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The Curvy Girls Club #8
Curvy Girls Can't Date Soldiers
He’s in love with me. The only problem? He thinks I’m someone else.
I’ve spent my whole life trying not to get bullied. For my frizzy hair. My freckles. The white patches on my black skin or the gap in my teeth. Not to mention the extra hundred pounds I have on most of my classmates.
So when my soldier pen pal wants to see a picture of me, I freak. I send him a picture of one of the it girls at school and move on. The odds of us meeting in person are less than zero, and for once in my life, I want to know what it feels like to be one of the beautiful girls. Someone a guy like him would be into. And it is amazing... Until I start to feel more about him than just a pen pal should. He says he feels the same way, but when he wants to meet me, I have a huge problem.
How can I put my heart on the line when I can’t even show my face?
This curvy military romance is going to have you shaking your head one moment and wiping your eyes the next. Get ready to see what it means to face your biggest fears when your biggest fear is yourself.
I’ve spent my whole life trying not to get bullied. For my frizzy hair. My freckles. The white patches on my black skin or the gap in my teeth. Not to mention the extra hundred pounds I have on most of my classmates.
So when my soldier pen pal wants to see a picture of me, I freak. I send him a picture of one of the it girls at school and move on. The odds of us meeting in person are less than zero, and for once in my life, I want to know what it feels like to be one of the beautiful girls. Someone a guy like him would be into. And it is amazing... Until I start to feel more about him than just a pen pal should. He says he feels the same way, but when he wants to meet me, I have a huge problem.
How can I put my heart on the line when I can’t even show my face?
This curvy military romance is going to have you shaking your head one moment and wiping your eyes the next. Get ready to see what it means to face your biggest fears when your biggest fear is yourself.
460 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2021
401 people are currently reading
3623 people want to read
About the author
Kelsie Stelting
48 books1,728 followersKelsie Stelting is a body positive romance author who writes love stories with strong characters, deep feelings, and happy endings.
She currently lives in Colorado. You can often find her writing, spending time with family, and soaking up too much sun wherever she can find it.
Visit www.kelsiestelting.com to get a free story and sign up for her readers' group!
She currently lives in Colorado. You can often find her writing, spending time with family, and soaking up too much sun wherever she can find it.
Visit www.kelsiestelting.com to get a free story and sign up for her readers' group!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
August 4, 2021
3.5 stars!
I love everything that Kelsie writes. She is able to draw such strong emotions out of readers and I love it. I love that she dealt with certain conflicts with Nadira. She is smart but she is not confident. She deals with many insecurities, like living with vitiligo and self-doubting herself a lot. I liked how Kelsie didn’t sugar coat anything and let us see how someone with vitiligo would experience and feel.
However, I knew from the moment I read the blurb of this book, I knew I would have a hard time reading their story. Nadira becomes pen pal with Apollo, an army men at college. Apollo shares a photo of himself, and what does insecure Nadira do? She sends a picture of some other girl at her school, pretty, skinny, picture-perfect. This had me cringing on the inside, knowing full on she was okay with talking with someone and lying to their face of how she looked like. True she didn’t pretend to be anyone but herself but it was so hard to see her talking and knowing Apollo was being lied to.
Nevertheless, I did like how it ended. It was so sweet and loving. I also liked how it wasn’t insta-forgiveness when the truth was told. I like how they dealt with it in a timely matter and it made it look realistic.
I guess I do see why this story was written. It’s true, as humans we do silly things that we will regret later, so it’s true that sometimes things does turn ugly. But it is nice to know there are family and friends who care and support you and pick you up when things gets messy.
In the end, it was an enjoyable book, learnt a lot throughout this journey and am looking forward to reading the last two books of this series!
Received a copy from the author herself for an honest review and this does not affect my review or rating of the book thank you!
I love everything that Kelsie writes. She is able to draw such strong emotions out of readers and I love it. I love that she dealt with certain conflicts with Nadira. She is smart but she is not confident. She deals with many insecurities, like living with vitiligo and self-doubting herself a lot. I liked how Kelsie didn’t sugar coat anything and let us see how someone with vitiligo would experience and feel.
However, I knew from the moment I read the blurb of this book, I knew I would have a hard time reading their story. Nadira becomes pen pal with Apollo, an army men at college. Apollo shares a photo of himself, and what does insecure Nadira do? She sends a picture of some other girl at her school, pretty, skinny, picture-perfect. This had me cringing on the inside, knowing full on she was okay with talking with someone and lying to their face of how she looked like. True she didn’t pretend to be anyone but herself but it was so hard to see her talking and knowing Apollo was being lied to.
Nevertheless, I did like how it ended. It was so sweet and loving. I also liked how it wasn’t insta-forgiveness when the truth was told. I like how they dealt with it in a timely matter and it made it look realistic.
I guess I do see why this story was written. It’s true, as humans we do silly things that we will regret later, so it’s true that sometimes things does turn ugly. But it is nice to know there are family and friends who care and support you and pick you up when things gets messy.
In the end, it was an enjoyable book, learnt a lot throughout this journey and am looking forward to reading the last two books of this series!
Received a copy from the author herself for an honest review and this does not affect my review or rating of the book thank you!
Read
October 15, 2022DNF. Just don’t listen to these books on Audible. Seriously. I got excited there was a new narrator, then I got 5 minutes in, did this girl record on her microphone using her air pods?! She sounds like she’s in an empty living room.
Ugh....
Ugh....
October 30, 2021
i wish i could give negative stars. is there a such thing as a “uniqueness kink”?? cause that solider guy definitely has one. i forgot his name through the power of rage alone
also tatiana don’t you have some pants to go fit in or something. like fr, why do you care about nadira. no cause like, fr fr. not even asking tatiana right now, i am asking the author, why.
i hope authors don’t check goodreads. that would put a damper on things. peace and love ms kelsie <3
also tatiana don’t you have some pants to go fit in or something. like fr, why do you care about nadira. no cause like, fr fr. not even asking tatiana right now, i am asking the author, why.
i hope authors don’t check goodreads. that would put a damper on things. peace and love ms kelsie <3
July 31, 2021
I have loved every book I've read in this series, Kelsie Stelting is an amazing author who writes with her heart on her sleeve.
Nadira's story is a little different than the other girl's yes she still looks for the boy every curvy girl dreams will see her the way everyone sees the skinny popular girl, who as we get older we discover has her own insecurities.
Nadira hasn't discovered selflove, at all. She feels completely invisible to her parents, to boys, in a world where everyone is looking for that one thing that makes them special.
But then her mom ropes her into helping her with a research project and Nadira finds something that makes her feel truly important, like she makes a difference, she matters. But one little lie at the beginning and everything could come crashing down around her if she doesn't fight for herself. And see that sometimes when we want to be loved the best way to get it is to love ourselves first therefore giving us the courage to go after the things we didn't think we could have.
I have voluntarily left this review!
Nadira's story is a little different than the other girl's yes she still looks for the boy every curvy girl dreams will see her the way everyone sees the skinny popular girl, who as we get older we discover has her own insecurities.
Nadira hasn't discovered selflove, at all. She feels completely invisible to her parents, to boys, in a world where everyone is looking for that one thing that makes them special.
But then her mom ropes her into helping her with a research project and Nadira finds something that makes her feel truly important, like she makes a difference, she matters. But one little lie at the beginning and everything could come crashing down around her if she doesn't fight for herself. And see that sometimes when we want to be loved the best way to get it is to love ourselves first therefore giving us the courage to go after the things we didn't think we could have.
I have voluntarily left this review!
July 31, 2021
3.5 Stars
✨ The Title/Cover Draw:
The book is #8 in the Curvy Girls Series. I love continuing on with each new story and the unique struggles each girl faces. Thank you to @kelsiestelting for allowing me to read this book!
💜 What I liked:
This book follows Nadira, who is not only curvy but also has vitiligo. AND she is a Mathlete (so super smart!). She has been bullied in the past so she is very wary about opening up again. I really liked her point of view because she has quite a few hang ups to work through in her life.
😱 What I didn’t like:
There is a decision that Nadira makes pretty early on that made me feel very frustrated (it’s in the summary). I understand that it was needed to resolve conflict at the end but for me it was hard to read at that point. I think I would have understood her logic about her decision if it had been explained differently, maybe?
🚦 My face at the end: 🥰
💭 3 Reasons to Read:
1. Plus size heroine
2. Unique POV and struggles
3. New male type! (who is not stereotypical)
🕧 Mini-Summary:
Nadira gets paired up with a ROTC student as part of an email project as she deals with her own sense of self worth.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✨ The Title/Cover Draw:
The book is #8 in the Curvy Girls Series. I love continuing on with each new story and the unique struggles each girl faces. Thank you to @kelsiestelting for allowing me to read this book!
💜 What I liked:
This book follows Nadira, who is not only curvy but also has vitiligo. AND she is a Mathlete (so super smart!). She has been bullied in the past so she is very wary about opening up again. I really liked her point of view because she has quite a few hang ups to work through in her life.
😱 What I didn’t like:
There is a decision that Nadira makes pretty early on that made me feel very frustrated (it’s in the summary). I understand that it was needed to resolve conflict at the end but for me it was hard to read at that point. I think I would have understood her logic about her decision if it had been explained differently, maybe?
🚦 My face at the end: 🥰
💭 3 Reasons to Read:
1. Plus size heroine
2. Unique POV and struggles
3. New male type! (who is not stereotypical)
🕧 Mini-Summary:
Nadira gets paired up with a ROTC student as part of an email project as she deals with her own sense of self worth.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 30, 2021
****not many spoilers but it’s some there**
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2021...
I see that Faith is getting her a book too. I am hoping that Des gets one too if not I’m going to be disappointed. But if she does.
I keep thinking that Des going to end up with one of her friends brother for some reason.
With that being said I liked this book it was good. It was sad at times especially with the situation that happened at the school when Apollo at the school when he thought that Tatiana was Nadira. I was like if he would’ve just waited dang. He would’ve found out who the real girl was.
But I knew something bad was going to happened. But they worked things out in the end. Though I was so confused when all of a sudden it it went from Apollo talking to his mom to a chapter where Nadira said that Apollo forgave her I was HUH? what happened again… cause i didn’t even get a chance to read anything about a apology.
I’m just waiting to read Faith book for now.
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2021...
I see that Faith is getting her a book too. I am hoping that Des gets one too if not I’m going to be disappointed. But if she does.
I keep thinking that Des going to end up with one of her friends brother for some reason.
With that being said I liked this book it was good. It was sad at times especially with the situation that happened at the school when Apollo at the school when he thought that Tatiana was Nadira. I was like if he would’ve just waited dang. He would’ve found out who the real girl was.
But I knew something bad was going to happened. But they worked things out in the end. Though I was so confused when all of a sudden it it went from Apollo talking to his mom to a chapter where Nadira said that Apollo forgave her I was HUH? what happened again… cause i didn’t even get a chance to read anything about a apology.
I’m just waiting to read Faith book for now.
December 11, 2025
THIS WAS THE #1 CRINGE OF THE ENTIRE SERIES. ROTC? ✅ mommy issues? ✅ catfishing?? ✅ MATHLETES? ✅ the limit does not exist.
October 30, 2021
nice romance
I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry and kissing scenes were super awesome. I loved how there is so much growth and confidence. Also the hero is really sweet. Loved this book. Super body positive and has real characters. Highly recommend.
I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry and kissing scenes were super awesome. I loved how there is so much growth and confidence. Also the hero is really sweet. Loved this book. Super body positive and has real characters. Highly recommend.
August 18, 2021
Really good story based on a very intriguing premise for me. Kelsie Stelting managed yet again to make all the things, the characters, the situations, the feelings, the reactions, the relationships feel so very REAL. I'm only a little disappointed that the military aspect was not explored more thoroughly (after I saw that done so well by Brittany Fichter it's difficult not to expect it).
Before the edit:
So I need to let this sit for a little bit before writing a proper review but I have to admit my eyes were a little wet during some parts (the reason being the same as always... ).
Before the edit:
So I need to let this sit for a little bit before writing a proper review but I have to admit my eyes were a little wet during some parts (the reason being the same as always... ).
August 21, 2021
Cute idea and story but execution wasnt there.
I dont know what all of the good reviews are about. Rent if you can. Not a buy in my book but thats just my opinion.
Pro: i do like that the female lead Nadira is "real".
There are people with gap teeth and people that are fat and people that have vitilago so good on the author for not using a perfect female lead.
But
Cons: why does she have to have all 3? As a high school story, school is difficult enough when your not "unique" but the female lead has to have a trifecta of uniqueness, along with being a math nerd as well?
All of this makes the story a little unbelieveable.
Not to say that people like Nadira cant find love, but why does the male lead Apollo have to be a literally hottie with nothing wrong with him? It makes the odds uneven.
Also? Nadira's parents suck. They dont support her Mathlete gig and by her own admission, her parents didnt let her get braces to fix her teeth (why not? No mention of them not being able to afford it or that gap teeth builds character - they just dont fix it so the girl has another thing for dumb high schoolers to tease her about ) im all about building character, but this seems to unrealistic of mountains for a character to climb over.
The vitiligo could also be corrected with make up of some kind. Im not advocating make up or hiding your true self, but ive heard make up goes a long waa in helping with self esteem. Why make it harder for yourself. It would be different if Nadira was proud to be fat, gap-toothed and "a Dalmatian" as ahe calls herself, but shes literally ashamed of all of it and thus the story, she hides her real seld because shes worried the hottie wont like her. So if shes concerned about her looks, at least the vitiligo is comething she could do a little about.
Theres some weird family dynamic between Apollo and his mom that isnt really explained for fleshed out, just included just enough to pull a plot point out of it, so the closure on that honestly didnt vibe with me.
Side note: Josh got the shaft. Josh was the best guy for Nadira i think honestlt but hey... hes not the hottie star. Its not called Curvy Girls Cant Date Hot Soldier's Average Looking Nice Guy Best Friends.
I dont know what all of the good reviews are about. Rent if you can. Not a buy in my book but thats just my opinion.
Pro: i do like that the female lead Nadira is "real".
There are people with gap teeth and people that are fat and people that have vitilago so good on the author for not using a perfect female lead.
But
Cons: why does she have to have all 3? As a high school story, school is difficult enough when your not "unique" but the female lead has to have a trifecta of uniqueness, along with being a math nerd as well?
All of this makes the story a little unbelieveable.
Not to say that people like Nadira cant find love, but why does the male lead Apollo have to be a literally hottie with nothing wrong with him? It makes the odds uneven.
Also? Nadira's parents suck. They dont support her Mathlete gig and by her own admission, her parents didnt let her get braces to fix her teeth (why not? No mention of them not being able to afford it or that gap teeth builds character - they just dont fix it so the girl has another thing for dumb high schoolers to tease her about ) im all about building character, but this seems to unrealistic of mountains for a character to climb over.
The vitiligo could also be corrected with make up of some kind. Im not advocating make up or hiding your true self, but ive heard make up goes a long waa in helping with self esteem. Why make it harder for yourself. It would be different if Nadira was proud to be fat, gap-toothed and "a Dalmatian" as ahe calls herself, but shes literally ashamed of all of it and thus the story, she hides her real seld because shes worried the hottie wont like her. So if shes concerned about her looks, at least the vitiligo is comething she could do a little about.
Theres some weird family dynamic between Apollo and his mom that isnt really explained for fleshed out, just included just enough to pull a plot point out of it, so the closure on that honestly didnt vibe with me.
Side note: Josh got the shaft. Josh was the best guy for Nadira i think honestlt but hey... hes not the hottie star. Its not called Curvy Girls Cant Date Hot Soldier's Average Looking Nice Guy Best Friends.
August 3, 2021
Love this series
I love this series. And I really enjoyed reading Nadira and Apollo's story. Very sweet and very enjoyable to read
I love this series. And I really enjoyed reading Nadira and Apollo's story. Very sweet and very enjoyable to read
October 26, 2023
After finishing this series I can honestly say this is the first time where I was able to 100% relate to the girls in the books. Not many plus size girls are used as a main character ❤️
My old kindle was attached to my moms account these are my highlights you don’t wanna read these
Chapter 4
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“That’s what people who had fun in high school want you to do,” I said. “The rest of us know it’s best to just keep your head down and make it out alive.”
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“Rang in the new year with milkshakes,” I said. She chuckled. “Not bad.”
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Guys said the meanest things about girls they didn’t find attractive. Like somehow not being pleasing to the eye made us deserve verbal vitriol.
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“You need to be nicer to yourself. Can’t you see that you’re beautiful?”
Chapter 5
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“I just want you to know that I think you are absolutely beautiful, and I think you deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin. Any guy, if you choose to have one, would be lucky to have you.”
Chapter 10
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I unbuckled and got out, walking toward her and trying to act like I wasn’t completely crushed. My own brother preferred Tatiana, knowing how cruel she could be.
Chapter 11
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Apollo: Oh, no, it’s a guy. He says he’s doing “recon” on the female psyche. Nadira: I just laughed out loud. Apollo: He’s convinced it will help him meet girls. Nadira: How’s that working out for him? Apollo: It’s not, but he’s only on season two. I’ll let you know if anything changes by season six. And he said he’s going to start going to parties.
Chapter 12
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“Why do they make condoms when the real thing that needs protecting is your heart?” She shut the door behind her, and I burst out laughing. She had a good point.
Chapter 13
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“Hear me out. If you ever have a daughter—or a niece—she's going to look like you. Do you really want her to think the same things that you're thinking to yourself?”
Chapter 14
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“My hearts already involved.”
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“I don’t think I can take another rejection.”
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“I’m going to love you enough for both of us until you learn to love yourself.”
Chapter 19
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“He said, ‘Goodnight, beautiful’!” I cried, so ridiculously happy. Carter frowned. “But he doesn’t have a real picture of you.” Des nodded. “Because she’s too chicken.”
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“Yeah, that’ll work great,” I said. “It’ll be kind of like ordering a swimsuit off the internet to find out it’s only big enough to cover one boob instead of two.” Ryker’s eyes widened. “That happens?” “Don’t be so excited,” Cori said.
Chapter 22
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“Yes.” He reached for the door handle. “A lady should never touch a door on a date. Car door or otherwise.”
Highlight(yellow) - Page 115 · Location 1877
I raised my eyebrows. “You’re right. He could be a vegetarian.” My eyes widened. “Or lactose intolerant. No chance to share cheesecake!” He snorted. “That would be awful.” “Or if he talks with his mouth full.” “Gross,” Dad said. “Or if he’s boring.”
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“Just because someone can’t see your worth doesn’t mean it’s not there.”
Highlight(orange) - Page 116 · Location 1899
“Your body is not anything you have to apologize for. It is a tool that you can use however you choose. My players use their bodies for entertainment. Mom uses her body to carry around that massive brain.” He smiled softly. “Your body is your tool. No one else’s. They don’t get to use it or judge it or mislabel it as something it’s not.
Chapter 26
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I’d tried to make my voice sound normal, but the instant Apollo heard me, he said, “Nadira, are you okay?”
Highlight(orange) - Page 132 · Location 2132
“Hey, hey, hey, I’m here. What’s going on?”
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“Nadira, if I didn’t want to be talking to you, I wouldn’t be. I’d send you an email a day and move on. You’re not like that. You’re smart, in the scary way that says you can start a colony on Mars or destroy the universe. There’s not an in-between. And you’re funny, but in the sarcastic way
Highlight(orange) - Page 133 · Location 2144
that makes me think a second longer than most jokes do. I don’t understand why, but you’re easier to talk to than people I’ve known for years. And I’m not about to question it, because I like you, Nadira. Not who you wish you could be.” Tears streamed down my cheeks, but they were happy this time. All this time, when I’d been trying to hide behind Tatiana’s picture, Apollo had seen the real me underneath it all. “I like you,” I admitted. “I really like you, Apollo. More than a pen pal should.” “Don’t say that. Don’t let ‘should’ get in the way. Not with us.” My lips twitched into an almost smile. “Why?” “Can’t you feel it? There’s something special here.” My heart beat painfully in response. “I can,” I whispered. “Me too,” he said. “So promise me? No more should when it comes to you and me?” “I promise.” “Good.” He sounded pleased, and I just wanted to hear the smile in his voice all
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I needed my friends to help me find a way to tell Apollo the truth once and for all, and I hoped what he said was right. That he’d fallen for the real me behind the person I thought I wanted to be.
Chapter 30
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“It’s not that. It’s just...” I let out a sigh. “Promise you won’t be disappointed by what you see tomorrow?” “Babe, I could never be disappointed by you,” he said. My heart twisted painfully in my chest. “I hope so.”
Chapter 35
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Ryker’s eyes were dark, dangerous. “I can talk to her. Make her tell him the truth.”
Chapter 38
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I studied her carefully, looking for a name tag or anything that would tell us who she truly was. All I could see was the sign she sat behind that said Captain... My vision blurred as I remembered the first email she’d ever sent me. She was captain of the Mathletes. A girl on her team wanted the position too. Then I remembered something else. Nadira had complained about being bullied for her weight. I glanced at the thin girl next to me and had a feeling she was not the Nadira I knew. When I looked back at the table, Tatiana’s eyes were on me. Or Nadira’s eyes. Whoever she was, her face was pale. Her full lips were parted. Her throat moved with her swallow.
Chapter 40
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Nadira had said she was going to tell me about her lie, but she shouldn’t have had anything to tell in the first place. She was incredible, like no one I’d ever seen before. Tatiana’s bland form of beauty didn’t hold a candle to the bonfire flame that was Nadira. A small part of me felt sorry for Nadira. What had the world told her to make her
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think that she wasn’t beautiful? That she wasn’t worthy of being seen and loved exactly as she was?
Chapter 42
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I think you’re the ugliest person in the world. Not because of the way you look, but because of the way you lied.’” Cori let out a quiet gasp. “He said that to you?” I nodded, crying so hard now I could barely get any air.
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“Breathe,” Des said firmly. But I couldn’t. It felt like I was deeper and underwater, and no matter how much I gasped or choked, nothing could bring me closer to air. “Nadira, breathe!” Des ordered again, her voice rising higher. As if through the depths of water, I heard Adriel said, “She’s having a panic attack.” Faith said, “Bend her over. Get her arms behind her head.” They moved my body until my legs were butterflied out and my head folded toward my feet. They held my hands behind my head, rubbing my back, saying soft words I couldn’t quite discern. Slowly, my breath came. Slowly, the tears stalled.
Chapter 43
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underneath. I got up and went to look at it. As I drew closer, I could see what it was. A paper crown with the words Nadira’s Brother written in thick black marker. And underneath, in Carver’s messy scrawl, Love you, sis. I smiled, my lips wavering, and held it to my chest.
Chapter 45
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My eyes watered as I stood up from the table. “He cared. And I didn’t deserve it.” Then I turned around and went upstairs. My parents let me go.
Chapter 47
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Her eyes widened and then narrowed. “Is that a threat?” she asked.
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Ryker gave her a cold smile. “Of course not. I don’t make threats. I make promises. And I promise, you will regret messing with Nadira.”
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“Thank you.” His eyes were kind as he turned on me. “I know I’ve said it before, but I’m sorry, Nadira. I can’t believe I ever treated you like they do.” He reached across Cori and took my hand for a second. “You deserve so much better.”
Chapter 48
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“Mom?” I breathed. I almost couldn’t believe she was standing in front of me. Her lips faltered into a smile before falling again. “Oh, honey.” I got out of my seat and ran to her arms, just like I would have when I was a kid needing some invisible hurt kissed better. She hugged me tight, breathing raggedly into my chest, and I cried into her shoulder.
Chapter 50
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“Can you blame her for wanting to be someone different, though?” Mom asked, surprising me. I thought she was supposed to be on my side. “I can blame her for lying. Absolutely.” “No.” She put her hand on my arm for a moment before letting it fall. “You’ve never really been girl crazy, so you haven’t noticed the way girls look at you, honey.” I raised my eyebrows. “What’s that supposed to mean?” She chuckled softly. “You’re an attractive young man with a good head on your shoulders. I could see how a girl would be intimidated by that, especially if she’s grown up being called less-than because of her size or her skin.” A muscle in my jaw twitched. “So you’re on her side.”
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“I’m on the side of a girl who would call me to tell me what an idiot I’ve been for ignoring my son.”
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“Oh, honey.” She stepped onto the grass with me, cupping my cheek with her hand. “She loves you. And I can tell you love her too. What else is there to understand?”
Chapter 51
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He reached the corner and turned toward me, taking me in. I wondered what he thought of me up close. The real me. In my Brentwood U jersey that showed the fat on my arms where they pressed against my sides or the line of my stomach where it bulged against my leggings. But I didn’t move to hide it by putting my hands on my hips or sucking in. No, I’d hidden enough. Apollo had said he wanted the real me, not an ugly lie.
Chapter 52
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She turned her back to me and started walking away, and such a feeling of loss overwhelmed me, it almost brought me to my knees.
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She took her hand from mine, and the absence nearly took me down. My hand was cold now, without hers, and I realized if I never held her hand again, something would always be missing.
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“I’ll say it again if you don’t believe me,” I growled. I was tired of people acting like Nadira was less-than because of her size. Especially her. Since when did a number on a scale or clothing tag take away from someone’s value.
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“I’d date you because I like you, Nadira. Not the person you thought I wanted you to be. Can’t you see that?” She nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. “Then stop counting yourself out of something before it even has a chance to start.”
Chapter 58
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God, her smile made my insides melt.
Chapter 61
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“Look at the stars,” he said softly. “They don’t worry about which one is brighter. All they do is shine.”
Epilogue
Bookmark - Page 257 · Location 3987
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He jogged toward her and caught her, spinning her around in a hug and kissing her slowly. The love between them was so real, so raw, I looked away. Adriel let out a dreamy sigh. “They’re so adorable together.” I agreed. “Beyond cute.”
My old kindle was attached to my moms account these are my highlights you don’t wanna read these
Chapter 4
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“That’s what people who had fun in high school want you to do,” I said. “The rest of us know it’s best to just keep your head down and make it out alive.”
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“Rang in the new year with milkshakes,” I said. She chuckled. “Not bad.”
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Guys said the meanest things about girls they didn’t find attractive. Like somehow not being pleasing to the eye made us deserve verbal vitriol.
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“You need to be nicer to yourself. Can’t you see that you’re beautiful?”
Chapter 5
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“I just want you to know that I think you are absolutely beautiful, and I think you deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin. Any guy, if you choose to have one, would be lucky to have you.”
Chapter 10
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I unbuckled and got out, walking toward her and trying to act like I wasn’t completely crushed. My own brother preferred Tatiana, knowing how cruel she could be.
Chapter 11
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Apollo: Oh, no, it’s a guy. He says he’s doing “recon” on the female psyche. Nadira: I just laughed out loud. Apollo: He’s convinced it will help him meet girls. Nadira: How’s that working out for him? Apollo: It’s not, but he’s only on season two. I’ll let you know if anything changes by season six. And he said he’s going to start going to parties.
Chapter 12
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“Why do they make condoms when the real thing that needs protecting is your heart?” She shut the door behind her, and I burst out laughing. She had a good point.
Chapter 13
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“Hear me out. If you ever have a daughter—or a niece—she's going to look like you. Do you really want her to think the same things that you're thinking to yourself?”
Chapter 14
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“My hearts already involved.”
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“I don’t think I can take another rejection.”
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“I’m going to love you enough for both of us until you learn to love yourself.”
Chapter 19
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“He said, ‘Goodnight, beautiful’!” I cried, so ridiculously happy. Carter frowned. “But he doesn’t have a real picture of you.” Des nodded. “Because she’s too chicken.”
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“Yeah, that’ll work great,” I said. “It’ll be kind of like ordering a swimsuit off the internet to find out it’s only big enough to cover one boob instead of two.” Ryker’s eyes widened. “That happens?” “Don’t be so excited,” Cori said.
Chapter 22
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“Yes.” He reached for the door handle. “A lady should never touch a door on a date. Car door or otherwise.”
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I raised my eyebrows. “You’re right. He could be a vegetarian.” My eyes widened. “Or lactose intolerant. No chance to share cheesecake!” He snorted. “That would be awful.” “Or if he talks with his mouth full.” “Gross,” Dad said. “Or if he’s boring.”
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“Just because someone can’t see your worth doesn’t mean it’s not there.”
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“Your body is not anything you have to apologize for. It is a tool that you can use however you choose. My players use their bodies for entertainment. Mom uses her body to carry around that massive brain.” He smiled softly. “Your body is your tool. No one else’s. They don’t get to use it or judge it or mislabel it as something it’s not.
Chapter 26
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I’d tried to make my voice sound normal, but the instant Apollo heard me, he said, “Nadira, are you okay?”
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“Hey, hey, hey, I’m here. What’s going on?”
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“Nadira, if I didn’t want to be talking to you, I wouldn’t be. I’d send you an email a day and move on. You’re not like that. You’re smart, in the scary way that says you can start a colony on Mars or destroy the universe. There’s not an in-between. And you’re funny, but in the sarcastic way
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that makes me think a second longer than most jokes do. I don’t understand why, but you’re easier to talk to than people I’ve known for years. And I’m not about to question it, because I like you, Nadira. Not who you wish you could be.” Tears streamed down my cheeks, but they were happy this time. All this time, when I’d been trying to hide behind Tatiana’s picture, Apollo had seen the real me underneath it all. “I like you,” I admitted. “I really like you, Apollo. More than a pen pal should.” “Don’t say that. Don’t let ‘should’ get in the way. Not with us.” My lips twitched into an almost smile. “Why?” “Can’t you feel it? There’s something special here.” My heart beat painfully in response. “I can,” I whispered. “Me too,” he said. “So promise me? No more should when it comes to you and me?” “I promise.” “Good.” He sounded pleased, and I just wanted to hear the smile in his voice all
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I needed my friends to help me find a way to tell Apollo the truth once and for all, and I hoped what he said was right. That he’d fallen for the real me behind the person I thought I wanted to be.
Chapter 30
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“It’s not that. It’s just...” I let out a sigh. “Promise you won’t be disappointed by what you see tomorrow?” “Babe, I could never be disappointed by you,” he said. My heart twisted painfully in my chest. “I hope so.”
Chapter 35
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Ryker’s eyes were dark, dangerous. “I can talk to her. Make her tell him the truth.”
Chapter 38
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I studied her carefully, looking for a name tag or anything that would tell us who she truly was. All I could see was the sign she sat behind that said Captain... My vision blurred as I remembered the first email she’d ever sent me. She was captain of the Mathletes. A girl on her team wanted the position too. Then I remembered something else. Nadira had complained about being bullied for her weight. I glanced at the thin girl next to me and had a feeling she was not the Nadira I knew. When I looked back at the table, Tatiana’s eyes were on me. Or Nadira’s eyes. Whoever she was, her face was pale. Her full lips were parted. Her throat moved with her swallow.
Chapter 40
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Nadira had said she was going to tell me about her lie, but she shouldn’t have had anything to tell in the first place. She was incredible, like no one I’d ever seen before. Tatiana’s bland form of beauty didn’t hold a candle to the bonfire flame that was Nadira. A small part of me felt sorry for Nadira. What had the world told her to make her
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think that she wasn’t beautiful? That she wasn’t worthy of being seen and loved exactly as she was?
Chapter 42
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I think you’re the ugliest person in the world. Not because of the way you look, but because of the way you lied.’” Cori let out a quiet gasp. “He said that to you?” I nodded, crying so hard now I could barely get any air.
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“Breathe,” Des said firmly. But I couldn’t. It felt like I was deeper and underwater, and no matter how much I gasped or choked, nothing could bring me closer to air. “Nadira, breathe!” Des ordered again, her voice rising higher. As if through the depths of water, I heard Adriel said, “She’s having a panic attack.” Faith said, “Bend her over. Get her arms behind her head.” They moved my body until my legs were butterflied out and my head folded toward my feet. They held my hands behind my head, rubbing my back, saying soft words I couldn’t quite discern. Slowly, my breath came. Slowly, the tears stalled.
Chapter 43
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underneath. I got up and went to look at it. As I drew closer, I could see what it was. A paper crown with the words Nadira’s Brother written in thick black marker. And underneath, in Carver’s messy scrawl, Love you, sis. I smiled, my lips wavering, and held it to my chest.
Chapter 45
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My eyes watered as I stood up from the table. “He cared. And I didn’t deserve it.” Then I turned around and went upstairs. My parents let me go.
Chapter 47
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Her eyes widened and then narrowed. “Is that a threat?” she asked.
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Ryker gave her a cold smile. “Of course not. I don’t make threats. I make promises. And I promise, you will regret messing with Nadira.”
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“Thank you.” His eyes were kind as he turned on me. “I know I’ve said it before, but I’m sorry, Nadira. I can’t believe I ever treated you like they do.” He reached across Cori and took my hand for a second. “You deserve so much better.”
Chapter 48
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“Mom?” I breathed. I almost couldn’t believe she was standing in front of me. Her lips faltered into a smile before falling again. “Oh, honey.” I got out of my seat and ran to her arms, just like I would have when I was a kid needing some invisible hurt kissed better. She hugged me tight, breathing raggedly into my chest, and I cried into her shoulder.
Chapter 50
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“Can you blame her for wanting to be someone different, though?” Mom asked, surprising me. I thought she was supposed to be on my side. “I can blame her for lying. Absolutely.” “No.” She put her hand on my arm for a moment before letting it fall. “You’ve never really been girl crazy, so you haven’t noticed the way girls look at you, honey.” I raised my eyebrows. “What’s that supposed to mean?” She chuckled softly. “You’re an attractive young man with a good head on your shoulders. I could see how a girl would be intimidated by that, especially if she’s grown up being called less-than because of her size or her skin.” A muscle in my jaw twitched. “So you’re on her side.”
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“I’m on the side of a girl who would call me to tell me what an idiot I’ve been for ignoring my son.”
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“Oh, honey.” She stepped onto the grass with me, cupping my cheek with her hand. “She loves you. And I can tell you love her too. What else is there to understand?”
Chapter 51
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He reached the corner and turned toward me, taking me in. I wondered what he thought of me up close. The real me. In my Brentwood U jersey that showed the fat on my arms where they pressed against my sides or the line of my stomach where it bulged against my leggings. But I didn’t move to hide it by putting my hands on my hips or sucking in. No, I’d hidden enough. Apollo had said he wanted the real me, not an ugly lie.
Chapter 52
Highlight(pink) - Page 227 · Location 3583
She turned her back to me and started walking away, and such a feeling of loss overwhelmed me, it almost brought me to my knees.
Highlight(pink) - Page 227 · Location 3595
She took her hand from mine, and the absence nearly took me down. My hand was cold now, without hers, and I realized if I never held her hand again, something would always be missing.
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“I’ll say it again if you don’t believe me,” I growled. I was tired of people acting like Nadira was less-than because of her size. Especially her. Since when did a number on a scale or clothing tag take away from someone’s value.
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“I’d date you because I like you, Nadira. Not the person you thought I wanted you to be. Can’t you see that?” She nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. “Then stop counting yourself out of something before it even has a chance to start.”
Chapter 58
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God, her smile made my insides melt.
Chapter 61
Highlight(pink) - Page 249 · Location 3863
“Look at the stars,” he said softly. “They don’t worry about which one is brighter. All they do is shine.”
Epilogue
Bookmark - Page 257 · Location 3987
Highlight(pink) - Page 258 · Location 3999
He jogged toward her and caught her, spinning her around in a hug and kissing her slowly. The love between them was so real, so raw, I looked away. Adriel let out a dreamy sigh. “They’re so adorable together.” I agreed. “Beyond cute.”
Read
December 12, 2024Okay so I started to read this book this year because last year I bought the bundle from the authors website because it was half off for Kindle and all of the other books. I’ve read by this author were amazing.
The author knows how to catch your attention and keep your attention on the books that she has written
Buuuuttttttt….. this book in particular I DNF’ed because I cannot get into a book where I know that the main character is catfish the person who is going to fall in love with them just because they are insecure. The other books that she has written, I have loved because even though almost all of those girls were insecure in someway about their appearance they were truthful to the person that they liked.
She was so insecure that she sent a picture of the hottest girl in their school to the guy that she was a penpal for.
I find that very crazy to do. It does not matter how you look if you think that you’re ugly then other people are also going to think that you’re ugly.
Growing up, I did not think that I looked like much but I would never catfish someone because you don’t know if they will think that you are ugly just because the people in your school are cruel to you. I got through about 10% of this book and I Stopped reading it. Being catfish is not my cup of tea and I will not read someone being that dishonest to someone. I’ve read some of the reviews and some of the reviews. I’ve read did say that it was a happy ending, but if we are being realistic, a lot of the people who get catfish, they do not end up with the person who catfish them.
Catfish someone is basically breaking their trust before you even get into a full committed relationship. Like she lied to him on the second email that she sent to him because she did not think of herself as pretty even though she had friends who told her that she was pretty. She also had a friend who was similar to her size who got a boyfriend And has heard of many other curvy girls getting extremely handsome boyfriend.
I don’t know it just gave me the dick to know that she would lie to someone who probably would not have cared. Also, what do you have to lose your just emailing this person if you did not think that they would fall for you why lie? I’m not going to give this book a rating because I feel as though if I did, it would be a one star and it would just be kind of bias because I don’t like catfish. I don’t want to dismantle a book that is probably good for other people. I also don’t want to disrespect the author by giving her book a one star just because of my preference.
The author knows how to catch your attention and keep your attention on the books that she has written
Buuuuttttttt….. this book in particular I DNF’ed because I cannot get into a book where I know that the main character is catfish the person who is going to fall in love with them just because they are insecure. The other books that she has written, I have loved because even though almost all of those girls were insecure in someway about their appearance they were truthful to the person that they liked.
She was so insecure that she sent a picture of the hottest girl in their school to the guy that she was a penpal for.
I find that very crazy to do. It does not matter how you look if you think that you’re ugly then other people are also going to think that you’re ugly.
Growing up, I did not think that I looked like much but I would never catfish someone because you don’t know if they will think that you are ugly just because the people in your school are cruel to you. I got through about 10% of this book and I Stopped reading it. Being catfish is not my cup of tea and I will not read someone being that dishonest to someone. I’ve read some of the reviews and some of the reviews. I’ve read did say that it was a happy ending, but if we are being realistic, a lot of the people who get catfish, they do not end up with the person who catfish them.
Catfish someone is basically breaking their trust before you even get into a full committed relationship. Like she lied to him on the second email that she sent to him because she did not think of herself as pretty even though she had friends who told her that she was pretty. She also had a friend who was similar to her size who got a boyfriend And has heard of many other curvy girls getting extremely handsome boyfriend.
I don’t know it just gave me the dick to know that she would lie to someone who probably would not have cared. Also, what do you have to lose your just emailing this person if you did not think that they would fall for you why lie? I’m not going to give this book a rating because I feel as though if I did, it would be a one star and it would just be kind of bias because I don’t like catfish. I don’t want to dismantle a book that is probably good for other people. I also don’t want to disrespect the author by giving her book a one star just because of my preference.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2021
Ugh I hadn’t planned on crying while reading this book but I definitely did.
I love these stories by Kelsie! They never disappoint and are so relatable. I love that these girls have an awesome friendship and we get to see great character development from a few different characters.
Curvy girls can’t date soldiers is about Nadira and Apollo. Such interesting/unique names to me but Nadira doesn’t like the word unique. Thinks it’s more of an insult; especially when the mean girls give her the Most Unique page in the yearbook. She can’t see herself the way everyone else does so when her mom asks her to email an ROTC soldier she decides to send him a picture of a classmate. Unfortunately that turns into a drawn out lie that doesn’t end well at all!
Apollo was a sweet southern boy that moved to California from Texas. His mom doesn’t talk to him anymore though because he decided to join the military. I felt bad for him because he definitely wanted to talk to his mom and share things with her but he figured she wouldn’t talk to him.
Things don’t go well after the lie is uncovered but thankfully she fought for her man with the help of her friends. I thought the ending was super cute and I’m excited for the next story!
I love these stories by Kelsie! They never disappoint and are so relatable. I love that these girls have an awesome friendship and we get to see great character development from a few different characters.
Curvy girls can’t date soldiers is about Nadira and Apollo. Such interesting/unique names to me but Nadira doesn’t like the word unique. Thinks it’s more of an insult; especially when the mean girls give her the Most Unique page in the yearbook. She can’t see herself the way everyone else does so when her mom asks her to email an ROTC soldier she decides to send him a picture of a classmate. Unfortunately that turns into a drawn out lie that doesn’t end well at all!
Apollo was a sweet southern boy that moved to California from Texas. His mom doesn’t talk to him anymore though because he decided to join the military. I felt bad for him because he definitely wanted to talk to his mom and share things with her but he figured she wouldn’t talk to him.
Things don’t go well after the lie is uncovered but thankfully she fought for her man with the help of her friends. I thought the ending was super cute and I’m excited for the next story!
July 31, 2021
I really enjoy pen-pal to lovers’ storylines, so I got excited when that was how this story was looking to play out between Apollo and Nadira. When handsome Apollo attaches his picture to one of his first emails and asks for her picture, Nadira struggles with her insecurities due to being a plus-sized girl with vitiligo and sends a picture of a beautiful mean girl from school instead. Drama ensues and new love is tested. Will Apollo be able to forgive Nadira’s lie? Will Nadira come to accept herself as she is?
Filled with body positive messages, empowering friendships, family drama, and self-acceptance, this book has it all. I enjoyed the story, but because of the deep-seated self-esteem issues that Nadira was working though, it was a bit angstier than I typically prefer. It was absolutely worth the read, especially if you find yourself in a similar boat to Nadira. Embrace what makes you unique, and don’t let others define you.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Filled with body positive messages, empowering friendships, family drama, and self-acceptance, this book has it all. I enjoyed the story, but because of the deep-seated self-esteem issues that Nadira was working though, it was a bit angstier than I typically prefer. It was absolutely worth the read, especially if you find yourself in a similar boat to Nadira. Embrace what makes you unique, and don’t let others define you.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 12, 2024
I’ve been enjoying these books and reading them all in order. I’ve liked them all, I’m usually a spicy adult romance reader but these call to my ‘curvy’ younger self so much and I enjoy them.
But… so far this was the hardest for me to get through. I really struggle with storylines that have a big deceitful thing between the two characters toward each other, in books/tv/movies. The catfish element was so rough, I spent the whole time just trying to read kind of fast, sometimes literally skimming through pages, to get to the part where all is revealed and can resolve happily. I just felt too bad for Apollo the whole time.
After the ‘big reveal’ I had all the feels, empathising with Nadira, and even cried. So, the last part of the book was great just as the others in the series so far have been. But man, so much tension up until then!!
Overall, I liked it, and I kept reminding myself it will end well so it’s ok, but it wasn’t a comfortable read! Looking forward to the next book in the series and calming myself down.
But… so far this was the hardest for me to get through. I really struggle with storylines that have a big deceitful thing between the two characters toward each other, in books/tv/movies. The catfish element was so rough, I spent the whole time just trying to read kind of fast, sometimes literally skimming through pages, to get to the part where all is revealed and can resolve happily. I just felt too bad for Apollo the whole time.
After the ‘big reveal’ I had all the feels, empathising with Nadira, and even cried. So, the last part of the book was great just as the others in the series so far have been. But man, so much tension up until then!!
Overall, I liked it, and I kept reminding myself it will end well so it’s ok, but it wasn’t a comfortable read! Looking forward to the next book in the series and calming myself down.
July 28, 2025
Review:
This book just wasn’t for me. This book had great potential but lacked depth and needed more.
This book follows the story of Apollo and Nadira who are out in touch with each other due to Nadiras mums study where they partner up soldiers with pen pals to give them friendly support whilst in school.
For me there just wasn’t enough pen pal chat. There was only a few messages and emails before they end up meeting in person. I personally wished we would have got more back and forth.
I also didn’t like the fact Nadira hide her self by using the image of someone else, I think this book could of been really good if she actually was confident in her look and herself instead of hiding her identity, and honing in on the fact Apollo liked her for her personality anyway, so the hidden looks was unneeded.
I was really looking forward to this book but it disappointed me, and is my least favourite book I have read so far.
Characters. 7/10
Atmosphere. 7/10
Writing 7/10
Plot. 6/10
Intrigue 7/10
Logic/relationship. 7/10
Enjoyment 7/10
Cawpile Rating 6.8 = 3 stars
This book just wasn’t for me. This book had great potential but lacked depth and needed more.
This book follows the story of Apollo and Nadira who are out in touch with each other due to Nadiras mums study where they partner up soldiers with pen pals to give them friendly support whilst in school.
For me there just wasn’t enough pen pal chat. There was only a few messages and emails before they end up meeting in person. I personally wished we would have got more back and forth.
I also didn’t like the fact Nadira hide her self by using the image of someone else, I think this book could of been really good if she actually was confident in her look and herself instead of hiding her identity, and honing in on the fact Apollo liked her for her personality anyway, so the hidden looks was unneeded.
I was really looking forward to this book but it disappointed me, and is my least favourite book I have read so far.
Characters. 7/10
Atmosphere. 7/10
Writing 7/10
Plot. 6/10
Intrigue 7/10
Logic/relationship. 7/10
Enjoyment 7/10
Cawpile Rating 6.8 = 3 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2023
This book got me really, really sad, mainly because of how Nadira Caesar self as a person that no one will ever love her because of how she looks the way her skin is the way her teeth are just because she's a little bit different from other girls of size cuz she's curvy. Guys don't see that there are women out there they don't have confidence they don't see themselves beautiful. I'm guilty of that I am fortunately am curvy and my three hundred pound woman and my skin is white yes I don't have a skin condition but is just my mind in my thoughts telling me otherwise that I will never be able to be loved because I'm not a size 3 or size 4 in jean size. Nadira should've sent her true picture, and this would have been a totally different outcome. If he didn't like her for the picture that he saw, then it would have been just that. just email and get it over with. But you don't realize something is blooming until it's too late. I'm just glad Apollo had a change in heart and forgave her!! ❤️🤗❤️😌
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2024
Curvy Girls Can't Date Soldiers
The Curvy Girls Club #8
By Kelsie Stelting
I found these books randomly and enjoyed the stories so much.
It's been a while since u stayed up to finish a book. I'm not sure what really drew me to Nadira. Maybe it's that we all went through a phase where we didn't like ourselves. And bullies were definitely a thing, so I can get it. I wrote the mean girl level on Tatiana, maybe she'll get her comupence.
Not only does Nadira have issues with body image, but also from her vitiligo as well. Add to that just normal high school pressure and being a senior with zero dates, it's a lot. Throw in a weird family dynamic, and you just want to hug her tight. I love how she and Apollo progressed slowly. Old school pen pals of the modern age. And the near misses and epically heart-wrenching reveal will just such you in. Be prepared for some sniffles, some outrage, and laughter.
The Curvy Girls Club #8
By Kelsie Stelting
I found these books randomly and enjoyed the stories so much.
It's been a while since u stayed up to finish a book. I'm not sure what really drew me to Nadira. Maybe it's that we all went through a phase where we didn't like ourselves. And bullies were definitely a thing, so I can get it. I wrote the mean girl level on Tatiana, maybe she'll get her comupence.
Not only does Nadira have issues with body image, but also from her vitiligo as well. Add to that just normal high school pressure and being a senior with zero dates, it's a lot. Throw in a weird family dynamic, and you just want to hug her tight. I love how she and Apollo progressed slowly. Old school pen pals of the modern age. And the near misses and epically heart-wrenching reveal will just such you in. Be prepared for some sniffles, some outrage, and laughter.
July 29, 2025
É il secondo libro che leggo di questa serie romance!
Non li sto leggendo in ordine perché ne sono mille ahaha ma solo quelli il cui titolo mi attira.
Parla di un gruppo di ragazze curvy al liceo ed ognuna di loro vive una storia d’amore diversa. Morevedibile, irrealistica ed assolutamente banale, ma ogni tanto è balsamo per il cuore.
In questo caso particolare la protagonista oltre ad essere curvy, ha lo spazio tra i denti ed ha quella condizione per cui la pelle è più scura in alcuni punti… quindi non esattamente convenzionale.
Lui? Bellissimo ovviamente 😂
La storia è identica a quella di Sierra Burges é una sfigata, quindi si conoscono per messaggio e lei si vergogna del suo aspetto e da una foto diversa dalla sua!
Ma lui alla fine si innamora di lei follemente!
Non posso dare una votazione alta perche è puro intrattenimento! Però ha senso di esistere se usato come tale!
Anche a 30 anni si può sognare in un mondo migliore no?
Non li sto leggendo in ordine perché ne sono mille ahaha ma solo quelli il cui titolo mi attira.
Parla di un gruppo di ragazze curvy al liceo ed ognuna di loro vive una storia d’amore diversa. Morevedibile, irrealistica ed assolutamente banale, ma ogni tanto è balsamo per il cuore.
In questo caso particolare la protagonista oltre ad essere curvy, ha lo spazio tra i denti ed ha quella condizione per cui la pelle è più scura in alcuni punti… quindi non esattamente convenzionale.
Lui? Bellissimo ovviamente 😂
La storia è identica a quella di Sierra Burges é una sfigata, quindi si conoscono per messaggio e lei si vergogna del suo aspetto e da una foto diversa dalla sua!
Ma lui alla fine si innamora di lei follemente!
Non posso dare una votazione alta perche è puro intrattenimento! Però ha senso di esistere se usato come tale!
Anche a 30 anni si può sognare in un mondo migliore no?
August 1, 2021
Thank you Kelsie as always for letting me read this early! All opinions are my own.
From the first book of the Curvy Girls series to book seven, now into Curvy Girls 2.0 to this one, book 8, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. Nadira’s book was one of the best yet! A journey about self love, self discovery and honesty- this was a heartfelt book about discovering your self worth, loving your flaws and being unapologetically you: with or without a partner by your side.
I really, truly loved Nadira’s story and her journey to loving herself. She’s such a well rounded girl and watching her realize how great she was, with the help of her friends & Apollo. She really goes through such a fantastic journey during her letter writing/texting of realizing that she is worth the world.
I loved the development of the relationship between Nadira and Apollo. The idea of writing letters is so sweet. I wish we would go back to that. I know it was technically for her moms study, but i still enjoyed that they traditionally wrote to each other. I thought it went through great development and they truly got to know each other. I loved that Kelsie put the emphasis on Apollo liking her for her, regardless of her looks.
This book was such a sweet, easy read full of heart, understanding, growth and learning. I highly recommend it!
From the first book of the Curvy Girls series to book seven, now into Curvy Girls 2.0 to this one, book 8, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. Nadira’s book was one of the best yet! A journey about self love, self discovery and honesty- this was a heartfelt book about discovering your self worth, loving your flaws and being unapologetically you: with or without a partner by your side.
I really, truly loved Nadira’s story and her journey to loving herself. She’s such a well rounded girl and watching her realize how great she was, with the help of her friends & Apollo. She really goes through such a fantastic journey during her letter writing/texting of realizing that she is worth the world.
I loved the development of the relationship between Nadira and Apollo. The idea of writing letters is so sweet. I wish we would go back to that. I know it was technically for her moms study, but i still enjoyed that they traditionally wrote to each other. I thought it went through great development and they truly got to know each other. I loved that Kelsie put the emphasis on Apollo liking her for her, regardless of her looks.
This book was such a sweet, easy read full of heart, understanding, growth and learning. I highly recommend it!
July 31, 2021
Curvey Girls Can’t Date Soldiers by Kelsie Stelting is outstanding! This is Nadira’s story and I think that there are many girls that will identify with her. Nadura is a smart girl who is a loyal friend but she has low self esteem. While helping her mother with a project, she must email a soldier for 30 days. Easy Peasy, right? This is how Nadura meets Apollo. Kelsie Stelting builds the story layer by layer. When Apollo asked for a picture, Nadura sends a picture of Tatianna. This leads to lots of drama when Apollo discovered the truth. Being a curvey girl myself, I recognize how insecure Nadira can be with her self esteem. Kelsie Stelting is able to write wonderful books with characters that I not only identify with but find believable. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 1, 2021
I had the privilege of beta reading this delightful novel for Kelsie Stelting, and once again I was absolutely blown away. Her writing style is fun and engaging, her characters are three dimensional and believable, and her love stories are to die for. I was rooting for Nadira the entire way, and greatly appreciated the normalization of a heroine who enjoyed math and didn’t have an issue with seeking out a career in a ‘male dominated field’.
If you haven’t read any of the previous installments in the Curvy Girl Club series, I cannot recommend them highly enough! Curvy Girls Can’t Date Soldiers gets a solid 5/5 stars, and Stelting’s upcoming novel, Curvy Girls Can’t Date Princes, can’t get here fast enough.
If you haven’t read any of the previous installments in the Curvy Girl Club series, I cannot recommend them highly enough! Curvy Girls Can’t Date Soldiers gets a solid 5/5 stars, and Stelting’s upcoming novel, Curvy Girls Can’t Date Princes, can’t get here fast enough.
August 3, 2021
Any relationship that starts with a lie begins with an uphill battle. That is where we find Nadira in Kelsie Stelting’s “Curvy Girls Can’t Date Soldiers”. Nadira gets roped into participating in a study her Mom is running by agreeing to email a college student daily. As their contact turns to flirting, when Apollo asks for a picture, she panics and sends a photo of one of the “It” girls at her school instead. As they grow closer and closer, this initial lie becomes harder and harder to manage and come clean about leading to a giant climax. Love is one thing, forgiveness is another and sometimes that is harder to manage. Join Nadira and Apollo on their journey to see if Love does indeed conquer all!
March 4, 2022
All the feels!
Miss Stelting, you are a gift to curvy girls everywhere!! I adore your books. Being a curvy girl my whole life I relate on so many levels to every one of your beautiful heroines. The sweet and empowering themes of self love you use for the foundation of each story is more than quote worthy. I always find parts to highlight and even thought to myself, “I should make that into a piece of wall art so I can see it every day.” I always feel so uplifted after finishing one of your stories. You have a fan for life. Never stop writing! ❤️
If anyone is reading this review while debating whether to read this book or any other Curvy Girl books don’t debate anymore and start reading. I promise you won’t regret it.
Miss Stelting, you are a gift to curvy girls everywhere!! I adore your books. Being a curvy girl my whole life I relate on so many levels to every one of your beautiful heroines. The sweet and empowering themes of self love you use for the foundation of each story is more than quote worthy. I always find parts to highlight and even thought to myself, “I should make that into a piece of wall art so I can see it every day.” I always feel so uplifted after finishing one of your stories. You have a fan for life. Never stop writing! ❤️
If anyone is reading this review while debating whether to read this book or any other Curvy Girl books don’t debate anymore and start reading. I promise you won’t regret it.
May 18, 2023
Cute as usual, but I didn't understand the heroine nor the Hero in this one. Everything was too OTT:
1) The guy - hot future soldier, who has no idea how hot he is and isn't aware of his impact of girls 🙄
2) Girl with super low self-esteem uses a different picture as herself, when writing to said soldier. That would be OK (it's given in the blurb, so you know from the beginning) but using the photo of one of the two worst girls at school? Just why?? There's not enough other pretty girls at the school?
3) The guy not undestanding the low self-esteem reasons of the girl.
This all leading to one huge misunderstanding plus mean girl strikes again. Just no. 😕
2.5 stars
May 3, 2024
I usually love the Curvy Girl series but for what ever reason I could not finish this one. It might have been the person who was reading the audiobook. It just didn’t sound good.
Also what really kinda of made me go “ya no I can’t read this” is when she called him a soldier but he’s going into the Airforce. Air Force are known as airmen. That made me kind of stop the book and return it to the library.
But after reading other reviews, I might try and rent it again but where I really it instead of listen. And I’ll try to get past the incorrect terms for military personnel.
I was hoping I’d like this because I’m plus size and my husband is in the military and he looks freaking amazing. And it’s often hard to find books where plus size women are with good looking, in shape, men.
Also what really kinda of made me go “ya no I can’t read this” is when she called him a soldier but he’s going into the Airforce. Air Force are known as airmen. That made me kind of stop the book and return it to the library.
But after reading other reviews, I might try and rent it again but where I really it instead of listen. And I’ll try to get past the incorrect terms for military personnel.
I was hoping I’d like this because I’m plus size and my husband is in the military and he looks freaking amazing. And it’s often hard to find books where plus size women are with good looking, in shape, men.
November 7, 2024
DNF @ 25%
I really enjoyed the first 5 books in this series, they were a nice change of pace from my normal reading, but I couldn't get into this one. Maybe it's my own fault for deciding to skip around after I finished the stories of the original 5 friends, but truthfully, I kind of lost interest after Callie and Carson's story. So, I skipped to Curvy Girls Can't Date Soldiers and I just couldn't get into it enough to finish it. I would like to blame my disinterest on the narration, which, in my opinion, was very unprofessional, but I think it was the execution of the story itself that just lost me.
But this book might really work for someone else, so don't be afraid to give it a go. And don't be afraid to DNF if it's not your thing!
Happy reading y'all!
I really enjoyed the first 5 books in this series, they were a nice change of pace from my normal reading, but I couldn't get into this one. Maybe it's my own fault for deciding to skip around after I finished the stories of the original 5 friends, but truthfully, I kind of lost interest after Callie and Carson's story. So, I skipped to Curvy Girls Can't Date Soldiers and I just couldn't get into it enough to finish it. I would like to blame my disinterest on the narration, which, in my opinion, was very unprofessional, but I think it was the execution of the story itself that just lost me.
But this book might really work for someone else, so don't be afraid to give it a go. And don't be afraid to DNF if it's not your thing!
Happy reading y'all!
July 26, 2021
I absolutely love the Curvy Girls series. It was Nadira's story in this book. Thanks to her mother who needed someone to be a pen pal to a ROTC student. That pen pal turned out to be Apollo Banks. This story is about Nadira and Apollo's ups and downs of their relationship.
Kelsie Stelting writes beautiful love stories about girls that are a bit on the heavier side. Her stories show young girls that there is someone out there for everyone, regardless of how much they weigh. I also love that these stories have no sex and no profanity.
I volunteered a honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
Kelsie Stelting writes beautiful love stories about girls that are a bit on the heavier side. Her stories show young girls that there is someone out there for everyone, regardless of how much they weigh. I also love that these stories have no sex and no profanity.
I volunteered a honest review in exchange for an ARC copy of this book.
July 31, 2021
I was hooked from the very beginning. Kelsie does such an amazing job of making you feel a part of all of her Curvy Girl stories. I loved Nadira, her story resonated with me so much. High school can be such an awkward time for those that don't fit in and this series shows that we are all special in our own way. It was a touching story about self-love and trusting others even if you have been hurt before. Apollo was a wonderful character and perfect gentleman. I think this is my new favorite book in the series. I am so happy that Kelsie is writing books that promote body positivity and self-love. It is a great series for any age group.
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