ARC Review of Because Fat Girl by Lauren Marie Fleming
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A comedic contemporary romance read filled with struggles, friendship, feelings and hurdles as our mian girl Diana faces issues such as depression, prejudice towards her curves, negativity on sexuality and trying to make her dreams come true.
I jumped in not knowing what to truly expect or who she would fall for, how things would evolve and how our girl was going to deal with her troubles. Her relationship with Drew was great to follow, and loved their pinkie promise to God regarding their OSCAR goal. Her friendships face struggles as dreams are met with the harsh backstabbing reality of Hollywood, and trying to still overcome these challenges to make her dreams come true. Then there is the depression she faces with the passing of her brother, and how she can always think of him no matter the conversation.
Got a few giggles out of me. It was an enjoyable read.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC.

This was a fun, occasionally sob-inducing (mostly at the end), beach read of a book (if you keep your sunglasses on to hide the crying). Diana is a fat girl in L.A., a Hell I cannot imagine, but she is also a filmmaker and writer who put her dreams on hold to mourn the loss of her brother. When a famous actor hits on her, she has difficulty taking him seriously–in part because he's famous and buff, but also because he's a dude and she's been over dating cis men for a while now.

The book can be a little 101 at times when it comes to body positivity, but likely some of the readers will find the info new so it's probably necessary. It also has some great flawed characters and a romance that isn't as important as watching this woman succeed in her career.

Anyway, loved it. And now I have to rehydrate.

I really enjoyed this one! Because Fat Girl has strong FMC with a strong cast that highlights not only diversity, but the many struggles people of diverse backgrounds deal with on a daily basis. She didn’t shy away from it, but found a way to bring light and levity to the situations.

Loved the growth of the FMC as she worked through her own demons and biases to get to her dreams. But mainly, it was just a really fun read! Good character development with a witty writing style.

I loved the premise of this book, but my rating is lowered because as much as I enjoyed the story itself, it was hard for me to not feel some exasperation with the ruminations of the FMC. Having a book that highlights and embraces diversity and addresses the many difficulties of living as a member of a marginalized community is so important - but this one just missed the mark for me as I spent too many moments simply feeling lectured or wanting to shake the FMC. A lot of the book is the FMC expounding how judged she constantly feels for being fat and queer, but she also is a very judgy person herself who often discounts other characters simply for not being fat or queer. That dynamic results in this book not necessarily feeling as empowering as it could have felt. Also, as a pansexual woman myself, who is married to a man, I really struggled with her opinion that if she dated a man then she was no longer queer or her queer community would shun her. That depicts the queer community as not much better than the hetero community that the author is portraying as not accepting of a spectrum. I still enjoyed the story itself, but sadly this one was somewhat of a miss for me.

I simply couldn't get past the main character's attitude and self-grandiosity. She is INSUFFERABLE. I couldn’t even finish it.

I want to thank NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Keep in mind the following content warnings: Mentions of Sexual Assault, Disordered Eating, Grief, Cancer, Death, and Mental Health Struggles. More graphic, some scenes deal with homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, fatphobia, and discrimination toward sex workers.

As a bisexual man, reading this book was everything to me. I seriously need more books that address the biphobia in our society and force bisexual people to choose. Diana is dealing with so much internalised and externalised biphobia but it was amazing to see her grow and choose her own happiness. It was slightly frustrating at the beginning noticing her internalised biphobia, but I knew she was meant to grow out of it.

However, this book goes way beyond the romance and I want to focus on much more than that. This is ultimately the story of a queer fat genderqueer woman fighting for her dreams in the harsh and excluding environment that is Hollywood. All while still dealing with grief and her own insecurities that sometimes still get the best of her. Diana is such a real character who is nowhere near perfect and I love that about her. Honestly, the entire cast is full of real and imperfect characters that are hard not to love. Even the few characters closest to being perfect have moments of realness, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

This book is perfect for the person who needs to be reminded to fight for their dreams and that is okay to live your life as who you are, but most importantly, that sexuality can and is fluid and that's perfectly okay too.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC!

I am having a hard time getting all of my thoughts out because this was one of the best books that I have read this year by far. It completely took over my thoughts from the moment I started until I finished it. I did not want to put it down and when I had to, I was dying to get back to it.

I related so much with the main character and all she was going through internally about her sexuality, her body, and how people perceived her. It’s hard when you you feel and on some level know that the world is against you and things are always going to be harder for you. It’s something that queer, black/brown, and other minority communities have had to deal with for so many years. But I felt so seen while reading this book.

I loved the relationship dynamics, the friendships, and just everything about this book honestly. I liked how the romance between two of the main characters was more of a sideline to what the book was actually trying to show. But, it was so amazing to see the author tackle all of these important issues with such care and grace. You had a little of everything and it was intense and beautiful to see it all come together.

I truly believe everyone needs to read this books because there is so much to get from it! I highly recommend it!

This is an easy 5 stars from me! ⭐️🩷

This is a story of self-discovery, social justice, and family of choice. In the beginning, the story went a little slow. The characters could have opened up a little sooner about themselves. I became more interested as more personal details were revealed. Having those smaller characters' identities revealed sooner and be a more prominent part of the story would have been nice. Either that or future Novella/s about the other characters and their personal stories.

The main character is Diana. Diana is a strong queer femme. I immediately felt connected to her. In a lot of ways, we are similar. She stands up for what she believes in, even though sometimes she makes mistakes. She loves deeply and wholeheartedly. At times, she has a hard time showing it. She is happier when she starts trusting others more and following her dreams.

I was extremely excited to be chosen as an ARC reader by Entangled Publishing. I received an ebook copy through NetGalley. Thanks again! All thoughts and opinions are my own and honest.

🎞️ All Diana has ever wanted is to create films that show folks like her on screen - queer and fat and loud. When Diana finally starts to get recognition, disaster strikes and she’s forced to put her dreams on the back burner. Living with her sister’s family and working in retail, Diana doesn’t think she’ll ever get a second chance to make it big in the film industry, but that all changes when she meets Drew.

Drew is a Hollywood heartthrob - the conventionally attractive and very straight action star, so Diana is shocked when he takes an interest in her diverse and personal script. Can the two of them work together to get the film of Diana’s dreams made or will the sparks flying between them get in the way? 🎞️

Let me start by saying that I really, really wanted to love Because Fat Girl. I’m also a queer and fat aspiring artist, so I was hoping to connect with Diana’s story - and that’s why it sucks so much that I just didn’t.

Because Fat Girl was not a bad book, but I also don’t think it was that good either. This one ended up getting three stars from me, so let’s take some time to dive into why.

This was a book that could not decide who it was for. At times it read like a Diversity 101 lesson, but then a quick turn would leave the main character judging or mocking anyone who may need those lessons. I think there’s room for both stories - for folks who genuinely want to learn and also for folks who are exasperated with having to be the teacher. Getting that to work in one story is hard, and I felt that if Because Fat Girl had chosen one specific audience (the students or the masters I suppose?) then it would’ve been a lot better.

Up next is the romance between Drew and Diana. I wanted, so desperately, to be swept off my feet by their love story. I was not. I just…well, I just didn’t believe it. Diana always seemed to be physically attracted to Drew, but her thoughts were so focused on why she couldn’t/shouldn’t love a conventionally attractive cishet man that I didn’t feel there was room for any sort of relationship to form. In essence, Drew felt like less of a character and more of a caricature - and so I couldn’t make myself believe that Diana loved him.

I did appreciate that Diana’s character was forced to face her own biases and shortcomings throughout the book. This includes everything from acknowledging communication problems with her sister, to belittling the struggles of fat men, to assuming someone is cishet based on a public persona. Diana works exceptionally hard to make sure to lift up marginalized voices, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t make mistakes. It was great to get to see her learn and grow and become an even more powerful force for the communities she and her loved ones are part of.

So, I can’t go out of my way to recommend Because Fat Girl to anyone - but I’m also glad that a book like this exists. I’m not exactly sure where that leaves me, but check out Because Fat Girl for yourself when it is released on October 22nd!

First of all, I’m so grateful I got a chance to read this book as an ARC! I will always pick up books w/ fat rep, and this one was on my radar for awhile.

The thing I loved most about this book was honestly how realistic the MC was. She was relatable, struggled w/ being comfortable with not just who she is but who she was after a big loss and shifting focus off of her dreams. I feel like any adult would relate to that because life just keeps happening even when great things are going on, like this MC finding herself in a will they/won’t they love story in the midst of juggling a lot of other big life events and changes.

This was not a trope-filled love story (which I LOVE, don’t get me wrong) but this story really pulled in so many other topics that the love story just fit seamlessly along for the ride. The blending of grief and family dynamics and learning to find your dreams again after you’ve stumbled were so genuine and made you love the characters even more.


I absolutely loved this book & can’t wait to read more from this author in the future. ♥️

I'm not embarrassed to admit that I cried- big ugly tears down my face-through the last chapter of this gem. That so rarely happens for me but golly I was totally invested in Diana's journey. A plus size queer woman who once had high Hollywood hopes, she is, at the beginning, living with her sister and working as a stylist at a department store. A chance meeting at a party she wasn't really invited to changes her life because Andy well Andy is not only a movie star he's a good guy and he saw her first film. And so we're off on the quest to make her movie alongside her BFF, Andy, Chris (who is more than he seems), and the rest. I know some of this is implausible (I mean, seriously) in terms of Hollywood but I don't care- and I wish it weren't. I adored Diana, Andy, his mom, and all of them (except perhaps for one client's mother although were it not for her...). Diana's wavering about Andy and her realization that she didn't fit as neatly in a box as she thought adds a nice bit of tension. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A terrific read- I'm looking forward to more from Fleming.

Because Fat Girl by Lauren Marie Fleming is seriously so good!

I mean this book is #goals for this fat queer girl. This book has all the representation I could ever want in a book.

I absolutely felt seen reading this book. I was crying during the epilogue.

I really enjoy the identity crisis that the main character goes through and trying to figure out where she belongs in her community.

Fatphobia is such a real thing that most people don't truly understand. Along with homophobia.
This book is a wonderful romance that deals with this some very relatable issues.

I love the theme of not giving up on your dreams.

This is a must read!!!!!

I absolutely loved this book so much!!!!

Because Fat Girl
By Lauren Marie Fleming

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and Net Galley for allowing me to read this book.
I really tried hard to like this book and even though I'm a fat girl I just felt it focused too much on that instead of the actual story of the script for the movie. Diana Smith has goals to have one of her scripts win a Oscar so with the help of several of her former customers from personal shopper job they help her realize her dream. But with their fund raising and finding the right actors it might become true.

Along the way her sister and two nieces whom she lives with round out the story with a lot of giggles and insight of their back story. As the world evolves the LGBTQIA community will find their way to acceptance and I understood the struggles they have and face daily.

All in all it was a good 3.9 star book.

This book deserves all of the stars!!! This book was funny, inspirational, it was just EVERYTHING. We meet Diana who is an aspiring director, she is now a personal shopper, who works with her best friend, she lives with her sister and her kids and she’s just THERE. She was given a chance to go to a movie stars party, brought her best friend Janelle and the rest is history. It’s really all about who you know, but Diana was known for her work in her own way and when Drew, this famous actor, sees her at this party and told her about her work and why she stopped creating??????? AGAIN the rest is history, Diana’s life was never the same after. Even though she is dealing with her own issues of accepting her weight and the fact that she is a woman of value who deserves everything, she is also a queer woman and she is dealing with her past when it comes to that as well, and we can’t forget the romance part. OHHHHHH the romance part. This book does not need a huge review because it’s a GEM of a book. You can’t help but love these characters and celebrate everything with them.

Thank you netgalley for this arc!
I found this book to be overall a good read! I liked a plus size main character because I realized all the books I’ve read, they describe the main characters as skinny, ripped, and perfect and not everyone can relate to that. It was a nice read with the right amount of romance

Delightfully queer and fat, this book puts aspiring filmmaker Diana at center stage. After making a connection with a massive star at a party, she finally has a chance to get her life back on track for an Oscar. It's fun, it's sweet, it's uplifting, it's a good book.
It has a lot of long descriptions of what everyone is wearing, so beware if that's not your thing.

I loved the queer and plus size representation in this book and it was a cute read. It just wasn't my favourite read.

Diana was a bit irritating. She came across as immature and self centered. She was judgemental and could be quite mean. I also struggled with the constant mention of food and how hangry she was. It just felt a bit insulting with the fat character being obsessed with food.

Drew was lovable and the dream boyfriend. He could talk about his feelings, was honest and supportive. His mum was probably the star of the show though. There are so many fantastic side characters. I actually preferred most of the side characters to Diana. I wanted to know more of their stories, especially what the deal was with Simon and Chris.

It did feel like a big chunk of the book was a lecture. It covers a lot of important topics on privilege and discrimination towards POC and the queer and plus size communities. It just took me out of the story and disrupted the pace.

Absolutely obsessed with this book. I tore through it in one sitting, and now I’m sad it’s over. There’s so much representation in this book, from fat to POC to women to promiscuous people to the whole spectrum of sexuality, but it’s not at all forced - it’s just showing what life can be like.

Beyond this, we also get a fun Hollywood love story, a bit of the famous x non famous trope, and one of the best ensemble casts I’ve read in a long time.

This is such a great addition to the romance genre and I really hope everyone takes the time to read this.

I could not put this book down! It’s so well written and attention grabbing. I had no clue what this book was about when I started it. It’s not normally something I would choose and I was so surprised at how much I liked it. Diana is a writer and filmmaker who is plus sized, queer and femme. She’s trying to achieve her dreams of getting her movie made while having to navigate so many obstacles. Definitely recommend giving this book a read!

The description of the book intrigued me and I’m glad I requested it as it was a fun but poignant read.
For the most part I enjoyed the tropes present as it rang true for a romance under the circumstances put forth.

I think many will be able to identify with Diana the female protagonist as she lives her life in a body which others can be critical over.

The book definitely is more than just a romance, a person realizing their dreams and standing up for their personal convictions. It provides a social commentary on sizism in Hollywood as well as societies response to gender politics, sexuality and transgender individuals.

Overall ai enjoyed the message and I think it can serve as an education to so many that need it while packaged with a fun and romance based plot which is different than typical romance novels. However what prevents it from being a 5 star read is that it pushes a bit too much.

For one it equates an overweight person with constant eating which is just not reality. The FMC Diana is constantly mentioning how hungry she is. Rather than making it just a part of the book that she is going to make food choices without worrying about what others think it goes too overboard making it look like she can’t function as a reasonable adult unless she is fed constantly. While it never mentions disordered eating in the book, that is how it is presented. While Diana should be comfortable in her own skin (which she says she is but clearly isn’t since it dominates her world and her relationships in a negative way) and each whatever she wishes without shame, her behavior is toxic at times and while she is pointing the finger at the world for X issue, she isn’t and aware enough to understand that she is being just as judgmental.

Now, part of that is the plot and makes for an engaging book but some of it comes off way to over the top that the author is trying to send a particular message which not everyone will appreciate.

Anyway, I’m honestly not sure if I wanted to root for Diana in the end because her behavior was awful and her mantra of “because fat girl” didn’t come off as empowering but rather as an excuse for bad behavior. I couldn’t tell what the authors intent was which is what prevented a higher rating.

I do recommend this book as it
Has more “meat on the bones” than most romances… no pun intended.


I am thankful to have gotten the eARC for free from Netgalley and Entangled Publishing so I can leave my voluntary review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again