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The Chub Club #3

This Pudge Won't Budge

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This pudge won’t budge.

Trust me, I’ve tried. Curvy, quiet Shay Parson won’t give me the time of day, even though I’ve been working with her for weeks. I’ve never met a babe who can resist my charms, but that’s not why I want her so bad.

There’s something about this dark-haired beauty that makes me want to push her. Test her. Bring her out of her comfort zone, and into my bed where I can show her the only pounds that matter are the ones I give her with my hips. She doesn’t know it, but…

I wanna nudge that pudge.

When I get a peek into her big heart, I realize Shay could be the one I’ve been waiting for. The one I want to spend forever with. Now, I just need to make her see me for who I really am. Not the flirty, care-for-nothing, meathead she thinks me to be.

But I got a plan. It will take a little pizza, lots of listening, and a match-making grandma to help me convince my curvy cutie that I’m her happily-ever-after.

71 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2021

181 people are currently reading
131 people want to read

About the author

Penn Rivers

16 books66 followers

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5 stars
263 (41%)
4 stars
209 (32%)
3 stars
127 (19%)
2 stars
30 (4%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Alison.
1,510 reviews111 followers
July 27, 2021
Stars: 4
Length: Novella
POV: Dual
Series: The Chub Club Book 3 (Stand Alone/Connected)
Ending: HEA
Re-read? No

"The only thing you should feel guilty about is thinking it could be so hard to love you. Because that shit’s going to be easy. So fucking easy, baby.”

Book three of the Chub Club series (I still HATE that name for their club even though I like what the club stands for). I wasn't exactly looking forward to Shay's story because I hadn't connected with her in the previous books. I feel like I understand her better now but she's still not my favorite.

I ended up liking Vance much more than I thought I would. Yeah, he's a flirt but he also has a heart of gold and once it picks Shay, that's it, he's done for. A nice quick read!
Profile Image for Alicia.
847 reviews134 followers
April 5, 2021
Again, I reeeeally enjoyed this one but not quite as much as the first book in this series. But it still made my heart super happy.

Shay is the quiet member of the Chub Club and Vance is her trainer. He tries to flirt with her but she is not having it. She wants a relationship based on feelings... something real. And she doesn’t think a “meathead” like Vance could want something like that and believes he only wants a quickie thing, that he’s a player, etc etc.

But coincidentally Vance is her Gramma’s physical therapist and after she watches one of their sessions she sees him in a different light. So she decides to finally agree to go on a date with him and finds out that she was very wrong to judge him and she did so unfairly. He’s definitely more than she thought he was...

It was super cute. I loved the end.

It definitely shows that we all judge other people for what we assume they are by the way they look on the outside. I’m pretty sure I’d probably think the same of Vance as Shay first did.

I’m also so damn excited that a next book will be coming! I didn’t want this series to end... though it’d be nice if maaaaybe they moved away from the whole physical trainer/chubby girl plot for this next one. But whatevs.. I’ll read it either way.

4.25⭐️

POV: Dual 1st person
Profile Image for Felicity.
506 reviews7 followers
June 29, 2021
sweet, so super sweet. This was a lovely little story that actually had a bit more to it than I expected. The main characters were both super nice and I liked that they both got similar wrong impressions from little encounters initially. In fact the only criticism I have is that you probably could have made a longer more in depth exploration of them both. Also the references to other stories in the set is a bit annoying when I don't intend to read the set and it felt like a cheap plug. In general though nothing to complain about from me. Great for a light evening read.
Profile Image for Peni.
4,873 reviews1 follower
Want to Read
August 16, 2021
This pudge won’t budge.

Trust me, I’ve tried. Curvy, quiet Shay Parson won’t give me the time of day, even though I’ve been working with her for weeks. I’ve never met a babe who can resist my charms, but that’s not why I want her so bad.

There’s something about this dark-haired beauty that makes me want to push her. Test her. Bring her out of her comfort zone, and into my bed where I can show her the only pounds that matter are the ones I give her with my hips. She doesn’t know it, but…

I wanna nudge that pudge.

When I get a peek into her big heart, I realize Shay could be the one I’ve been waiting for. The one I want to spend forever with. Now, I just need to make her see me for who I really am. Not the flirty, care-for-nothing, meathead she thinks me to be.

But I got a plan. It will take a little pizza, lots of listening, and a match-making grandma to help me convince my curvy cutie that I’m her happily-ever-after.

*** This is a short sticky-sweet escape read, full of insta-love and swoonworthy heat. Happily ever after GUARANTEED! Welcome to The Chub Club!
Profile Image for Kerry - Readkerryread .
1,388 reviews6 followers
May 11, 2021
This was not my favorite of the series but it was still a cute read. I liked Shay as the quiet introvert who listened more than she talked, and Vance her trainer was a talker, that is until he got to know her more.

It wasn't until Shay was taking her Grannie to the physical therapist that she realized Vance is more than what he looks like, and her Grannie already promised him a date. He wasn't excited for it until he realized it was Shay.

Vance decides to keep the date and knows he has one chance to show her he pays attention to her, it was a really sweet date. I loved that even though Vance came from money he choose to use it to helps others. My one issue with this was that Shay was very judgmental of Vance without really knowing him or giving him a chance, which was hurtful considering she didn't want others to judge her.
935 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2021
Silence speaks volumes

That was so cute and sweet and another great addition to the series. I love Shay and Vance. They seemed like complete opposites but they really weren’t. They wanted the same things and were passionate about the things they cared about. They just expressed them differently. Silence doesn’t always mean someone is shy. I like to call it observing and assessing. The Chubb Club are women who love themselves but also don’t shy away from who they are including there insecurities and being determined to overcome them. The Chubb Club ladies are fierce and awesome. Until next time y’all happy reading.
Profile Image for LiLu.
4,488 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2021
Heart ~

I loved reading this story. With this title, I assumed it would be a more humorous, tongue in cheek, rom com, but this story was so much more. This story was special, heart felt, a learning and understanding. The slow burn, that just makes you happy for them and the puppies, and giddy for the end. The setting at the end was perfect for them!
Profile Image for niki_reads_romance.
883 reviews9 followers
March 9, 2021
Unexpectedly deep for such a short, sexy romance.

Oh I LOVED this short, sassy romance. Shay and Vance are just so, ** fans myself***
It’s interesting the things this book touched on. 1- those of us who are frequently judged can be extremely judgmental. 2- what’s on the surface isn’t always truth. 3- if you pay attention, you can hear what ISNT said.

Lastly- SARGE 😭😭😭😭😭
Profile Image for An Epilogue a Day Bianca.
713 reviews6 followers
April 5, 2021
This is the sweetest of the three books. Both of the characters are full of walls and preconceived notions about each other until a sassy grandmother help them figure each other out, their barriers start to break and every line from there on is swoon worthy. I can’t wait to read book 4, the happily ever after of the most honest and talkative of the Chub Club girls.
Profile Image for Brandi Gillilan.
Author 27 books17 followers
June 7, 2021
Loved

I loved this book. I read it in under two hours. It was hard to put down. What is relatable with her discomfort with her body. I liked that it wasn't a huge deal when they were naked. Vince was so sweet and loving. He made an effort to understand her. He is such a sweetheart.
Profile Image for Barbara Van Zandt.
1,361 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2021
Understanding one another

She was quite to a point and he talked and they misjudged one another. A rich kid who living and working his way a physical therapist who helps the elders and she works at a dog rescusr. He was her trainer at the gym and her grandmother therapist and a date. They finally understood each other and the feelings kept getting stronger.
2,555 reviews14 followers
July 5, 2021
Another beautiful love story

This story was so beautiful. Shay, a quiet young woman, doesn't say much but has a lot to say Mets Vance at the gym. He's tried to break through to get her to talk to him. Who knew the magic of pizza, boats, the moon and dogs. Also her feisty grandmother. The story is so good, you'll enjoy reading it. :)
Profile Image for T Van.
1,626 reviews37 followers
August 23, 2021
A Shift in Context Reveals Hidden Facets

Vance and Shay judge each other by “their covers,” coming to the conclusion that they are very different people who could never have anything in common. Coincidence gives them a chance to connect outside of the gym, and from there, instalove is assured.
Profile Image for Jennifer Olivas.
542 reviews7 followers
August 27, 2021
Vance and Shay

The big message of the story is to not judge a book by it's cover. Shay really finds this is true when she learns Vance is so much more than a pretty boy. Vance really shows what a great human he really is and learns to read Shay and speak to her in a way that reaches her heart. Loved this story! My favorite one so far!
Profile Image for Jessica Piggush.
269 reviews
November 17, 2022
Amazing

I didn’t realize this was book 3 in the series when I originally downloaded it. I was in it for the cover and the title if I’m being honest. I knew nothing about the storyline or characters. I got wrapped up in everything and finished this book in about a hour or so, while I was at work and should have been working. When I found the bonus scene best bet I downloaded that immediately as well. I will for sure be buying the rest of the series!!
Profile Image for v'sreadingjourney.
4,544 reviews
February 17, 2023
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Method: ebook
Rating: 4/5 stars
H rating: 4/5 - Vance
h rating: 4/5 - Shay
Drama: 3/5
Thoughts: Great read really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Chalice.
3,756 reviews112 followers
November 13, 2024
The couple: Vance and Shay

Romance trope: opposites attract
Series: The Chub Club
Length: 71 pages

Plot: Shay isn't a big talker, but that doesn't mean she isn't a big thinker. Vance just needs to figure out how to draw her out of her shell. Once he gets to know her though, he may find that she's perfect just as she is.

Commentary: Quick read, introverts unite! I love that she got to see the other side of him by watching him work with her grandmother. That was really the perfect set-up for their relationship.

Previous book in the series: Big Buns More Fun
Next book in the series: Chubby Wants a Hubby
Profile Image for Liz.
25 reviews
March 3, 2021
Oh, I love this series!

I love all these books so much. Shay and Vance were so good together. I love that these books have curvy ladies in them. Everything about this book was excellent. Sweet read. ❤️
Profile Image for Lolita Nettles.
240 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2021
Best of a great series

I have loved the Chub Club and they all sound like women and a club I could be part of! Shay and Vance has been my favorite treat of all and I eagerly await what's next to come.
Profile Image for Abby Huehl.
147 reviews7 followers
March 9, 2021
This pudge just needed the right nudge

Again, super happy with this author's writing. Love the Chub Club girls finding their happiness with big strong guys that worship them. This book was no different and all the characters have different personalities even though the love is instant once it hits. Can't wait for more books.
80 reviews
March 15, 2021
This is a cute one

Love when you find more about the side characters. Vance really comes across as a "typical" chatty gym guy but you find out things in this sweet little book that make him even more likable. Shay and Vance are a great match
Profile Image for Shawn.
3,202 reviews
May 4, 2021
Sweetest of all

Oh my heart. I think this installment of this series was the sweetest one of them all. I absolutely fell in love with Vance and Shay was perfect for him. Great couple and a great story.
17 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2021
Wonderful series

Absolutely one of my favorite series to read in awhile. Usually there’s so much upset that has to be rectified but not here. Is it predictable to see the trainers falling in love with their “chub clubber” but I don’t even care!
2,978 reviews10 followers
April 26, 2022
Quiet

Vance is determined to get to know Shay. She is quiet and only speaks when she has something to say and speaks right to his heart. He is starting to know what she isn't saying and is determined to show her how he feels.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
851 reviews
July 5, 2022
THIS WAS SO GOOD!! I couldn’t believe it. In just 69 pages Penn Rivers was able to give me 2 well crafted character, get the pacing spot on AND give me a romance that felt well done. Color me incredibly impressed. I will definitely be reading the others in this series.
400 reviews
January 5, 2023
short and sweet

It’s a short story and it is exactly that, short. I liked Vance. He was an awesome guy and used his money for good and helping people. I appreciated his honesty and how much he cared about his patients and people he treated.
Profile Image for Kirstie Sadlocha.
891 reviews6 followers
March 14, 2023
A sweet fast romance

A wonderfully sweet short fast read about a man with insecurities of built like a body builder and a girl who's tall but quiet and shy Getting thrown together as workout buddies In the process Getting to know each other and building from there..
Profile Image for Reader_for_LifeTLG.
2,880 reviews17 followers
May 6, 2023
He's so sweet.

Vance is head over heels for Shay. Now how to get his silent siren to realize he's the one for her. A great short read with some steamy action. I love that HE was pining over HER.
Profile Image for Cheri Morris.
734 reviews
March 5, 2021
Good

It's a very funny book with interesting characters who will make you laugh and finding love in unusual places with lots of matchmaking going on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews