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Curvy Girl Crew #2
The Guy Who Ghosted Me
All I need is time in a studio to blow some glass.
How could I know the owner was the guy who ghosted me after one date?
Not that I’d thought about our date much over the past three years. Or the perfect kiss we’d shared before we’d parted. Or the fact that Ryan had been the only guy who’d accepted me as I was, curves and all.
Nope. None of that had crossed my mind. At. All.
I was over it.
Until Ryan offers me a killer discount on the studio time…if I’d go on three dates with him.
It’s hard to resist a deal like that, especially when I find out he ghosted me because on the way home from our date he literally dropped his whole life, including his phone, to go to New York and take care of his sister and her kids after a terrible car accident.
Ryan needs someone to double with so he can vet the guys his sister is going out with.
I can be that someone. Just three little dates. No strings attached. Killer deal on studio time.
It’ll be easy to ignore Ryan’s confidence, his charm, and the way he always seems to be there when I need him.
But can he handle the trauma my ex left me with? When it rears its ugly head, will Ryan stand by me, or will he bolt like any sane man should?
The Guy Who Ghosted Me is a laugh-out-loud funny, second chance, clean romantic comedy with sizzling chemistry, witty banter, and swoony kisses. Get your copy today!
How could I know the owner was the guy who ghosted me after one date?
Not that I’d thought about our date much over the past three years. Or the perfect kiss we’d shared before we’d parted. Or the fact that Ryan had been the only guy who’d accepted me as I was, curves and all.
Nope. None of that had crossed my mind. At. All.
I was over it.
Until Ryan offers me a killer discount on the studio time…if I’d go on three dates with him.
It’s hard to resist a deal like that, especially when I find out he ghosted me because on the way home from our date he literally dropped his whole life, including his phone, to go to New York and take care of his sister and her kids after a terrible car accident.
Ryan needs someone to double with so he can vet the guys his sister is going out with.
I can be that someone. Just three little dates. No strings attached. Killer deal on studio time.
It’ll be easy to ignore Ryan’s confidence, his charm, and the way he always seems to be there when I need him.
But can he handle the trauma my ex left me with? When it rears its ugly head, will Ryan stand by me, or will he bolt like any sane man should?
The Guy Who Ghosted Me is a laugh-out-loud funny, second chance, clean romantic comedy with sizzling chemistry, witty banter, and swoony kisses. Get your copy today!
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2022
233 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Karly Stratford
44 books81 followersKarly Stratford grew up in the wild west, and finds mountains helpful in telling which direction she is going. Her lifelong goals include: travel to all seven continents, become a Jedi Knight and receive a death threat from a fan. So far she's been to five continents, has a black belt in Kempo and is still working on the death threat.
She got roped into writing clean, uplifting romance by a few of her author friends, and actually enjoys it. The women in her books are feisty, strong and independent, while the men are smart, capable and focused. She hopes that by the time you finish one of her books you've laughed, you've cried, and you've cheered.
Karly also writes young adult, action-packed, science fiction and fantasy under the pen name Jo Schneider.
She got roped into writing clean, uplifting romance by a few of her author friends, and actually enjoys it. The women in her books are feisty, strong and independent, while the men are smart, capable and focused. She hopes that by the time you finish one of her books you've laughed, you've cried, and you've cheered.
Karly also writes young adult, action-packed, science fiction and fantasy under the pen name Jo Schneider.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
dnf-2024
July 8, 2024dnf .. boring
May 2, 2024
I’m loving this series! Ashley and Ryan went on a date once upon a time, but he left and she never heard from him again. She dated Jackson and that ended badly. As a glass blower, she wants to enter a competition. So she rents space in a shop so she could practice. The shop is owned by none other than Ryan. Ryan is trying to get his sister, Suzie, back into dating. She lost her husband years ago. So Ryan and Suzie agree to three double dates. Ryan asks Ashley to be his date for these three dates. Sparks fly, but Ashley has some issues from her past – and those issues make an appearance.
I love Ryan and Ashley together!! I thought that they were so sweet. I felt for Ashley due to her past, and I thought once Ryan knew about it, he handled it so well. There wasn’t as much talk about being curvy in this book as there was in the last one, but enough that it fits in with the “curvy girl series.”
I loved that the friends all made an appearance, and that they all supported Ashley. They knew her so well, that they knew exactly what she needed and when she needed it. Honestly, it made me a little jealous because I don’t have any friends anymore that know me that well.
The dates were fun, but I loved that they weren’t perfect. Especially the dinner cruise date. That was a disaster! But it gave us really good insight as to who Ryan was and Ryan is just really a great guy.
I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
I love Ryan and Ashley together!! I thought that they were so sweet. I felt for Ashley due to her past, and I thought once Ryan knew about it, he handled it so well. There wasn’t as much talk about being curvy in this book as there was in the last one, but enough that it fits in with the “curvy girl series.”
I loved that the friends all made an appearance, and that they all supported Ashley. They knew her so well, that they knew exactly what she needed and when she needed it. Honestly, it made me a little jealous because I don’t have any friends anymore that know me that well.
The dates were fun, but I loved that they weren’t perfect. Especially the dinner cruise date. That was a disaster! But it gave us really good insight as to who Ryan was and Ryan is just really a great guy.
I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
August 16, 2022
I would actually say this is more like 3.5 stars but I’m willing to round up.
Ok, so the beginning of this book was awkward AF between the two main characters. I really think this book would have benefited from a prologue flashback. I think that would have made their later interaction, upon reuniting WAY more impactful.
Also, this is not a smutty book at all (that’s not a criticism. Smutty would actually have been wildly out of place in this book, I feel. But if you want smut, this is not your book.)
However, I will say the book got better as it went on. The dialogue got more natural, their interactions became sweeter and more organic, and I liked that you really got a feel for Ryan’s life as well as Ashley’s (and both their pasts and traumas.)
Also there is a fabulous “Don’t touch her/ I’ll kill you” scene. And the build up to it is almost unbearable. In a good way. I was practically squirming in my seat for the moving points to line up.
I will say, her friends all kind of blended together. Not even totally sure how many there were or all of their names. I know Jessica was her roommate but that’s about it. So I think maybe the friend group should have been a little smaller.
TW for abusive relationship themes though.
Ok, so the beginning of this book was awkward AF between the two main characters. I really think this book would have benefited from a prologue flashback. I think that would have made their later interaction, upon reuniting WAY more impactful.
Also, this is not a smutty book at all (that’s not a criticism. Smutty would actually have been wildly out of place in this book, I feel. But if you want smut, this is not your book.)
However, I will say the book got better as it went on. The dialogue got more natural, their interactions became sweeter and more organic, and I liked that you really got a feel for Ryan’s life as well as Ashley’s (and both their pasts and traumas.)
Also there is a fabulous “Don’t touch her/ I’ll kill you” scene. And the build up to it is almost unbearable. In a good way. I was practically squirming in my seat for the moving points to line up.
I will say, her friends all kind of blended together. Not even totally sure how many there were or all of their names. I know Jessica was her roommate but that’s about it. So I think maybe the friend group should have been a little smaller.
TW for abusive relationship themes though.
May 28, 2023
These books are ok but not great. I find them rather boring so I am not going to advance on in the series. My biggest complaint about the writing is that she doesn't write a man's POV well. Men don't typically use words like "fluttering stomach" or describe their sisters outfits as "a sexy librarian with a low-cut blouse and nicely fitting pencil skirt" - describing his sister as sexy? Knowing what a pencil skirt is?
February 7, 2023
I tried this author and I tried this series, but these books are over the top ridiculous and campy. As a fat women, I'm all for representation, but these are not well written, at all.
The entire premise is stupid, the murder/mystery plotline is so ridiculous it's unbelievable and I just don't see any chemistry between Ashley/Ryan at all.
The entire premise is stupid, the murder/mystery plotline is so ridiculous it's unbelievable and I just don't see any chemistry between Ashley/Ryan at all.
August 27, 2022
I love when a book opens your eyes to something new! I’m reading this on vacation. This morning I toured a blown glass museum after I had started a few chapters of the book. I read finished book in the same day and was so inspired by the blown glass discussions that I promptly went and bought lessons as soon as I finished the book. Thank you for the inspiration! I can’t wait to really experience everything in the book!
The story was super good. Although I had read the previous in series, each book is stand alone and can be enjoyed separately. I loved Ryan! He was so nice. Definitely had some PTSD triggers for those that have endured a manipulative relationship. But the book was positive and upbeat overall. Very empowering. Loved Suzy too, I hope we see more of these side characters in the coming books of the series.
The boat scene was possibly my favorite of the book. I feel a little bit fearful to go on a dinner cruise now. But it was so gross and funny I couldn’t help but want to read it a second time.
Rating: PG, clean, some triggers for those recovering from manipulative controlling and abusive situations.
The story was super good. Although I had read the previous in series, each book is stand alone and can be enjoyed separately. I loved Ryan! He was so nice. Definitely had some PTSD triggers for those that have endured a manipulative relationship. But the book was positive and upbeat overall. Very empowering. Loved Suzy too, I hope we see more of these side characters in the coming books of the series.
The boat scene was possibly my favorite of the book. I feel a little bit fearful to go on a dinner cruise now. But it was so gross and funny I couldn’t help but want to read it a second time.
Rating: PG, clean, some triggers for those recovering from manipulative controlling and abusive situations.
October 22, 2022
Cute story
This book is a nice break from.my usual spicy reads. Don't get me wrong, this book pulls you in and keeps you wondering what hijinks will happen next. I particularly love the "second date." (if you know you know. 😂) But it's a delightful easy refreshing read with some serious themes to it. I would give one warning. This takes on themes of domestic violence so if that is a no for you...I would give it a pass. Our main character was about to get herself out of that situation, but still had issues dealing with the trauma of it. So I can see this being triggering for someone that may have lived it. You have to make that choice for yourself. I will say...it made me super proud to see a "crew" that would band together for across the country to help out their friend. I can only hope as I get older...my "crew" gets as large as our main characters.
This book is a nice break from.my usual spicy reads. Don't get me wrong, this book pulls you in and keeps you wondering what hijinks will happen next. I particularly love the "second date." (if you know you know. 😂) But it's a delightful easy refreshing read with some serious themes to it. I would give one warning. This takes on themes of domestic violence so if that is a no for you...I would give it a pass. Our main character was about to get herself out of that situation, but still had issues dealing with the trauma of it. So I can see this being triggering for someone that may have lived it. You have to make that choice for yourself. I will say...it made me super proud to see a "crew" that would band together for across the country to help out their friend. I can only hope as I get older...my "crew" gets as large as our main characters.
August 12, 2023
Ryan is a perfect match for Ashley
Yes there are lots of funny parts, but there are serious doses of heavy in this too. After a terrific date he had ghosted her for three years. In the interim she had another relationship that seemed amazing until it wasn’t. When Ryan and Ashley reconnect there is some serious ptsd. The friends in this story are amazing, the kind of group anyone would want in their corner. This is an excellent read, but be aware that there might be triggers for certain readers. If Ryan wasn’t such a great guy, it would be easy to have this turn into a very negative critique of the male species, but he is amazing and all things positive about a good man.
Clean, but yes some triggers.
Yes there are lots of funny parts, but there are serious doses of heavy in this too. After a terrific date he had ghosted her for three years. In the interim she had another relationship that seemed amazing until it wasn’t. When Ryan and Ashley reconnect there is some serious ptsd. The friends in this story are amazing, the kind of group anyone would want in their corner. This is an excellent read, but be aware that there might be triggers for certain readers. If Ryan wasn’t such a great guy, it would be easy to have this turn into a very negative critique of the male species, but he is amazing and all things positive about a good man.
Clean, but yes some triggers.
October 1, 2022
I liked it, a lot. Kept my interest; Ashley and Ryan were good together, and double dates with Ryan's sister were fun and telling. Story covered some serious relational PTSD sensitively and constructively. Ashley was able to articulate behaviors she saw, heard in his sister's date that sent warnings, stuff one might overlook or make excuses for. One thing was off, though: how could Ryan not figure out why she left; only one factor was different that night...the extra person he brought. Loved Ashley's finally facing her past from a place of solid strength...backed with her full girl squad of friends behind her. Impressive. Cheering.
June 8, 2023
Another good book
When I started this series of stories I was looking for romance and laughter. While the love story between Ryan and Ashley didn't quite follow the same lines, it was an intriguing story. Ryan is such a nice, loving guy who wouldn't fall in love with him. His sister and his nieces added the perfect dimension to learning who he was. Ashley was such a strong, tough person and an amazing artist. She survived a very bad relationship and fought her demons. Her group of friends are the best! This was such a good book. I enjoyed it a lot. Written by Cindy :)
When I started this series of stories I was looking for romance and laughter. While the love story between Ryan and Ashley didn't quite follow the same lines, it was an intriguing story. Ryan is such a nice, loving guy who wouldn't fall in love with him. His sister and his nieces added the perfect dimension to learning who he was. Ashley was such a strong, tough person and an amazing artist. She survived a very bad relationship and fought her demons. Her group of friends are the best! This was such a good book. I enjoyed it a lot. Written by Cindy :)
August 30, 2023
Not great... the characters have no chemistry, and the storyline is borderline ridiculous. And when the author was writing in Ryan's perspective, it didn't seem like she knew how to get the male voice right. No brother would say that his sister's outfit was smoking hot, etc. And the buildup with the ex? And Ashley discovering that he found her? It just didn't really flow well.
Also, as an aside, there was a throw-away line about how eating vegan and gluten-free was a "self-imposed choice" which is so asinine. People have food allergies and sensitivities, Ryan...
Also, as an aside, there was a throw-away line about how eating vegan and gluten-free was a "self-imposed choice" which is so asinine. People have food allergies and sensitivities, Ryan...
March 25, 2024
A Controlling Abuser or True Love
This was a good book, but it could be hard to read if PTSD or a controlling abuser could trigger you. I loved Ashley and her curvy crew of friends, her glass blowing expertise, and their side job of buying abandoned storage units. It's all so interesting and informative. Then there's Ryan and his tender care of his injured, widowed sister and her girls. Ryan and Ashley's second chance at love is a good story with a totally satisfying and romantic ending.
This was a good book, but it could be hard to read if PTSD or a controlling abuser could trigger you. I loved Ashley and her curvy crew of friends, her glass blowing expertise, and their side job of buying abandoned storage units. It's all so interesting and informative. Then there's Ryan and his tender care of his injured, widowed sister and her girls. Ryan and Ashley's second chance at love is a good story with a totally satisfying and romantic ending.
November 23, 2022
Trigger Warning Needed
So, this book was engaging, and had a good storyline, but it’s only a three for me, because it needed a MASSIVE warning for the graphic PTSD episodes and the flashbacks of domestic abuse. Having a FMC confront their abuser is a choice which really brings back traumatic memories for a lot of people, and isn’t necessarily something they want to deal with in a book that is marketed as a “sweet second chance romance”.
So, this book was engaging, and had a good storyline, but it’s only a three for me, because it needed a MASSIVE warning for the graphic PTSD episodes and the flashbacks of domestic abuse. Having a FMC confront their abuser is a choice which really brings back traumatic memories for a lot of people, and isn’t necessarily something they want to deal with in a book that is marketed as a “sweet second chance romance”.
February 19, 2024
Good read
This book was more than a fun light hearted read, it showed the results of serious relationship abuse, in Ashley's case she had PTSD. Thankfully she had strong supportive friends who had got her out of the toxic relationship and helped her recover. I really liked how this author showed there was hope post abuse and that Ashley was a strong woman who deserved her HEA with Ryan.
This book was more than a fun light hearted read, it showed the results of serious relationship abuse, in Ashley's case she had PTSD. Thankfully she had strong supportive friends who had got her out of the toxic relationship and helped her recover. I really liked how this author showed there was hope post abuse and that Ashley was a strong woman who deserved her HEA with Ryan.
August 11, 2022
Curvy Girl Pack
I definitely preferred pack over crew. Lol. The Curvy Girl Crew! So very cute!! I love Ashley's story so much. It's always difficult to read about abuse, but Karly Stratford handled it in a delicate way that made everything believable and incredibly powerful. Excellent book.
I definitely preferred pack over crew. Lol. The Curvy Girl Crew! So very cute!! I love Ashley's story so much. It's always difficult to read about abuse, but Karly Stratford handled it in a delicate way that made everything believable and incredibly powerful. Excellent book.
August 16, 2022
This was a fun book to read. Several parts had me laughing. The romance gave me warm fuzzies. But it’s not all fluff. Ashley has some serious trauma. I hurt for her, but I thought the author handled it well. There wasn’t a *poof* all better and she showed Ashley struggle. The villain did get his just rewards and that part had me cheering.
November 18, 2024
good
I really liked it but it was a little cheesy. I am all for the main character being recognized for being thicker but it makes me cringe a bit when she mentions it a lot. She brought up not being accepted because of her curves a bit too much in my opinion other than that though, I absolutely loved this story
I really liked it but it was a little cheesy. I am all for the main character being recognized for being thicker but it makes me cringe a bit when she mentions it a lot. She brought up not being accepted because of her curves a bit too much in my opinion other than that though, I absolutely loved this story
January 18, 2023
Adorable sweet read
This was a super cute book. An easy read with no cursing or spice. The characters are loveable - Alice and Linda really steal the show, and I want Suzy to get her own book.
Ryan is just about perfection and Ashley is a goddess with PTSD.
This was a super cute book. An easy read with no cursing or spice. The characters are loveable - Alice and Linda really steal the show, and I want Suzy to get her own book.
Ryan is just about perfection and Ashley is a goddess with PTSD.
September 18, 2023
Cute and entertaining
Really enjoyed this one. My daughter nagged me into reading it. She has read others by Karly Stratford and was dying to bring me into the fold. I'm really glad she did.
I read it in one day. I will be putting the others on my list.
Really enjoyed this one. My daughter nagged me into reading it. She has read others by Karly Stratford and was dying to bring me into the fold. I'm really glad she did.
I read it in one day. I will be putting the others on my list.
January 16, 2024
Cute quick rom com
Again the banter is great and the confidence of the red head is just beyond especially with the background. Would have liked more about her growth and therapy but that doesn't lend well to a rom com. Overall a fun fast read
Again the banter is great and the confidence of the red head is just beyond especially with the background. Would have liked more about her growth and therapy but that doesn't lend well to a rom com. Overall a fun fast read
January 10, 2025
Well done story
This was a really good story and a tough story line topic that was beautifully handled. I liked the camaraderie between the girlfriends and how they really were there for one another.
This was a really good story and a tough story line topic that was beautifully handled. I liked the camaraderie between the girlfriends and how they really were there for one another.
August 5, 2022
Review of The Guy Who Ghosted Me
I loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romance novels. She is an amazing writer.
I loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romance novels. She is an amazing writer.
August 7, 2022
I enjoyed this story.
Content: clean - mentions of past abuse
Content: clean - mentions of past abuse
August 14, 2022
Ashley and Ryan had a great date and never heard from him again. Years later they meet again on the other side of the country. Then she finds out the true story of what happened. Fun story.
August 17, 2022
Cute, and got to know more of the girl crew so liked that.
September 17, 2022
3.5 stars.
March 17, 2023
Exillerating
A beautiful story of romance and overcoming the past. I really liked the realism of dealing with the past baggage to move on.
A beautiful story of romance and overcoming the past. I really liked the realism of dealing with the past baggage to move on.
July 1, 2023
Great Read
This was a great sweet romance!! The characters were so real and down to earth. I will be reading more by this author!!!
This was a great sweet romance!! The characters were so real and down to earth. I will be reading more by this author!!!
February 10, 2024
Loved it!
I've suffered through a relationship with a narcissist and enjoyed reading this story about a curvy gal & her happily ever after!
I've suffered through a relationship with a narcissist and enjoyed reading this story about a curvy gal & her happily ever after!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews