Margo's Got Money Troubles is a funny cringey tense read the whole way through, and I loved it.
I read it because the cover looked like a rip-off of "I want to die but I want to eat tteokbokki" (NOT the author's fault, they rarely have creative control over their covers and marketing). I recommend they change the cover so as to not steal from a POC author-but I am glad I read this book.
This book is an incredibly compassionate and non-judgemental view on a situation most people would look down on. It shows how young women find themselves in single-mother situations, the pressures and expectations from all sides.
I can't think of any other way to explain it, I typed out like 5 different drafts of more detail but honestly you should read it for yourself.

Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

MARGO’S GOT MONEY TROUBLES is unlike anything I’ve ever read and I doubt I would have picked it up had I not seen a few glowing reviews from readers I trust. Plus, a TV series is currently in the works with Elle Fanning starring and producing (alongside Nicole Kidman, I might add)!

First and foremost, this book will not be for everyone. To start, the writing style is very quirky, but so unique, and it took me a minute but I ended up absolutely loving the way the story was told.

Now for the story: When Margo becomes a single mom at nineteen she finds herself in an unimaginable position and turns to OnlyFans to make ends meet. And how does she make her account a huge success, you ask? Well, she takes advice from her estranged pro-wrestler father.

This is mature but also weird. It’s equally irreverent and smart and it touches on important societal themes while also being downright hilarious. I truly loved it, but I don’t take things too seriously and it takes a lot to make me blush.

Margo is incredibly endearing. She’s a teenager forced to grow up very quickly and at times I wanted to shake the naivety right out of her but there were also moments that I found myself so impressed with her strength and character.

Margo’s father, a former pro-wrestler and current hot mess, was also an amazing character. I didn’t really want to root for him, but I couldn’t help myself. He’s flawed but so lovable and I am absolutely dying to see who they cast to play him in the Apple TV series.

The majority of this book is really fun but it honestly made me think so much about how quick we are to judge others when we know literally nothing about their circumstances. While I have nothing in common with Margo, I also have no idea what I would do in her situation. Her career might be unconventional and looked down upon, but she’s doing whatever she can to put her kid first just like any good mom would.

There were parts of this book that made me uncomfortable but also had me reevaluating my opinions on things and questioning why I had opinions on them in the first place. Basically, a huge round of applause for this phenomenal story that took me out of comfort zone, made me laugh out loud, and encouraged me to see a lot of things in a new light.

What a delightfully quirky and heartwarming story! I can see why pre-publication buzz has been so loud, it’s unique in storyline and characters. I do wish it had gone a little bit weirder or perhaps more literary in the idea of art, but that’s a personal opinion. The writing and story is extremely accessible and I think people will really enjoy this. Thanks to HarperCollins and netgalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you're looking for a book that is the right balance of funny, sweet, dark, uncomfortable and uplifting than Margo might be for you. This book follows a young Margo who discovers she is pregnant after a short-lived, ill-advised affair with her university professor. She decides to keep the baby despite her lack of help as she comes from an odd family mix. Her mother has pined for her father throughout her life but her father, a semi-famous, semi-retired pro wrestler has never settled. At first I thought this was just going to be about how hard it is to care for an infant but it moves on from that. Margo ends up discovering Only Fans as a way to both make money and be able to provide care for her child. The platform allows her the freedom to figure some of her stuff out and she gains some support along the way. She learns that she might not be perfect but neither are the people around her and maybe you don't have to be to be happy and love the others in your life well. It was funny and awkward and true. Worth picking up.

I enjoyed this novel about a young woman who has a relationship with her married professor, decides to keep the baby when she becomes pregnant and eventually creates an OnlyFans account to make money. But I was kind of bothered by the OnlyFans descriptions which got sort of detailed. I guess it’s my old-fashioned side. Just wasn’t into reading about it. Rufi Thorpe is an amazing, unique writer and I loved her previous novel The Knockout Queen. I enjoyed it a bit more than Margo. But both share an edgy, modern voice. I find her insights in the human connections between people very moving and would say she doesn’t need to lean so hard into the sex stuff going forward but I also feel she probably will anyway because that’s part of her style. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to review this arc.

I am a new fan of Rufi Thorpe! I absolutely loved this heartfelt, quirky book that was just so smartly written. As an out of touch millennial, I learned a ton about TikTok and OnlyFans and the world of influencers. It was hard not to root for Margo, although at times naive, she handled the stress of new motherhood and custody battles with grace. The relationship with her dad was so touching, and I absolutely hated her mother. This is a true underdog story, with many unique twists. Highly recommend!

This book was amazing! I rated it five stars. This is the most funniest relatable story I think I’ve ever read. It was hilarious, I was literally laughing out loud. Margo is a 20 year old who gets pregnant by her English teacher from her college. She decided to keep the baby and you just go into a whirlwind with her as she tries to survive and support herself and the baby. She’s unemployed, broke and almost evicted. Her estranged father comes back in her life and she lets him live with her in exchange for childcare. She decides to start an only fans and actually becomes a hit. Everyone should read this. As a young mom myself, I could relate to the struggle part of parenting young and making ends meet. What a great story.

GENERAL INFO

Margo's Got Money Troubles- a standalone

Pub Date:: 6/11/24, Read 6/7/24

Format: eBook, 368 kindle

Source: Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC 💜! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Setting: LA

Genre: Adult/Women's Fic, Contemporary

Tropes: coming of age, family drama, motherhood, single parent, surprise pregnancy, custody, and child welfare

⚠️sex work (Only Fans), abortion mentioned, drug use, affair w/an older married man (19 vs 37), cheating

HEA/HFN ending: HEA

Epilogue Included: no

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Synopsis/Plot Summary: Margo finds herself 20 and pregnant after an affair with her English professor Mark. She decides to keep the baby knowing Mark wants nothing to do w/ her or baby. Having financial problems, she drops out of school and she turns to self employment on Only Fans. Her estranged father Jinx re-enters her life to help care for her son Bodhi, while her mother Shyanne sits back and judges her along with her new fiancé Kenny-a sugar daddy and religious zealot.

Jealy/Possy/OTT H/h : Shyanne, ex- roommate Becca, and Mark are jealous of Margo

Amount of Sex In The Book: nothing explicit

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION

Margo Millet- 20, in junior college, has affair w/ professor that ends w/an unplanned pregnancy. She has to grow up quickly and provide for son without much help.

Jinx Boone/James Millet- ex pro wrestler, Margo's estranged father. He was married and a had another family when Margo was born. He's an ex-drug addict, but in extreme pain from his career. He asks to stay with Margo in exchange for watching Bodhi.

Shyanne-Margo's mother is selfish and refuses to help Margo with the baby. She's judgmental about her job

Suzie-becomes Margo's roommate. BFF, and employee

Mark-Bodhi's father. He files for full custody of Bodhi after several months of no contact. He is married w/ 2 kids.

JB- a client Margo meets online who she gets to know personally and likes.

Becca-Margo's ex BFF and roommate

AUTHOR OVERVIEW: Rufi Thorpe-a new to me author

PERSONAL OVERVIEW

Overall Rating: 5⭐

Do You Recommend This Book: yes

Will You Re-read This Book: maybe

Would You Read More Books by this Author: yes

COMMENTS/NOTES: Other than JB being a bit creepy, Margo made good decisions despite her age and circumstances. She was forced to leave school because of Mark, bullied out of her apartment w/ a rent she could afford, and left alone by friends and family. She was desperate, and as a woman with children you do whatever you have to for your kids. Clearly she had issues with both her parents, and handled them as best as she could. Jinx was great for her and Bodhi, I loved the scenes with them just hanging out with the baby. When the courts and lawyers got involved, Margo showed her resourcefulness, and Jinx stepped up for her. Even with her and Jinx missteps they prevailed. I didn't like JB because he was a stalker, and felt if Margo pushed him he would turn on her. Margo still liked him, but I'm glad things ended on business.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles is an unexpected delight. It’s a frank whirlwind that takes the reader on the rollercoaster ride of what it means to be a young girl in your twenties who desperately and naively wants to be good, but keeps getting hit by tidal wave after tidal wave of “grown up” problems. Margo is quirky and raunchy and almost painfully blind to reality, and I spent much of this book imagining myself, as the narrator asks, back at age 20, sitting on my cheap futon beside my roommate and my crush as we cook up increasingly desperate schemes to make a little more money.

Points are deducted for a poor understanding of the tiktok content that a 20 year old in 2019 or early 2020 would create. The author’s attempt to write scripts for tiktok is simply out-of-touch with what a Gen Z creator and audience would find captivating enough to go viral, especially for creators trying to establish and sell a brand. It reeks of early Youtube “random” culture—at least 10 years out of date. Because these sequences dominate the second half of the novel and drive much of the plot, I did spend quite a lot of time cringing internally and asking myself, “Does Rufi Thorpe truly think this is what Young, Cool People like?”

Going into this blind was great, because nothing would've prepared me for Margo's Got Money Problems and the plot of the book. Margo was an extremely endearing character. I've never seen a character growing up through life so non-judgemental of herself and others, living in the now and just not thinking of the future. It was refreshing. What was right could've been wrong but what was wrong, could've been right. We're all just living life through societal norms, baby.

This book made me laugh, smile, and I got near emotional for some of these characters. It played all like a movie in my head (thank goodness it's going to be one). You can't help but root for her and feeling this sense of defense for Margo, like a close friend. Chaotic of a story in a good way but also very very lovable.

What was so interesting, was the switch from third and first person POV. The reasoning explained in the book right off the bat. But wow! It was smart. Rufi is a talented writer and I appreciated all of it.

OMG this book! It literally had everything you could want - belly laughs, tugged heartstrings, unconventional romance, and even a baby. This is one of my top reads this year and it was worth the long wait to get Rufi Thorpe's masterpiece that is Margo. I truly loved everything about this book and it even made me tear up a few times. I can't help but imagine Margo's life after the book because it has that much of a hold on me!

This book had more to it than I originally thought it would. The writing style was a little quirky, and took me a while to enjoy, but I eventually did. The characters were fun and interesting. There were times I wasn't sure where the story was going, but I kept rooting for Margo. Her story of being a single mom and thinking OnlyFans was her only option, opened my eyes to what single mothers may go through. While the book might not be for everyone, I enjoyed it. Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for a digital arc of this title.

Thank you for this ARC. I loved it! I was drawn into Margo's world from the first sentence and was rooting for her the whole way. The commentary on sex, children, sexism, sex work, abortion and religion was incredibly nuanced and well done. I have already recommended this book to several people.

This book has all the makings for a big hit this summer - quirky characters down on their luck and crazy premise. Will be recommending it!

Thanks to William Morrow for the copy of this book!

Margo is thrown into adulthood when she becomes pregnant after having an affair with her English professor... and as a child of a Hooters waitress and a drug-addicted ex-pro wrestler, Margo knows that she's going to have to figure it out for herself.

I think at any age, having a baby is a shock. For Margo at the age of 20 with no great parental guidance and a baby daddy who isn't involved, this is really amplified. She's asked what she thought would happen when she had the baby and responds that since she did the socially responsible and what she thought was the right decision of keeping the baby, she thought everything would fall into place more easily. Instead, she struggles to make money and find childcare, and has to take matters into her own hands. She turns to OnlyFans, which causes an uproar amongst those around her.

This is a really clever story with unique storytelling. Being a parent is HARD, and there aren't a lot of systems in place to help. While most of us likely wouldn't turn to OnlyFans, I appreciated what this narrative brought to light about both social media platforms and parenting. I read this in one sitting and really enjoyed it!

Margo, a 19 year old college student finds herself in a predicament when she realizes she is pregnant with her professors child. Mark, her thirty something professor, married with children of his own wants nothing to do with Margo or the baby after he finds out she’s keeping the baby. Born to a single mom, Margo quickly realizes she’s going to have to raise this baby completely on her own. With childcare an issue Margo is let go from her job. Now she finds herself in a scenario where she needs to make money and fast. But where will she turn?
•
This story was laugh out loud funny, sharp and well constructed. I was rooting for Margo the whole time. With her struggles as not only a single mother, but a young one too it became apparent how much mothers struggle with stereotypes and trying to make a place for themselves in the world as mothers. I loved the characters in this story and hated some, but doesn’t that make the most compelling reads? This one was unique, well researched and fun. One worth adding to your TBR. I loved it!

Rufi Thorpe's Margo's Got Money Troubles earns a solid four stars for its bold, laugh-out-loud narrative that masterfully intertwines the struggles of young adulthood, new motherhood, and financial instability in the digital age. Known for her critically acclaimed work, Thorpe delivers a heartwarming and humorous story that resonates deeply with anyone trying to navigate the precarious waters of growing up and finding one's place in an increasingly online world.

At the heart of this engaging tale is Margo Millet, a young woman whose resilience and resourcefulness are both inspiring and relatable. As the daughter of a Hooters waitress and an ex-pro wrestler, Margo's life has never been easy. Her journey from a junior college student to an unplanned single mother highlights the profound and often overlooked struggles many young women face today. Thorpe's portrayal of Margo’s relationship with her English professor, leading to her unexpected pregnancy, is handled with a mix of raw honesty and sensitivity, providing a nuanced look at the complexities of personal decisions and their lasting impacts.

The introduction of Jinx, Margo’s estranged father, adds a unique dynamic to the story. His arrival and the subsequent help with childcare offer Margo a lifeline, albeit an unconventional one. Thorpe’s use of Jinx’s wrestling background to help Margo navigate the world of OnlyFans is both inventive and amusing. The parallels drawn between wrestling personas and online personas underscore the performative nature of internet fame, making for a thought-provoking read.

Margo's venture into OnlyFans, initially born out of desperation, evolves into an unexpected success story. Thorpe does an excellent job of capturing the duality of online success—the empowerment and financial independence it can bring, juxtaposed against the potential pitfalls and ethical dilemmas. This narrative thread is both timely and relevant, providing readers with a candid look at the realities of internet fame.

Thorpe’s writing is blisteringly funny, filled with sharp insights and poignant moments that balance the humor. Margo’s internal monologues and interactions with her father and other characters are written with wit and authenticity, making her a thoroughly endearing protagonist. The novel’s exploration of storytelling, both in wrestling and online, serves as a powerful metaphor for controlling one's narrative and carving out a place in the world.

Despite its many strengths, the novel occasionally leans too heavily on its comedic elements, sometimes at the expense of deeper emotional exploration. However, this minor critique does little to detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.

Margo's Got Money Troubles is a tender and empowering portrait of a young woman’s journey to self-discovery and financial independence. Rufi Thorpe has crafted a story that is as entertaining as it is insightful, making it a must-read for anyone navigating the challenges of modern adulthood. This book is a delightful reminder that even in the face of adversity, humor, and resilience can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths.

Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow for access to this arc.

I just loved this messy, funny book. Single mom Margo has to figure out how to earn enough money to support her newborn while also fighting against the judgmental status quo.

I will admit there were times when I sighed and thought, “Oh, Margo …” but then she’s only twenty years old when the reality of motherhood smacks her upside her head. She can’t keep studying, she can’t keep her old waitressing job, welfare won’t pay her rent much less anything else. When her father arrives looking for a place to stay, his financial assistance as well as his rapport with his grandson are a godsend. But it’s while watching wrestling that Margo is launched in the direction of her new job.

How do you get started in OnlyFans? Margo is mystified but she’s also determined and reaches out with some smart ideas to people who could help her as well as themselves. Then Margo uses her writing skills to try and take her account to the next level. Meanwhile, Jinx – at first astonished and not totally pleased with what his daughter is doing – thinks about it and quickly changes his mind. Then he uses his business skills to help her set up her business (set aside 30% for taxes after filing to be a corporation) and his wrestling knowledge to help her decide how to craft her “character.” When a fan reaches out to Margo and they start an email relationship, is he lying as much to Margo as she feels she needs to in order to protect herself and Bodhi? Because some fans are psychos.

Then just as things are starting to fall into place, the shit hits the fan and Margo faces not only losing her baby and her online anonymity but also her father to his long standing drug problems. This is where I totally became a Margo fan. She stands for so many young people who are taken advantage of by those who are older and then tossed against the ropes of life in a world that seems rigged against them from the get-go. Margo is not going to go down without a fight.

At first Margo and her support team are dog paddling to stay above legal water. Is Margo’s job a good thing in that it keeps food on the table and supports her child or a bad thing because she’s showing (parts of) her naked body to whoever will pay? She needs a lawyer but will those fees end up cleaning her out even if Ward’s advice is sound? Should she give the answers she thinks the psychologist wants or her real ones? When she gets hit by a second investigation, is it Mark trying to ensure his custodial win or someone else who called CPS? Will Jinx need to stop the drug program that has the best chance of helping him for one with a far lower success rate?

All along Margo’s journey, we see her keep trying, keep fighting, and keep being a pretty darn good mother to her child whom she adores and loves more than her own life. Bodhi isn’t a plot moppet at all. He’s a sweet baby who pukes, grabs Margo’s hair, demands his feedings, and needs to be changed. When faced with everything mustered against her, Margo does what she feels is best and then, in a moment of inspiration, she figures out a plan to win the whole thing and then executes it like a thing of genius. I was feeling a better grade but then thought that Mark really is a putz and due to the fact that he took advantage of his young student, I wanted him to suffer more for his consequences. But Margo works things to her advantage and in the end, she and Bodhi are looking good and sitting pretty with maybe a possible relationship in Margo’s future. That this doesn’t proceed to even a HFN is … right yet also hopeful. I think Margo’s going to do just fine. B+

First thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis: Margo’s life has been tough from the start. Her mom was a hooters witness and dad a professional wrestler who wasn’t around as a kid. When she becomes pregnant in her first year of junior college, she decides to keep the baby. Her life is challenged even more when her dad moves in but she figures out a creative way to support herself, her baby and her dad

What I liked: ok first of all I stayed up until 2 am reading this because I could not put it down. It was my first book by Rufi trope but will not be my last. I loved the contemporary story and topics that the author tackles in this book. She is not afraid to take on hard topics and show the nuances in these hard topics. She does it in such a loving non judgmental way that it makes you really think about how you would or have acted. Margo is such a great character because she is wise yet naive and tough and fragile. She is still young and learning but she knows her worth. Her dad jinx steals the show. He is a former pro wrestler/manager/drug addicted flawed man but he loves his daughter. Their relationship is so touching and infuriating. I wanted to hug and yell at him so often.

I highly recommend this book and know it is going to be on my. Top books of 2024 list.

⭐️5/5

Expectation vs Reality:

- Loved way more than expected
- More clever than expected
- Less fluffy than expected
- More emotional than expected

This book kind of blew me away. I went in expecting total fluff. All I knew was this book was about a girl who did OnlyFans to make money. But goodness gracious there was so much more to this book and I ate up every single word, every character, every family dynamic, every side storyline, every everything. I was all the way invested. I loved the way it was written and how it changed between first person and third person. Everything about this book was just so smart. I finished this book 15 minutes ago, and I already want to reread it!

It’s not often that I read a book (even books I love) and immediately go and add other books by the author to my TBR but that’s exactly what I’m doing here.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest rating and review.