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The Baddest Girl on the Planet
WINNER of the LEE SMITH NOVEL PRIZE “This sun-and-salt-kissed coming-of-age story reads like a wry, honest chat with a close friend.” ―Jaclyn Fulwood, Shelf Awareness Evie Austin, native of Hatteras Island, North Carolina and baddest girl on the planet, has not lived her life in a straight line. There have been several detours―career snafus, bad romantic choices, a loved but unplanned child―not to mention her ill-advised lifelong obsession with boxer Mike Tyson. Evie is not plucky, but when life’s changes smash over her like the rough surf of the local shoreline, she muddles through―until that moment of loss and longing when muddling will no longer suffice. This is the story of what the baddest girl on the planet must find in herself when a bag of pastries, a new lover, or quick trip to Vegas won’t fix anything, and when something more than casual haplessness is required. The Baddest Girl on the Planet is inventive, sharp, witty, and poignant. Readers will want to jump in and advise this baddest girl on the planet―or at least just give her a shake or a hug―at every fascinating turn.
250 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2021
98 people are currently reading
19072 people want to read
About the author
Heather Frese
3 books149 followersHeather Frese’s fiction, essays, and poetry have appeared in Michigan Quarterly Review, the Los Angeles Review, Front Porch, the Barely South Review, Switchback, and elsewhere, earning notable mention in the Pushcart Prize Anthology and Best American Essays. She received her master’s degree from Ohio University and her M.F.A. from West Virginia University. Coastal North Carolina is her longtime love and source of inspiration, her writing deeply influenced by the wild magic and history of the Outer Banks. She currently writes, edits, and wrangles three small children in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
February 22, 2021
4.5 stars
I'm hoping this book will find an audience and become the sleeper hit of 2021 because I absolutely adored it. While the humor is present throughout the story, there's also heart and substance than first meets the eye. I loved being part of Evie's world for a bit.
The story bounces back and forth between Evie Austin's childhood and her life as an adult. As the reader you get to witness key moments in her life. A tidbit of info might be presented but the actual context is not always expanded upon until a chapter down the line. I thought the transitions were handled well and I liked the process of getting piece by piece who Evie was as a person and what shaped her.
I don't really know how to define this book other than it is Evie's journey thru life. It tackles so many subjects like relationships, motherhood, failures, regret, love. I can't decide if the reason I felt so invested in this character is because I am like Evie or rather I wish I was her. There's just something about her spirit that was mesmerizing. (After typing that last sentence, I realize mesmerizing is not a word anyone would use to describe me so I guess I just want to be more like her.)
Is Evie "The Baddest Girl on the Planet"? Eh, I don't know, but she sure is interesting.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
I'm hoping this book will find an audience and become the sleeper hit of 2021 because I absolutely adored it. While the humor is present throughout the story, there's also heart and substance than first meets the eye. I loved being part of Evie's world for a bit.
The story bounces back and forth between Evie Austin's childhood and her life as an adult. As the reader you get to witness key moments in her life. A tidbit of info might be presented but the actual context is not always expanded upon until a chapter down the line. I thought the transitions were handled well and I liked the process of getting piece by piece who Evie was as a person and what shaped her.
I don't really know how to define this book other than it is Evie's journey thru life. It tackles so many subjects like relationships, motherhood, failures, regret, love. I can't decide if the reason I felt so invested in this character is because I am like Evie or rather I wish I was her. There's just something about her spirit that was mesmerizing. (After typing that last sentence, I realize mesmerizing is not a word anyone would use to describe me so I guess I just want to be more like her.)
Is Evie "The Baddest Girl on the Planet"? Eh, I don't know, but she sure is interesting.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
September 12, 2020
This was a fun, smart and thought provoking read. It explored relationships, failure, and trying to find love. I enjoyed the main character's quirky personality and how it explored her long term female friendship. Tumultuous, funny and relatable, this book will bring you on a wild ride you won't want to end!
September 13, 2020
I was not ready for this to end - I wasn’t sure about Evie at the beginning, but by the end I loved her relationships with the men (human and canine) in her life.
January 30, 2021
Just finished reading BADDEST GIRL & it is so damn good! Evie Austin stole my heart. Man, that girl put me through all the emotions, and I could not wait to get to the last page to see how things would turn out for her. Don’t miss this one!
February 1, 2021
How could one fail be intrigued and entertained by a novel that starts off with a simile that likens men who disappoint you to Mike Tyson biting of Evander Holyfield’s ear?! I was immediately on-board for Heather Frese’s debut novel, “The Baddest Girl on the Planet”; Evie Austin’s first person narrative voice is as unique as it is refreshing!
Evie declares herself a “Bad Girl” and then proceeds to enlighten us. But she’s more complicated than that, of course. In a non-liner narrative, we experience Evie’s life, loves, friends, and relations. These vignettes are both hilarious and heartbreaking. Frese is magnificently talented in writing with both pathos and humor about life; post-partum depression, divorce, adultery, friendships, desire, anger, grief, confronting our own bad decisions, and forgiveness.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! Worth the price of admission is the section wherein Evie meets her Irish pen-pal in Las Vegas for the weekend. Not just because it is both hilarious and maddening, but because most women will certainly be able to identify with it.
I fell into this wonderful novel on a Sunday morning and didn’t look up until I turned the final page, sorry to say goodbye to my new friend, Evie Austin.
Evie declares herself a “Bad Girl” and then proceeds to enlighten us. But she’s more complicated than that, of course. In a non-liner narrative, we experience Evie’s life, loves, friends, and relations. These vignettes are both hilarious and heartbreaking. Frese is magnificently talented in writing with both pathos and humor about life; post-partum depression, divorce, adultery, friendships, desire, anger, grief, confronting our own bad decisions, and forgiveness.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! Worth the price of admission is the section wherein Evie meets her Irish pen-pal in Las Vegas for the weekend. Not just because it is both hilarious and maddening, but because most women will certainly be able to identify with it.
I fell into this wonderful novel on a Sunday morning and didn’t look up until I turned the final page, sorry to say goodbye to my new friend, Evie Austin.
February 4, 2021
What a wonderful, honest, raw, hilarious book! Evie Austin is a character that anyone of us can relate to as her story is brilliantly real from her sense of humor to her relationship with her brother to her post partum experience that any new mother will recognize.
Heather Frese does an amazing job of balancing the idea of growing up with the fact that we are never ready to do so, yet life keeps plugging along, not caring if we're ready or not. She gives us a heroine that holds nothing back with her outrageous observations of life on target 99.9% of the time.
Evie is unapologetic and I loved her and her story because of it. At just 228 pages, this is a quick read and one I recommend.
Thank you to the publisher for an early copy to review.
Heather Frese does an amazing job of balancing the idea of growing up with the fact that we are never ready to do so, yet life keeps plugging along, not caring if we're ready or not. She gives us a heroine that holds nothing back with her outrageous observations of life on target 99.9% of the time.
Evie is unapologetic and I loved her and her story because of it. At just 228 pages, this is a quick read and one I recommend.
Thank you to the publisher for an early copy to review.
March 26, 2021
Thank you to Kate Rock Book Tours and the author for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Evie Austin, native of Hatteras Island, North Carolina, and baddest girl on the planet, has not lived her life in a straight line. There have been several detours--career snafus, bad romantic choices, a loved but unplanned child--not to mention her ill-advised lifelong obsession with boxer Mike Tyson. Evie is not plucky, but when life's changes smash over her like the rough surf of the local shoreline, she muddles through--until that moment of loss and longing when muddling will no longer suffice. This is the story of what the baddest girl on the planet must find in herself when a bag of pastries, a new lover, or quick trip to Vegas won't fix anything, and when something more than casual haplessness is required. The Baddest Girl on the Planet is inventive, sharp, witty, and poignant. Readers will want to jump in and advise this baddest girl on the planet--or at least just give her a shake or a hug--at every fascinating turn.
What I liked about this book
I found Evie to be very relatable - a lot of the things that happened in her life resonated with me. I could easily see myself in her shoes.
Over the course of the book Evie grows as a person and learns from past mistakes.
I liked the informality of the writing style. Its almost conversational.
The Baddest Girl on the Planet reflects on many tough subjects such as divorce, post natal depression, the trials and tribulations of high school and grief.
What I didn't like
The story does not follow a linear timeline but rather jumps back and forth through poignant moments in Evie's life. At some points I found this disorientating.
There are occasional switches between 1st person and 3rd person narrative.
The Baddest Girl on the Planet is a thoroughly entertaining story which I think many people will be able to relate to.
4 stars
✮✮✮✮
Find this review and others on my blog
Evie Austin, native of Hatteras Island, North Carolina, and baddest girl on the planet, has not lived her life in a straight line. There have been several detours--career snafus, bad romantic choices, a loved but unplanned child--not to mention her ill-advised lifelong obsession with boxer Mike Tyson. Evie is not plucky, but when life's changes smash over her like the rough surf of the local shoreline, she muddles through--until that moment of loss and longing when muddling will no longer suffice. This is the story of what the baddest girl on the planet must find in herself when a bag of pastries, a new lover, or quick trip to Vegas won't fix anything, and when something more than casual haplessness is required. The Baddest Girl on the Planet is inventive, sharp, witty, and poignant. Readers will want to jump in and advise this baddest girl on the planet--or at least just give her a shake or a hug--at every fascinating turn.
What I liked about this book
I found Evie to be very relatable - a lot of the things that happened in her life resonated with me. I could easily see myself in her shoes.
Over the course of the book Evie grows as a person and learns from past mistakes.
I liked the informality of the writing style. Its almost conversational.
The Baddest Girl on the Planet reflects on many tough subjects such as divorce, post natal depression, the trials and tribulations of high school and grief.
What I didn't like
The story does not follow a linear timeline but rather jumps back and forth through poignant moments in Evie's life. At some points I found this disorientating.
There are occasional switches between 1st person and 3rd person narrative.
The Baddest Girl on the Planet is a thoroughly entertaining story which I think many people will be able to relate to.
4 stars
✮✮✮✮
Find this review and others on my blog
April 6, 2021
I love complicated characters and Evie Austin has a lot going on. She got married too young to the wrong man, had an affair, got divorced, is raising a young on her own and has a life long obsession with Mike Tyson. Evie’s love of family and friendship shines through as does her humor and resilience. A fast fun read.
March 10, 2021
I didn’t expect to fall in love with the baddest girl on the planet. I was prepared for a light and breezy chick-read and only picked up this book because of my recent move to North Carolina (the book is set on Hattaras Island).
But somewhere along the way, I began liking Evie—then loving her—then cheering for her. Who could not love a character who…
• Shares right from the first page that “my husband is not the first man to disappoint me. That honor goes to Mike Tyson, who I met the summer I was nine…”
• Inherits a “Yorkshire terrorist” who pees on “New carpet; new shoes; real hardwood floors…the sofa you use to watch Travel Channel; the bed; the ottoman your parents imported from Turkey
• Writes this to Dear Abby: “I look at my baby’s squalling red face and I want to run away.” If every woman contemplating motherhood read this chapter first, I bet that we’d reach Population Zero in no time
• Meets up with her childhood pen pal, a man named Eamon, in Las Vegas. Let’s just say things don’t go as planned…but “what solves things is revenge”. This chapter alone is worth the price of admission
What raises this book above others is that it has true heart and true grit. The voice is honest and brave and witty—we, the readers, believe in Evie. We’ve been through the not-ideal romantic choices and the unfair expectations of who we are (when we know different). This book certainly defied my expectations and I hope it gets the wide readership it deserves. 4.5 stars.
But somewhere along the way, I began liking Evie—then loving her—then cheering for her. Who could not love a character who…
• Shares right from the first page that “my husband is not the first man to disappoint me. That honor goes to Mike Tyson, who I met the summer I was nine…”
• Inherits a “Yorkshire terrorist” who pees on “New carpet; new shoes; real hardwood floors…the sofa you use to watch Travel Channel; the bed; the ottoman your parents imported from Turkey
• Writes this to Dear Abby: “I look at my baby’s squalling red face and I want to run away.” If every woman contemplating motherhood read this chapter first, I bet that we’d reach Population Zero in no time
• Meets up with her childhood pen pal, a man named Eamon, in Las Vegas. Let’s just say things don’t go as planned…but “what solves things is revenge”. This chapter alone is worth the price of admission
What raises this book above others is that it has true heart and true grit. The voice is honest and brave and witty—we, the readers, believe in Evie. We’ve been through the not-ideal romantic choices and the unfair expectations of who we are (when we know different). This book certainly defied my expectations and I hope it gets the wide readership it deserves. 4.5 stars.
April 13, 2021
Winner of the Lee Smith Novel Prize!
Evie Austin has grown up on Hatteras Island (Outer Banks, NC) with a bad reputation. The novel moves between her childhood and her younger adulthood, with small excursions into other forms (lists, letters) that make each chapter a little different. I loved the island culture bits, the discussion of class difference, the family drama. It reads like memoir in pacing, quick and snappy. This is going on my list of recommended summer reads.
I had a copy from the publisher through Edelweiss; it came out March 2, 2021.
Evie Austin has grown up on Hatteras Island (Outer Banks, NC) with a bad reputation. The novel moves between her childhood and her younger adulthood, with small excursions into other forms (lists, letters) that make each chapter a little different. I loved the island culture bits, the discussion of class difference, the family drama. It reads like memoir in pacing, quick and snappy. This is going on my list of recommended summer reads.
I had a copy from the publisher through Edelweiss; it came out March 2, 2021.
February 22, 2021
I loved this book so much. It's smart, funny, and totally engrossing. Whenever I picked up this book--with such delightful characters--I was pulled so completely away from my life that I could forget the laundry, the messy kitchen, and just escape. I could imagine that this book will one day be the perfect (whip-smart) book to take to the beach, but for me, it was the perfect book to read when I couldn't go anywhere.
January 22, 2021
This was an excellent book that reads more as if it were a series of short stories. It was easy to follow and had likable character's that I could relate to. It was a book that made me appreciate the little things in life a bit more.
We do a lot of jumping around in time, but it was easy to follow. It is a thought-provoking read that deals with a variety of situations. I felt a lot about Evie -frustration, sadness, grief, joy, and even some confusion. It is ultimately a coming of age story that was relatable to people of any age or sex.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher, the author, and ATTL/Edelweiss. I want to thank the author for such a good read at such a difficult time in our lives.
We do a lot of jumping around in time, but it was easy to follow. It is a thought-provoking read that deals with a variety of situations. I felt a lot about Evie -frustration, sadness, grief, joy, and even some confusion. It is ultimately a coming of age story that was relatable to people of any age or sex.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher, the author, and ATTL/Edelweiss. I want to thank the author for such a good read at such a difficult time in our lives.
February 21, 2021
A gripping story of friendship, motherhood, and ultimately a woman coming into her own, The Baddest Girl on the Planet is a must-read, with raw, honest looks at postpartum depression, marriage, and what it means to be "bad." Frese weaves an engaging tale with masterful prose, including impressive use of second person POV, all of which make this a stunning debut from a writer to watch!
October 12, 2020
A quick read. I haven't read a book based around one flighty mom to be who's fighting to find her spirit again after her marriage breaks up. I ended up really enjoying Evie as a person and all of her relationships with the males in her life were quirky and fun, even when things seem dark.
March 2, 2021
This book charmed and surprised me and left me wishing that I had a real friend like Evie, who is just as lovable and honest when she's struggling as when she is breaking free and living up to her "baddest girl" status. An additional pleasure was the strong sense of place (Carolinas, barrier island communities that swell with tourists--but also Las Vegas and Dominican Republic when Evie goes on her humorously horrible vacations). Some chapters work as stand-alone vignettes, strongly voiced and utterly memorable. My favorite: the depiction of lobster courtship, and how it relates to us all. My second favorite: revenge against a particularly annoying date. Reading this book feels like a great weekend spent with your closest girlfriend. Don't forget to pack the rum.
February 7, 2021
This was an incredibly unique and beautiful read. This story follows the life of Evie Austin and the history of how she came to recognize herself as “The Baddest Girl on the Planet”. The story bounces between past and present, and first and second person. The writing is phenomenal - it’s so detailed, witty, and hysterical, and just overall gorgeous.
One of the things that I enjoyed most about this book was how the chapters were more like excerpts of defining moments/events in Evie’s life. It was like reading these small stories that didn’t directly connect to each other but instead allowed me to connect the dots and build an understanding of who Evie Austin is and why she is that way. It’s hard to explain but it was such a unique way to tell this story. However, this meant I really had to pay attention to what I was reading so I didn’t get confused. I definitely found myself re-reading a few paragraphs so things could sink in.
My one qualm with this book is that the chapters are on the longer side. I typically prefer when a book has 10-12 pages per chapter but this one had upwards of 20 for some of the chapters. But there are a few breaks within each chapter that made it easier to find an organic stopping point.
I definitely recommend checking this one out!
Thank you so much to Heather Frese and Blair Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! Look out world, this book is dropping on March 2, 2021!
⚠️CW: Postpartum Depression
One of the things that I enjoyed most about this book was how the chapters were more like excerpts of defining moments/events in Evie’s life. It was like reading these small stories that didn’t directly connect to each other but instead allowed me to connect the dots and build an understanding of who Evie Austin is and why she is that way. It’s hard to explain but it was such a unique way to tell this story. However, this meant I really had to pay attention to what I was reading so I didn’t get confused. I definitely found myself re-reading a few paragraphs so things could sink in.
My one qualm with this book is that the chapters are on the longer side. I typically prefer when a book has 10-12 pages per chapter but this one had upwards of 20 for some of the chapters. But there are a few breaks within each chapter that made it easier to find an organic stopping point.
I definitely recommend checking this one out!
Thank you so much to Heather Frese and Blair Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! Look out world, this book is dropping on March 2, 2021!
⚠️CW: Postpartum Depression
April 2, 2021
For a good time call on “ The Baddest Girl on the Planet”
So freaking funny. I love E.V. Her Las Vegas adventures alone are worth the the price of admission. Every chapter will have you laughing. I did not want to put this book down. I can’t wait for Heather Frese’s next romp between the pages.
So freaking funny. I love E.V. Her Las Vegas adventures alone are worth the the price of admission. Every chapter will have you laughing. I did not want to put this book down. I can’t wait for Heather Frese’s next romp between the pages.
September 12, 2021
She wasn’t bad the book was.
November 7, 2021
this book needs to be talked about more. I’m so glad I read this because it was so witty, relatable and fun! Reading about Evie’s life was very entertaining and she started to feel like a best friend to me. I admired her character and the way she went about tackling life. I really enjoyed my time with this and you should look into it if you wanna read about a funny badass young mother who doesn’t always knows what’s best, but is willing to fight for herself and the things she loves.
April 2, 2021
Evie Austin, the baddest girl on the planet. Ok maybe not on the whole planet, but Evie sure thinks so. Ever since she was young she’s earned the reputation of a bad girl, and it carried with her throughout her life.
We learn about Evie’s story through multiple different scenes described throughout the book, each one from a different time in Evie’s life. The stories explain Evie’s trials and tribulations that are not only heartbreaking but laugh out loud funny at the same time. It could just be the sarcastic and snarky tone that Evie uses when telling her stories, or it could be that Evie’s stories are so relatable at times that you feel like you are almost laughing at yourself. Later in life when Evie is just kinda on auto-pilot, she starts to re-evalualte her life and seeks a therapist helping her find a way to become the person she wants to be.
You really don’t want this story to end. Heather Frese has taken so many totally human experiences and described them with humor, grace, snark and very touching writing and has come up with the most unique coming of age story ever. It’s a fast read, and just unputdownable. Definitely the perfect beach read. A beautiful debut and a 5 star read. Highly Recommend.
We learn about Evie’s story through multiple different scenes described throughout the book, each one from a different time in Evie’s life. The stories explain Evie’s trials and tribulations that are not only heartbreaking but laugh out loud funny at the same time. It could just be the sarcastic and snarky tone that Evie uses when telling her stories, or it could be that Evie’s stories are so relatable at times that you feel like you are almost laughing at yourself. Later in life when Evie is just kinda on auto-pilot, she starts to re-evalualte her life and seeks a therapist helping her find a way to become the person she wants to be.
You really don’t want this story to end. Heather Frese has taken so many totally human experiences and described them with humor, grace, snark and very touching writing and has come up with the most unique coming of age story ever. It’s a fast read, and just unputdownable. Definitely the perfect beach read. A beautiful debut and a 5 star read. Highly Recommend.
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April 6, 2021This is one of those books that you just want to hug to your chest and never let go. It’s pure hilarious gold and I read it in one sitting. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Evie Austin is a relatable character for so many of us. She’s full of cringeworthy childhood stories, had an unplanned pregnancy, a messy divorce and has made some poor choices throughout her life but she’s doing her best. The story alternates between Evie’s childhood and her adult life. Luckily, Evie has had some pretty incredible constants to help her along the way—a wacky aunt, her parents, her brother, and a long-term best friend.
There is so much quirky humor and heart in this story. I adored Evie and was rooting for her the whole time. This is a beautiful book about self-discovery and it was a solid reminder that you’ll get through whatever it is that you may be struggling with. I highly recommend this one if you need a good laugh and some positivity in your life. Thank you so much @blairpublisher for sharing this with me!
Evie Austin is a relatable character for so many of us. She’s full of cringeworthy childhood stories, had an unplanned pregnancy, a messy divorce and has made some poor choices throughout her life but she’s doing her best. The story alternates between Evie’s childhood and her adult life. Luckily, Evie has had some pretty incredible constants to help her along the way—a wacky aunt, her parents, her brother, and a long-term best friend.
There is so much quirky humor and heart in this story. I adored Evie and was rooting for her the whole time. This is a beautiful book about self-discovery and it was a solid reminder that you’ll get through whatever it is that you may be struggling with. I highly recommend this one if you need a good laugh and some positivity in your life. Thank you so much @blairpublisher for sharing this with me!
March 22, 2021
I received this from the publisher honest review.
What a amazing read!
This novel had everything in it. This had me all over the place. My heart beating so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. It will surprise you in every way.
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The storyline was very good!
The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story.
Was so well put in the story.
Everything all in one book.
It was just perfect!
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. What a Rollercoaster! The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel did just that to me. I wouldn't of never believe or guess. Like OMG!
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
What a amazing read!
This novel had everything in it. This had me all over the place. My heart beating so fast! I couldn't believe what I was reading. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading. It will surprise you in every way.
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The storyline was very good!
The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story.
Was so well put in the story.
Everything all in one book.
It was just perfect!
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. What a Rollercoaster! The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel did just that to me. I wouldn't of never believe or guess. Like OMG!
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for her next book.
March 22, 2021
I did not know what I was in for with this book. What does baddest girl on the planet even mean? What it meant was a kick ass story with a character who goes through ups and downs just like the rest of us but, puts humor into it. What it meant was being the baddest girl means accepting who you are and being proud of it.
What it also meant, was truly an exhilarating read that didn’t want to let me go. I loved it, I laughed and totally was engrossed in the story. For fans of Jen Lancaster, I think you’ll find this better! It had realness to it and was very hard to put down.
Evie Austin lives on Hatteras Island, North Carolina. In this story we get snippets of things that happen to her and how she evolves into those decisions and consequences. Evie makes light of those hard times and simply embraces them. She is indeed the baddest girl on the planet and this is without a doubt, a must read!
Special thanks to Heather, Kate Rock with Kate Rock Book Tours and Blair publishing! This is a winner!
What it also meant, was truly an exhilarating read that didn’t want to let me go. I loved it, I laughed and totally was engrossed in the story. For fans of Jen Lancaster, I think you’ll find this better! It had realness to it and was very hard to put down.
Evie Austin lives on Hatteras Island, North Carolina. In this story we get snippets of things that happen to her and how she evolves into those decisions and consequences. Evie makes light of those hard times and simply embraces them. She is indeed the baddest girl on the planet and this is without a doubt, a must read!
Special thanks to Heather, Kate Rock with Kate Rock Book Tours and Blair publishing! This is a winner!
March 25, 2021
A great novel with a little free counseling session for us all thrown in. A fun book that I loved reading. I'd read a whole Evie Austin trilogy, why should big adventure stories get all the glory? MORE EVIE!
November 16, 2021
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
Basically, the main character is a terrible person. The flashbacks to her childhood weren't any better, and after a while I got really bored with the story. I'm not sure how she's supposed to be the "baddest" girl on the planet, because all I saw was a petty, jealous adult. She didn't want to be in her marriage, so she self-destructs. She also didn't seem to care about being a mom, and I hated her indifference towards her child.
Also, a strange man touching you without your permission is definitely something that should "weird you out." Why did it matter that it was her hips instead of her breasts? UGH. She made some comment about people always looking at her boobs, and her friend explained that this guy being attracted to something else on her body was a cultural thing. Seriously, UGH.
She was unlikable in the past and in the present (which I feel terrible saying since she's only a child in the flashbacks), so I stopped reading this one on page 67. I really tried to push through thinking it would get better, but it just wasn't for me. (★★☆☆☆)
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Basically, the main character is a terrible person. The flashbacks to her childhood weren't any better, and after a while I got really bored with the story. I'm not sure how she's supposed to be the "baddest" girl on the planet, because all I saw was a petty, jealous adult. She didn't want to be in her marriage, so she self-destructs. She also didn't seem to care about being a mom, and I hated her indifference towards her child.
Also, a strange man touching you without your permission is definitely something that should "weird you out." Why did it matter that it was her hips instead of her breasts? UGH. She made some comment about people always looking at her boobs, and her friend explained that this guy being attracted to something else on her body was a cultural thing. Seriously, UGH.
She was unlikable in the past and in the present (which I feel terrible saying since she's only a child in the flashbacks), so I stopped reading this one on page 67. I really tried to push through thinking it would get better, but it just wasn't for me. (★★☆☆☆)
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April 27, 2021
This one just wasn't my cup of tea. It's almost a stream of consciousness writing, which I absolutely loathe. I didn't find Evie to be a good narrator and found a lot of her story....boring. The list of cheating, her son's spaghetti o's...I wanted to be interested in it all but I just didn't enjoy this one.
July 23, 2021
I don’t think this is a bad book, but it didn’t work for me. I didn’t like how the POV changes from first to third. it normally wouldn’t bother me but it felt uncomfortable here. I never formed an attachment to Evie, the MC or any other characters.
Again, it’s not terrible, and i’m sure a lot of people will/do love it. It’s just not for me
Again, it’s not terrible, and i’m sure a lot of people will/do love it. It’s just not for me
March 25, 2021
For me this was a fun but also very real coming of age story! The book alternates between Evie’s life growing up and her adult life. Though the author uses humor throughout the book to soften the blow of the tough subjects addressed so well in the story, like a failed marriage, infidelity, raising a child with autism, starting over after loss, and remaining best friends with your childhood bestie as you both navigate very different lifestyles. In a way The Baddest Girl on the Planet is a how to guide for living life when it's great and when it's hard!
I hope this book gets all the attention it should because I couldn't put it down, I was entranced with Evie and how she lived her life!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you @heatherkfrese and @katerockbooktours for my digital copy of the book. Now go buy this book y'all, it's one of those reads you didn't know you needed until you read it.
I hope this book gets all the attention it should because I couldn't put it down, I was entranced with Evie and how she lived her life!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you @heatherkfrese and @katerockbooktours for my digital copy of the book. Now go buy this book y'all, it's one of those reads you didn't know you needed until you read it.
March 15, 2021
This book is a gift. A lovely, gorgeous gem.
It reminded me of “Where’d you go Bernadette”; not, of course, for the story it told (the narrative is quite different) but for it’s transcendental beauty and it’s consoling authority - in time things will turn out good, turn out fine, turn out right and, simply, turn out. There is grief, loss, misunderstanding, hope, love, children, and dogs (dogs are so important in a novel) and there is growth. This is a book where everyone grows.
Then it reminded me of Gilmore Girls - which, believe me, is a Really Good Thing and not an accusation of plagiarism - the soft-edged kindness of the thing, the sense of place, the genuine affection for the humanity within each of us, the way even at our most flummoxed we are always one step away from a solution (that would be time) the thing itself. This is an awesome novel, very short (it ends quite abruptly which caused me to heave an involuntary and heavy sigh).
Oh, and it’s funny; in places it is hilarious, which in this day and age can only be a blessing.
It reminded me of “Where’d you go Bernadette”; not, of course, for the story it told (the narrative is quite different) but for it’s transcendental beauty and it’s consoling authority - in time things will turn out good, turn out fine, turn out right and, simply, turn out. There is grief, loss, misunderstanding, hope, love, children, and dogs (dogs are so important in a novel) and there is growth. This is a book where everyone grows.
Then it reminded me of Gilmore Girls - which, believe me, is a Really Good Thing and not an accusation of plagiarism - the soft-edged kindness of the thing, the sense of place, the genuine affection for the humanity within each of us, the way even at our most flummoxed we are always one step away from a solution (that would be time) the thing itself. This is an awesome novel, very short (it ends quite abruptly which caused me to heave an involuntary and heavy sigh).
Oh, and it’s funny; in places it is hilarious, which in this day and age can only be a blessing.
March 15, 2021
In all of the books I have read, there are few where I have identified with the protagonist. There are even fewer where I felt like I KNEW the protagonist. Evie Austin, the protagonist of this novel, is one that I felt like I knew. In a debut novel, Heather Frese has created a completely relatable protagonist. Evie is someone many readers are familiar with; most of us know at least one woman who is just trying to make her way in the world. Evie's life isn't perfect. She makes mistakes (a LOT of mistakes). Her relationships are complicated. Evie doesn't always come out on top, and that's what makes her relatable. I came out of the book feeling energized and hopeful for the first time in a long time. I hope this is the first of many novels from Ms. Frese, and I especially hope we see another novel featuring Evie Austin, because I feel like her story, like the stories of those women we all know, is not over.
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