An expy of Britney Spears, Heather Wells is a teen pop has-been. Her long-time boyfriend infamously cheated on her with the newest sensation, Tania Trace, her label dumped her for wanting to write her own songs, her father’s in jail for tax fraud and her mother ran off with her money and her manager. Now she works at a college dorm and lives under the rent of PI and crush, Cooper Cartwright (brother to said boy band ex, drama!). And her job is a little more difficult than stopping beer pong.

As usual, Cabot has her humor and charm as Heather Wells somewhat cynically navigates her new existence. Her trauma of being abandoned and ripped off so many times transferring to fierce protectiveness over the kids who live in her dorm. Plus the eventual relationship she shares with Cooper is sweet too. It’s refreshingly mature as they’re too adults in a relationship and not overgrown teenagers with communication issues. It allows for Cabot to get to the good stuff- murder and college politics. So here’s my rankings for the series.

1. Size 12 and Ready to Rock: This is one of Cabot’s more serious novels dealing with grooming, domestic abuse and infertility issues, and I think Cabot knocks it out of the park. Yes, there’s the classic Cabot humor with its bratty teen campers and Heather’s ex being. . . being himself. But I think it’s because of those funny. crazy hijinks, it makes the serious moments more poignant. We get to see the full extent of Heather’s compassion when she listens to Tania’s story, reaching a new sense of understanding and forgiveness. Also she finally gains a sane boss and learns how to shoot.
2. Size 12 is not Fat: Maybe it’s nostalgia that gets this high up there as the story is a bit predictable. But Cabot managed the rare feat of introducing characters and the main themes of the series without making it feel boring or exposition-y. Plus I admire how the culprit represents a foil to Heather and her problems. Or at least what society perceives as her main problems-her weight and single status.
3. The Bride Wore Size 12: A fitting conclusion as the most romantic (not necessarily of Cooper and Heather) and intense story in the series. There’s some full circle moments and we get to see Heather confront her biggest unresolved issue-her mother. However, I put it in the middle as I feel like Sarah (Heather’s opinionated RA) gets put on the backburner with a pat ending. Nor did I enjoy the final twist murderer much.
4. Big Boned: One of the more interesting, and surprising mysteries, but I found the conflict of everyone jumping on the idea that Tad was going to propose to Heather to be a stretch in miscommunication and a weak running gag.
5. Size 14 is Not Fat Either: It’s not the worst in the series. Cabot’s style and quality remains consistent. I just feel evil frats has been overdone.