Curvy Girls Can’t Date Cowboys: A Heartfelt Yet Mixed Ride
As I’ve followed the adventures of Ginger and her crew in Kelsie Stelting’s “Curvy Girls Club” series, I’ve found joy and candid representation in every page. However, with “Curvy Girls Can’t Date Cowboys,” I discovered that sometimes even beloved series can take a detour. While the title intrigued me—hey, who doesn’t love a strong lady in the wild west?—I must admit, I was let down by this installment, which is quite saddening given my affinity for Ginger.
First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: I’m not really into cowboys. I get the allure—boots, charm, a rugged lifestyle—but personally, cowboys don’t rev my engine. Now, if we’re talking bull riders, that’s a different story altogether. So, I approached this book with an open mind and an eager heart, hoping to feel that familiar connection.
The friendship among the girls remains the series’ standout feature. Their bonds are like a warm quilt—comforting and supportive in a world that often tries to tear women down. These powerful friendships are what drew me to the series initially. Ginger, Callie, Zara, and the rest are the epitome of women lifting each other up, and I couldn’t help but cheer them on, even when the plot stumbled.
Stelting’s writing continues to shine, filled with her signature quirkiness and heart. The moments of vulnerability, particularly Ginger’s struggles with body image, resonate deeply. I found myself nodding in agreement with her concerns about riding a horse and fretting over selfies with Ryde Alexander. It’s refreshing to feel understood, especially when a writer like Stelting sees us, knows us, and expresses our fears so articulately.
But let’s talk about Ray. I struggled to connect with him throughout the story. His closed-off demeanor left me yearning for more depth and growth. The blanket fort scene was, admittedly, a cute highlight, but it felt like a fleeting glimpse of a different character rather than an authentic reflection of who Ray truly is. This disconnect made it hard for me to root for their romance in a story with otherwise strong emotional undercurrents.
Moreover, I felt the narrative shifted away from the empowering feminist themes that initially drew me in. Having Ray ask Ginger’s dad for permission to date her felt anachronistic, especially since she’s nearly 18. The gaslighting parents—oh, what a twist!—also made me uncomfortable and frustrated. I can usually overlook issues in literature that nag at me, but here they felt too prominent. Cori was the only character I could truly support; everyone else seemed to hold too many negative traits.
And speaking of bothersome points—oh my word! The inhaler mentions could have been toned down. It became a source of anxiety for both Ginger and me, and I often found myself exasperated. Readers might relate to such moments, but they became predictable to the point of annoyance.
Overall, I’d give this installment a 3-star rating. While I cherish the friendship elements and the lovely writing style, it didn’t deliver the emotional richness and empowerment of its predecessors. I believe this book may appeal to readers who enjoy lighthearted romances with a twist of humor—perhaps those who adore cowboys more than I do!
If nothing else, “Curvy Girls Can’t Date Cowboys” may serve as a stepping stone to future books in the series. I’m particularly excited about Zara and Callie’s stories, as I just know they are going to be phenomenal! Here’s to hoping Ginger and her crew will get back on track in the next leg of their journey. Happy reading!
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