Man, if you loved 'Curvy Girls Can’t Date Quarterbacks', you’ve got to check out 'The Upside of Falling' by Alex Light! It’s got that same sweet, tropey vibe where the underdog girl gets tangled up with the popular guy—except here, it’s a fake dating scheme that spirals into real feelings. The banter is top-tier, and the body positivity themes hit just as hard.
Another gem is 'Dumplin'' by Julie Murphy. It’s less romance-focused but packs a punch with its self-acceptance message and small-town charm. Willowdean’s voice is so relatable, and the side characters (hello, drag queens!) add layers of fun. For something steamier, 'The Fill-In Boyfriend' by Kasie West mixes humor and heart—imagine pretending your ex never dumped you, only to fall for the stand-in. These all nail that balance of fluffy and meaningful.
The ending of 'Curvy Girls Can’t Date Quarterbacks' wraps up with a heartwarming blend of self-acceptance and unexpected romance. Rory, the protagonist, initially starts the fake-dating scheme with Kade, the school’s star quarterback, to prove a point to her ex-best friend. But as they spend more time together, their chemistry becomes undeniable. The climax hits when Rory’s insecurities bubble up—she’s convinced Kade couldn’t genuinely like someone like her. In a tearful confrontation, Kade confesses he’s been falling for her all along, not as part of their arrangement but for her wit, kindness, and authenticity. The book closes with Rory embracing her curves and her worth, finally believing she deserves love without conditions.
What I adore about this ending is how it subverts the typical 'fake dating' trope by making Rory’s emotional growth the real victory. The epilogue gives a glimpse of them as a solid couple, with Kade proudly showing her off at games and Rory owning her newfound confidence. It’s a satisfying payoff for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or underestimated.