Big Girls Don't Cry

October 15, 2007
When her plus-size modeling career doesn't pan out, Leena Riley leaves Chicago and heads home to sleepy Rock Creek, PA, to lick her wounds, save some money, and try again. But her plans veer off course when the only job she can find is as a receptionist for the local veterinarian, sexy, flirtatious Cole Flannigana guy she'd decked in the sixth grade when he taunted her about her weight but who now seems to be attracted to her instead. A beautiful, superorganized but sometimes insecure heroine, a magnetic, commitment-shy hero, a cadre of unconventional pets, and a cast of quirky characters from Linz's earlier novels create a lively, often hilarious story that addresses some serious issues and treats fans to a delightful glimpse into the lives of these familiar folk. A non-weight-conscious heroine who isn't constantly on a diet is a refreshing change. Linz ("Bad Girls Don't") is a seasoned writer of lighthearted romantic comedy; she lives in the Chicago area.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 15, 2007
Leena Rileys career as a plus-size model should keep her far from Rock Creek, but as gigs dwindle she is forced to leave Chicago and return to her hometown. There she lands a job as receptionist for hunky veterinarian Cole Flannigan. The problem is, they have a history. While in grade school, he commented on her weight, and she sucker punched him. Legends in small towns dont die easily, and the townspeople keep expecting Leena to deck Cole again. Despite her work as a model, Leena still has body-image issues. So it takes time for her to understand that Coles comments about her physique have no correlation to his schoolyard jabs, and that he really is attracted to her curvaceous body. Linz (Good Girls Do and Bad Girls Dont, both 2006) has affectionately and humorously captured the nuances of small-town America in this trip back to Rock Creek. From the wafer-thin villainess and her browbeaten average-sized daughter to Coles overprotective aunt, the characters spring to life, and readers will be thrilled to find that individuals from Linzs earlier novels pop in and out like old friends. And kudos to Linz for creating a heroine who looks and acts like a real woman.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)