have to become something different.
Something new.
Something better.
I’d have to grow teeth and claws.
I’d have to be willing to bite back. To kill the piglet and transform myself into a big, bad, wolf.
And so I did.
I wasn't a child anymore. I was a woman with a past that no longer had the right to haunt me. A woman who wanted love and wouldn't shy away from the unconventional in order to claim it.
The plan was simple. Marry a man I didn't know. Fall in love with love and life. And never, ever, ever, look back. The problem? My past chose to push its way into my future. No matter how big I felt, no matter how much I'd grown, seeing him again made me feel like nothing more than the little piglet, ready for the roast.
Less than perfect is a duology with a strong female lead, a bully, and a fake fiancé.
This little piggy I shall break.
This little piggy will forgive me.
This little piggy's heart's at stake.
Momma had a mantra; “Ignore the bullies and they’ll go away, poof, like magic.”
When I was still naïve enough to believe her, this suggestion had made perfect sense. Only for some reason, it never worked for me. At first, I thought that I wasn’t ignoring hard enough.
Then, I realized that magic only works when you’re pretty.
This world wasn’t kind to little pigs.
We don’t live long.
Sooner or later, someone always came along to blow our worlds down around us.
If I wanted to survive, if I wanted boys like Marcus to leave me alone, I’d have to become something different.
Something new.
Something better.
I’d have to grow teeth and claws.
I’d have to be willing to bite back. To kill the piglet and transform myself into a big, bad, wolf.
And so I did.
I wasn't a child anymore. I was a woman with a past that no longer had the right to haunt me. A woman who wanted love and wouldn't shy away from the unconventional in order to claim it.
The plan was simple. Marry a man I didn't know. Fall in love with love and life. And never, ever, ever, look back. The problem? My past chose to push its way into my future. No matter how big I felt, no matter how much I'd grown, seeing him again made me feel like nothing more than the little piglet, ready for the roast.
Less than perfect is a duology with a strong female lead, a bully, and a fake fiancé.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 10, 2020
I didn't like the back and forth.. from past to present. I didn't like the heroine either. If she HATED her weight so much, why not do something about it? She was so insecure that all I felt for her was pity. It ends with a cliffy but I am not sure if I care to read who she ends up with.
November 10, 2019
This is such a great concept of having the FMC being in a married at first sight type of reality show and have to come face to face with her childhood bully. I love that the authors didn’t make the FMC turn into a skinny Minnie as an adult, but kept her looks realistic so that your average woman can find her relatable. It was also a nice touch not hiding her insecurities when compared to her new husband (who is yummy BTW). But I also liked that she was still strong despite her moments of insecurity, and she wasn’t afraid to go for what she wanted. It was a little predictable that her bully only did it because he wanted to protect her as a child but it in no way detracted from the overall story. Can’t wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2019
This book was an okay read...I just couldn’t connect well with the MC, so the vibe was off for me🤷🏻♀️
October 30, 2019
The writing duo of Savannah Rose and Amelia Gates does it again. They have created a heartwarming read of a girl that was bullied in high school buy the popular guy. Only to 10 years down the road be on a reality tv show about marrying someone who you don't know. If you can stay together after one year, than you win 100,000 dollars and some other prizes. Little did she know that the guy she was parried with was an attractive sexy guy. While she was overweight and unsure of herself. Join Cornelia and Maddox as they start a journey of discovering what love could possibly be. When the producer throws in the ex's to stir things up. Guess who Cornelia comes face to face with after all of this time?
Less Than Perfect was a great first part to this duo. We get introduced to Cornelia, who has been overweight all her life and has issues. Espcially growing up with bullies who teased and hurt her about her wieght. When she does the show, she is finally doing something for her. I loved how she opened up with Maddox, and how she just went for it with him. And Maddox, wow, I really kinda fell for him. This hot, sexy guy is going all out for her and I hope that he does not turn out to be underhanded. As for Marcus, I hated him. He was cruel, but when we get a glimpse of something that I do not know what to think about. Is he the villian I think he is? I really cannot wait to find out.
Less Than Perfect was a great first part to this duo. We get introduced to Cornelia, who has been overweight all her life and has issues. Espcially growing up with bullies who teased and hurt her about her wieght. When she does the show, she is finally doing something for her. I loved how she opened up with Maddox, and how she just went for it with him. And Maddox, wow, I really kinda fell for him. This hot, sexy guy is going all out for her and I hope that he does not turn out to be underhanded. As for Marcus, I hated him. He was cruel, but when we get a glimpse of something that I do not know what to think about. Is he the villian I think he is? I really cannot wait to find out.
July 14, 2021
A Boy Who Sacrifices His Own Happiness For Love
On the surface this book comes across as a young girl, with a weight issue, trying to deal with her tormentor’s as she goes through the trails and tribulations of High School.
It’s so much more once you scratch below the surface.
Because of her tormentor’s Cordelia’s High School experiences stay with her all the way into adulthood
What makes it worst is, the two people she considered her allies, her only friends, twins Marcus, and Sarah- Lee, turn out to be her most ardent tormentors.
When she accepted an the invitation for a sleep over at their home however, twin Marcus witnesses something about to happen between his alcoholic, drug abusing, stepfather, and the unaware, young sleepy, Cordelia.
To cover his shame about his horrible father, and home life, and afraid Cordelia may speak about the incident, he makes up a humiliating lie about her that opens the door to her being the subject of ridicule and humiliation throughout her remaining school years.
This humiliation she relives, and struggles with constantly. Taking the form of her battles with weight, relationships and her self image.
Thus,
She pushes herself to heal by participate in a reality television show “First Comes Love” where she is paired with Maddox - who is romance writers dream.
Hotness personified.
All strong jawline, tattoos,six pack, muscles, wavy hair, Hazel eyes hot.
This seemingly mismatched couple are married, then spends the next year getting to know, each other for the benefit of the television audiences viewing pleasure.
Their prize? $100.000 plus a car, and travel.
The catch?
They must stay together for a least a year after the show has ended.
This seems like the perfect panacea for Cordelia, as she had always struggled with her self worth, and her efforts to forget about the first boy she ever cared about, possibly loved, Marcus.
He was first boy to pay any attention to her, to care about her, until that one night that changed everything.
As the TV show rolls on and Cordelia and Maddox’s feelings being to grow, and grow.
As the two discuss continuing with their “marriage” once the show has ended, can Cordelia put her self loathing behind her?
Will she be able to forget the boy with dark hair and ocean blue eyes that stolen her heart, then crushed it?
We, are about to find out, as the evil producers introduce some new players into the show.
What a interesting story.
Yes, we get to follow Cordelia through her journey of self discovery, but we also find out why Marcus, the boy who broke her heart, eventually became her bully.
And. It. Is. Heartbreaking!
I despised Marcus….Then I absolutely wanted to give him a huge hug…
WOW!
Talk about a character development.
Towards the end we find out, through his own POV, about the turmoil, and drama he had to go through.
How he had to deal with his own demons, re: his stepfather, emotionally absent drug addicted mother, and eventually his vindictive, troubled sister.
What a change of events that I didn’t see coming.
As we finally get Marcus’s story towards the end, he gives us this inner view into his thoughts -
“It’s almost funny how two people can watch the same event and have two completely different tellings of what happened.
older than age saying goes, there is more than one version to every story.
What he said.
What she said.
And the truth.”
And what an horrific truth it turns out to be as we being to unravel just who was really the evil twin.
God, my heart just bleed for these two at the end.
The life together that they missed out on due to events and circumstances that happened around them.
Events where Marcus sacrificed his own happiness to save the girl he had loved since he was eight years old.
Please give them the ending they deserve.
****
‘
On the surface this book comes across as a young girl, with a weight issue, trying to deal with her tormentor’s as she goes through the trails and tribulations of High School.
It’s so much more once you scratch below the surface.
Because of her tormentor’s Cordelia’s High School experiences stay with her all the way into adulthood
What makes it worst is, the two people she considered her allies, her only friends, twins Marcus, and Sarah- Lee, turn out to be her most ardent tormentors.
When she accepted an the invitation for a sleep over at their home however, twin Marcus witnesses something about to happen between his alcoholic, drug abusing, stepfather, and the unaware, young sleepy, Cordelia.
To cover his shame about his horrible father, and home life, and afraid Cordelia may speak about the incident, he makes up a humiliating lie about her that opens the door to her being the subject of ridicule and humiliation throughout her remaining school years.
This humiliation she relives, and struggles with constantly. Taking the form of her battles with weight, relationships and her self image.
Thus,
She pushes herself to heal by participate in a reality television show “First Comes Love” where she is paired with Maddox - who is romance writers dream.
Hotness personified.
All strong jawline, tattoos,six pack, muscles, wavy hair, Hazel eyes hot.
This seemingly mismatched couple are married, then spends the next year getting to know, each other for the benefit of the television audiences viewing pleasure.
Their prize? $100.000 plus a car, and travel.
The catch?
They must stay together for a least a year after the show has ended.
This seems like the perfect panacea for Cordelia, as she had always struggled with her self worth, and her efforts to forget about the first boy she ever cared about, possibly loved, Marcus.
He was first boy to pay any attention to her, to care about her, until that one night that changed everything.
As the TV show rolls on and Cordelia and Maddox’s feelings being to grow, and grow.
As the two discuss continuing with their “marriage” once the show has ended, can Cordelia put her self loathing behind her?
Will she be able to forget the boy with dark hair and ocean blue eyes that stolen her heart, then crushed it?
We, are about to find out, as the evil producers introduce some new players into the show.
What a interesting story.
Yes, we get to follow Cordelia through her journey of self discovery, but we also find out why Marcus, the boy who broke her heart, eventually became her bully.
And. It. Is. Heartbreaking!
I despised Marcus….Then I absolutely wanted to give him a huge hug…
WOW!
Talk about a character development.
Towards the end we find out, through his own POV, about the turmoil, and drama he had to go through.
How he had to deal with his own demons, re: his stepfather, emotionally absent drug addicted mother, and eventually his vindictive, troubled sister.
What a change of events that I didn’t see coming.
As we finally get Marcus’s story towards the end, he gives us this inner view into his thoughts -
“It’s almost funny how two people can watch the same event and have two completely different tellings of what happened.
older than age saying goes, there is more than one version to every story.
What he said.
What she said.
And the truth.”
And what an horrific truth it turns out to be as we being to unravel just who was really the evil twin.
God, my heart just bleed for these two at the end.
The life together that they missed out on due to events and circumstances that happened around them.
Events where Marcus sacrificed his own happiness to save the girl he had loved since he was eight years old.
Please give them the ending they deserve.
****
‘
July 30, 2020
Less than perfect
Very touching. Cornelia was in the foster system for many years. Moving from family to family till finally getting places in one that actually cared about her. She was a plus size which made those at school pick in her. In the beginning she had two friends that later started bulking her also. Move forward to Present day. She enters into a tv show where four couples marry without knowing anything about the other person. They have to be at a house with the other couples for a year the couple that manages to make it thru and completes the task given them wins a paid for honeymoon. And lots of cash. Right before this book ends the tv producer brings in each couples ex’s to mix things up. Problem is that the person they bring in for her was her tormentor not ex lover. She has so much confidence with her husband that I really hope they stay together and the second book doesn’t have her decide she wants the high school tormentor although that is what bully story’s do not sure how I’ll feel her if it ends that way. This book really hits home on how those bullied in the way she was feels how it really is in life and not just story book to move the story along
Very touching. Cornelia was in the foster system for many years. Moving from family to family till finally getting places in one that actually cared about her. She was a plus size which made those at school pick in her. In the beginning she had two friends that later started bulking her also. Move forward to Present day. She enters into a tv show where four couples marry without knowing anything about the other person. They have to be at a house with the other couples for a year the couple that manages to make it thru and completes the task given them wins a paid for honeymoon. And lots of cash. Right before this book ends the tv producer brings in each couples ex’s to mix things up. Problem is that the person they bring in for her was her tormentor not ex lover. She has so much confidence with her husband that I really hope they stay together and the second book doesn’t have her decide she wants the high school tormentor although that is what bully story’s do not sure how I’ll feel her if it ends that way. This book really hits home on how those bullied in the way she was feels how it really is in life and not just story book to move the story along
January 11, 2020
4.5 stars.
As the first book I've read from the writing duo I have to say I was really impressed. The book was engaging and a page turner. It isn't like any other bully romance that I've read or can remember reading.
I love that when writing Cornelia from the younger version to 10 years down the road they didn't change her weight issues. It's nice to read a book where the heroine is not a size 2 and actually has a backbone now that she grew up. It's intriguing that she goes on a tv show to find love where she doesn't meet the person until their wedding day. But honestly I'm just not sure how I feel about Maddox. I feel like there is something he is hiding and or just being really fake about. I don't trust him.
And oh Marcus. I get that he was the bully but I kinda have a soft spot for him. I really feel
Like there is so much more to him and I can't wait to find out what that is.
Non RH
Book 1 story will continue
Bully Romance
As the first book I've read from the writing duo I have to say I was really impressed. The book was engaging and a page turner. It isn't like any other bully romance that I've read or can remember reading.
I love that when writing Cornelia from the younger version to 10 years down the road they didn't change her weight issues. It's nice to read a book where the heroine is not a size 2 and actually has a backbone now that she grew up. It's intriguing that she goes on a tv show to find love where she doesn't meet the person until their wedding day. But honestly I'm just not sure how I feel about Maddox. I feel like there is something he is hiding and or just being really fake about. I don't trust him.
And oh Marcus. I get that he was the bully but I kinda have a soft spot for him. I really feel
Like there is so much more to him and I can't wait to find out what that is.
Non RH
Book 1 story will continue
Bully Romance
November 10, 2019
When past meets future
I really liked the layout of the book. It focused alot on the characters including flashbacks that allowed you a snapshot of their pasts. It's hard to read but interesting to see that it may not all come off like it seemed.
I like Cornelia and Maddox. One is still struggling with scars from the past while the other is clearly hiding something. Even with this I think they make a great pair. I'm hoping to learn more and see more confidence in Cornelia next book.
I really liked the layout of the book. It focused alot on the characters including flashbacks that allowed you a snapshot of their pasts. It's hard to read but interesting to see that it may not all come off like it seemed.
I like Cornelia and Maddox. One is still struggling with scars from the past while the other is clearly hiding something. Even with this I think they make a great pair. I'm hoping to learn more and see more confidence in Cornelia next book.
May 8, 2023
When your the odd girl out, how do you go through life being the one no one wants to be around? This is not one but three young people's young story. Their lives are forever changed by one moment in time. When one of them, Cornelia, takes her own fate in her hands can she let go of her past trauma and allow herself to love again. I hope she does, because she has a good shot at it, until her past catches up to her. This cliffhanger left me screaming, noooooooo. I do love bully romances, but this one has a twist that I did not see coming. Enjoy.
October 31, 2019
This was an amazing read that once I started it took me away. It moved along at the perfect pace which made for a very comfortable read. The characters are amazing. They are so real that you feel as though you know them personally. The story will grab you and not let you go no matter what. From the moment that you start reading you will be hooked on this book. This book needs to be on your TBR list, there is no doubt about it.
October 27, 2019
Good book and didn't realise it was a cliffhanger till the last page. Luckily book 2 out on a week. Not sure if a duet or a longer series. Would have been good to known. Waiting for book 2. I am team Marcus for now.
July 24, 2020
My review has been submitted under the next and final book in this series called morally imperfect. Please check it out for my write up on this amazing read!
October 29, 2019
She's different than everyone else and he knows it.
Unfortunately his twin sister knows it too and thus is the problem.
Every action has a reaction. He chooses the path that breaks her down, but keeps her safe.
The past is gone and now she's married. She has a husband and shes going to win.
The piggy has left the building... right?
Oh my I had tears in my eyes before the prologue was even over!
Heartbreaking to see what her with the purest of hearts goes through for no fault of her own.
They bully her, steal her confidence and belittle her at every given chance and whilst this made me thoroughly hate him I had a sneaking suspicion there was more to it.
Then in comes the unknown knight in shining armour. He treats her like a princess and I was cheering inside for them!
I devoured this book in one sitting, it spoke to me on so many different levels.
Its unique in the form of bullying and she simply broke my lil heart with her low self esteem.
This is a very emotional read. Hell I blubbed, and snivveled, but I grinned like a maniac as I imagined doing serious damage to her tormentor! does that make me a bad person? *shrugs*
Now I feel shocked and confused as to what my true feelings are.
I need the concluding part to this five star read noooaaawww!!!
Unfortunately his twin sister knows it too and thus is the problem.
Every action has a reaction. He chooses the path that breaks her down, but keeps her safe.
The past is gone and now she's married. She has a husband and shes going to win.
The piggy has left the building... right?
Oh my I had tears in my eyes before the prologue was even over!
Heartbreaking to see what her with the purest of hearts goes through for no fault of her own.
They bully her, steal her confidence and belittle her at every given chance and whilst this made me thoroughly hate him I had a sneaking suspicion there was more to it.
Then in comes the unknown knight in shining armour. He treats her like a princess and I was cheering inside for them!
I devoured this book in one sitting, it spoke to me on so many different levels.
Its unique in the form of bullying and she simply broke my lil heart with her low self esteem.
This is a very emotional read. Hell I blubbed, and snivveled, but I grinned like a maniac as I imagined doing serious damage to her tormentor! does that make me a bad person? *shrugs*
Now I feel shocked and confused as to what my true feelings are.
I need the concluding part to this five star read noooaaawww!!!
October 27, 2019
Really enjoyed this was a diffrent spin in bully Romance cannot wait for the next one lucky shouldn’t be long
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews