Rock Bottom Girl: A Small Town Romantic Comedy

By: Lucy Score

Narrated by: Natalie Duke, Stephen Dexter

Length: 14 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's Summary

"You may be faking the relationship, but you're not faking the orgasms."  

Downsized, broke, and dumped, 38-year-old Marley sneaks home to her childhood bedroom in the town she couldn't wait to escape 20 years ago. Not much has changed in Culpepper. The cool kids are still cool. Now they just own car dealerships and live in McMansions next door. Oh, and the whole town is still talking about that Homecoming she ruined her senior year.  

Desperate for a new start, Marley accepts a temporary teaching position. Can the girl banned from all future Culpepper High Homecomings keep the losing-est girls soccer team in school history from killing each other and prevent carpal tunnel in a bunch of phone-clutching gym class students?  

Maybe with the help of Jake Weston, high school bad boy turned sexy good guy. When the school rumor mill sends Marley to the principal's office to sign an ethics contract, the tattooed track coach, dog dad, and teacher of the year becomes her new fake boyfriend and alibi - for a price. The Deal: He'll teach her how to coach if she teaches him how to be in a relationship.  

Who knew a fake boyfriend could deliver such real orgasms? But it's all temporary. The guy. The job. The team. There's too much history. Rock bottom can't turn into a foundation for happily ever after. Can it?  

Warning: Story also includes a meet-puke, a bouffanted nemesis, a yard swan and donkey basketball, a teenage-orchestrated makeover, and a fake relationship that gets a little too real between the sheets.

©2019 That's What She Said Publishing, Inc. (P)2019 That's What She Said Publishing, Inc.

A small town rom com with all the feels

This is a must listen for any rom com lovers. It has the snarky humor and a wonderful array of characters to love. At the start of the story, the situation Marley found herself in is cringeworthy bad. Rock bottom indeed and the journey of redemption is heart warming and so darn sweet. Stephen did an amazing job as Jake. His cockiness and slob like behavior is enduring. He really embodies the character and I wish I have a history teacher like him. Love the range Natalie shown from Marley to her parent and those snarky teenagers. Bravo sister! And the bestest thing ever, bonus second epilogue! Another winner from Lucy Score!

Completely invested!

Natalie Duke and Stephen Dexter are amazing as Marley and Jake! Great performance!
An epic story about personal declarations of independence! I was completely invested in Jake and Marley’s story, in them as a couple and individually. I’ve never wanted a heroine to succeed more! I wanted her to win a soccer game, earn her student’s respect, let go of her own high school horrors, win the love of the town George Clooney, but most of all I wanted Marley Cicero to belief in herself.
That town George Clooney hero Jake Weston? Wow. He’s as close to perfect as you can get. His campaign to boost Marley’s confidence is fun, sweet and swoon worthy. Jake’s life coach mantras seep into Marley’s soul and has her reevaluating all she knew to be true.
As Marley slowly becomes entrenched in the small town she thought she hated we see her bloom, we see her look at competitors, enemies, and friends with new eyes not blinded by self-loathing. With hard won 20-20 hindsight Marley does become the woman we all can cheer for.
Once again Lucy Score has created a world I want to inhabit, full of quirky characters, cute kids, and endearing pets. Welcome to Culpepper, PA folks.

🤦🏾‍♀️

Cute story. But the female lead is an almost 40 y/o with low self esteem issues and still hung up on high school. Something that was 20 years old. She created her own problems. She didn’t deserve Jake. Making decisions based off a lost soccer game 🤦🏾‍♀️

just WOW

I laughed, cried, and got so angry, it was such an awesome roller coaster. Loved the narrators. Jakes sexy, rough voice was so so sexy, and you could feel the emotions letting your imagination run wild. Everytime he said Mars or pretty girl swoon worthy. Loved Marleys smokey voice, she made me so mad in her lack of self esteem, and negative self worth and it got annoying with her negativity, but either way i absolutely loved this audio, and will listen to it again and again. Loved all of the characters, Vicky, Floyd and Libbey aka Morticia gave the story an extra boost and brought back all the drama from HS, but the poker night clean up, the donkey basketball game, and Zinnia, Amy Jo and Marley in the tree was OmG epic and freaking hilarious.

Fantasy listen - almost

I really enjoyed this book, the characters were great and the story was well written, there is also just the right amount of fun and quirky bits to keep the reader engaged.
My only frustration was the way the heroine was written as a self absorbed idiot, to stupid to get over high school hang ups. I get that high school can be tough, but seriously it was twenty years ago. I just once want a heroine written that isn’t emotionally stunted, self absorbed and incapable of seeing past her own drama and hang ups- seriously, when do real women actually have the time to be so dramatic, life is too busy.

Fantastic

Great book with great narration. Loved the story, the narrators, the ending... everything. Once again, great job Lucy Score!

So fun, funny

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Fun, Funny, Silly, Engaging. It was easy to listen to, well narrated and enjoyable. made my commute so much easier.

A second chance at High School?

I enjoyed this story, but it took awhile until I felt this way. Yes, the story was funny. Yes, the story made we remember everything I felt during High School. I was completely in love with Jake from the beginning, he just has this cool, chill vibe. Liking Marley took a little more time, maybe it's because I have a lot of similar characteristics as her. Also, this story is long, like Mariana Zapata slow burn long. Hey, I love Mariana Zapata books, but this one I was getting sort bored somewhere in the middle. Overall, I thought this book was awesome, just a little bit dragging. I throughly loved the narrators, Natalie Duke and Stephen Dexter, were totally Marley and Jake.

So entertaining

4.5 stars. This was such an entertaining, refreshing book. It had a unique storyline. I enjoyed the characters being a little older than the typical standard. I listened to the audio version of this one while traveling. I’m pretty sure passing cars were concerned about me since I was laughing so hard. The female narrator took a little getting used to, but by the end I was a fan. I think it’s just she sounded completely different than I expected the character to sound. Overall, great performances.

Jake Weston is one of my favorite book boyfriends now. He was so many of the things I love. I didn’t have a huge amount in common with Marley because I personally loved high school. I related a little more with the current day version. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out what you want to be when you grow up. I loved all the family gatherings. I loved her best friend. It was great seeing Marley come into her own and learn how to adult. Her relationship with the team is fantastic.

There are so many memorable moments. Some of my favorites were heat stroke, signing a dating contract, poker, donkey basketball, makeover, and graduation. I saw a reviewer thought Jake was controlling, but I didn’t get that vibe at all. I also saw one that didn’t like that the author didn’t address gray hair. Not everyone has gray hair at 38, I didn’t. I agree with the people that could see this as a movie. I had the exact same thought as I was listening. Better yet, a whole season on a streaming site. If you love rom-coms then definitely give it a try.

Small Town Perfection!

Oh wow! I expected small town shenanigans, heated moments, and lots of laughs but as usual, Lucy Score dished out all that and more. There were so many very sweet moments that had me tearing up. Jake and Marley were perfect together. The girls on the soccer team; the friends; the family; LIBBY--I loved everything from beginning to end. And don't get me started on the epilogue--gah! The narrators did an amazing job, as well. Perfection!

Lovely book

Marley feels a failure a 38 yr old returning home no job, single again. Jake is happy to see Marley back especially when he discovers they will be colleagues. I !oved that Marley wasn't perfect and had a good heart and Jake was so swoon worthy. I laughed so much and would definitely recommend listening to this audio book. The narrators did a fabulous job.

RomCom with Tears!!

I’m so very happy that Rock Bottom Girl was my very first Lucy Score book. I just couldn’t believe how this book started out. I think I listened with my mouth agape for a while… if it wasn’t agape, it was probably hanging wide open while I was hooting with laughter. The antics of this crew was amazing. The way it felt so familiar to flounder through life and trying to hit our goals. Trying to make our family and friends proud… while wanting those nemesis to eat their words.

Marley has had a bit of a hard time and she’s seeking a job to get her back on her feet. She’s from a town where everyone remembers everything and her claim to fame is being stood up on her prom night by her now co-worker. Marley can’t ever seem to find her footing around Jack. She was bullied through high school but she never took it lying down. I was impressed by that. She always stood up for herself and even fights a bit dirty to take her opponent down. Now Jack, Jack was the heart throb that every female wanted. He seemed a bit more naïve than I expected.

This story caught me by surprise. It wasn’t just a romantic comedy. There were some parts where I found myself teary-eyed and cheering on the soccer team for coming together. Score covered a multitude of feelings here. The narration was just great. Natalie Duke really played Marley well. She was able to bring out her quirkiness without making it seem too much. Stephen Dexter has this smooth and lovely voice. He’s strong but comes off calm yet full of emotion. I loved them together.

LOVED IT. A MUST LISTEN

Loved it!

My third book by this author. The storyline, the witt, and feel-good moments in each book have been refreshing.

Rock Bottom girl's main character is Marley, a woman in her thirties who returns home, jobless, broke, and single again after a breakup.

When her Interfering mother gets her temp job at their small town's local high school as a soccer coach and gym teacher, things start to look up. Marley isn't fit or athletic and I found Marley's inner thoughts and comments hilarious. Marley hated high school and couldn't wait to leave the small town and now she's back in the two places she hated the most in her teens.

When she discovers her high school crush Jake Weston is also a teacher at the school, things get even funnier when she somehow finds herself in a situation where she ends up being his pretend girlfriend.

Loved Jake * swoon, loved all the other characters and I thoroughly enjoyed the audio version of this book.

Rock Bottom girl has some really funny scenes, it's uplifting, entertaining and I'm really Looking forward to reading more from this author.

Fantastic Listen

this is one of the first books that I have laughed out loud and cried... Both characters are well written and it's nice to hear the lead male character confess his feelings before the lead female. fantastic listen and is now part of my top 10 stories. Will be listening again.

Natalie is awesome!

This is a really good story, and much of a story too. It is surprisingly complex, well written and the message is clear. And I love the message. I also love the female narrator. She is worth her weight in gold and can read everything I listen to here after.
At first I felt like there were two authors writing the story. One writing for the female narrator, that was fun, witty and just brilliant. The perfect blend of realistic and humor. And another one writing for the male narrator, that author hadn´t gotten the memo about the story meant to be fun. Also the male narrator, while having a lovely voice, wasn´t right for the role. We are told the main male character is very masculine. When listening one can´t but wonder if he is gay. Actually that would have made more sense too. Given the status of 38 and never been in a relationship before.
Close to the end the story also does go a bit overboard. But overall … still a good story. So many characters to love. And for the most part the storytelling is excellent.

cute story

Can see this as a movie. A bit too long. Loved Jake. Marley was a mess and her woe is me attitude was getting me upset towards the end.

Both Narrators were excellent

Laugh out loud!

What a fabulous example of a laugh out loud romcom.

Marley and Jake are downright hysterical together. When you add in the BFF and the high school nemesis there are bound to be various opportunities to bust your sides laughing. (perhaps not the best idea when you're listening on your morning commute to work)

All I can say is 'give me more'! Rock Bottom Girl is a wonderful choice to pop your author cherry with. I'll definitely be looking for more by Lucy Score!

Brilliant RomCom & Narration🎧 A Joyful Delight!

I loved everything about this book, from Lucy Score’s wonderful writing style to the characters and storylines she created to the superb narration. This captured my attention right from the start and held it straight to the end. Lucy Score created an interesting and original story that is realistic and easy to relate to. Her characters are complex, well developed and likable. Marley, a 38 year old woman who had no luck with her jobs or her relationship has to return home to regroup and start over again. I adored Marley and her quirky sometimes dry sense of humor. Taking a job back in her old HS brings back memories for her, some good others not so good. She gets to relive HS again but from the other side. She also finds out an old HS crush teaches at the school as well. Jake, I just loved him, he was so grounded and the two were perfect for each other. Lucy Score does a great job capturing HS life, the drama, the teenage angst, the bullying and the challenges some face while going thru HS. I loved he glimpses into Marley’s HS days, loved what she did for the girls she was coaching and how she faced and stood up to those who others would not dare to. I also adored Vicki, she was the perfect side kick and assistant coach to Marley. Another favorite was Libby, loved what Marley did for her to get her on her team and again later in the story. This book had so many great characters and great storylines, too many to mention. I loved how everything played out, there is ever a dull moment in this book, it is well plotted with so many laugh out lout moments, that keeps you smiling, there are plenty of heartfelt moments as well, I loved the ending and how everything fell in place. I highly recommend this enjoyable and entertaining story, it may be lengthy but it sure goes by quick. Lucky Score, thank you for this wonderful, heartfelt story and the laughs.

I listened to the Audible edition, Natalie Duke and Stephen Dexter are fabulous narrators and voice artists. They bring these characters to life, give each their own voice and personality. Stephen’s portrayal of Jake was spot on, as was Natalie’s Marley, they captured their essence to the tee and were amazing at projecting their emotions & attitude in their performance. They did an awesome job with the banter and landing the humor, as well as covering all the secondary characters. They are entertaining and talented storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this wonderful listen🎧

Small Town Fantastic!

Rock Bottom Girl by Lucy Score pulled me in immediately. Having grown up in a small town, there were so many things that I could relate to. I loved how the author brought Marley and Jake together. There was so much laugh out loud humor in this book. Both narrators delivered it perfectly. I could envision so many details listening to this book. I so appreciate it that the storyline was fresh and original, plus had new ideas for a high school PE department. There were so many endearing characters in this book too. Both Natalie Duke and Stephen Dexter really brought them to life with their distinguishable voices. It was magical listening to them. Lucy Score was fantastic at writing characters growing up and appreciating what was in-front of them. I loved this listen!

So MUCH FUN!!

Before I listened to the audiobook, I had already read this story. But once I found out the audiobook was out, i knew I had to listen to it!! RBG was my first book from Lucy Score and it definitely wasn't my last. Lucy Score writes some fantastic characters- not just Marley and Jake, but the supporting cast, including the students were all great and worked together seamlessly to make up one of my favorite rom-coms. I loved that Marley was 38 (a mature woman, yes!). She is in a low point of her life but still open to new experiences that allowed her to rise above her issues to achieve her HEA. And Jake, ah he was great. Once a playboy, now a loyal, sweet teacher who provides support to help Marley heal but also grows with her. The kids Marley coached (the pranks!) and the look back to high-school provided a feeling of nostalgia; it's a great author that can use her words to trigger your own emotions of the past. This was a book full of heart and I hope future books bring us back so we can revisit these characters.

Now for the audiobook. The narration actually increased the enjoyment of the book! Both Natalie Duke and Stephen Dexter had fantastic control of their voices, providing multiple different voices that had perfect cadence, pacing and comedic timing. Both of them sounded like they had fun playing these characters (especially Natalie Duke- her wry, deadpanned delivery was so perfect for Marley.) I plan on listening to this book over again just for the laughs and swoons.

I requested and received this audiobook and had previously purchased the ebook.