Big Girls Don't Cry

Girls Do Or Don't #3

by Cathie Linz

Good Girls Do, Bad Girls Don't. Now meet Big Girls... After her plus-size modeling career tanks, Leena Riley becomes a receptionist in her hometown veterinarian's office. Too bad the vet is Cole Flannigan, a boy who taunted her all through school. Good thing Leena has grown into her curves, because he's about to grow very fond of her.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Adult, Plus Size, Adult Fiction

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2007

About the author

Cathie Linz Baumgardner was an American librarian and a prolific romance novelist, publishing over 50 novels under the names Cathie Linz and Cat Devon. Her books, known for their humor and witty dialogue, have been translated into nearly 20 languages worldwide. She contributed to the acclaimed anthology Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women: Romance Writers on the Appeal of the Romance and received multiple honors, including the Romantic Times Career Achievement Storyteller of the Year, Reviewers' Choice Award, eHarlequin Readers' Choice Award, and Write Touch Award. An avid traveler, she lived in the Chicago area with her family and her cat.

Reviews

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't remember why I added this author to my Booksfree list by I'm glad I did (I think it was a recommendation from The Good, The Bad, and The Unread blog site).
Leena Riley left Rock Creek vowing never to return. She was going to go to the big city and make a name for herself as a model. Then all the kids who had called her fat would know she was really worth something. But that was before she racked up huge debts and had to come home licking her wounds.
She manages to grab herself a job at the local vet's office which is run by Cole Flannigan, hottie doctor extraordinaire. She's a little hesitant at first since she still has emotional scars from growing up as "the fat girl from the trailer park." Plus, Cole is known as the local womanizer.
Lots of little hiccups along the way. Some stuff was completely irrelevant but the reason I really liked this story was that, except for dealing with Cole, Leena was completely confident about herself and her size 16 body. It's nice to read about a heroine who doesn't worry about every wiggle and jiggle even when they're 5'11" and 125 pounds (yes, that's been an actual description of a "well-developed" woman in another romance novel I've read).

[Diane Morasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot! Cole definitely sizzles! Linz knocks it out of the box w/ Big Girls Don't Cry!

I laughed, I cried & couldn't help but be swept away by this hilarious novel!

Linz really knows how to pen a charming tale peppered w/ enchanting characters. I was pulled in from the beginning & wanted to sit & dish w/ Leena. Who am I kiddin'! I wanted to visit w/ Cole. I wanted to be Leena ;). LOL!

The secondary characters enrich this incredible novel & you get lost in all of the character's lives.
Linz made me feel all of Leena's emotions. Linz runs the gamut in Big Girls Don't Cry w/ angst, desire, humor & romance.

Brava to Linz for tackling a sensitive & serious issue girls & women of all sizes face today ~ body image. It doesn't matter what shape or size we are, we always find something inadequate to focus on & criticize. It is our skewed misconception that throws the spotlight on our body image & mutilates our self esteem. Linz brilliantly crafts a heroine that is authentic, fun, saucy, sexy & oozing w/ passion!

Linz doesn't have to preach her message of self acceptance ~ Leena displays it vibrantly!

Grab a copy of Big Girls Don't Cry for a hilarious read blended w/ romance.

[Jess the Romanceaholic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. Not really my thing. More "chick-lit" than romance.. It was really preachy about body size and self acceptance and how commercial media messes with people's minds and blah blah blah. Not something I'd actively seek out to read...

Plus, while it definitely had its funny moments, author Cathie Linz seemed to rely too heavily on "embarrassment humor" as I call it -- you know, where it's "funny" because someone stuck their foot in their mouth and humiliates themselves in public (or worse, in front of the hero/heroine)? *shakes head* I don't care for that type of humor because I always end up just feeling bad for the characters rather than being able to laugh about it.

Plus, you know something's up when I only get to use a couple of my keywords instead of tons like I usually do ;)

Two Stars.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. Not all models are stick thin, and not all women need to be size zeros to be beautiful. This was the case for Leena. She has her issues, she went with the mantra "fake it til you make it" and so on. She's grown up being self reliant, not needing anyone to depend on but herself.Cole was smooth, cheeky and a sweet talker. I loved him. With his baby blues and his drawl, who wouldn't? And he's a vet, he takes in strays and animals that would have otherwise be put down. He's the hot guy who gets the girls but has a heart and his own fears. Sigh.
Sometimes unrealistic but it's a romance novel with little dashes of sadness. It is what it is, and I enjoyed reading it.

[Daisiemae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has my favorite scenerio...a plus sized woman finding love and acceptance with a hero and within the community. My problem with this book was there were way too many things going on. Too many side story lines, and too many other characters. I found myself thinking..Are the hero and heroine EVER going to have any time together without being constantly interupted??? I liked the book, but it's not a keeper. If I could have given it 2 1/2 stars I would have.

[SoBeA · Rating 2 out of 5]

An Okay read...

This was more chick lit than I anticipated. Also The main character was hard to like, very self involved- And there are a lot of secondary characters who just seem to take the attention off the main characters.... I didn't really have any desire to know their stories...I actually started reading this at beginning of June, had to put it down and didn't pick it up again for a month, as I was so annoyed by all minor story lines!!

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the message about body size and self acceptance and that the heroine/main character was plus size.
And overall it was okay ... but I found it to be a little bit too preachy and cheesy to get a higher rating.

[Rakisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't even finish the book because the main character was so unlikable.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't connect to the characters at all. No feels. No nothing. I speed read through the book just to finish. It didn't get better and I couldn't connect. There were also some flow issues. Too much description and not enough action. I still can't figure out how they feel in love just because they had great sex and fought a lot. I can't remember them actually sharing parts of themselves, but hey, maybe I sped read past those parts.

[Loves all the books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the message of love your body and positive body image.

[Susan Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a light read about a cute, hot, romance between a hot guy and a pretty, voluptuous woman. It was very funny with likeable, quirky characters.

[Lynne M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good, with some funny moments and enjoyable chemistry between the two leads.

[Stefanie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

""

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh. I keep tying to read romance novels, on the logic that I like books that focus on character, and, hey, romance is fun. But it seems I don't like romance as a genre.

Here is what this book would like you to know. (Don't worry. You don't need to memorize this list. The points will be repeated on nearly page.)

1. Leena was, up until recently, a semi-successful plus size model.
2. Leena has returned to her hometown. She is not happy to be there and feels that the town and its residents are unsophisticated.
3. Leena is somewhat insecure about her weight.
4. Leena's sister is quirky.
5. Cole is charming.
6. Cole is sexy.
7. Cole has commitment issues.

Got it? Good. Ready to read about it for a couple hundred pages?

And Leena and Cole don't like each other. Sure, they apparently have all kind of chemistry going on, but they don't like each other. What in the world are they going to do when the honeymoon phase ends. (Yes, yes, I know. It's a book. The honeymoon phase doesn't end in book world.)

I went with two stars instead of one because the supporting characters are kind of fun, and the writing is kind of funny. But it is not for me.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book. The characters were so endearing & funny I just laughed throughout the whole thing. Yet, it gave some very heart felt thoughts on how women & men, boys & girls and mother & daughters can all view this issue. Now mind you this is just a small limited view but a view none the less & the struggle that Leena the main character go through to overcome how she feels about her life long weight issues or not. How others see them. Also, how stars going to work for Cole who is interested in her & her insecurities to know if he really is or doing it to make fun of her. All the the supporting cast of characters just adds to the enjoyment of the journey & struggles Leena goes through to figure out where she belong. ***** stars a must read for sure. I hope there is a follow up to these characters to see how things go for them & there friends. I will have to check...

[Fifie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the siblings, I really like Leena. Probably because she always follow her dream (although the dream is only just... well... a dream). Her habit of 'fake till you make it' and her bossiness actually make sense especially when she has to face her older sister, the over-dramatic Sue Ellen and just a glimpse of what their parents were like (do read the next book if you want to know what I mean). Of course, as I've read from the first book, I do understand why the extra characters do what they do (or behave like that). The writer also compare two characters (in my opinion), a confident Leena (even if only outside) and the timid and low self-esteemed Mindy.

If you want to laugh (when you're sad), do read this book, especially the part where Lulu 'translated' what Leena and Cole were doing in the car.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Girls Do, Bad Girls Don't. Now meet Big Girls...

After her plus-size modeling career tanks, Leena Riley becomes a receptionist in her hometown veterinarian's office. Too bad the vet is Cole Flannigan, a boy who taunted her all through school. Good thing Leena has grown into her curves, because he's about to grow very fond of her.

*Summary from Goodreads.com*

Loved this book! It's about time for a plus size character to have the star role in a romantic book! Leena was assertive and sassy with her bigger than life personality! Cole was a man who could really get into a relationship with a plus sized girl and loves all the curves as well as falling for her quirky personality! A must read for all the plus sized gals out there who love a good romance read!

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! The townspeople of Rock Creek were unique and funny in their own way. At times I had to laugh out louds at some of the smalltown antics! Leena's sister Sue Ellen was priceless in her small town mentality. Leena and Cole were fabulous together. They made the love chase a delightful romp! Leena faught the tried and true battle on the way to the HEA! I enjoyed Leena's struggles to understand who she was and where she belonged.

The only do better for Ms. Linz: The side story of Sue Ellen was quite disjointed and felt out of place each time the story moved to her. it was as if it was thrown in at the last minute. Sue Ellen deserved better.

Other than that, it was a great fun read!

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am of two minds about this book.
On the one hand: the main characters have excellent chemistry, they are funny, well created, I enjoyed reading about them.
On the other: All the side characters I found really annoying. To the point where it was a bit difficult to get through the book without wanting to smack them. So I would recommend it, but give readers a warning in the beginning.

I am always a fan of plus size heroines, and I feel like she was an excellent example of lovely bigger girls. Yes, she was a supermodel, and woo! Because the world needs more of those too. On that front, I give this book five stars. But because of the annoying side characters, I gave it 3. Still a good read!!

[Abril · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2

So, this book defiantly had some funny moments, and I liked the bickering back and forth or the hero & heroine, but what I didn't like is how everyone kept interrupting them. I ended up feeling frustrated when the nosy town people got the wrong idea about the heroine or misinterpreted her. That was really frustrating. Then the ending felt too rushed & I never really felt that the hero & heroine connected enough by the time they got together at the end. When they got together before the big mix-up I thought they they didn't have that much of a sold bond before they decided they loved each other.

It's an entertaining read it was just an ok read if you don't have something else to read.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leena Riley left Rock Creek without a second glance to pursue her full figure modeling career, now years later dejected and flat broke she is back until she can figure out her next step. The only job available is as a receptionist in a veternarians office which happens to be owned by none other than Cole Flannigan, the boy she punched when he teased her in school.

As a full figure woman there were elements I completely identified with, but I wish there had been more from Cole's perspective because it is such a huge part of Leena's makeup and you wonder if her really gets it. Had some funny scenes and a quick read.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I seem to be in the minority here but I couldn't even get through the second chapter. I hated the main character, I thought the dialogue was all over the place and the way the author expresses the flirting in the book was just terrible.

I really did try to force myself to read a few more pages but I realized it wasn't even written well and it seemed too much like the style of fanfiction writing.

All in all, I think the plot has potential but the author failed to execute in terms of writing. It felt messy and seems as though the author was trying too hard.

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this was a better organized book than "Bad Girls Don't" and the characters were more sympathetic this time around. Although still really effing annoying.

But I made it through the book in one day, so that should say something. And, you know, despite my gripes, I still picked up another book by Ms. Linz. So I should probably just shut up and hie myself off to write my own goddamned romance novel.

Which will then get flamed on Goodreads. Heh.

[Goge (BARRONS) le Moning Maniac, · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't say such clique words but... DAYUMM. COLE WAS HOT! It's been years since I read this book but I still remember his sizzlin smokin hot smexy self MEOW!! *fans self* Such a sweet sexy stud.
I adored this couple A LOT. Leena and Cole were the perfect pair. Their banter was fun, sweet and they burned together incredibly well; loved their chemistry, it burned.. I need to reread this sometime soon I miss their banter:)

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first Cathie Linz book, and I really wanted to like it. I wanted sooooo much more from the characters. I understand that it is supposed to be a fun, light read, and it was. I thought the banter between the characters was too quick with no description. I am also not a fan of speeding thru days and wondering what happened in between them. I may try another Linz book to see if it is any better.

[☽ Rhiannon ✭ Mistwalker ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, I'm not really that much of a chick lit fan. The humor is just not really my thing. I prefer angst and misunderstandings. This almost had it all set up perfect, but was too much a humor book for me to really get into it. Still, chubby, poor, somewhat insecure heroine with troubled childhood... how could I not enjoy it? Would have preferred it be less light and airy but there were some good bits.

[Lie · Rating 1 out of 5]

A little bit too´much of a cheesy storyline and forced moral. And even though the intention behind this book is a good one, the characters one-dimensional behavior gets real boring real fast!! And what is it with the whole "its so good that you show people what real women look like" crap???? If you bring it up over and over again it becomes very unbelievable, and not the good kind of unbelievable!

[Caryl Sy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was short and sweet. Something I've been needing for a while. I loved how the book didn't just surround the love life of the characters but somewhat also showed the growth of the character. Which is sort of my kind of book. Sadly, I don't think I'll be reading any of the other books in this series, seeing that this was the only one with really good reviews.

Love your body and love yourself, don't listen to anyone who tells you that you're not beautiful.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was pretty good. Leena is an out of work plus sized model that went back to her hometown to make some money and Cole is a hunky vet that she punched out for making fun of her when they were kids. Leena has some body issues during the story, but the story was cute and had some funny moments.

[Tatrd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leena Riley & Cole Flanigan
Plus size model, Leena, comes home when work begins to dry up. She hates the small town and especially the trailer she rents. She just wants to save money and pay down some bills and get back to Chicago. She takes a receptionist job for Cole whom she remembers from high school and who keeps telling her she's sexy but she doesn't believe him.
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