This book was delightful! I kept hearing such positive buzz and am so happy I listened to the hype! What a cast of characters and the author dealt with some pretty serious issues with grace and care. I adored Margo! Thanks for NetGalley for an early copy!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe.

I initially did not care for this book, everything about the premise turned me off. A young girl, impregnated by her professor, chooses to have a baby out of sheer stubbornness, and then SURPRISE, it's hard and she's completely broke and unprepared. I can't.

But slowly, I'll admit, it really started to grown on me, the relationships, especially the one she has with her ex-wrester dad, had me charmed. It also begins a great discussion about sex work and it's legitimacy and need for it to become less stigmatized.

I didn't fall in love with this book, but it definitely had it's likeable qualities.

Suffice it to say that this book is not what I expected. “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” is more than the bawdy, irreverent, lighthearted, laugh-out-loud book that I thought it would be. It’s full of memorable characters and moments that made me think. This is a book that truly had me reconsider my assumptions about people by reading from the point of view of someone who feels harshly judged by society and her own family/loved ones.

Margo is a 20-year-old student who recently gave birth to a child fathered by her married, much-older English professor, Mark. Cue the professor not wanting anything to do with Baby Bodhi and Margo. This leaves Margo alone, financially strapped and dealing with the stressors of new motherhood. Her mom, a former Hooters waitress and newly engaged woman herself, does not offer much in terms of support or help with childcare. Her father, a former pro wrestler with a substance abuse history, really steps up to the plate helping with his grandson, but Margo discovers that she can make a decent living by starting an OnlyFans page. Margo perceives a lot of judgment from people in her life about her new chosen profession, but her love for Bodhi truly shines through.

Mark’s character was just insufferable and horrible.

What worked for me: the characters in the story were memorable and funny. There are not many characters like this in fiction today. The dialogue was believable and witty. I loved the portrayal of Jinx’s redemption as a father and the honest depiction of addiction.

What did not work for me: the nitty-gritty of the DPS work up. I think the story would have still worked well without the amateur attorney-ing and Margo’s “got ya” of the DPS worker at the very end.

All in all, I enjoyed this book because it challenged my assumptions about people and the choices they make. This was a 4.5 star read for me, rounded up to 5 stars.

Many thanks to William Morrow/HarperCollins and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to William Morrow for the e-ARC on NetGalley!

It's been years since I read a novel in one sitting, but Margo's Got Money Troubles was incredibly captivating, I couldn't put it down until it ended. The story is so fresh and modern; I am completely obsessed with it. Margo is 19 years old and pregnant with her neglectful professor's baby. Living with her father and his roommate, a student at Fullerton College, Margo struggles financially while learning how to be a single parent. Desperate to make an income, she turns to OnlyFans. The novel is hilarious and heartwarming as it is unique and unexpected.

The characters are fantastically written. From page one, I understood who Margo is, what her motivations are, and why. Even though she was not relatable to me (I unfortunately saw more of myself in her long-distance best friend, Becca), I still found myself rooting for her happiness and victory. Her resilience and willingness to persevere was admirable. Margo's life is far from delightful, and so is her character to be quite frank, and yet I found myself being delighted from her perspective. Thorpe's use of both third person and first person to show Margo's actions and interactions with others, as well as her thought process, was ingenious. I am completely obsessed with it.

This novel is easily one of my favorites of this year. What a truly refreshing piece of fiction.

Margo has just figured out that having a baby at 19 in the US leaves few options for employment. The baby’s father, her college professor, has no interest. Her mother, a single mom herself, has moved on. It’s only when her father, a retired professional wrestler, starts helping that things start to look up. Margo discovers she can market herself on as an online sex worker and the money starts to roll in. When her identity is outed on social media, her carefully crafted world starts to crumble- can she save it and the happy life she has created with her baby? Funny, poignant, and a searing portrait of the struggle young single moms face to survive.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

This book was a lot of fun and extremely heartwarming. It was quirky. I love that. It was funny. I love that. It pulled at my heartstrings without becoming maudlin. I love that. This was a good one.

As the child of a Hooters waitress and an ex-pro wrestler, Margo Millet's always known she’d have to make it on her own. So she enrolls at her local junior college, even though she can’t imagine how she’ll ever make a living. She’s still figuring things out and never planned to have an affair with her English professor—and while the affair is brief, it isn’t brief enough to keep her from getting pregnant. Despite everyone’s advice, she decides to keep the baby, mostly out of naiveté and a yearning for something bigger.

Now, at twenty, Margo is alone with an infant, unemployed, and on the verge of eviction. She needs a cash infusion—fast. When her estranged father, Jinx, shows up on her doorstep and asks to move in with her, she agrees in exchange for help with childcare. Then Margo begins to form a plan: she’ll start an OnlyFans as an experiment, and soon finds herself adapting some of Jinx’s advice from the world of wrestling. Like how to craft a compelling character and make your audience fall in love with you. Before she knows it, she’s turned it into a runaway success. Could this be the answer to all of Margo’s problems, or does internet fame come with too high a price?

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishers for the advanced copy. You can, and should, read it now.

This was delightful! I fell in love with Margo instantly and was rooting so hard for her the whole time! In addition to being fun and entertaining to read, I think it was a very interesting portrayal of social media (not just Only Fans) and its effect on our lives and livelihoods. I enjoyed every minute of reading it.

Rufi Thorpe's "Margo's Got Money Troubles" is a contemporary novel that delves into the complexities of personal finance, relationships, and societal expectations with a blend of wit and introspection. The story follows Margo, a middle-aged woman navigating the challenges of financial instability, family dynamics, and her own existential crises in the wake of unexpected financial setbacks.

One of the novel's standout strengths is Thorpe's ability to create a deeply flawed yet sympathetic protagonist in Margo. Her struggles with money management, compounded by familial pressures and her own insecurities, resonate with authenticity. Thorpe skillfully explores Margo's internal conflicts and emotional journey, offering readers a nuanced portrayal of a woman grappling with identity and societal expectations.

Moreover, the novel shines in its exploration of contemporary issues surrounding wealth disparity and financial insecurity. Thorpe confronts these themes head-on, weaving them into the fabric of Margo's narrative without resorting to didacticism. The author's insights into the psychological toll of financial instability and the ways in which it intersects with gender dynamics and personal relationships add depth and relevance to the story.

However, despite these strengths, "Margo's Got Money Troubles" may falter in its pacing and narrative structure. The plot occasionally meanders, with subplots and tangential reflections on societal issues diverting attention from Margo's central arc. While these diversions enrich the novel's thematic scope, they can also detract from its overall cohesion and impact.

Furthermore, some readers may find the novel's tone and style to be overly introspective or detached. Thorpe's prose, while insightful and often poignant, may distance readers from fully engaging with Margo's emotional journey. Moments of humor and self-awareness, though present, may not always mitigate the novel's more somber undertones.

In conclusion, "Margo's Got Money Troubles" is a thought-provoking exploration of financial instability, personal identity, and the complexities of modern life. Rufi Thorpe's adept characterization and keen social commentary make the novel a compelling read, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of its protagonist. While the novel's narrative structure and tone may not appeal to all readers, its thematic depth and emotional resonance make it a worthwhile addition to contemporary fiction that tackles important societal issues with insight and empathy.

I had no clue what this book was about when I requested an early copy. All I knew was that people were buzzing about it, and I wanted to read it. While not exactly the story I expected, I ended up really enjoying this one, even laughing out loud a few times. The characters were so well written and deeply relatable. This was a heartwarming yet agonizing human story about the choices we make in life, and how we judge and view others. This book was witty, surprising, endearing, and had so much heart. I cannot wait for this book to be adapted for TV - as I believe it's already in discussions - because I will watch it in a heartbeat. Thanks NetGalley for the early copy!

I LOVED this book. It was funny and smart and pulled on the heartstrings. Thorpe's writing is so sharp! I loved the switching between POVs- it made it more interesting and pulled me in as a reader. I listened to the audiobook as well- Elle Fanning totally captured Margo's naïveté and cheesiness. Overall, a fantastic book!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. Brilliantly written with vibrant characters. The plot was interesting and evolved at a great pace. The author did a great job of balancing the challenges of Margot’s life with Margot’s optimism. Will definitely recommend to others!

Rufi Thorpe's "Margo's Got Money Troubles" dives into the complexities of modern financial struggles with sharp wit, keen insight, and a deeply human touch. In this novella-length work, Thorpe crafts a compelling narrative around Margo, a character whose financial woes serve as a backdrop for a broader exploration of identity, relationships, and societal expectations.

At its heart, "Margo's Got Money Troubles" is a character study that delves into the psychological toll of financial instability. Margo, a woman in her thirties navigating the aftermath of a failed business venture and mounting debt, grapples with questions of self-worth and purpose. Thorpe skillfully portrays Margo’s inner turmoil, capturing the anxiety and shame that often accompany financial hardship.

Thorpe’s prose is both incisive and empathetic, drawing readers into Margo’s world with vivid detail and emotional depth. Through Margo’s interactions with friends, family, and acquaintances, Thorpe explores themes of privilege, class dynamics, and the pressures of social status in a thought-provoking manner.

What makes "Margo's Got Money Troubles" particularly resonant is its nuanced portrayal of the ways financial stress can impact personal relationships and one’s sense of self. Thorpe navigates these themes with sensitivity, avoiding easy answers and instead inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of financial insecurity and its ripple effects.

While the novella’s length limits the scope of its narrative, Thorpe’s focus on Margo’s internal journey allows for a deep exploration of character and emotion. The story unfolds at a brisk pace, propelled by Thorpe’s sharp dialogue and keen observations about contemporary life.

In conclusion, "Margo's Got Money Troubles" is a compelling exploration of financial struggle and its emotional toll, told with empathy, wit, and insight. Thorpe’s writing is engaging and thought-provoking, offering readers a poignant glimpse into the intersection of money, identity, and relationships in today’s world.

Thank to Rufi Thorpe, NetGalley, and William Morrow for an advanced copy of this book.


In "Margo's Got Money Troubles" by Rufi Thorpe, Margo's life is turned upside down when she faces unexpected financial difficulties. With humor and determination, she navigates her way through the challenges, discovering new strengths and unexpected support along the way.
I absolutely loved this story. Never did I think I'd be picking up a book focused around OnlyFans and WWE Wrestling, but here we are.
I though that the author did such a remarkable job making the characters so relatable. The storyline was realistic and truly makes you think about the judgements we make on others and what makes someone a good person. None of the characters in this book are perfect, and you find yourself cheering them on the entire time.

What a truly original book! My best advice is to go into this book completely blind and fall into the world of Margo. I found this book to be just incredibly charming and interesting. This is a nontraditional take on a coming of age story that left me rooting for Margo. The social commentary about sex workers and their rights was, admittedly, something that I didn't realize that I would even care about, but I left cheering for Margo loudly and proudly. She has so much heart and pizzazz, a young woman who found herself in an incredibly tough situation being a young single mother. While it is difficult to read about some of the struggles of single mothers, I found it an important point of view to understand. This book was completely heart warming, at times truly funny, and as a reader you leave wanting to be in Margo's camp and on her team, if you will. I found the side characters to be so interesting and crucial to the story, the story arc of both Jinx and Suzie so important to the plot and tied up so nicely. Overall, I highly recommend if you are looking for something unique, full of heart, and honestly uplifting by the end. 4.5/5 stars rounded up.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

5 star read of the summer! I didn’t know if this book was for me based on the description, but man am I glad I gave it a chance. I LOVED this. Margo’s character was so complex, deep, and even though I can’t personally relate, Thorpe somehow made it relatable! It tactfully shed light on a topic that not many people know about. You’ll find yourself rooting for Margo and wanting more!

"Margo's Got Money Troubles," a quirky and timely novel by Rufi Thorpe, touches on issues related to teen pregnancy, power dynamics, sex work and class while somehow also having a lot of fun. Our heroine, Margo, tells her story in sections that alternate between first and third person. What we see is the truth: Young American women who don't have a supportive family or other sources of wealth have tragically limited options. Those options narrow further if you add in the (time, financial, social) pressures that come with raising a child. Margo's father, a retired pro-wrestler with substance use disorder, adds a clever layer of business insight and comedic relief to the story. In fact, the whole cast of characters in Margo's life come together to create a novel that feels fresh and interesting from start to finish.

I really enjoyed this book! I'm excited to see the on-screen adaptation. This scratched my new lit-fic itch just like I was hoping it would. It's weird and quirky and funny and emotional. Very reminiscent of the novel, Pizza Girl! Highly enjoyed.

"Margo's Got Money Troubles" is a surprisingly upbeat novel considering that our main character, a young single mother, has money problems. Thorpe finds a humane way to have readers rethink what they may have thought about online sex workers, and show how a young mother can earn decent money while working at home, even though she faces more troubles that aren't related to finances when she faces judgment from her mother and her new husband, the married professor whom is the birth father, and Child Protective Services. Margo's former pro-wrestling father, who she never grew up with, reappears into her life, and into her apartment that she shares with a roommate her age, and adds an unusual twist to the novel while he uses former wrestlers and moves as a means to encourage Margo with her endeavors. I could see this novel becoming a movie, and not one that lands on Lifetime. Much fun and heart in this novel.

This was absolutely SO much more than I could've imagined! It focused on morality and really made you realize that the perspective between "right" and "wrong" does shift depending on the needs and situation you may find yourself in. Thorpe's writing was incredible and it really lent itself to provide a space where we could fully fall in love with the characters and the story, or at the very least become fully invested. This was such a weird and hysterical ride, there were high moments and low moments but overall it was something that caused such an emotional response that was spectacular.

A single mom can’t pay her bills so she turns to Only Fans. So much has been said about this book, but it’s really honest and good. Please also read the author’s last book THE KNOCKOUT QUEEEN, which is one of my forever favorites.