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alexcabanechevarria's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Cancer
cruthe's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Fatphobia, Bullying, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Cancer and Racism
irenemayblack's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
blurb:
Crystal Chen, instagram influencer extraordinaire, shows her followers the view of self love and body positivity as a curvy fitness trainer. In comes her gym nemesis, Scott Richie. How can you love someone, if the world says you don't deserve them?
my thoughts:
I went into this book expecting a quick and easy rom com, and was surprised to find it full of realistic moments of self doubt, even if you hold confidence in yourself. As someone who has loved a "fat" person, I've seen Scott's side of this story for myself. It's hard for both parties when society claims perfection is the only answer.
Normally I am not a fan of the third act breakup, and dread it appearing in any story I read. But as an avid romance reader, it's just a fact. I was pleasantly surprised to find I found the third act tension of this book well done and fitting for the stress the characters are under, most especially Crystal.
Overall I would say this book was well done and I thoroughly enjoyed the simplistic writing style. This was my first time reading from Amy Lea, but I'll certainly be picking up more of her books in future! Loved the message and experience of this story every step of the way.
spice rating: 🌶🌶
Crystal Chen, instagram influencer extraordinaire, shows her followers the view of self love and body positivity as a curvy fitness trainer. In comes her gym nemesis, Scott Richie. How can you love someone, if the world says you don't deserve them?
my thoughts:
I went into this book expecting a quick and easy rom com, and was surprised to find it full of realistic moments of self doubt, even if you hold confidence in yourself. As someone who has loved a "fat" person, I've seen Scott's side of this story for myself. It's hard for both parties when society claims perfection is the only answer.
Normally I am not a fan of the third act breakup, and dread it appearing in any story I read. But as an avid romance reader, it's just a fact. I was pleasantly surprised to find I found the third act tension of this book well done and fitting for the stress the characters are under, most especially Crystal.
Overall I would say this book was well done and I thoroughly enjoyed the simplistic writing style. This was my first time reading from Amy Lea, but I'll certainly be picking up more of her books in future! Loved the message and experience of this story every step of the way.
spice rating: 🌶🌶
- he falls first & harder
- strong female lead
- golden retriever boy
- curvy, half asian girl
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Cursing, Cancer, and Racism
theoceanrose's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming
Minor: Cancer
bettyandivy's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer and Fatphobia
jackieyvette's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Okay after reading a plus-size led book last month I decided to give it another try because to be honest it wasn't that good. I usually don't like them because the problem is always fat person doesn't think they're good enough to be with the other person troupe which ick this book had that too but it actually made sense for the circumstances so it's fine I guess .
There is a good amount of spicebathtub scene was by far the best one and I loved the characters surrounding the leads (Grandma Flo, Hilary the dog, Tara, Mel, etc.). Would recommend to people who want a plus size/muscley duo without being annoying about it.
Crying score: I got a little misty...
There is a good amount of spice
Crying score: I got a little misty...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death of parent, and Fatphobia
Minor: Cancer
thenovelmaura's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Everyone in my book club enjoyed this fun rom com about a curvy fitness influencer who fell for her gym nemesis! Crystal and Scott had cute banter, flirty gym competitions, and introvert-approved movie night dates. I always love a book set in Boston, and our group had a great time debating the likelihood of meeting a potential partner at a gym (my one friend claims you have the best chance of chatting someone up while stretching on a mat).
As someone who follows body positivity and body neutrality influencers, the tone of Crystal's posts and the trolls she dealt with on a daily basis felt very authentic. I understood her hesitation to share her relationship with her followers and her devastation when the post went viral for all the wrong reasons. There was a lot packed into this story as Crystal and Scott navigated family dynamics and social media shaming, all while learning to trust each other after being burned in previous relationships. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick romance read with a heart-warming message about fitness and body image!
As someone who follows body positivity and body neutrality influencers, the tone of Crystal's posts and the trolls she dealt with on a daily basis felt very authentic. I understood her hesitation to share her relationship with her followers and her devastation when the post went viral for all the wrong reasons. There was a lot packed into this story as Crystal and Scott navigated family dynamics and social media shaming, all while learning to trust each other after being burned in previous relationships. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick romance read with a heart-warming message about fitness and body image!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Cancer and Sexual content
maliabennie's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer and Death
Minor: Death of parent
champagnemami's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
great book!! i loved the chemistry between crys & scott, althought there are some things i personally would change: 1stly, the mention of a specific celebrity/singer, like don't get me wrong i get it but i feel like it can kinda of push people who don't listen to her (like me, in this case) and it's a bit dangerous (i.e. lizzo just got cancelled 🫠) and second, besides the beautiful message, which i LOVED, i understand why some people found it repetitive by the end of the book, bc i wish there were more intimate scenes, not like that yk but more about their journey and experiences together!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Sexual content, Death, and Body shaming
lucyrudd's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, and Racism