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Heather Wells #4

Size 12 and Ready to Rock

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After dallying with sexy vampires and ingeniously reinterpreting the Dracula legend (Insatiable, Overbite), #1 New York Times bestseller Meg Cabot is ready to rock ’n� roll once more with Heather Wells. The un-petite assistant New York City college dorm director and sometime sleuth is back in Size 12 and Ready to Rock—a delectable comedy mystery that proves once more that the much beloved author of The Princess Diaries rules in the realm of grown-up women’s fiction as well. Heather’s got her hands full when a pop star and her reality TV camera crew invade the dorm—bringing with them a summer camp-full of adoring teen admirers—only to have an inconvenient homicide spoil the fun. There’s romance, treachery, merry mayhem and music—just the ticket for readers who like to rock out on the hip contemporary singleton fiction of Sophie Kinsella, Jennifer Weiner, and Jane Green.

361 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2013

276 people are currently reading
8,134 people want to read

About the author

Meg Cabot

274books35.1kfollowers
Librarian note: AKA Jenny Carroll (1-800-Where-R-You series), AKA Patricia Cabot (historical romance novels).

Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.

She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.

Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.

Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.


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5 stars
3,359 (24%)
4 stars
5,667 (41%)
3 stars
3,909 (28%)
2 stars
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105 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,062 reviews
Profile Image for Chelsea (chelseadolling reads).
1,532 reviews20.2k followers
December 29, 2016
This was the best one of the series so far. Cute cute CUTE! But also like somewhat informative and meaningful? I just love Meg Cabot ok
Profile Image for Jasprit.
527 reviews853 followers
July 27, 2012
4.5 stars

I hadn’t realised how much I missed Heather, Cooper and the rest of these insane characters, until I finally got to be with them again in Size 12 and Ready to Rock. I waited so long for the release of this book and I’m pleased to say that despite the long wait, it did not disappoint.

We’re thrown back into Heather’s chaotic life at the death dorm Fischer hall. Normally with students dying left, right and centre Heather is up to her neck with trying to find the killer and always trying to be a hero and save the day. But this time Heather’s stressed out at Fischer Hall for entirely different reasons, as the hall is closed for renovations over the summer, Tania Trace, big time pop star and Heather’s ex Jordan’s wife decides to run her rock camp at the hall. With Tania’s body guard being seriously injured in a random shooting, Tania’s a little freaked out, but with innocent people getting hurt too it’s easily noticeable that Tania is the target. However Tania doesn’t want to let all the little girls down for the camp and decides to battle on, by upping her security and hiring Cooper as her body guard. Heather feels this camp is really getting in the way, but with Fischer Halls record already tarnished, the reputation can’t get any more worse can it?

I had initially started off with Size 12 and Ready to Rock with the aim to read just a few chapters a day, but being back in Fischer Hall, with such a fantastic set of characters, I found myself unable to stop reading and before you know it I was already half way through the book.
I had forgotten so much about Heather and the other crazy characters as it had been a few years since the last instalment, but it was so much fun getting to know them again, they’re all such a quirky bunch from hilarious Gavin, clueless Jordan, hugely grating and egotistical Simon, unpredictable Sarah, Dr Jessop and the Allingtons with their zany ideas and changeable temperaments. But they’re a bunch a characters that easily bring a smile to my face and leave me with warm fuzzies, they’re definitely a bunch of characters I’d love to hang out with especially Cooper *sigh*

Cooper was amazing in this book, I love how with each book we get to know his character that little bit more, and each time I find myself falling or him all over again. I adore his snarky humour and how he would come back with the best responses ever, his several threatening references about his gun permit seriously sent chills through my body. But the best thing about him is he keeps Heather down to earth. They work so well for each other, he gets mad when she tries to underestimate herself, and he balances out her knee jerk and dramatic tendencies.

I’m not usually one to pick up mystery books, but Meg Cabot does an amazing job in mixing up the humour within the mystery. I was eager to find out who was behind the attacks but then the witty remarks and banter between characters had me doubling over with laughter, it did result in me receiving a few strange looks from my family, but I didn’t care as this book was absolutely hilarious!

The Heather Wells series has quickly become one of my favourite Meg Cabot series, yet, I cannot recommend this series enough with a fantastic bunch of characters that you will adore, random attacks happening all over the place, this series will keep you up in the wee hours of the morning with you wanting to know who is behind it all.

Overall Size 12 and Ready to Rock is the best in the series yet. I honestly can’t wait for the release of Size 12 is the New Black which is supposed to be the last in the series; however at the same time I don’t want it to come out yet as I don’t think I’m ready to say goodbye to these characters just yet.

Thank you to Edelweiss for the opportunity to read this book.

For those who still have to pick this latest instalment and want a nice refresher of the previous books before diving in check this video out. I think it's absolutely hilarious!

Profile Image for Sara (sarawithoutanH).
653 reviews4,314 followers
July 25, 2018
This wasn't my favorite in the series, but there were some good moments. I definitely enjoyed it more than the third book. My biggest complaint is that the story was very slow considering the immediacy of the mystery. I did appreciate that it was different than the other books, which had quite similar mysteries. I also appreciate that Heather has stopped body shaming herself quite as often.
Profile Image for Alex.
6,213 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2012
I will read this, because I highly enjoyed the first 2 Heather Wells novels. I hated the third, so I hope this gives me a better ending!

UPDATE:

While this wasn't nearly as good as the first two books, it was infinitely better than the awful third book, so I enjoyed it on that alone. There was definitely something lacking with this one, though.

My main problem is that I feel like a lot of Heather's spark has disappeared. I found myself caring a lot more about Tania and Jordan throughout this entire book then Heather and Cooper - I find their relationship ridiculously boring. The twists were fun and overall this was an entertaining read, so I can't bash it too much - even though I did find it a little flat.

And of course I'll still read the next one. Sigh.
Profile Image for Veronika.
149 reviews83 followers
Want to read
January 2, 2012
OMG!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
US HEATHER WELLS FANS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR YEEEEEEAAAAAAARRRRRRRSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Ieva.
1,240 reviews101 followers
February 17, 2020
Brīnišķīgā Hetere ir nemainīgi apburoša un smieklīga, viņas apsētība ar kopuškās mītošajiem tikpat aizkustinoša un viņas eksis tikpat kaitonošs. Bet aka vai, ak vai, ak vai: ir vēl 5. heters grāmta, kura šobrīd Sribd nez kāpēc nav pieejama, bet Audible bezmaksas periods man sen kā izmantots (un viņu cenas galīgi nešķiet adekvātas). Vai esmu apsētag gana, lai izlasītu visu elektroniskā fomātā - laiks rādīs.
Profile Image for Natalie (Natflix&Books).
532 reviews120 followers
August 3, 2012
Really more like 3/3.5, but it's Heather Wells...

I've loved this series since the beginning. I've read and re-read the first 3 books over and over anxiously waiting for the next one. I waited and waited and checked her website and waited...and then, frankly, just kind of forgot about it. The books in her series usually come out about once a year and it seems like at least 3 of her books are published every year, but for whatever reason it has been 5 long years since the last book in this series came out. When I heard about this one I was beyond excited, but for some reason, I didn't tear through it like I thought I would and actually put it down for a while to finish something else that was holding my interest more.

That isn't to say I didn't enjoy this one. I did. Set in the "death dorm" yet again. This newest addition is slightly different. It is in the summer and the kids in the dorm are actually kids. Teenage girls going to 'Tania Trace's Rock Camp'. It's also different in the way the reader finds out who the perpetrator is fairly early on, so the mystery isn't really so much of a mystery. That said, Meg Cabot's writing is always fun. Heather rocks. Her boyfriend and their relationship is adorable. Jordan and Tania--who have bigger roles this time--shake things up. It's another Heather Wells book, and for me, that's a good thing. Hopefully it won't be another 5 years until the next one.
Profile Image for Nasty Lady MJ.
1,097 reviews16 followers
July 14, 2012
Really this one deserves 2.5 stars, but I'm feeling generous especially since it mentioned Cupcake Wars.

To see full review click here:

I 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.
Profile Image for HeadOverBooks.
770 reviews82 followers
February 23, 2021


What it is about
Tania is hosting a teenage singing competition at the residence hall and Heather has to take care of everything. But after a poisoning at the residence hall, Heather has to investigate and do her actual job simultaneously.





POV- first person from Heather





HEA/HFN- yes





Funny parts- yes





Sad parts- some





Love triangle- no





Insta-love- no





Cheating- no





Super insecure character- no





Trigger warning- murder, abuse





Realistic scale- 1/5





Pick this up if
You want a cozy mystery set in a residence hall. You want something fun and easy to read. You like a plus sized heroine. You like a supportive hero. You like YA books. You like a compelling mystery.





Don’t pick this up if
You don’t like it when characters read younger than they actually are. You hate body shaming in books. You hate it when characters whine a lot. You don’t want something predictable.





Pages- 361





Audiobook- 10h 4m
Narrators- Sandy Rustin





BUY THE BOOKS IN THE HEATHER WELLS MYSTERY BOOKS HERE








I get asked how I read so many books. This is how I do it:
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(2 free audiobooks for your first month); I have the with 2 credits a month
allows me to get new books at my doorstep fast (get the first month free). I have which comes with a 6 month free trial.

I also had Audible Escape but it got cancelled :(
But is supposed to have a lot of books across all genres

The perfect gifts for a loved one



(paid links)


This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Julie .
875 reviews307 followers
March 21, 2017
God, I love this series.

Heather Wells is one of my favorite heroines. She's comfortable with herself despite her faults. She's intelligent and brave and funny. She's supportive and can be motherly...but also likes to have a strong drink sometimes to get away from the stupid. Heather makes the narration feel like I'm sitting around, listening to my friend's story.

And can I talk about my love for Cooper? I seriously adore that man. He's snarky and clever and he just GETS Heather. The two of them together are so wonderful and happy making and I just...yes <3

The story's are always awesome and very interesting. Very twisted. Meg Cabot really knows how to keep you on your toes. I loved seeing a more personal case that Heather had to deal with and how well she and Cooper managed it.

One of my favorite things about these books is how well developed every character is. They're not all perfect. Most of them are well meaning and good people, they're just not perfect and not always smart. Some are so pretentious, they won't listen to others who are right. Every character has faults and can admit it, or at least not try to be perfect.

Basically, I love Heather Wells and Meg Cabot and Size 12 and Ready to Rock. If you haven't read this series, why the hell did you read this review? And go pick up book 1. If you've read the series but not this book, GET THIS BOOK ASAP. Then we can all anxiously anticipate book 5.
Profile Image for maddy.
290 reviews6 followers
August 15, 2022
2.5 rounded up
this was the worst one so far don’t talk to me
Profile Image for Brittany S..
2,028 reviews804 followers
April 25, 2015
Initial Impressions 7/30/12: Oh Meg Cabot. How I love you and Heather Wells. It's been a long time since I read Big Boned (the previous book in the series), but I'm glad to say that I still adored Heather Wells and even if I did forget some, it's pretty easy to jump right back in! I'm a little biased with the 5 stars just because I love this series, but it's just so much fun! Heather & Cooper - So much fun to pick their story back and up and I really liked how we get to know a lot more about Tania Trace in this book and we get so much more of a backstory. Bravo, Meg!

Review as originally posted on The Book Addict's Guide: Oh, Meg. How I've missed you! That stint with INSATIABLE was just so sub-par after my love for Heather Wells, and I'm so thankful you brought her back! Anyone who's been reading this blog the past few months knows my love for the Heather Wells series and I'm SO GLAD I was not disappointed with the newest addition!

Right off the bat, we get into the playful banter back and forth between Heather and Cooper, which is one of the things I loved to much about the series to start with. Sarcasm, silly jokes, teasing - It sounds silly, but those are my favorite parts of a relationship sometimes! Gotta have some playfulness. Heather and Cooper just make such a great couple and I love that they're getting married now! And thank goodness we don't have any cold feet in this book because frankly, I'm a little annoyed with the cold feet storyline! Please don't take it there in the next one!

I felt like this one wasn't so much of a mystery as the other books were. We weren't really taken deep into an investigations until closer to the end of the book, but we did get little secret reveals along the way. I really liked that we got to know more about Tania and Jordan, specifically Tania's background since this book primarily focuses on her (well, after Heather & Cooper, of course). It was nice to get to know her more as a person instead of the girl with whom Jordan cheated and ended up marrying.

I just really enjoyed it all around. I always enjoy a good Heather Wells book and I'm so glad this one kept it going for me. No complaints here!
Profile Image for Andrea Guy.
1,480 reviews69 followers
January 20, 2016
Size 12 and Ready to Rock is a hoot. Heather and her friends and the rest of crew at Fischer Hall aka "The Death Dorm" always make for good reading. If you haven't read any of the Heather Wells Mystery series, I suggest you start soon. This series is one part chick lit and another part mystery.

In this book Heather is trying to keep her relationship with her hunky PI landload/boss/ex boyfriend's brother a secret. Things aren't going well there. They aren't going well in Death Dorm either, because her ex boyfriend's wife has her reality show/contest being filmed at New York College. There are 50 wanna be Diva's moving in.

It doesn't help matters that a member of the production team ends up dead and from there you see a connection to Tania. Tania is a character you don't want to like, but as her back story starts to unfold, you really start to feel sorry for her and even like her. Jordan on the other hand is still a bit of a douche bag and not a smart one, case in point, he thinks Heather's relationship with his brother is incestuous. Erm....yeah.

The book is a little silly at times but that is how this series is. Its fun and lighthearted even when there are dead bodies piling up.

My favorite thing about the books are the lyrics at the beginning of each chapter. I really would like to hear someone singing them. Hey Hallmark, want to make these books into films? Those could be fun.

Meg's writing style is very visual and full of humor. The girls from Tania's Rock Camp her real doozies. There's one preteen that's really a bitch with a capital "B."

This book let you get to know other characters in the series a little better and it introduced a few new characters. I loved the new residence hall director. she was really a fab character.

I've finally read all the books in the series. I hope The Bride Wore Size 12 isn't the last book in the series, as I've really loved all of them.
Profile Image for Prima patriotika.
100 reviews21 followers
January 9, 2017
Sebelumnya saya kecewa sekali dengan series ke-3 yang berjudul Big Boned (dari ceritanya yang biasa banget dan terjemahannya yang bener-bener bikin garuk-garuk kepala sekaligus gemes), tapi bagi saya yang ke-4 ini cukup mengobati kekecewaan sebelumnya.

Kisah dimulai dengan tertembaknya bodyguard Tania Trace (istri dari Jordan yang merupakan mantan pacarnya Heather). Meski tidak sampai meninggal, kejadian itu membuat Tania menjadi terguncang. Selain itu, producer reality show yang akan dibintangi oleh Tania dan Jordan meninggal akibat memakan kue cupcake yang seharusnya ditujukan untuk Tania.

Segala teror ini menggerakkan Grant Cartwrigth menyewa jasa cooper (yang padahal anaknya sendiri) untuk menjadi pengawal Tania karena tidak mau kehilangan tambang emas perusahan Cartwright (penyanyi yang menduduki peringkat 1 di billboard).

Cerita di novel ini memasukkan penokohan keluarga Cartwright yang aneh-aneh. Cooper yang awal mulanya sudah ingin putus hubungan dengan keluarganya justru hubungannya membaik.

Saya salut dengan sifat Heather yang baik hati dan pemaaf. Meski pacarnya direbut oleh Tania, dia tetap berbaik hati menolong Tania bahkan mau lho jadi temen curhatnya Tania.

Hubungan Cooper dan Heather juga sudah makin maju. So sweet banget ketika Cooper membelikan cincin pertunangan yang emang modelnya sudah di idam-idamkan Heather.

Yah dengan sudah selesainya novel ke-4 ini, berarti saya sudah menghabiskan 5 series Heather Wells.... yang seri ke-5 sudah saya baca duluan dan yang melatarbelakangi saya hunting semua buku Heather karena bikin penasaran.
Ada rasa kehilangan juga sih... soalnya saya suka banget penokohan Heather dan Cooper.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,205 reviews
July 29, 2012
4.5/5 stars.

It's been a long time since I read my last Heather Wells book. So I was super happy to have a new book in the series. Heather is a wonderful strong heroine. I just love her.

For those unfamiliar with the story: Heather used to be a pop star. Then her mom stole her money. And now she is the assistant director at a dorm at New York College.

When she was a singer she used to date Jordan (boyband singer). Until she found him in bed with Tania Trace (who now has the number 1 song in the country).

Heather is now engaged to Jordan's brother, Cooper (who is totally amazing). Cooper is a private detective.

Basically in each book we get to see Heather deal with a bunch of problems in the dorm. Plus she has a new mystery to solve.

It's sort of a bit mystery and a bit chicklit.

In this book Heather is now engaged to Cooper. But they are trying to keep it a secret. I just love Cooper. He is smart, funny and a wonderful pairing for feisty Heather.

It was definitely fun to get back into dorm life in this book. And surprisingly I actually got to sort of like Jordan and Tania. They play a big part in this book.

And I thought that the mystery Heather had to solve was fun.

Overall a great return to a fun series. I am really happy that there is going to be another book in 2013. Can't wait!
Profile Image for Alexis Jacobs.
121 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2012
Think Shopaholic meets Stephanie Plum in a weird way. I was so glad that another Heather Wells book was finally released! This book dealt with some serious issues, yet the author wrote it in a way to not change the way she presents this series. Can't wait until 2013 for the next book!
Profile Image for Dinjolina.
537 reviews541 followers
October 4, 2012
After a five year pause she puts it all the way in June??? Of for the love of...
Profile Image for nick (the infinite limits of love).
2,120 reviews1,532 followers
June 21, 2012

Read more of my reviews at

The Heather Wells series is one of the funnest and funniest one that I have read from Meg Cabot. The series has murder, mystery, romance and funny moments ! Who wouldn't love it ? When I saw that there would be another book in the series, I was so excited I couldn't wait to get a copy for myself. Then, I saw that it was available on Edelweiss and I almost died out of happiness. I waited 5 years for the release of this book, so you can understand my excitement!

It's currently summer break at New York College and Heather Wells, the assistant dorm director should be relaxing and having fun. But things are never easy for Heather. Ficsher Hall is bustling with fifty excited tween girls participating in Tania Trace Teen Rock Camp. Then, the producer of the show winds up dead and Heather comes to the conclusion that Tania Trace, her ex-boyfriend's wife, is the target. Along with Cooper, her new secret fiance, she must try to protect Tania at all costs, but that's not going to be easy.

One thing I love in the Heather Wells series is the fantastic and absolutely hilarious cast. I love their dynamics since it's so much fun to read about. Meg Cabot stayed true to herself in this installment as well and I loved the new relationships that were being formed. I, especially, enjoyed Heather's growing friendship with Tania. Cooper and Heather's relationship was also moving forward at a slow pace. They were learning to trust each other and it was so cute how protective they were of each other. Heather was her usual crazy self but you can see that she has grown a lot more mature from the previous books. That woman was so funny I found myself snorting several times. She's so witty and fun that you can't help but love her. Honestly, I'd love to have a friend who's as insane as her. Moreover, I appreciated the fact that previous secondary characters were so much more well-developed. For instance, in the first three books, Tania and Jordan were mostly in the side-lines, but in Size 12 and Ready To Rock, the reader learns a lot more on their personalities and mind-sets. There are also several new characters that were introduced and I think Meg Cabot did a great job at really crafting them and making them well fleshed-out. Overall, the characters in Size 12 and Ready To Rock were a definite fun bunch !

The element of mystery that was present in the previous books was missing in this one, since early on the reader is informed about who the criminal is. I've always thought that the fun part in reading a mystery/murder book is slowly figuring out, using the hints scattered throughout the book, the identity of the culprit, so I was a little sad that I couldn't do that with this book. Nevertheless, I did enjoy Heather's adventures. In my opinion, Size 12 and Ready To Rock was mostly about the interactions between the characters. The way the reality show was portrayed sounded very realistic and I enjoyed learning more about what happens behind the scenes in such scenes. Meg Cabot has a really lovable writing style. Her books always manage to draw me in due to her quirky sense of humor. This book was no exception. She's a wonderful and really funny writer and you can't help but adore her books.

As an installment in a series, Size 12 and Ready To Rock lived up to my expectations. With it's delightful cast, hilarious situations and interesting plot line, the book will leave you in a very cheerful mood. If you're looking for a cozy mystery with a great set of characters, then I definitely recommend this series!
No one can do cozy mystery better than Meg Cabot !
Profile Image for Christina (A Reader of Fictions).
4,520 reviews1,751 followers
October 24, 2020
Originally reviewed on .

Review:
When I saw Meg Cabot speak at the Decatur Book Festival last weekend, she spoke about her goals as an author. Unlike some, she doesn't try to write in an effort to win literary acclaim; she writes to entertain. She hopes her books will bring joy and fun into the lives of children, teens and adults. Well, I, for one, think she is entirely successful in this regard and the number of books she's sold indicates that there's a real market for that. She does just for fun books with the best, ranking with Janet Evanovich as an author that I pretty much always enjoy even if I don't get any deeper lessons from her books.
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I have to admit I was a bit concerned about Size 12 and Ready to Rock. It had been so long since the last Heather Wells book, which came out when I was in college, and I didn't remember the series feeling unfinished. When an author revives a series that was closed, it tends to be a mistake. The opening chapters of Size 12 and Ready to Rock upped my levels of concern that this would not be as good as the previous books. It starts with an overly melodramatic scene in which Heather gets shot with a paintball and thinks she's dying. Add to this the fact that she and Cooper are hiding their engagement, making me fear that he's going to turn out to be an awful guy all of a sudden, and some discussion of babies, and I was rolling my eyes.

Thankfully, Meg Cabot didn't take the story down any of those entirely obnoxious plot paths I thought might be coming. I should really have more trust for Meg, given how many of her books I've enjoyed. Heather Wells does have a tendency to melodrama, as the first scene suggests, but that's just who she is and it's part of what makes her a fun main character. I had just forgotten what she was like since I hadn't read one of these books in years. Once I settled into the rhythm, I was able to sit back and enjoy Cabot's humor and characters.

Jordan and Tanya have a much larger role in this one. Jordan is Heather's ex-boyfriend and Cooper's brother, which makes the engagement awkward. Cabot pulls off the Heather having dated brothers thing well, without making it feel completely absurd. I wanted to hate both Tanya and Jordan and was ot thrilled at first that this book's mystery centered around them, but it turned out to be totally amazing.

If you loved the first three Heather Wells books, get excited because there are even more coming after this and they are just as good. If you haven't read them, go start, assuming you enjoy fun. The Heather Wells books are an excellent read-a-like for Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books.

Performance:
This was my first time listening to a Heather Wells book; I read the first three. While the format change was at first a bit disarming, I ended up being pleased with my decision, though I'm sure it would have been fun to read this one as well. With the action and the humor, though, this was a good choice for the audiobook format. I listen on and off while doing chores, and I always looked forward to getting to listen to another chapter or two.

Sandy Rustin does a great job, and is one of the narrators I've been most impressed by so far in my audiobook experience, which, admittedly, is somewhat limited. She does a marvelous job with accents. I loved the way she read for Magda and Sarah. In fact, all of her voices were great, though I wasn't a fan of the Cooper voice. Her voice fits well with Heather Wells' character, sort of chirpy and optimistic.

Size 12 and Ready to Rock was a pleasure on audio, so, if you enjoy listening to books, I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Dianne.
1,784 reviews148 followers
June 25, 2012
Size 12 and Ready to Rock by Meg Cabot

Wow, I have been following this series since the beginning and I am finding that it only gets better! I was worried that it would only be appropriate for the younger readers, but I’m over 50 and I very much can appreciate what the author has to say in these mysteries.

While I don’t think it is imperative to read the previous books to get up to speed, (the author does a fantastic job with back-story in this book) I suggest you do, only because they are really worth it.

While most women know that size 12 is not ‘large�, actually, it’s more like average) it still is nice to read something written for women that may not be stick thin. Something we may be able to identify with as far as the heroine goes. In addition, if the ‘average� sized fictional heroine can get the uber sexy Alpha male hunk---then there is a basis to our fantasies and an author that can feed them for us.
This entry in the Heather Welles Mystery Series, is taking place during school break. Poor Heather is now watching out for her ex’s wife’s latest idea. A camp for “diva’s in training� called Tania Trace Teen Rock Camp (quite a mouthful). Filled with the backstabbing of what we have come to expect from ‘reality� shows. Oh yes did I forget to mention that this camp was being filmed for TV?
Now someone seems to be after Tania and Cooper is brought in to do body guard/PI duty. Murder happens, things heat up and lead to a very clever denouement.

I am so happy that Cooper and Heather have hooked up and are going to make it legal. I had fun reading this and trying to keep one step ahead of the fictional protagonists.

Written with Meg’s usual flair - strong believable characters, interesting dialogue, and fantastic descriptions, a good mystery � this will be a welcome addition to anyone who has read the previous novels.
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Profile Image for Sherri F..
284 reviews
October 15, 2015
Audio: 3 to 3.5 stars - #4 in Heather Wells/mystery series. I love this fun, easy read series (Heather is my inner/alter), w/the titles that don't do book or series justice. This installment was still good, esp. ending, but it just wasn't as good as #1-3 were for me, but I'm not sure how much, if any, the audio version played (only 1 of 4 listened vs read). For some series, I feel pretty close to the same regardless if I read or listen, but there's a few that I like reading better or listening better, for any of a number of reasons. Then, also, there was a little less animosity between Heather and some regulars in this one so not sure how much that played a part either. Either way, it was still good and I liked it, just not as much as I devoured the others, esp. the last one-. I'm not looking forward to the next one b/c it is the last one so I will have to savor every moment.
Profile Image for Shelly.
154 reviews
January 15, 2021
Straight up and to the point...this book is funny fluff. If you are looking for a serious read, this isn't it. If you are looking for an all around laugh out loud, we're just here to entertain you read, then you've come to the right book.

The Heather Wells series is based on a former child pop star who's money was squandered by others and now she works as an assistant director in a college residence hall. Heather is witty and irreverant and isn't afraid to go one step further than she should when solving a mystery.

This isn't one of those books where I am going to go on and on about well crafted character development, a plot line to end all plot lines. Nope, and not because there isn't always a good plot line and honestly Heather in and of herself is all the character you need. I'm not going to do all of that because you really just need to pick up the book and enjoy the ride.
Profile Image for cloudyskye.
865 reviews42 followers
May 9, 2015
I totally agree with Alex's review of this. While I enjoyed the book, all in all, the Heather-Cooper spark is as good as gone. I knew it! They got together too soon!!!
Anyway, I found Tania the best thing about this. No longer a caricature, she was quite relatable. Also Jordan seems to be growing up (slowly).
I'll read the last one, if only for closure, but during Heather's and Cooper's talks about children (not wanting any) and eloping (Brangelina they are not! So why the fuss?) I found myself wondering why on earth they bother to get married in the first place? The presents?
Sadly, they are already that which I was dreading, another instant old married couple ...
I was also hoping for more of Gavin.
Profile Image for Ashley Owens.
419 reviews74 followers
March 30, 2018
3.5 / 5 stars

These books, while not the most well-written, are absolutely adorable. I adore Heather and Cooper so damn much.

And I really loved seeing more of the Cartwright family, and having the plot be around Tania and Jordan. Was definitely a better mystery than the past ones.

Onto the next!
Profile Image for Katherine.
2 reviews
Read
July 8, 2014
I thought the heather wells books series was great and can't wait for this ones release
Profile Image for Anna.
902 reviews32 followers
June 13, 2013
These books are always so hard for me to rate. They are like extra-cheesy brain nachos. I really enjoyed it while reading it, but it isn't substantial. It is a perfect pool side read.
Profile Image for frikelovato.
137 reviews33 followers
April 1, 2018
YEAY 4 BINTANG GUYSSSS!!!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩

Akhirnya aku merasa puasssssss sama seriesnya Heather Wells. Gila,gila,gila,gila, ntah Meg Cabot yang baca review aku yang sebelumnya, yang selalu kurang sama kisahnya Cooper, terus kecewa sama pairing TedxHeather (karna lebih suka dan maunya pairing CooperxHeather 😆) atau emang Tuhan yang mengabulkan semua doaku? wkwkwk tapi sebenernya dua-duanya salah, karna aku termasuknya telat—telat banget malah—buat ngikutin series ini.

Tapi, 4 bintang bukan berarti series ini bener2 sempurna, di dalem bukunya masih ada beberapa hal yang aku rasa belum bisa menarik hati pembaca, dan jujur aja cara pemaparan meg cabot itu bener-bener ribet yang bukan sekali dua kali aku harus baca ulang dari beberapa paragraf sebelumnya, tapi itu emang ciri khas Mag Cabot yang selalu ahli dalam menggunakan alur maju-mundur. Buat yang udah ngikutin bukunya pasti gak terlalu berat dengan cara penyampaian Mag Cabot yang pake alur maju-mundur, tapi buat yang belum ngikutin atau apalagi pemula pasti itu cukup berat dan agak sedikit pusing atau malah jadi bosen, parahnya bisa buat jadi kesel sendiri 😆

Sarannya: buat yang baru ngikutin atau yang mau coba jadi reader harap hati-hati dan sabar buat baca series ini 😅. Dan kalo ditanya nyambung gak kalo langsung baca buku ke empat ini? Ya kemungkinan nyambung kalo daya khayal kalian tinggi, karna ini emang agak sedikit memicu otak kita buat membayangakan hal-hal yang mungkin jarang kita lihat dikeseharian kita. 😆
Profile Image for Caroline.
Author9 books62 followers
May 2, 2023
Heather Wells is back with yet another death in the college residence hall she works in. This time, it’s her new boss, the interim residence hall director. To add to the chaos, Tania Trace, the woman who stole her ex-fiance, has moved her teen Rock Camp to Heather’s empty-for-the-summer residence hall!

This is the best Heather Wells book in the series. (So far. I read book 5 AGES ago, and I could not tell you what happened. I will be re-reading so I can assess if it’s better than this one.)

What I loved most in this book was that Tania Trace becomes a real person. In the previous books we’ve heard about Tania, but we’ve never actually met her. Everything we knew was Heather’s opinions of her, and I think we can all agree that Heather has major bias toward the other woman! Now that we actually meet this fiance-stealing-villian� she’s not a bad person. I actually really liked Tania and I was very happy that Meg Cabot gave her a chance to try and clear her name.

As for the murder, Heather wants no part of this investigation. She does, however, have an obligation to keep the Tania Trace Rock Campers safe during their stay in her residence hall. And somehow, because that’s just Heather’s luck, she gets caught up in it all.

This is a solid addition to the Heather Wells series and if you’ve made it through book 3, I promise you won’t want to miss book 4!
Profile Image for Alaina.
7,026 reviews207 followers
November 23, 2017
Pretty sure Size 12 and Ready to Rock is my absolute favorite within this series. I was so fucking happy with the ending. I was actually jumping up and down fangirling and going completely ape shit. I loved everything about this book! It was just that good and meeting Cooper's family was highly entertaining. Jessica is probably my favorite sibling of all and I want to kidnap her and make her my best friend. Cooper was completely wonderful in this book and I just adore him with Heather. I seriously can't wait for the next book - I just want to read about
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