Mates, Dates, and Chocolate Cheats by Cathy Hopkins

"Hey listen guys. I need you to tell me something and I want you to be really really honest...." "Sounds serious," said Nesta. "It is. I want you to tell me, do you think I've put on weight?" Nesta, Lucy, and T J looked at each other. "No," said T J after a moment too long. "Not really. Well, we all did a little on the school trip. So no more than the rest of us."

Izzie has always been "curvy," but since Christmas she has gained eight pounds, and nothing seems to fit anymore. In an attempt to lose weight, Izzie tries everything: one diet after another, a punishing exercise program, and every bit of conflicting advice anyone can give her.

Her constant worrying about her weight causes her to lose her confidence, and she stops appreciating the things in her life that are special -- her supportive friends, the fact that she has been selected for a TV teen panel, and a cute boy at the TV studio who seems to like her just the way she is.

I am really enjoying this series, I think I say that every time I review a book from it!!!! ;) One of the things that really appeals to me is the fact that these girls come across as real!!!! They are so easy to relate to, and while it's a book for entertainment, I feel myself invested in the lives of these girls!!! Dealing with real life problems, and nothing over the top makes the reader feel as if the the girls could be sitting in their living room. Love, this series and as usual, I'm already looking forward to the next one!! :) 4.5/5