Big Boned (Heather Wells Series #3)

( 100 )

Overview

Life is reasonably rosy for plus-size ex-pop star turned Assistant Dormitory Director and sometime sleuth Heather Wells. Her freeloading ex-con dad is finally moving out. She still yearns for her hot landlord, Cooper Cartwright, but her relationship with "rebound beau," vigorous vegan math professor Tad Tocco, is more than satisfactory. Best of all, nobody has died lately in "Death Dorm," the aptly nicknamed student residence that Heather assistant-directs. Of course every silver lining ultimately has some black ...

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Big Boned (Heather Wells Series #3)

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More About This Book

Overview

Life is reasonably rosy for plus-size ex-pop star turned Assistant Dormitory Director and sometime sleuth Heather Wells. Her freeloading ex-con dad is finally moving out. She still yearns for her hot landlord, Cooper Cartwright, but her relationship with "rebound beau," vigorous vegan math professor Tad Tocco, is more than satisfactory. Best of all, nobody has died lately in "Death Dorm," the aptly nicknamed student residence that Heather assistant-directs. Of course every silver lining ultimately has some black cloud attached. And when the latest murdered corpse to clutter up her jurisdiction turns out to be her exceedingly unlovable boss, Heather finds herself on the shortlist of prime suspects—along with the rabble-rousing boyfriend of her high-strung student assistant and an indecently handsome young campus minister who's been accused of taking liberties with certain girls' choir members.

With fame beckoning her back into show business (as the star of a new kids' show!) it's a really bad time to get wrapped up in another homicide. Plus Tad's been working himself up to ask her a Big Question, which Heather's not sure she has an answer for . . .

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Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

Cabot's cute third crime fest featuring Heather Wells, teen pop sensation turned 20-something college student (last seen in 2006's Size 14 Is Not Fat Either), tackles the recent graduate student union controversy at NYU-like New York College head-on. Heather is paying her tuition by working at the college's Fischer Hall, a residence hall nicknamed "Death Dorm" after several recent murders. She's also semisecretly dating Tad Tocco, her remedial math prof, while pining for her neighbor and true love, Cooper, a PI who's not happy about Tad but has difficulty expressing his feelings. When Fisher Hall's interim director, Dr. Owen Veatch, is murdered, Sebastian Blumenthal, a Graduate Student Collective protest leader, becomes the prime suspect. A tip that Blumenthal is innocent leads Heather into some tight spots. Thankfully, Tad has coaxed her into working out occasionally, and she's more than able to squirm out of trouble while never losing that perky princess Cabot vibe that keeps fans coming back for more. (Dec.)

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information
Kirkus Reviews
Murder in a New York college dormitory once more complicates the life of its assistant director. Life has finally led ex-teen pop star Heather Wells (Size 14 Is Not Fat Either, 2006, etc.) into relatively calm waters. She's passed her probationary period as assistant director of New York College's Fischer Hall even though the period was marked by two unrelated homicides, and she's using her tuition-remission privileges toward a degree in criminal justice. The guy she pines for, private eye Cooper Cartwright, refuses to serve as her rebound man, but she's settled into a comfortable (if technically rule-breaking) relationship with Tad Tocco, her aggressively vegan math instructor. Waters in "Death Dorm" are never calm for long, however, and Heather returns from a Belgian waffle binge in the cafeteria to find the brains of her boss, interim director Owen Veatch, splattered all over his Garfield calendar. Sebastian Blumenthal, head of the Graduate Students' Collective, is arrested when police find a gun in his manbag. But Heather's grad assistant Sarah persuades her that Sebastian's arrest on the eve of a GSC strike for healthcare benefits is a little too convenient. Torn between her loyalty to her students and pressure from above-President Allington has yoked her with public-relations twinkle Muffy Fowler in representing New York College to the media-Heather does what she does best: investigate. Cabot (Queen of Babble in the Big City, 2007, etc.) continues to charm as Heather tries even harder to get it right.
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780060525132
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
  • Publication date: 11/20/2007
  • Series: Heather Wells Series , #3
  • Pages: 304
  • Sales rank: 195,889
  • Product dimensions: 5.31 (w) x 8.00 (h) x 0.68 (d)

Meet the Author

Meg Cabot
Meg Cabot
Keeping up with Meg Cabot is tricky: the Princess Diaries author turns out light entertaining novels for teens and adults at a furious pace. Which is good news for her fans, who snap them up as fast as she can write them!

Biography

Meg Cabot knows that one of the best cures for feeling gawky and conspicuous is reading about someone who sticks out even more than you do. Her books for young adults invariably feature girls who have extraordinary powers that carry extraordinary burdens. Cabot's Princess Diaries series offers up the secret thoughts of Mia Thermopolis, who discovers at age 14 that she is actually the princess of a small European country. This revelation adds significantly to her extant concerns about crushes, friendships, school, and other matters falling under adolescent scrutiny.

Cabot, a native of Indiana weaned on Judy Blume and Barbara Cartland, was already a successful romance novelist (as Patricia Cabot) before she began writing for young adults; her alter-alter ego, Jenny Carroll, began a new series shortly after The Princess Diaries debuted. The Carroll books are divided between the Mediator series, starring a girl who can communicate with restless ghosts; and the 1-800-WHERE-R-YOU books, in which a girl struck by lightning acquires the ability to locate missing people.

Cabot writes her books in a conspiratorial, first-person style that resonates with her readers. She has obviously kept a grip on the vernacular and the key issues of adolescence; but what makes her books so irresistible is the mixing of the mundane with the fantastic. After all, who wouldn't like to wake up and be a princess all of a sudden, or a seer? Cabot takes such offhand notions and roots them firmly in the details of average, middle-class American life. She has also tiptoed into mystery and paranormal suspense with other YA novels and series installments.

Cabot continues to write adult novels under various permutations of her given name (Meggin Patricia Cabot): from 19th-century historical romances to contemporary chick lit. And, as with her books for teens, these romances have earned praise for their lighthearted humor and well drawn characters.

Good To Know

Some interesting outtakes from our interview with Cabot:

"I am left handed."

"I hate tomatoes of any kind."

"I really wanted to be veterinarian, but I got a 410 on my math SATs."

"Writing used to be my hobby, but now that it's my job, I have no hobby -- except watching TV and laying around the pool reading US Weekly. I have tried many hobbies, such as knitting, Pilates, ballet, yoga, and guitar, but none of them have taken. So I guess I'm stuck with no hobby.

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    1. Also Known As:
      Meggin Patricia Cabot (full name); Patricia Cabot, Jenny Caroll
    2. Hometown:
      New York, New York
    1. Education:
      B.A. in fine arts, Indiana University, 1991
    2. Website:
      http://www.megcabot.com

Read an Excerpt

Big Boned

Chapter One

You're not fat
Though you could get toned
But it's not your fault...
You're just big boned

"Big Boned"
Written by Heather Wells

"You came!"

That's what Tad Tocco, my remedial math assistant professor, says as I walk up to him that morning in Washington Square Park.

He doesn't kiss me, because our relationship is totally illicit. Professors...especially tenure track assistant professors in the math department...aren't allowed to have romances with their students.

Even students who, like me, are practically thirty, work as an assistant director in one of the college's dormitories, and are taking the course pass/fail anyway.

"Of course I came," I say, trying to sound like there'd never been any doubt. Except, of course, when I'd rolled over a half-hour earlier and looked at the clock, and seen the big hand on the twelve, and the little hand on the six, all I'd wanted to do was pull the covers back over my head and hunker down for another two and a half hours of blissful sleep. I mean, isn't that the whole point of living two blocks from where you work? So you can sleep in until the absolute last minute?

But I'd promised.

And now I'm glad I'd dragged myself out from beneath my cozy comforter. Because Tad looks great. The early morning sunlight is glinting off his long blond hair...pulled back in a ponytail that's almost longer than mine...and off the golden hairs on his bare legs, as well.

And I can see a lot of those golden leg hairs, thanks to the tiny running shorts he's wearing.

Hello, God, are You there? It's me, Heather. Just wanted to say thank You. Thank You for the bright sunshine and the clear cool air and the pretty spring flowers, bursting into bloom.

Thank You for tenure track assistant professors in tiny running shorts, as well. These things really are worth getting up two and a half hours earlier than I need to. If I had any idea, I'd have started getting up this early a long time ago.

Well, maybe.

"So I figured we'd take it slow," Tad informs me. He's doing stretches on a park bench. His thigh muscles are lean and hard, without an ounce of fat on them. Even when in a relaxed position, Tad's thighs are firm as stone. I know this because I have felt them. Even though we are forbidden by our mutual employer, New York College, from having romantic relationships with students, Tad and I are sneaking around behind everybody's back.

Because when you're both in your late twenties to early thirties, and you're taking a remedial math class pass/fail just so you can take real classes later anyway, who even cares?

Besides which, it's been approximately forever since I've gotten any. What was I supposed to do, wait until May, when my course is over, before jumping his bones? Yeah. Like that was going to happen.

Especially considering Tad's bones. I mean, the guy is fit...partly due to his athletic lifestyle (he runs, swims laps over at the sports center, and plays on a killer Frisbee team), and partly due to the fact that he eats extremely healthfully.

If you consider not eating meat healthy, which I am not completely convinced I do.

When I am in a relaxed position, my thighs feel spongy. This is partly due to the fact that I don't run, swim, or play Frisbee of any kind, and also due to the fact that I will eat anything if it has chocolate sauce or ketchup on it. Or even if it's just plain, as in the case of Krispy Kreme doughnuts (which Tad will eat, too, because they are fried in vegetable oil, not animal lard. Although I notice that when Tad eats Krispy Kremes, he enjoys just one and seems satisfied, whereas I have to consume the entire box, as I cannot stop thinking about them until I know all the Krispy Kremes are gone. What's up with that?).

Wait. Why am I thinking about Krispy Kremes? We're supposed to be exercising.

"You want to stretch out?" Tad asks me, as he is pressing the back of his heel into his butt. I know that Tad's butt is as rock-hard as his thighs. My butt, on the other hand, is even spongier than my thighs. Although it's big enough that I can touch it with the back of my heel quite easily. It's hardly a stretch at all.

"Sure," I say.

As I stretch, I notice that all the runners in the park are wearing shorts, like Tad. I'm the only one in leggings. Or, should I say, yoga pants. Because no way am I putting on a pair of leggings. Let's face it, Mischa Barton I am not.

That's why I was so glad when I found a pair of yoga pants that are almost bell bottomed. They're what I'm wearing instead of leggings or running shorts. I'm hoping the bell-bottoms will balance me out, so I don't look, you know, like a Weeble.

"Okay," Tad says, smiling down at me. He is wearing his gold-rimmed glasses, which make him look especially professorial. I love his glasses, because you really can't tell that behind those lenses, he has the most beautiful blue eyes ever. Until he takes them off. Which he only does at bedtime. "Four times around is a mile. Five kilometers is about three miles. So I usually go around about twelve times. Does that sound all right? We'll take it nice and slow, since this is your first day."

"Oh," I say. "Don't worry about me. Go at your own pace. I'll catch up."

Tad's golden eyebrows constrict. "Heather. Are you sure?"

"Of course," I say, with a laugh. "I'll be fine. It's just a little morning jog."

"Heather," Tad says, still looking concerned. "Don't try to shrug this off like it's no big deal. I know this is a big step for you, and I'm really proud of you just for showing up. The truth is, I care about you, and your physical health is really important to me. And race training is serious business. Do it wrong, and you could seriously injure yourself."

Big Boned. Copyright © by Meg Cabot. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Available now wherever books are sold.
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 100 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(66)

4 Star

(21)

3 Star

(8)

2 Star

(3)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 101 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted August 19, 2008

    Incredible

    This book easily held your attention with mystery, humor, and the little love twist. Great and easy read! I recomend this book to anyone.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 28, 2007

    Great Book

    I LOVE THIS BOOOK! Meg Cabot did it again... her books are filled with laughs and happy endings! I recommend this to all! If you have not yet read the others in the series you are missing out!

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 9, 2012

    Book

    Really liked this! Shocking ending! A must read!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted August 2, 2008

    Awsome

    This Book series is one of the only ones i actually love . Pelase please be there be a #4 in this series . I Love GAVIN he is soo funny an cool.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 17, 2008

    I love this series!

    I have never been much for a mystery but I just LOVE these Heather Wells mystery books. I think she is funny and finally is getting what she wants! ) I really hope for a #4! I recommend this book...a great summer fun read!!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted May 26, 2008

    Who-dun-it Meets Chick Lit

    Big Boned is a thrilling read for young women who love a good mystery. You will instantly fall in love with Heather Wells, the main character. Her witty and sarcastic narration will keep you laughing as you watch an enigma unravel. In addition to its comedic high points, this book is also good for someone who can¿t resist a great murder mystery. It has many twists and turns complete with lots of red herrings. Any die-hard romantic will fall for the many stories of love woven into this homicide tale. Big Boned is highly addictive and leaves you hungry for more Heather Wells action.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 28, 2007

    Best One Yet

    This was THE best book in the Heather Wells series. It had everything...humor, mystery, and, oh, the romance. Even if Meg doesn't write a 4th book (like she plans to do) I'll be happy because this book left everyone in a good place. Gavin is hilarious. What can I say about Cooper? HOTTIE MCSTUDMUFFIN!! I won't say what happens so I won't spoil the end but it's WONDERFUL!!! Go and read it...NOW!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted September 27, 2007

    A reviewer

    I absolutly loved the first two books in this series(Size 12 is Not Fat & Size 14 is Not Fat Either)!! I highly recommend these books.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted March 15, 2013

    Love meg Cabot

    I have read all the Heatherwells mysteries and I like them all this one is the best by far ....

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 6, 2013

    Best book eva!!!

    I really loved this book, especially the ending cuz the most surprising and uexpected thing happens. But ur gonna hav 2 read the book 2 see wat happens. I guarentee tht u r gonna luv this book and u will nevr want 2 put it down!!! ;)

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  • Anonymous

    Posted August 7, 2012

    Love loved loved it....

    Another great read!

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  • Posted May 15, 2012

    Mystery and laughs in one book. No one understands the female ps

    Mystery and laughs in one book. No one understands the female psyche as well as Meg Cabot. I always finish her books wishing I could call up the main character to meet for coffee. This is one of my all-time favourite series. Read this series and then read "She Went All The Way" which is also terrific. These books should come with a warning not to read them in public because they will make you laugh out loud.

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  • Posted May 9, 2012

    I Also Recommend:

    Size 14 Is Not Fat Either (Heather Wells Series #2)
    Size 12 Is Not Fat (Heather Wells Series #1)

    Loved this series on audio books(rented from the local library),

    Loved this series on audio books(rented from the local library), made my hour long morning and evening communte enjoyable. So good I'm actually going to buy it. Enjoy!

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  • Posted January 27, 2012

    Apple doesn't fall far from the tree

    Again this book follows the same path as those that came before it. It was mediocre and really didn't conclude on any questions that readers would have about Heather. The best part was the very end...Now Meg write us a book that talks about what happens after between Heather and Cooper, that will get people going!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 11, 2012

    Awesome story

    I fell in love with heather and her life since the first book. This was great and ended in the readers favor. Please do read, cant wait for the continuation coming out this july!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 27, 2011

    Good series.

    At first I loved this series. After finishing it I still like it, but I do felt it went downhill after the first book.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted September 29, 2011

    Best book ever

    This book was great such an intriguing plot!!!

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  • Posted March 2, 2011

    Awesome!

    Hope there are more!

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  • Posted December 3, 2010

    amazing!!

    this story is a great ending to a great series!! this is one of the best books i have read by meg cabot!

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  • Posted August 20, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    Size 14 Is Not Fat Either (Heather Wells Series #2)
    Ready or Not (All-American Girl Series)
    Size 12 Is Not Fat (Heather Wells Series #1)

    Another winner for Meg Cabot.

    ...This book starts off with yet another death at Death Dorm, who just happens to be Heather's new boss, Dr. Veatch. The boss that Heather didn't care for and though this is like the same bat channel and same bat time, the difference this time around is Heather is a suspect. HA! Things are different around Heather's world right now because her Dad is moving out of her and Cooper's house, she's got herself a man (because Cooper doesnt' want to be her rebound guy) and Jordan is going to be a DAD! I know, shock of all shocks, huh?

    We see the same characters come back from the last book, like Sarah the grad student worker, Heather's old boss Tom, Heather's Dad, Gavin McGoren and I love Gavin just as much in this book as I did in the last book. There's just something about Gavin that I can't help but love. His adoration of Heather, the way he has complete faith in her and his sense of humor. Goodness, the scenes that Gavin is in always has me in fits of giggles. He's such a cutie patootie.

    It was so good that Cooper still played a big part of this book which means that he's still a big part of Heather's life. The whole Cooper and Heather thing had my heart sighing all over the dang place and I am totally happy with the way that came about. All I can say is:

    ITS ABOUT DAMN TIME!...

    To read the full review, please visit http://thebookscoop.com

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