Howdy YAL!

Really this one deserves 2.5 stars, but I'm feeling generous especially since it mentioned Cupcake Wars. To see full review click here: http://yalbookbriefs.blogspot.com/2012/07/size-12-and-ready-to-rock-meg-cabot.htmlI was really excited for this book to be released. I love the Heather Wells series. Heather Wells is an engaging character, someone you can relate too. And I love that while the titles mention her size, it's not what the novel is about. Plus, she has a healthy body image unlike some books that will not be mentioned. In fact, the novels themselves are mysteries. Light hearted mysteries, but still mysteries. In a lot of ways they remind me of Janet Evonovitch's Stephanie Plum books except there's no love triangle, random cars exploding, and instead of being a bounty hunter Heather works at a dorm. The series was originally suppose to concluded with the lackluster Big Boned. However, Cabot decided to write another book and I have to say I'm glad she did.I will say that the first half of the book is better than it's later half. Meg reintroduced the character with ease and the mystery was gradually introduced at a nice place. I like how Heather has grown more confident in herself and how she has grown in her role as assistant director at the college. I thought the whole college life aspect was handled very realistically.The later half of the novel is where I had some issues with the book. Particularly Heather's relationship with Tania Trace. It seemed unrealistic which I'll discuss later on in my review. Other problems with the book I had were some squeamish talk about sex and lady parts and functions. There was one joke, I think it was suppose to be viewed as a joke, about drinking menstrual cycle blood that made me want to vomit. Look, authors I don't like being talked about monthly cycles. It doesn't work not as a joke or some weird sort erotica thing like it was used in Master of the Universe/Fifty Shades of Grey. Another reoccurring gag I couldn't stand was the information from Psych 101 class. For one thing it wouldn't be called Psych 101-most university would have a number for it like Psychology 1300 or something. Point two, most of the stats that were used in these parts were regurgitated from other Cabot books where the neurotic heroine rattles off her various psychological ailments (see Boy Meets Girl).Best Feature: Quirky Set Up: The setup for the novel is just brilliant. I like how the plot is gradually introduced and we are reintroduced to the characters in the Heather Wells universe. I especially love the whole murder mystery. It was done in a slightly humorous way that made me laugh even though I didn't want too. Okay, long story short the victim dies via cupcake. And it's from a cupcake baked by someone on Cupcake Wars. And the name of the made up cupcake place is called Pattycakes Cupcakes and one of my Beagles name is Patty Cakes...okay, digressing.Worst Feature: Butt Kissing. I really got annoyed with how much butt kissing was done by Heather when it came to the character Tania. Tania, for those who aren't familiar with the series, is the tart pop star who slept with Jordan when he and Heather were together. Honestly, while I could understand why Heather would be civil towards her, I didn't understand why she was as nice to her as she was. And for that matter essentially state how Tania was better than her with Jordan and was much more talented than Heather ever was. And for that matter Heather actually gushes over how much chemistry Jordan and Tania have. It just doesn't make sense to me. I mean, I get she's over Jordan and everything. But jeez, I still be a little sore with Tania for ruining a ten year relationship.Appropriateness: Um, definitely an adult book. There's some cussing, some violence, some sex. And then there's talk about sex, infertility, and some really nasty sex jokes-a.k.a. a song about drinking period blood. I kid you not.