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The Curvy Girls Club #5
Curvy Girls Can't Date Best Friends
It was all fake dating and games until my heart got involved...
I wanted to have the best summer ever. To have my first kiss and finally get my brother’s best friend to notice me.
So I talked my best friend Carson into helping.
He’d do anything for me, and I’d do the same for him. But somewhere between fake dating and pretending to fall in love with him, I fell for real.
And it was the dumbest thing I’ve ever done.
In the last four books of The Curvy Girl Club, Carson and Callie have stayed best friends. Now it’s time for a love story all their own. Start reading Curvy Girls Can’t Date Best Friends today for a story sweeter and more delicious than honey!
I wanted to have the best summer ever. To have my first kiss and finally get my brother’s best friend to notice me.
So I talked my best friend Carson into helping.
He’d do anything for me, and I’d do the same for him. But somewhere between fake dating and pretending to fall in love with him, I fell for real.
And it was the dumbest thing I’ve ever done.
In the last four books of The Curvy Girl Club, Carson and Callie have stayed best friends. Now it’s time for a love story all their own. Start reading Curvy Girls Can’t Date Best Friends today for a story sweeter and more delicious than honey!
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2020
771 people are currently reading
3816 people want to read
About the author
Kelsie Stelting
48 books1,740 followersKelsie Stelting is a body positive romance author who writes love stories with strong characters, deep feelings, and happy endings.
She currently lives in Colorado. You can often find her writing, spending time with family, and soaking up too much sun wherever she can find it.
Visit www.kelsiestelting.com to get a free story and sign up for her readers' group!
She currently lives in Colorado. You can often find her writing, spending time with family, and soaking up too much sun wherever she can find it.
Visit www.kelsiestelting.com to get a free story and sign up for her readers' group!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
March 3, 2021
This is my wish for you;
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Hugs when spirits sag,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Faith so that you can believe,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
Love to complete your life.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
When I read the poem before this book even started, I sighed and I knew my heart was going to melt, be crushed and broken and be put back together by the time I finished this story; and this book did exactly that.
Reading this story with both Callie's AND Carson's perspective was exactly what I needed. But who would have thought Carson was living a life that was so painful and hurtful to even read about? My heart broke for him and I wanted to be there and crush him and shy him away from all the evil and hurt he had to survive for all of his childhood.
But this hurt was exactly what made me love this story more than any of the other Curvy Girls story, including Jordan's and Kai's.
Callon (their ship name, which I loved that it was used in this book so many times!) was the one relationship we readers of this series have all been rooting for, including all the characters in the story. What I especially loved and appreciated was at the start we saw how they met for the first time at 10 years old and even for every year that was written in one chapter, we saw their love for one another grew for each other, even if it didn't turn out the way they wanted. I loved how we saw each of them struggle with their emotions and afraid to open up because of their strong friendship for each other.
And now that they are both graduates, we get to see a journey unfold. I loved every bit of it, I was hurt and scared and swooned throughout the story. It was amazing to read through and watch how much they loved and cared for each other. I loved that they supported one another and were not afraid to seek each other for comfort even during their hardest times of their lives.
A strong arm wrapped around my shoulders and began hauling me off the court. I heard Carson's voice say, "It's going to be okay. I'm right here. I'll always be right here."
Truly magnificent, this is a series I will always remember and cherish. I am happy to see them all being adults and living their lives to the fullest. I cannot wait to read the next Curvy Girls club with Ginger's younger sister, Cori and her new friends. I just hope we get a book about the original club and we get to see a glimpse of each girl's future.
A delicious, romantic, best friends to lovers story that will have you hooked from the start and completely take over your life until the last page is read. Worth all the tears, yells and sighs you will feel for this book.
I'd been in love with her before, but seeing her like this - a woman, a goddess, was making it hard to keep my mind in the right place. But if it was so hard for me to keep my thoughts off how stunning she was, why couldn't she see it for herself?.
Highly recommend this series for all girls who have ever felt down about themselves and seen themselves as worthless and little respect for themselves. You Are Beautiful just the way you are and do not let anyone tell you otherwise! One day a guy will fight for you and see you for who you are on the inside and appreciate everything about you.
Callie was so pretty. She had this long blond hair that was softer than silk and big blue eyes as deep and beautiful as the ocean on a sunny day. Her smile was enough to take my breath away. Not to mention the way her body has been changing - adding curves in the best possible places.
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Hugs when spirits sag,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Faith so that you can believe,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
Love to complete your life.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
When I read the poem before this book even started, I sighed and I knew my heart was going to melt, be crushed and broken and be put back together by the time I finished this story; and this book did exactly that.
Reading this story with both Callie's AND Carson's perspective was exactly what I needed. But who would have thought Carson was living a life that was so painful and hurtful to even read about? My heart broke for him and I wanted to be there and crush him and shy him away from all the evil and hurt he had to survive for all of his childhood.
But this hurt was exactly what made me love this story more than any of the other Curvy Girls story, including Jordan's and Kai's.
Callon (their ship name, which I loved that it was used in this book so many times!) was the one relationship we readers of this series have all been rooting for, including all the characters in the story. What I especially loved and appreciated was at the start we saw how they met for the first time at 10 years old and even for every year that was written in one chapter, we saw their love for one another grew for each other, even if it didn't turn out the way they wanted. I loved how we saw each of them struggle with their emotions and afraid to open up because of their strong friendship for each other.
And now that they are both graduates, we get to see a journey unfold. I loved every bit of it, I was hurt and scared and swooned throughout the story. It was amazing to read through and watch how much they loved and cared for each other. I loved that they supported one another and were not afraid to seek each other for comfort even during their hardest times of their lives.
A strong arm wrapped around my shoulders and began hauling me off the court. I heard Carson's voice say, "It's going to be okay. I'm right here. I'll always be right here."
Truly magnificent, this is a series I will always remember and cherish. I am happy to see them all being adults and living their lives to the fullest. I cannot wait to read the next Curvy Girls club with Ginger's younger sister, Cori and her new friends. I just hope we get a book about the original club and we get to see a glimpse of each girl's future.
A delicious, romantic, best friends to lovers story that will have you hooked from the start and completely take over your life until the last page is read. Worth all the tears, yells and sighs you will feel for this book.
I'd been in love with her before, but seeing her like this - a woman, a goddess, was making it hard to keep my mind in the right place. But if it was so hard for me to keep my thoughts off how stunning she was, why couldn't she see it for herself?.
Highly recommend this series for all girls who have ever felt down about themselves and seen themselves as worthless and little respect for themselves. You Are Beautiful just the way you are and do not let anyone tell you otherwise! One day a guy will fight for you and see you for who you are on the inside and appreciate everything about you.
Callie was so pretty. She had this long blond hair that was softer than silk and big blue eyes as deep and beautiful as the ocean on a sunny day. Her smile was enough to take my breath away. Not to mention the way her body has been changing - adding curves in the best possible places.
December 21, 2020
This was the CG book I’ve been waiting for because I am trash for best friends-to-lovers trope. Plus fake dating. And pining. And angst? YES PLEASE. I loved getting both Callie and Carson’s points of view, though I wish the book was a little longer because the pacing was a smidge off for me as we volleyed back and forth. But who cares—Carson is the freaking best, most hopeful character ever and I love him and will defend him with my life. I’m going to miss these girls and their guys so much.
January 8, 2021
I’d been in love with her before, but seeing her like this-a woman, a goddess, was making it hard to keep my mind in the right place. But if it was so hard for me to keep my thoughts off how stunning she was, why couldn’t she see it for herself?
I hated that people did this to girls. I’d do anything to make them see how beautiful they were. It made them hide the light inside themselves.
Love is messy, and sometimes you think it’s all going to hell, but then you figure out it was just a part of your story. Someday, it will all make sense.
Losing him would be like losing a part of myself.
I have been waiting for this book since the start of the series. After reading this book, I adore Carson and Callie even more. I wasn’t expecting the dark story line for Carson. I love the support from the girls and their boyfriends. This book gave me everything, the smiles, the laughter, the tears. The bonus scene was what I needed. 4.75 stars.
I hated that people did this to girls. I’d do anything to make them see how beautiful they were. It made them hide the light inside themselves.
Love is messy, and sometimes you think it’s all going to hell, but then you figure out it was just a part of your story. Someday, it will all make sense.
Losing him would be like losing a part of myself.
I have been waiting for this book since the start of the series. After reading this book, I adore Carson and Callie even more. I wasn’t expecting the dark story line for Carson. I love the support from the girls and their boyfriends. This book gave me everything, the smiles, the laughter, the tears. The bonus scene was what I needed. 4.75 stars.
April 7, 2024
3.75 stars ✨
This was everything I wanted and needed in a childhood best friends to lovers book. The mutual pining was so delicious and their individual arcs were perfectly written. This is probably going to be the best in the series. I don’t think the other ones will top this one.
This was everything I wanted and needed in a childhood best friends to lovers book. The mutual pining was so delicious and their individual arcs were perfectly written. This is probably going to be the best in the series. I don’t think the other ones will top this one.
January 12, 2021
This an overall review of all the books, FYL this one was my favorite!
Meet Rory, Jordan, Ginger, Zara, and Callie. A group of plus-sized girls that fight back against school bullies, support and love each other, and find love along the way. I loved the group dynamic with the girls and their men, ten people in one scene? Hilarious moments were bound to ensue, and trust me, they did! I loved seeing a plus-size group of girls going through similar emotions, experiences and helping lift each other up. I can talk to my friends about many things, but plus-size issues aren't one of them. This is no fault of their own but my insecurities. There is nothing more embarrassing than having friends ask to go to the mall and going into stores that clearly don't have your size, and feeling so out of place. So, I loved this group of girls even though they were imperfect, sometimes harsh to one another, and did silly things instead of choosing the obvious solution, they had each other, and that was enough.
There were three issues I had with this book. Firstly, the flow of these stories was always the same! The girl meets a guy, likes the guy, dates him, a life-altering situation happens, guy or girl gets mad, leaves the one they love, they make up in dramatic fashion, the end! But it's the lack of reality that almost killed this series. Some of the situations the girls found themselves in, and the background stories made me roll my eyes. An overnight youtube star, public humiliation without real consequences, arranged marriage, paparazzi, involvement in police matters, harsh/unrealistic parental reactions, etc. If anyone knows me, I hate when reality is lost, and reality definitely walked out the door a few times, and Nicole Yoon walked in. Yes, honey, that was shade, but I still read her books, so don't go throwing stones.
Lastly, as a little girl, I didn't mind reading about the stereotypical main character, White, skinny, long-haired blonde/brunette girls. As I got older, I realized I wanted someone that looked like me and experiences that mirrored mine. Why is it so hard for a Black plus size girl or just a Black girl, in general, to be the main character without being sexualized, sassy, or considered a fetish? Black people are almost nonexistent in mainstream books. They aren't the everyday main character or even a general background character. Unless they are deemed the sidekick sassy best friend, I know I shouldn't place this frustration on Stelting as her books were focused entirely on other concerns. Still, it is incredibly disappointing to read five books and see every other race but my own.
Now what I'm about to say next may be controversial and get me some rolled eyes and "a just shut up and enjoy the book comment," but as always, I'm overly analytical, so get over it and keep reading without those eye rolls. Okay, so look, I would have liked to have met a regular guy. Each guy in these books was jacked, tall, and beautiful; basically, they were on model status. Many of the girls had drool on their lips and didn't know if they wanted to "Kiss em or lick em" when it came to their muscles. I love that this book says that curvy girls deserve and can have it all, that we are no less than any other person because of our body type. The question I have is.... what's wrong with a regular guy? Average body build? Softer men?
In reality, I have a more challenging time picturing myself with a skinner person than a muscular guy since people love to condition plus size women with men that are strong to compliment the size difference. As a kid, I heard that I would crush a guy if I sat down on them. So It is almost more defiant to be with a skinny/average guy and serve a massive "suck it" to the jerks in my highschool days. Now I know what yall are thinking, Tamia; you don't want a muscular guy? Girl, are you crazy. If a greek god walks into my life, don't think I'm passing it up, but let's normalize average male and female plus-size bodies together. Plus size women don't need a huge man to balance things out; all we need is love. Overall, this book made me feel like I could be the one. I can have the guy. I can have friends. I can enjoy life, and guess what? I can because I deserve it! My body doesn't dictate that I can't have love, and the curvy girl series embodied that. Shout out to my curvy girls and shout out to Stelting!
Meet Rory, Jordan, Ginger, Zara, and Callie. A group of plus-sized girls that fight back against school bullies, support and love each other, and find love along the way. I loved the group dynamic with the girls and their men, ten people in one scene? Hilarious moments were bound to ensue, and trust me, they did! I loved seeing a plus-size group of girls going through similar emotions, experiences and helping lift each other up. I can talk to my friends about many things, but plus-size issues aren't one of them. This is no fault of their own but my insecurities. There is nothing more embarrassing than having friends ask to go to the mall and going into stores that clearly don't have your size, and feeling so out of place. So, I loved this group of girls even though they were imperfect, sometimes harsh to one another, and did silly things instead of choosing the obvious solution, they had each other, and that was enough.
There were three issues I had with this book. Firstly, the flow of these stories was always the same! The girl meets a guy, likes the guy, dates him, a life-altering situation happens, guy or girl gets mad, leaves the one they love, they make up in dramatic fashion, the end! But it's the lack of reality that almost killed this series. Some of the situations the girls found themselves in, and the background stories made me roll my eyes. An overnight youtube star, public humiliation without real consequences, arranged marriage, paparazzi, involvement in police matters, harsh/unrealistic parental reactions, etc. If anyone knows me, I hate when reality is lost, and reality definitely walked out the door a few times, and Nicole Yoon walked in. Yes, honey, that was shade, but I still read her books, so don't go throwing stones.
Lastly, as a little girl, I didn't mind reading about the stereotypical main character, White, skinny, long-haired blonde/brunette girls. As I got older, I realized I wanted someone that looked like me and experiences that mirrored mine. Why is it so hard for a Black plus size girl or just a Black girl, in general, to be the main character without being sexualized, sassy, or considered a fetish? Black people are almost nonexistent in mainstream books. They aren't the everyday main character or even a general background character. Unless they are deemed the sidekick sassy best friend, I know I shouldn't place this frustration on Stelting as her books were focused entirely on other concerns. Still, it is incredibly disappointing to read five books and see every other race but my own.
Now what I'm about to say next may be controversial and get me some rolled eyes and "a just shut up and enjoy the book comment," but as always, I'm overly analytical, so get over it and keep reading without those eye rolls. Okay, so look, I would have liked to have met a regular guy. Each guy in these books was jacked, tall, and beautiful; basically, they were on model status. Many of the girls had drool on their lips and didn't know if they wanted to "Kiss em or lick em" when it came to their muscles. I love that this book says that curvy girls deserve and can have it all, that we are no less than any other person because of our body type. The question I have is.... what's wrong with a regular guy? Average body build? Softer men?
In reality, I have a more challenging time picturing myself with a skinner person than a muscular guy since people love to condition plus size women with men that are strong to compliment the size difference. As a kid, I heard that I would crush a guy if I sat down on them. So It is almost more defiant to be with a skinny/average guy and serve a massive "suck it" to the jerks in my highschool days. Now I know what yall are thinking, Tamia; you don't want a muscular guy? Girl, are you crazy. If a greek god walks into my life, don't think I'm passing it up, but let's normalize average male and female plus-size bodies together. Plus size women don't need a huge man to balance things out; all we need is love. Overall, this book made me feel like I could be the one. I can have the guy. I can have friends. I can enjoy life, and guess what? I can because I deserve it! My body doesn't dictate that I can't have love, and the curvy girl series embodied that. Shout out to my curvy girls and shout out to Stelting!
October 12, 2022
3.5 stars
well, that was a surprise, this might be the best one in the series and I actually enjoyed it *surprised face*
In this book we will the last one of these toxic curvy girls, Callie, and we get another point of view Carson, they've been best friends since they were ten and they've been through a lot together, now they graduated and they are prepared for the last hurrah before college, Callie wants to get the guy she's been crushing on for months Nick, but secretly she wishes if she can be with Carson, and Carson feels the exact same way he's just afraid to confess his feelings when she already wants someone else, so he proposes to her to fake date to "get Nick's attention" *winky face* will they act on their feelings before it's too late ?
I have to admit, out of all the girls I've read about in the series Callie was the least toxic between them and I really shipped her and Carson and they were really good together, and there is something about graduating and opening a new chapter that gets to me ..
I don't know if I will continue with this series because I had a really hard time with it but for now I will take a break from it
well, that was a surprise, this might be the best one in the series and I actually enjoyed it *surprised face*
In this book we will the last one of these toxic curvy girls, Callie, and we get another point of view Carson, they've been best friends since they were ten and they've been through a lot together, now they graduated and they are prepared for the last hurrah before college, Callie wants to get the guy she's been crushing on for months Nick, but secretly she wishes if she can be with Carson, and Carson feels the exact same way he's just afraid to confess his feelings when she already wants someone else, so he proposes to her to fake date to "get Nick's attention" *winky face* will they act on their feelings before it's too late ?
I have to admit, out of all the girls I've read about in the series Callie was the least toxic between them and I really shipped her and Carson and they were really good together, and there is something about graduating and opening a new chapter that gets to me ..
I don't know if I will continue with this series because I had a really hard time with it but for now I will take a break from it
May 3, 2022
The books in this series just keep getting better! I positively loved this book! By adding in the hero's point of view, the author added another layer of emotion, which I found riveting. The characters were well developed and the story was emotional and poignant. I love the message of how important friendship is and also that everyone deserves to be love and respected. I hope that more of the books in this series will be available in in audio sometime soon. I can't wait to listen to more of them!
August 10, 2021
My heart broke for Carson his home life is really hard to take. I loved that he had Callie from a young age to lean on and her family.
This is probably my favorite trope friends to lovers, it isn’t always easy to confess ones feelings when your friends as both Carson and Callie are finding at different stages of life.
But once you get the courage to speak what is truly in your heart you might be surprised what comes out of it.
There are hiccups in every relationship and Carson has a big one he has to overcome. I like that his sisters were there for him.
Callie has a lot of growing to do and she does but she also has the biggest heart.
Enjoyable narration!
This is probably my favorite trope friends to lovers, it isn’t always easy to confess ones feelings when your friends as both Carson and Callie are finding at different stages of life.
But once you get the courage to speak what is truly in your heart you might be surprised what comes out of it.
There are hiccups in every relationship and Carson has a big one he has to overcome. I like that his sisters were there for him.
Callie has a lot of growing to do and she does but she also has the biggest heart.
Enjoyable narration!
December 16, 2020
My favorite Curvy Girl book by far!! There was so much love, so much emotion, and a few tears shed (by me) in the process of reading this book. This whole series is beautiful, but this book was truly a great ending to the first part of this series.
I've been waiting so long to hear the story of these two best friends and it didn't disappoint. Every time they talked about being in love with each other, my heart just panged a little in my chest (if that even makes sense). It was the fact that they loved each other, but didn't know they loved each other and I just kinda wanted to rip my hair out, but also I loved that it was all so drawn out and it was just so wonderful...
I also loved how the book was set up. The first few chapters show Callie and Carson's relationship from start to present. It set up their romance nicely, but also gave me enough back story for both characters to make their emotional present situation pack a harder punch.
Also, along the same lines, one of my favorite things about this book was getting to know Carson. I had no idea he had been through so much or was still going through so much. In the previous books in the series, he just seemed like this sweet and thoughtful jock that was a good ally to the Curvy Girl Club. Really, he was so much more. This book made me fall in love with him and had me seeing how strong he was. This book was probably the most emotional for me just because of Carson and his tough life. Callie really saved him.
Moving on, there was one thing that I wanted to mention because I wasn't sure it was going to happen, but I'm soooooo glad it did. The redemption arc I've been waiting 5 books for finally happened! It was wonderful and welcoming and didn't completely forgive the person for what they did. Which made things even better. It was a very realistic and necessary redemption.
Overall, this book was pretty spectacular. It was emotional, character-driven, and a beautiful wrap-up to a beautiful series. I'm so glad I was able to get to know not only Callie and Carson better, but all of the Curvy Girl Club better. They feel like people I would have liked to be friends with.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I've been waiting so long to hear the story of these two best friends and it didn't disappoint. Every time they talked about being in love with each other, my heart just panged a little in my chest (if that even makes sense). It was the fact that they loved each other, but didn't know they loved each other and I just kinda wanted to rip my hair out, but also I loved that it was all so drawn out and it was just so wonderful...
I also loved how the book was set up. The first few chapters show Callie and Carson's relationship from start to present. It set up their romance nicely, but also gave me enough back story for both characters to make their emotional present situation pack a harder punch.
Also, along the same lines, one of my favorite things about this book was getting to know Carson. I had no idea he had been through so much or was still going through so much. In the previous books in the series, he just seemed like this sweet and thoughtful jock that was a good ally to the Curvy Girl Club. Really, he was so much more. This book made me fall in love with him and had me seeing how strong he was. This book was probably the most emotional for me just because of Carson and his tough life. Callie really saved him.
Moving on, there was one thing that I wanted to mention because I wasn't sure it was going to happen, but I'm soooooo glad it did. The redemption arc I've been waiting 5 books for finally happened! It was wonderful and welcoming and didn't completely forgive the person for what they did. Which made things even better. It was a very realistic and necessary redemption.
Overall, this book was pretty spectacular. It was emotional, character-driven, and a beautiful wrap-up to a beautiful series. I'm so glad I was able to get to know not only Callie and Carson better, but all of the Curvy Girl Club better. They feel like people I would have liked to be friends with.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter
April 2, 2021
“I hated that people did this to girls. I’d do anything to make them see how beautiful they were. It made them hide the light inside themselves.”
I have so many feelings coursing through my body. Fake dating? Plus they’re best friends? Yeah I’ll never get over this. I have enjoyed this whole series and i swear it just gets better and better. I have saved this book for a long time. I knew it had one of my favorite tropes and I wanted to savor it. Now I’m sad it’s over.
Callie and Carson are so dang cute! I absolutely adore them. The way we got a glimpse at their friendship growing up, then got to watch their relationship blossom? Absolutely everything to me. Some of the themes of this book are much heavier, so TW for talk of & domestic violence, alcohol abuse. My heart broke for Carson, for his family, what they endured. But the way he talked about Callie 😭😭 i can’t get over how great they are for each other! Wow. This was just, everything i ever wanted.
I have so many feelings coursing through my body. Fake dating? Plus they’re best friends? Yeah I’ll never get over this. I have enjoyed this whole series and i swear it just gets better and better. I have saved this book for a long time. I knew it had one of my favorite tropes and I wanted to savor it. Now I’m sad it’s over.
Callie and Carson are so dang cute! I absolutely adore them. The way we got a glimpse at their friendship growing up, then got to watch their relationship blossom? Absolutely everything to me. Some of the themes of this book are much heavier, so TW for talk of & domestic violence, alcohol abuse. My heart broke for Carson, for his family, what they endured. But the way he talked about Callie 😭😭 i can’t get over how great they are for each other! Wow. This was just, everything i ever wanted.
October 26, 2023
Kelsie's stories are like a good meal that she forgets to salt. They have so much potential but at the same time I feel she wastes it.
I feel like she fails to go deep in a way that you can connect with the characters. It remains superficial. I don't know exactly what it is...largely the dialogue.
Callie and Carson's story, in contrast to the vapid Rory, is cute and could have been a hell of a lot better.
Callie ended up seeming hollow to me, especially towards the end. The way she handles the situation with Carson... people, come on, there's nothing believable about the miscommunication tropes. They're ridiculous.
Another thing, where was Nick suddenly so interested in Callie from? I never saw them connect in the whole book and suddenly the guy dedicates a poem to her?
I don't know, I feel like this author doesn't know how to connect the dots. It’s meh.
I feel like she fails to go deep in a way that you can connect with the characters. It remains superficial. I don't know exactly what it is...largely the dialogue.
Callie and Carson's story, in contrast to the vapid Rory, is cute and could have been a hell of a lot better.
Callie ended up seeming hollow to me, especially towards the end. The way she handles the situation with Carson... people, come on, there's nothing believable about the miscommunication tropes. They're ridiculous.
Another thing, where was Nick suddenly so interested in Callie from? I never saw them connect in the whole book and suddenly the guy dedicates a poem to her?
I don't know, I feel like this author doesn't know how to connect the dots. It’s meh.
April 4, 2021
This story was super cliche and I loved it. Plus, it was really fun to jump in between the two different perspectives instead of only focusing on one.
The Beginning: It was super cute because we get to see how Carson and Callie become the best friends that they are in the rest of the books. I had no idea that there was so much going on. It was so heartbreaking to see all of the missed chances that occurred as they were growing up.
The Romance: The romance in this one was absolutely amazing. I have always been a fan of the idea of finding your soulmate. In this one, they always knew they were the one meant for the other since they were little kids. It was so cute and a little cheesy at times, but it made for a thoroughly romantic read.
Redemption: I don't want to give too many spoilers and if you haven't read the series, this probably won't make any sense. But the spawn of satan actually manages to redeem herself in this one. It was a little unexpected, but a good addition to the story.
The Beginning: It was super cute because we get to see how Carson and Callie become the best friends that they are in the rest of the books. I had no idea that there was so much going on. It was so heartbreaking to see all of the missed chances that occurred as they were growing up.
The Romance: The romance in this one was absolutely amazing. I have always been a fan of the idea of finding your soulmate. In this one, they always knew they were the one meant for the other since they were little kids. It was so cute and a little cheesy at times, but it made for a thoroughly romantic read.
Redemption: I don't want to give too many spoilers and if you haven't read the series, this probably won't make any sense. But the spawn of satan actually manages to redeem herself in this one. It was a little unexpected, but a good addition to the story.
June 23, 2021
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I do love a best friends to lovers story. I love even more that there were dual POVs. Callie and Carson are so adorable.
The book starts when Carson moves to Emerson when he was ten years old and we follow the friendship throughout the years till we get up to the summer before college. I fell in love with Callie and Carson's story and how they finally told each other they have feelings for each other.
I think I may take a break from Emerson High. I think I need a break before I jump into a new group of characters.
I do love a best friends to lovers story. I love even more that there were dual POVs. Callie and Carson are so adorable.
The book starts when Carson moves to Emerson when he was ten years old and we follow the friendship throughout the years till we get up to the summer before college. I fell in love with Callie and Carson's story and how they finally told each other they have feelings for each other.
I think I may take a break from Emerson High. I think I need a break before I jump into a new group of characters.
April 16, 2023
This was a super cute read! I loved getting to know Carson and Callie as they grew up — and grew closer — over the years. Their personalities balance each other so well, and even though I wanted to shake them because they were both too afraid to share their feelings (but what would a friends to lovers trope be without that? <3 ), I loved their chemistry. Their friends rounded out the story well and now I need to read all of their books too!
September 10, 2025
Great book with curvy girl representation! But like most hallmark and romance book/movie very predictable. However, even though you knew where it was going, there was still something about it that made it magical for myself. Maybe it was the best friend aspect for me, I don’t know… so many pieces felt so real.
May 13, 2024
A little cheesy and long winded but it was still pretty good. I loved to addition of new insecurities and the character development. Carson was a little to unbelievable though. There was also no ramifications for what Callie did to her brothers best friend either which was a little bad.
June 12, 2024
Cute little read
November 15, 2024
Can’t go wrong with a good friends to lovers
January 3, 2025
A beautifully written story of love, self awareness and new beginnings. 🥰
June 23, 2025
The fact that I finished it in a day says how much I enjoyed it!
I can’t wait to read through the rest of the series. I was slow to discover this and am so happy I did!
I can’t wait to read through the rest of the series. I was slow to discover this and am so happy I did!
December 9, 2025
THIS BOOK GAVE ME WHIPLASH. Also, male loneliness epidemic doesn't exist in Emerson.
August 15, 2021
This one by far was my favorite out of the whole series.
March 29, 2025
Cute but very young adult but definitely love some curvy girl representation.
December 19, 2020
Awh, my 💞 for Carson & Callie! I have love this series! It truly gets better & better each story! The author made me laugh, cry & swoon again. Carson stole my heart!
I thought this series would end here but the author is extending it! I cannot wait for the next book! 😍
I thought this series would end here but the author is extending it! I cannot wait for the next book! 😍
October 10, 2022
Hello!!! I am here to SCREAM at the top of my lungs that I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! This series is EVERYTHING. Okay here I go…trying to write a really good review. Kelsie Stelting…my girl…you are an artiste!!! These characters in this series…ugh…I just love them to pieces. Okay, so first of all, Callie and Carson have been besties from the start, and EVERYONE wanted them to be together. I was really excited to read their story because I just knew it would be a good one…and guess what? I was right. Carson is como se dice *chef’s kiss* He is the best boy ever honestly. I love his and Callie’s friendship-it’s kind of giving It Ends With Us vibes? Callie takes Carson in and her family becomes his family. I LOVED reading how their relationship began and grew from when they first met at 10 years old. At first I was like, “where is the good stuff?” But the good stuff came quickly enough. I could not stop reading this book…like I’m on a cruise right now and every spare moment I had today, I found myself reaching for this book. The story was captivating and easy. It had me screaming at the characters. I mean it was an emotional rollercoaster. Every few chapters I was just like, “AHHHHH!!!!” Callie and Carson are the typical “best friends that are in love with each other but not want to ruin their friendship” trope. It was TEXTBOOK. Everyone but them KNEW they were meant to be. What really had me was how they were both in love with each other at different points growing up, but they never had the balls to do anything about it. Love is worth waiting for I guess. I’m very excited to read the next book!!! Hope this review was good!!! Trying to do better and not just yell about how much I love the book!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2024
I wanted to love this but the main character was so unbearable and oblivious in the worst way especially when literally everyone else in the book was telling her that he liked her/ loved her… including him. Then she spent a whole 2.5 seconds dating him before she acted brand new like she didn’t know him and questioned being with him even tho she’s known him since she was 8 years old and knew the background and family he had. I feel like even when you can’t relate to peoples lives you can understand why they’d do something and she was so judgmental. This is the first time the girl in the book is the one that gave me the ick.
September 14, 2022
I wanted to like this, in theory it has everything I should like: friends to lovers, dual POV, angst, plus size representation… but the pacing felt very off…
I don't think we needed all that time spend on the beginning of their friendship, all the away at age 10; the same could've been achieved with flashbacks, I think...
I didn't read any of the other books from the series (nor do I intend to), so the scenes with the group of curvy friends felt very flat…
I ended up dnfing because I was expecting something else from the story.
I don't think we needed all that time spend on the beginning of their friendship, all the away at age 10; the same could've been achieved with flashbacks, I think...
I didn't read any of the other books from the series (nor do I intend to), so the scenes with the group of curvy friends felt very flat…
I ended up dnfing because I was expecting something else from the story.
January 2, 2022
Aww, saved the best for last in the Curvy Girls Club 1.0. Carson and Callie were goals the entire series, and I loved watching them come together despite some of the issues haunting them both. I loved how the book started with them meeting 8 years ago and how that love grew over time. I even came around on Merritt, which is saying something!
Also, important reminder, dogs know what is best for us.
4 stars!
Also, important reminder, dogs know what is best for us.
4 stars!
August 21, 2022
Dnf @77%
I honestly wanted to love this book because I love me some childhood friends to lovers, curvy girl rep, and autoimmune disease rep. But the book felt very early 2010's even though it was written not too long ago and I didn't really enjoy the writing, pacing, and the conflict at the end is the reason for the dnf, even though it was obvious it was coming.
Anyway, if this book was written earlier and I read it earlier I really think I would have enjoyed it, but right now it wasn't for me.
I honestly wanted to love this book because I love me some childhood friends to lovers, curvy girl rep, and autoimmune disease rep. But the book felt very early 2010's even though it was written not too long ago and I didn't really enjoy the writing, pacing, and the conflict at the end is the reason for the dnf, even though it was obvious it was coming.
Anyway, if this book was written earlier and I read it earlier I really think I would have enjoyed it, but right now it wasn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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