When her office finally gets internet access, Jemima begins visiting chatrooms and develops a long-distance relationship with a handsome gym owner named Brad from Santa Monica, California.

Geraldine furthers the false identity by putting Jemima's face on a photo of a fit magazine model.

Jemima impulsively accepts the invitation and finds herself forced to lose almost 100 pounds (45 kg) in just over six months in order to match the image of "JJ."

Finally she befriends Lauren, a fellow Englishwoman and journalist now living in Santa Monica, who upon hearing Jemima's story, warns her that Brad's behavior is suspicious.

The final straw comes when Jemima accidentally discovers a huge stash of fat fetish pornography, including sexually explicit photos of Jenny, while cleaning Brad's bedroom.

Jemima, crushed and furious at the betrayal, leaves him, only to find herself stranded in California for six more weeks as she cannot afford to change her flight after spending nearly all her savings on travelling.

Geraldine once again plays fairy godmother by sending Jemima a copy of Ben's magazine interview and a return ticket home.

[1] However both Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly criticized the writing and humor as weak[2] but praised its unusual premise and "engaging plot twists.

"[3] The book also received criticism for its negative portrayal of body issues and its unrealistic, dangerous depictions of starvation dieting and its results.