Big Girl Panties: A Novel

Written by Stephanie Evanovich

Narrated by Katie Schorr

Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich is a rollicking and poignant romantic comedy about a young widow who decides to get in shape...and winds up getting her groove back—and a whole lot more!
 
Holly Brennan used food to comfort herself through her husband’s illness and death. Now she’s alone at age thirty-two. And she weighs more than she ever has. When fate throws her in the path of Logan Montgomery, personal trainer to pro athletes, and he offers to train her, Holly concludes it must be a sign. Much as she dreads the thought of working out, Holly knows she needs to put on her big girl panties and see if she can sweat out some of her grief.
 
Soon, the easy intimacy and playful banter of their training sessions lead Logan and Holly to most intense and steamy workouts. But can Holly and Logan go the distance as a couple now that she’s met her goals—and other men are noticing?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Jul 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9780062224965

Stephanie Evanovich

Stephanie Evanovich began writing fiction while waiting for her cues during countless community theater projects. Now a full-time writer, she’s an avid sports fan who holds a black belt in tae kwon do.

Reviews for Big Girl Panties

[Irena · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Story is ok, more like a weightloss menoire. Too much fat Shaming and look Shaming. Power imbalance, weirdly not sexy sex scenes and odd slight kink without consent

[Jilayne McCormick Sinkhorn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Awesome book and series ilove the writing and the lighthearted fun the author uses with her charscters!!!

[micahmom2002 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Chick lit story about the odd pairing of an overweight female who constantly makes jokes at her own expense with an egotistical fitness trainer to celebrities. I enjoyed the book overall. Funny and well paced although I did see the ending coming.

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Katie Fedoronko · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Cute and Interesting story, but the sex scenes got old/ repetitive

[aharey · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book had a lot of potential. I'm a fan of chick lit, romance, what have you and I particularly liked the idea of a woman working through her weight issues to be confident in herself.

The book starts off well- I enjoyed how Holly was completely different from what Logan expected. Unfortunately, the book then devolves into some unnecessary bdsm (was the author trying to go with something trendy?) and a gratuitous sex scene in the first 30 pages (I really don't know why it was necessary).

I also do not like the way woman are portrayed as finding happiness when you follow the man's dreams and desires. I'm no feminist, but really??

Overall, I liked it, but it's not something I'll reread or even read something else by her.

[kbranfield-837433 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4.5 stars.

Stephanie Evanovitch's debut novel, Big Girl Panties, is a poignant, funny and ultimately uplifting romance between an overweight woman and her personal trainer. The novel begins with a brutally honest and cringe-worthy first encounter that is difficult to read but accurately reflects where both characters are coming from. It is a sad fact of life that people are quick to judge one another based on outward appearances, and lead protagonists, Holly Brennan and Logan Montgomery, are guilty of doing just that. But once they take the time to delve a little deeper, Holly and Logan are pleasantly surprised by what they learn not only about each other but themselves as well.

Both Holly and Logan have their fair share of flaws and while I always liked Holly, I veered back and forth between like and dislike for Logan. Logan effortlessly fell into a lucrative career as a personal trainer and he is fairly superficial at first. The women he dates are blond, beautiful and model thin and what I would classify as nothing but attractive arm candy. His emotions are never engaged and in fact, he has not ever had a serious relationship. Right from the start, Logan misjudges pretty much everything about Holly and his surprising attraction to her challenges him in ways he never imagined. Of the two, Logan is the one who is undergoes the most growth and the fact that it takes him most of the novel to change makes his transformation believable.

Holly is easy to relate to in so many ways. She has always struggled with her weight and self-esteem issues. Without much of a support system after her husband's death, she turned to food for comfort and she is now quite overweight. Holly uses self-deprecating humor and zingy one liners as a defense mechanism and she reveals very little about her personal life. But she is not afraid of hard work and she always rises to whatever challenge Logan throws her way. Holly gradually loses weight, emerges from her grief and gains control of her life.

While Big Girl Panties is fast-paced, the relationship between Holly and Logan is slow-growing and they are friends long before they are lovers. While Holly's crush on Logan is there from the beginning, Logan is confused by his attraction to Holly. The two eventually wind up acting on their mutual desire and their sex scenes are very hot and steamy. But if their relationship is ever going to be more than a passionate affair, Logan will have to come to terms with his prejudices and Holly will have to overcome her residual insecurities.

Outside of a few confusing perspective changes, Big Girl Panties is a well-written, engrossing romance. The novel is a little uncomfortable at times due to the realistic storyline but it is also quite entertaining and thought-provoking. An impressive first effort by newcomer Stephanie Evanovich that I recommend to anyone who doesn't mind imperfect characters who overcome real life problems on their way to happily ever after.

[roses7184_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Okay, before this review even begins, please let me warn you that I am completely on the fence about this book. Big Girl Panties was a read that I powered through, and both loved and seethed at in equal measures. I'm certain that alone makes it worth your time. Still, if I ramble, you've been warned.

Holly Brennan is a fabulous female lead! I absolutely have to start with that because I haven't met a woman like her in a long time. She's vibrant, witty and, even when the way others see her gets to her, strong as all get out. There was nothing I didn't love about this woman. As I dove deeper into her past, and saw her grow into a new person, I couldn't help but laugh and cry. Holy Brennan is amazing, that's the long and short of it.

Which is why I could not, no matter how hard I tried, like Logan Montgomery. Described as an "Adonis" Logan is a personal trainer to the stars. He's a psuedo-celebrity and acts like one. Filling his social calendar, attending benefits, and dating busty and blonde waifs. When his interest in Holly started to peak, I wanted to scream at her that she could do better. Despite Ms. Evanovich's attempts to make him seem caring, all I saw was a shallow man.

See, Logan is all about his image. He knows it, we know it, and yet somehow Holly takes forever to see it. Even when she's in shape, and feeling better about herself, he uses words like "pudgy"and "soft" to describe her. I'm sorry, and maybe it's just me, but being a single digit size doesn't make a woman beautiful. Holly works her butt off in this book, and everyone can see her beauty but him. No spoilers, I promise. Let me just say that I never liked Logan. Not even after the book had ended.

Still, the story between them is fun, fresh and a quick read! I mentioned above that I powered through this book, and I truly did. Holly's story is so inspirational. She overcomes a lot, and has the perfect attitude about changing her life. I couldn't get enough of her witty personality, and honestly I rooted for her the entire way through. Holly is what made this book for me, and I'm not afraid to admit it.

So, if you are a fan of witty heroines and life changing stories, this is one for you! Pick up a copy of Big Girl Panties and meet Holly Brennan. You won't be sorry.

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved the story of Holly taking charge of her life again - working hard to become healthy and to work through her grief over the loss of her husband in more healthy ways. I was less enthusiastic about Logan's superficial focus on appearance. There is growth in both characters, but I ended up feeling like Holly was settling for less than she deserved.

[lhaines56 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Main character needs a shot in the arm after losing her husband. She needs a makeover--to lose weight and a makeover besides. Well known trainer takes her on as her project and after a lot of denial admits he has feelings for her past friendship. Turns out he has a secret--his idea of slap and tickle is spanking. She doesn't know what to do but kinda likes it all the same and doesn't want to lose him. She is ready to leave the area and go back to OR and is on the plane and he turns up on the plane and wins her back.

[lbalfour_6 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

picked at random for the author - pretty much a classic romance. The heroine is very fat and the hero is a personal trainer. Reasonably interesting - the thought that she could hit him and knock him to the ground when she felt insulted was very ordinary. Obviously the 'one punch can kill' message is not prominent in the US

[katiekrug · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Why I read this now: Because I'm an idiot.UGH. this book was just so terrible, I don't even know where to begin... The heroine is annoying and weak and her back story is so cliched and unconvincing... The hero is annoying and an a-hole and dumb as a box of rocks. If they were real people, you'd be glad they took each other out of circulation, but you'd hope they couldn't have children to replicate their crap DNA. And there was a whole side story about a couple that was into spanking... WHAT? I mean, I'm not a prude, but it was so out there as far as the rest of the novel went, I couldn't figure out why it was included, unless this terrible, terrible writer was paid by the word. The writing was so awkward and smacked at times like she had a thesaurus next to her computer and liked to use it randomly because some of the word choices were just bizarre. Anyway, I should have known better than to listen to it considering the title includes one of my least favorite words in the English language.So yeah. Not recommended.

[sharioh · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Logan, a personal trainer and Holly, an out of shape widow meet when they are unfortunately seated next to each other on a flight home. They end up talking on the way home and Logan is a little surprised by her wit and personality so he offers to help her get in shape -I think your imagination will help you fill in the blanks! This is a great book! I asked for the hardcover for Christmas to put on my permanent shelf.

[judithdcollins · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Listened to the audiobook, BIG GIRL PANTIES, by Stephanie Evanovich, narrated by Katie Schorr, which was quite engaging!

A chick lit full of humor, sex, romance, fame, baseball hunks, and lots of laughs - a girl’s journey from her miserable life to a healthy and fit one with one chance meeting of a guy on a plane.

Not only did she learn from him, she also was able to teach the hot guy a lesson in life as well. Look forward to reading more from this new author, Stephanie Evanovich (after all, she has a great start with Janet as her aunt).

[jkgrage · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I find I'm pretty hard on books. I really expect a lot and after reading the reviews of this one, I didn't have high hopes. I was wrong. I loved the hero and heroine as much for their flaws as for their growth. I loved the sidekick couple and how high profile people were made real. I left this story wanting more which I think is the most you can ask for from a novel.

[shirwin-5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Believable characters and situations. Pretty funny too!

[bookaholicbanter · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not bad, not great. This one was just good for me. I was hoping for this one too be a lot more humorous than it actually was. It had a few quick laughs, the romance was just OK for me. This one took me longer to read than it should have. I just couldn't quite get into it.

[bgknighton · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Cozy, enjoyable, but predictable.

[susanbevans · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First off you should know that I HATE the phrase "big girl panties" with the fiery passion of 100 suns! Isn't it amazing that I even picked up this book at Hastings? The embarrassment suffered by my husband when taking it up to the counter to purchase was absolutely priceless!

I bought the book because I thought it was a cute idea: big-ish girl Holly meets personal trainer Logan (described as "hotter than Lucifer's loincloth") on a plane. After chatting a bit he asks if he can take her on as a client and help her to get healthy. Outwardly she's not his "type" at all, but she is witty and kind and strong and eventually he falls for her. That's the gist of the book.

Holly is so relatable and likable as a character, it's impossible not to root for her. She's never been a thin woman but has had some recent tragedy in her life and has just "let herself go" (pardon the cliche.) Logan is an honest guy who likes his life a certain way even though he doesn't really seem to understand himself all that well. Holly basically turns his world upside down, but in a good way.

Big Girl Panties is really well written and just a good, fast read. It is one of those books that illicits strong emotions from the reader - I personally alternated between laughter and tears. Any book that can do that for me deserves 5 stars, but I'm giving this one 4. The end of the book has Holly fleeing Logan to go back to a life that was hell on earth for her and I just couldn't "see" Holly really doing that. It is the one thing that didn't ring true for me and it made it hard to enjoy the eventual happy ending.

I recommend Big Girl Panties (HA! sounds so funny!) if you're looking for a fun story with that all-important happily ever after. I really enjoyed reading it and will probably pick up the next book Stephanie Evanovich writes.

[nhnick · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Quick light fluff read.

[sharonhd-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I gave this two stars because I finished it but really a 1.5 star story. Has all the elements of a decent romance but never quite gets there. Clearly this editor did the best they could with the crap that was submitted but the authors last name is the reason this one made it to print. Show don't tell -- I never got a feel for what these characters looked like and for a plot to be entirely based on "looks" that is critical. Logan looks like chocolate? Huh? Holly is fat, but not fat enough to need a seatbelt extension on a airplane? She loses over 40 pounds and keeps losing but we really don't know what she looks like or what size she is when she and Logan finally hook-up so how do we relate to them. The entire spanking/DOM storyline was overplayed and underwhelming. Even at the end of the story I still didn't feel like Logan loved her for anything more than his project. No epilogue to let us know if they make it past the next trip out in public?

[stephanieloves · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The only thing that could make Logan Montgomery's flight back home worse than being forced to sit in coach, is being forced to sit in coach next to the fat girl. But luck will have its way, as will fate, and he ends up sitting by unpleasantly overweight widower Holly Brennan all the way to Englewood, New Jersey... and there's just something about her that he can't put a finger on, that makes him want to keep in touch. He offers private training sessions to help her get back on track with her weight, which has significantly escalated since her husband's death last year. No matter that he has a celebrity waitlist and is very selective with new clients—he's going to change this girl's life. What he doesn't expect is for her to change his.As Logan begins to see the true resilience, strength, and maturity in Holly—as well as the delightful humor and instant likability, he begins to question the matter of beauty versus substance, something he's never had to worry about before, being fit, gorgeous, and famous as he is. Watching his relationship with Holly bloom was interesting because the two are such an unlikely pair. It is very rare to spot a fat woman holding hands with an athletic man in public, let alone in contemporary romance, but that's just the thing: you never see couples like that because society judges compatibility based off body type, based off appearance. Big Girl Panties shreds these expectations and overcomes the typical romance equation by so naturally and fluidly pairing Holly and Logan together. Readers will root for the couple—as unaccustomed to the sort as they are bound to be—and both Holly's sparkling wit and Logan's sexy, collected demeanor will make them instance fan favorites.Logan seems like the perfect guy personality-wise; even though he's known to be careless with women, I couldn't help but sympathize with him because, he's so humane, so decent. He isn't only every girl's strong, level-headed, handsome dreamboat, but also has a sincere, heartfelt persona to completely seal the deal. Holly isn't used to attention from guys who look like him, nor from guys who have as much experience, generosity, and will as he does, but she soon discovers that her slow-burning feelings for him come at a steep price: his extreme emotional unavailability and noncommittal affections.I think their relationship met a decline around the middle and by end of the book. It starts off really excitingly and humorously, but both characters become super angsty; there's lots of crying, lots of late-night worrying, lots of "does he like me???" and "DOES SHE LIKE ME" that I got sick of. Beyond the infuriating self-inflicted tragedy of their "forbidden" relationship, though, other doubts begin to seep in, too. Logan's obviously falling for Holly, but she can't help but wonder if he really like her for who she is, or if he's just prone to want to call her and show her off as his protégée, his one-time ugly duckling.Big Girl Panties held my full attention all the way to the last page because it's so engaging; Evanovich creates a funny, FUN character that you'd want to become best friends with. I was a bit conflicted over the book's overall message, however; while I think it's very important for all body types to be represented in commercial fiction—because not looking like a runway model doesn't make a woman any less beautiful—the way Evanovich pretty much dismisses skinny girls was a turn-off. The only likable female characters in the book, including Holly, are described as "full-figured," which itself isn't a bad thing, but being about self-image that Big Girl Panties is, I was disappointed to see so much skinny-shaming. It contradicts the compelling insights on superficiality and celebrity that are also presented.I absolutely loved how the romance developed, though. Logan is kind-meaning and warm, but detached and an absolute fool when things start to get serious. And the moment Holly Brennan squeezes into that economy-class seat next to him on the plane, it's clear things will begin to get real serious real soon.Pros: Witty and charming // Effortless tone // Holly is an original, genuine character // LOGAN!!!!! // I like the idea of the untraditional romance // Chase and Amanda's backstory is intriguing // Hilarious moments // Extremely hot sexCons: The central romance is about a "big girl" getting together with a gorgeous fitness instructor, but it only happens as she slims down...?? The message is just unclear to me // Some of the dialogue is unrealistic // Lots of unnecessary dread and lingering, not that much actionVerdict: Combining the introspective meanderings of women's fiction with the hilarious, sassy spunk of chick-lit, Stephanie Evanovich crafts an unconventional, but wholly absorbing romance, while touching upon important issues like fame, fitness, and the art of self-love. Logan and Holly's steamy relationship and Evanovich's delightful style will please readers, for sure. With fierce perspective and winning personality, Big Girl Panties examines the definition of true beauty, the impact of an unexpected other in your life, and the dangers of being quick to judge at first sight—or to judge by sight at all.Rating: 8 out of 10 hearts: An engaging read that will be worth your while; highly recommended.Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher via tour publicist in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Harper Collins and TLC!).

[mountie9_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The Good Stuff Sweet little story, good for a beach read Real life issues dealt with and protagonist doesn't become a skinny little girl and finds happiness - appreciated this aspect Has potential but should have been worked on more Steamy sex Holly is a delightful character - really cheered for her - but personally i think she could have done better than Logan who - um well - is a less than stellar guy in my opinionThe Not So Good Stuff Was irritated by Logan and his idea that Holly was a toy and some of the spanking shit between his friend Chase and his wife Story had a lot of promise but felt it was tooled by someone to be more romantic comedy - yup could totally see this as a romantic comedy Felt that their was way too much focus on heroines weight- like the fact that she wasn't your stereotypical heroine, much more realistic, but didn't like the constant references to her weightFavorite Quotes/Passages"Drug companies hawked pharmaceuticals with lists of side effects that sounded worse than the diseases themselves. Sure, you may becomes suicidal , but at least you can say you quit smoking.""But character? It had no price tag; no amount of money could buy it"3/5 Dewey'sI received this from William Morrow in exchange for an honest review

[phoenixcomet · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Logan Montgomery is trainer to the stars. Holly Brennan is an overweight widow trying to put her life back together again. When Logan starts training Holly, they each start falling in love with the other. But can this relationship really last? Sweet and readable, but nothing outstanding.

[annesanse · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

For some reason, I didn't very have high hopes for this book. I picked it up from my library just because of the Evanovich name. I was pleasantly surprised with it! When I started reading, I had no idea the book was about an overweight girl. (I don't know that I even read the title) I probably wouldn't have borrowed it if I'd known, but I would have really missed out. I loved each and every character in this story. It was great being inside their minds as they each overcame the difficulties they were facing. I love books that just leave you smiling when you're done, and this was definitely one of those!

[bookczuk · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I picked this up because my brain had a disconnect. It saw the last name of the author, and thought of the main character in one of the author's series, and computed it as Janet Evanovich, who I like for a light, nonsensical read (though I do prefer the audio so I can listen while driving and also enjoy the voices the voice actor uses in the telling.) Turns out, this is Ms Evanovich's niece -- her debut novel. While it did get a bit bogged down for me, it had some fun stuff, and an interesting opening portion. Since I've revamped my own exercise and nutrition routine (and lost probably 40 pounds I gained courtesy of medication, poor health, life circumstances) it was sort of interesting to compare what Holly was going through to my own path. But about half way, my mind kind of wandered. There was a lot of explaining about personal behavior choices (read "spanking in the bedroom") which lost my attention. But, as a debut novel, it was an interesting place to start.

[winterlillies · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

If Stephanie Evanovich’s name sounds familiar it is because she’s the niece of Janet Evanovich. I wanted to love Big Girl Panties based on the synopsis, but it just fell flat.

Logan has a habit of calling his female clients swans. Meaning he transforms them from ugly ducklings to beautiful swans and he’s quite confident in his ability. While I respect he’s a personal trainer and one to the rich and famous, he comes off as shallow and immature. Holly, on the other hand, is still grieving for her husband. She admits to self esteem issues and at times while I could relate to her, there were times I couldn’t stand her. Her constant comparison of her life versus her childhood friend’s life was annoying especially for a woman who was happy with her independence. On top of that, she makes the decision to go back to her family, a family that told her she would never amount to anything. Why? The secondary characters are Logan’s friends, Chase and Amanda. I understand why Evanovich introduces them because they serve as the point of contact between Logan and Holly especially when they aren’t together, but the whole spanking fetish they have was just strange. It would have made more sense if Big Girl Panties was more of an erotic novel or your typical contemporary romance, but not for chick-lit. I did like them because they accepted Holly, but overall, their story just felt misplaced. Then we have Holly’s childhood friend Tina. I wish Holly had ended that friendship a long time ago because I don’t see any reason for them to be friends other than Tina being there to remind Holly that she’ll never be as thin as her and hence no happily ever after.

I believe the big issue for me is how Evanovich deals with obesity and relationships. Holly isn’t deemed attractive until she loses a significant amount of weight and even then she’s still dressing in her old clothes. Ask anyone who has lost a significant amount, there’s no way she’s going still be wearing the same pants unless she’s wearing them with a belt (and even that’s questionable). Holly undergoes a makeover and then suddenly men are handing out their numbers, but she wants Logan; elusive Logan who only sees her as a friend and client. Throughout the course of the novel, we find out Holly’s first husband, Bruce had been her one and only. Meaning Holly settled despite not loving Bruce because no one would want her. Even when Logan begins to date her he keeps his distance and takes her only to places where Chase and Amanda will be because he’s ashamed of her. So you see, there’s still something wrong with Holly despite losing weight because Logan thinks she’s unworthy and even Tina reminds Holly of this. I wish Evanovich had let Holly date around after her weight loss and let Logan wallow in self pity because he lost her to some super hot baseball player on Chase’s team. Now that would have been an amazing read.

Logan does redeem himself, but a little too late and even then I don’t see him changing. I appreciate that Evanovich gave us an overweight protagonist, but the amount of fat shaming (not only by Logan but by those around him) didn’t sit well with me; especially when we’re told Holly lost 40 pounds and suddenly we’re told she has muscle and is lean, but because she still weighs double digits, she’s still considered fat? Furthermore, knowing that Holly hated the term swan, Logan calls her his beautiful swan at the end. So really, had she not lost the weight and undergone a makeover, Holly would still be unattractive. I wish Evanovich had given us a Logan who fell for Holly for her inner beauty rather than her physical. While her message is probably to inspire woman to get healthy, the way she executed it, wasn’t the best way.

Stephanie Evanovich’s Big Girl Panties had potential, but quickly fell flat. I had issues with the book, but a lot of readers really seem to like it. If you’re still interested in reading it, my recommendation is to borrow a copy from a friend or the library and spend your money elsewhere.

This review is posted at Literary, etc.

[mybookaddiction_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Holly was out of town getting the last of her late husband’s affairs in order. Logan, was out of town working as a trainer for his elite clientele. Logan, the hot good looking trainer, was upset about his small seat on the plane when an overweight, and disheveled Holly sat next to him. This was exactly what they did not want to happen. After talking on the plane Logan realized there was more to Holly than meets the eye. He offered to help her train and lose weight. Holly found herself needing a change and anxiously took him up on the offer.The characters started a great friendship, all the while the ugly duckling was turning into a beautiful swan. Even the handsome Logan could not deny that there was a great change in not only Holly’s appearance, but in her self-esteem. Holly hit a roadblock and Logan was more than happy to help her pick up the pieces.I really enjoyed this book, we are just as much on a roller coaster ride with this couple as they are in for a ride. I loved the friends first dynamic with Logan and Holly. I enjoyed meeting Logan’s friends in the book. They were truly genuine people. This was a humorous romance story in my opinion and a great read, not to be missed.Rating: 4.5Heat Rating: HotReviewed By: RaeCourtesy Of My Book Addiction And More

[conkie_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I actually enjoyed this story more than the few I've read by her famous aunt. The fluctuations in the characters' emotions and situations encountered were smoother, and reflect the social mores of today's 25-35 year olds.

[twink_2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Stephanie Evanovich? Is she...? Yes, let's get that out in the open right away - they are indeed related - Janet Evanovich is Stephanie's aunt. Big Girl Panties marks Stephanie's debut. Holly Brennan is a young widow who has fed her sorrow with food through the years of her husband's illness and death. While returning home from finalizing some of his accounts, she is bumped from a first class plane ticket to coach. She knows the seats are smaller and of course hers is beside the most gorgeous man.....Who turns out to be personal trainer Logan Montgomery. Who on a whim, offers to takes Holly on as a client. And Holly, surprising herself, accepts. It turns out that Holly is a natural in the gym. And she starts to see results. And Logan starts to see Holly in a different light..... Holly is a very likable character - of the four main players, she is the one I enjoyed the most. Evanovich's basic premise isn't new, but I'm not sure how I feel about a character's self worth being based on their physical appearance. Scratch that - I am sure - I didn't like it. Holly does rediscover, remake and redefine herself. Some of it is emotional, but most of it is based on and from her physical changes. Although she and Logan start off with friendship, Logan's interest turns physical when he realizes she is quite attractive - and other men are noticing. Again, this jaded old reader didn't find him to be of a catch...yes, he's physically attractive and apparently has a voracious sexual appetite, but his being ashamed to be seen with Holly (when she's down to only 20 pounds overweight) was enough to cement my opinion. Further efforts to redeem himself didn't wash with me. And maybe I'm just reading way too much into what is meant to be a fun, light-hearted read. We start off with what looks to be exactly that, but it quickly moves into mommy porn territory. We're introduced to Logan's best friend Chase and his wife Amanda, who enjoy a spanking good time together - literally.Evanovich does attempt to explain this sexual choice, but I truly grew tired of it by the end of the book. I'm one of the few people on the planet who did not read Fifty Shades - it's a genre that really doesn't grab or hold my interest. Holly's sexual reawakening is generously covered by Evanovich in Big Girl Panties with much description. Fans of this genre will most certainly enjoy it. Me - I choked on my tea at some of the descriptive passages....'willing wet cavern' was a memorable one. Evonovich does include several solid pieces of advice regarding weight loss, reasons for overeating and some strategies as well. An interesting debut - but a planned second book - "... the backstory to the secondary characters in Big Girl Panties. I think they're deliciously fun and was thrilled when my editor agreed. Think Prince Charming with a kink finding his princess", won't be on this reader's TBR list.