Big Girl Panties audiobook

NOTE: I've seen a lot of negative comments about how this novel handles weight. I thought the characters grew in acceptance. Yes, Logan starts out with some negative thoughts, but he overcomes them. And Amanda does nothing but accept Holly from the beginning (and Amanda is mentioned as not being some model stick figure either). Please consider reading all the reviews, and not just the negative ones, when making your book buying decisions. HUGS!When Holly's husband died, she turned to food as an escape and quickly lost herself in it. Then she runs into Logan Montgomery, a personal trainer who offers her a change. Little did he know she would change him, too. Holly throws herself into Logan's routines and the two spend more and more time together. As they do, the bond between them grows. But can Logan look past "his type"? Can Holly believe she's good enough?Charm and wit abound in this book. Holly is a likable character, both because she is funny and honest. She showcases the insecurity so many of us have in relationships, although hers is about her weight. And Logan could have easily become a cliche--a man fighting his ideal view of a woman--but thanks to his close friend, Chase, we see sides of Logan that counteract the surface. After all, the heart of this story is overcoming surface judgements.In addition, the characters are believable and likeable. Chase and his wife, Amanda, deserve their own story (which I was glad to see they are getting in the author's next book). But here they serve as friends and catalysts for change. They are entertaining, believable, and sexy. Most importantly, they increase the same qualities in Holly and Logan.I laughed out loud several times, and I sniffled when Holly doubted herself. Who hasn't struggled with insecurity in some form? One of the sweetest moments comes courtesy of Holly's longtime friend, Tina, when she sees something in Logan that Holly, and the reader, hadn't fully realized before.Big Girl Panties is a fast-read full of witty punches, sexy romance, raw emotion, and great characters. I highly recommend it. A home run!Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Holly Brennan has no idea what she's in for when she steps on a plane coming back from a business meeting in Toronto. When she's seated next to Logan Montgomery, she catches his slight whiff of disdain over her body, and the logistics of sitting next to an overweight woman. Logan, a personal trainer with his own gym, impulsively takes Holly on as his "project," which results in so much more than Logan's own personal version of The Ugly Duckling with a little Pygmalion thrown in.Filled with humor, a little kink and a lot of personal growth, Big Girl Panties is an oddity in today's contemporary romance genre. While Holly does lose weight and get into shape under Logan's tutelage and her own perserverence, she does remain against type, and that's what makes this novel so endearing. One would think that all the personal growth was on Holly's side. After all, she has to overcome isolation, loneliness, guilt over her husband's death, and a horrid upbringing, in order to curb her emotional eating. That's all fine and expected in this kind of story and Holly does do a superb job doing just that. But Logan too, needs to put his big boy shorts on and grow up. His growth comes from realizing that he can move beyond his own image others have of him (and what he has of himself), stop caring about what others think, and learn to not only think for himself, but put aside everything else to gain his own happiness. I enjoyed Logan's awakening more than I did Holly's, actually.The novel is filled with good advice on emotional eating and fitness, probably not intentional as they fit totally into the story, but I got that out of it as well. The only recommendation I have is to cut Chase and Amanda's backstory to a minimum. I'm unaware if these two have appeared in a previous novel, although I have a feeling that would explain why they get so much "press" in this book. If that's the case, and even if it's not, I really didn't need to know the details of their relationship. Hey, whatever works! I don't think the two or three pages explaining their back story was necessary. One or two sentences could have done it. At times, their narration took away from Holly and Logan, and that's a pity. While an interesting secondary couple, their story should not impede the main event, especially when the main event is so darn good!Really good contemporary romance with more than one twist. I highly recommend it.

I loved this book so much! It has what all good romantic comedies should have: quirky characters, witty dialogue and romance. Plus, with a title like that, all women should be reading this and getting inspired to put on their big girl panties and grab life by the horns. My Rating: 5 stars

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What happens when an over weight, 32 year old, widow ends up sitting next to a physical trainer to the stars in coach on the plane...Life changing experiences for both and Big Girl Panties gives you a front row seat.Logan Mongomery is a trainer to many professional athletes. He is an all around good guy but he's been focused on his appearance and persona for so long that when he finds himself attracted to Holly Brennan, an over weight client, he doesn't know how to deal with his feelings.Holly Brennan finds herself a widow and over weight. When she sits next to a beautiful man on the plane she never expected an offer for personal training sessions. Changing her life, one rep at a time, Holly must face her sorrow, food addiction and self image issues all under the watch of a man that sets her pulse on fire.This was an enchanting story about two people discovering happiness through lots of self growth and friendships. Logan, Mr. Perfect, discovers that maybe a life based on appearance and looks doesn't offer everything he desires. Holly comes to grips with her life losses, changes and her own ability the create her own destiny of happiness. Stephanie Evanovich takes absolutely average human issues, weaves them into a fascinating story that pulls you in and rivets you to the characters plight. A delightful, touching story of personal growth and love.This ARC copy of Big Girl Panites was given to me by HarperCollins - William Morrow in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication July 9, 2013.Written by: Stephanie EvanovichHardcover: 336 pagesPublisher: William Morrow Pubication Date: July 9, 2013ISBN-10: 0062224840ISBN-13: 978-0062224842Rating: 4Genre: Romance, ContemporaryFind this book on: AmazonBarnes & NobleFor more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.

I'm really on the fence with this book. I was super stoked to see that Janet Evanovich's niece had written a book and its a romantic comedy.The problem for me is it is too much a comedy and not enough romance, mostly because Logan is more than a bit shallow and Holly totally lacks any self esteem. Her parents are elderly hoarders who only want her so she can take care of them. Her husband died of pancreatic cancer...and she's overweight.ARGH!Poor Holly.However she has spunk and that makes things really funny at times.Holly isn't going to let the super hot guy sitting next to her in coach make her life hell for the flight and through that comes the offer to help her through personal training.I think that's why this book was a bit off putting for me. Why do all books about fat girls have to be about the struggle to lose weight so that the super hot guy will fall madly in love with them? (Oh and this is coming from a fat girl, m'kay?)Of course as she loses weight she gets noticed and Logan does start falling for her. Slowly but surely Logan starts to be less shallow, though he still ponders how he's going to get her to lose those last 20 pounds.ARGHI liked the book a lot, but it somehow didn't live up to the hype.I read this book in one evening. That in itself should prove that it is enjoyable. I found myself laughing out loud many times as I turned the pages. In that respect you can draw comparisons to her aunt Janet. I can definitely see this book being made into a movie too. I just fear that Owen Wilson, Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler might be involved...

When I picked up this book, I had the author confused with Janet Evanovich. She writes a lot of funny little love tales and thought this was one. Even though this isn't Janet, it's a cute little love story.The fated couple meet on an airplane flight for Toronto to Newark. Holly is nervous about flying and Logan was just hoping Holly wasn't sitting next to him. You see Holly is a big girl and Logan didn't want to share his space with her. During the flight conversation ensued, Logan feels that he can save Holly from herself. He offers to be her personal trainer at a substantial discount.As Holly begins to change her appearance, something was happening to Logan. He was becoming attracted to Holly even though her is not reflect the usual woman he's attracted to. Now other men were noticing Holly, and he didn't like it one bit. Could it be the Logan is changing too.

Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich is a brilliant debut that sends a strong, positive message for all those who struggle with body image and self esteem. From the moment I read the jacket copy and saw the title, I was intrigued by this one since it sounded hilarious and awesome. It doesn't disappoint in the least and I will be looking forward to reading more from Stephanie Evanovich in the future. Holly is a character any woman can relate to - she goes through a constant struggle in life, and she has the ambition and courage to step up and make a change which is really admirable. She is the underrepresented heroine and I loved that :)This one reminded me a bit of almost an adult version of a book I read quite a few years ago, Fat Cat by Robin Brande. While the plot lines are very different, the voice and the basic elements spoke much the same to me, which was a real treat.There is a perfect balance with Stephanie Evanovich's writing - the funny is balanced with the harder issues Big Girl Panties deals with. There are also just so many great characters. While the story mainly focuses on Holly and Logan, I loved getting to see some of the story in terms of Chase and Amanda, Logan's friends. They were so adorable together and have a very unique and dynamic relationship. Anyone looking for a good contemp that will leave you feeling great should check out Big Girl Panties. With it's eloquent prose and charming characters, it is sure to be a win!

But I’ve got to get a move on with my life. It’s time to be a big girl now. And big girls don’t cry. – Fergie.Holly Brennen is an unexpected heroine. She escaped a lonely life with aging parents by marrying her college sweetheart, only to find herself widowed in her early thirties. Like many women in stressing situations, Holly sought comfort in food. Still, she maintains enough sanity to fly to Toronto to challenge an attempt to shortchange her widow’s inheritance. On the return flight home, fate sits Holly next to model perfect Logan Montgomery. Logan is initially appalled by Holly’s disheveled appearance, but as he chats with her during the flight, he finds her compelling. He offers his services as a personal trainer at a discounted rate (not realizing that she is a wealthy widow). Their training sessions leads to a budding romance that intersects with his famous friends and his model perfect previous girlfriends. BIG GIRL PANTIES is an “I will survive” story laced with humor, depth, and camaraderie in unexpected places. Evanovich delivers a heartwarming journey for Holly, Logan, and their friends. Readers will feel a kinship with the characters who come to accept that Big Girl Panties are a rite of passage. I read this book in two nights as Evanovich kept my attention with Holly's acceptance of herself.Recommended read for those who enjoy lighthearted romance and underdog characters.

I won Big Girl Panties in a Goodreader giveaway. Thank you Goodreads and Harper Collins.I would never have thought a book I that kept me up reading until 2am would be a romance, but it was.What a delight to find a plus-sized heroine. Holly Brennan is a widow, shrinking from facing life and her over-abundant figure, until she is crammed into a too-small airline seat next to hunky personal trainer Logan Montgomery. When he offers to take her on as a client it changes both their lives. Logan thinks the epitome of a perfect woman is a tall thin blonde—until he meets Holly. Initially, after the first introductions, I was turned off by the "information dump" about fitness and health and all that jazz. And Holly, who had been described as having 'blazing wit', was bad tempered, whiney, and definitely not witty. I was ready to put the book aside. But the author soon got back to the story and Holly's attitude and repartee improved. I was hooked. The best part of the story, in my opinion, is the idea that you don't have to be slim and trim to be attractive. Holly lost a lot of weight, true, but those last twenty pounds stayed on, and she was as desirable to Logan as the skinny women he was used to. Her attitude toward life changed as she lost weight, and she became more outgoing and happy with herself. And isn't that what we all ought to be, no matter what our size?

It probably is more like 4.5 star.Holly might now be one of my all time favorite female heroines. She was smart, witty and seemed to have all her "ducks" on a row but appearances can be deceiving.Logan came across as the luckiest guy in the world. Had the job he wanted, the high profile friends and a beautiful woman on his arm.I thought that the chemistry between Holly and Logan was very solid from page one, although like most relationships it waivered as they both ran into "problems" with how their relationship was developing or not as the case may be.The addition of Chase and Amanda was a great offset to what was going on with Logan and Holly. I really felt that Amanda genuinely cared for Holly and was only trying to help her and the same for Chase. You saw that he really did enjoy when Holly was around and hoped that if Logan couldn't make her happy, that someone deserving would.In the end, I was close to tears, maybe because it felt very real to me. I do think that Holly overreacted just a bit towards Logan, but I understand that reasoning behind it and was happy with how the story actually end.I kind of was left hoping to learn more and maybe not only about Logan and Holly but also about Chase and Amanda.

Logan Montgomery is a hot-shot personal trainer to many popular athletes, including his best friend and major league baseball star Chase Walker. When overweight Holly Brennan sits next to him on a flight back home, he is annoyed.Holly is thirty-two year old widow who, after nursing her husband through a painful, deadly illness, turned to food for comfort. She and Logan begin a conversation, and after he learns of her history, he offers to help Holly get back into shape.Logan loves nothing more than shaping the human body, helping people become a better physical specimens, and he feels that Holly could be a good project for him. Holly has had enough of sitting around and is ready to get on with her life- and besides, Logan is very easy on the eyes.Chase's wife Amanda feels that Holly could be the woman who could capture Logan's heart and begins to include Holly in their little group. Logan is a playa with women, but he enjoys spending time with Holly and they have an easygoing rapport with each other.This is a romantic comedy, so of course the question is will Logan and Holly become a couple? (If Amanda has anything to say about it, the answer is a resounding yes!) They have many obstacles to overcome, and watching them maneuver the course is a great deal of fun.Big Girl Panties is a sexy, steamy, sassy debut novel from Stephanie Evanovich. I'm a big baseball fan, so I loved that Chase is an MLB player and I adored his relationship with his spunky wife Amanda. They have a little sexy secret that becomes public knowledge when a videotape of them is leaked to the press (think a little 50 Shades of Grey), but their marriage is rock solid.Chase and Amanda were my favorite characters, and I had the opportunity to speak with the author (who is so delightful and friendly) and she told me that we would be seeing more of Chase and Amanda in the future. That made my day!This novel is one that should be read near a pool or a shower, so you can jump on in and cool off after the hot sex scenes, but it also has a lot of heart. In a touching scene, Logan helps Holly clean out her husband's stuff. That brought tears to my eyes.Holly and Logan are terrific characters, and I liked that they both have some flaws. What starts out to be Holly's journey ends up being a journey for Logan too. The life he thinks is so good is really missing something essential.I read this in two sittings, and it's a fantastic and funny beach read. It will bring a smile to your face and make your heart race a little faster. And it make bring some business to personal trainers.

BIG GIRL PANTIES was a nice romance that had everyone looking below the surface. Widowed Holly Brennan had turned to food after the death of her husband. On a airplane flight from Toronto to New Jersey, she meets Logan Montgomery who has a very successful career as a personal trainer. It was not at all love-at-first-sight. Logan has a type - tall, thin, blonde - and Holly is none of those things. Holly sees this beautiful, buff guy and knows that he is way out of her league. But he offers to train her and she accepts.Through several workouts, Logan and Holly get to know each other and Holly develops a crush but Logan remains oblivious. However, they soon start hanging out as friends with his friends Chase Walker and his wife Amanda. They begin a relationship but Logan is still keeping the relationship secret. He has a number of issues of his own regarding body image to deal with. As is usually the case in romances, there are misunderstandings where each of them hurts the other before they manage to work their way to a happy ending. I liked Holly very much as a character but it took me quite a bit longer to warm up to Logan. I was put off by the way he treated his relationship with Holly and by his general slowness at recognizing that he was falling in love with her. I also thought that Chase and Amanda's relationship with its borderline kinkiness detracted from Logan and Holly's story. Fans of slow building romances will enjoy this story about two very interesting people.