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booknerdery's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, and Body shaming
imskylow's review against another edition
These are the kinds of plus size books that I, a plus size person, cannot stand. The first book in the series was fine but this book introduced themes and feelings of shame that I absolutly hate. I think this needs to stand as a reminder that "representation is not acceptance". This book features a self-conscious FMC who doesn't believe she should be cared for or adored by a movie actor because of her size and the way that she looks. Not only that, but even when she does allow him to show her affection she is constantly spiraling and considering if her being with him is healthy for his career or if he's going to end up losing his entire life because he feels the need to defend her.
<img src="https://tenor.com/view/jackie-b-sigh-gif-22841640".
Look, I get it. I understand. I too probably would be questioning everything if a handsome, funny, straight-sized man started absolutely hitting on me, but I don't want to read these books just like how I, as a bisexual woman, am tired of reading about LGBTQ+ novels that are only about hiding, getting outed and coming out. I know this exists and I know this is real life but I don't read fiction to experience the darkness in my brain. I read it to escape. All I'm asking is for are books that feature plus size individuals and all the daily difficulties that come with it, WITHOUT the shame and the need for external validation. I feel like we've had enough of those books. Heck, the characters can even be frustrated with the world and how it works! But I'm tired of people hating themselves.
<img src="https://tenor.com/view/jackie-b-sigh-gif-22841640".
Look, I get it. I understand. I too probably would be questioning everything if a handsome, funny, straight-sized man started absolutely hitting on me, but I don't want to read these books just like how I, as a bisexual woman, am tired of reading about LGBTQ+ novels that are only about hiding, getting outed and coming out. I know this exists and I know this is real life but I don't read fiction to experience the darkness in my brain. I read it to escape. All I'm asking is for are books that feature plus size individuals and all the daily difficulties that come with it, WITHOUT the shame and the need for external validation. I feel like we've had enough of those books. Heck, the characters can even be frustrated with the world and how it works! But I'm tired of people hating themselves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
kira20's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Body shaming, and Fatphobia
jenturnspages's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Bullying
tiredfangirl's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Physical abuse
the_rabble's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Rad as hell. Ended up laughing out loud often and feeling big feelings.
I don't think this one was a 5-star for me until the reread, bc it takes you for a ride. Big feelings abound and when you aren't laughing, swooning, or vibing, sometimes the big ones are uncomfortable.
But even when chaotic choices are made, the feelings and internal logic of those choices are deeply in-character.
Expert depiction of a stressed out ADHDer (hyperactive type) and a professionally burned out person used to minimizing her own needs, feelings, and comfort.
Some of these romance books give me crushes on one or both main characters- this one was definitely an "oh shit, I just am both of these characters," which this time was a joyful experience.
Also an extremely good depiction of how hotness actually works- Alex finding Laureninteresting and pleasant to look at and relating her appearance to positive things in his past while finding conventional/common aesthetics boring was highly relatable. On an extremely shallow level- everyone's a 10 (or a 1) to someone and you never know how it's going to play out.
This book also does "strangers to friendship to more" very well and that emotional intimacy drives the romance- I just appreciated the realistic take on physical attraction.
I don't think this one was a 5-star for me until the reread, bc it takes you for a ride. Big feelings abound and when you aren't laughing, swooning, or vibing, sometimes the big ones are uncomfortable.
But even when chaotic choices are made, the feelings and internal logic of those choices are deeply in-character.
Expert depiction of a stressed out ADHDer (hyperactive type) and a professionally burned out person used to minimizing her own needs, feelings, and comfort.
Some of these romance books give me crushes on one or both main characters- this one was definitely an "oh shit, I just am both of these characters," which this time was a joyful experience.
Also an extremely good depiction of how hotness actually works- Alex finding Lauren
This book also does "strangers to friendship to more" very well and that emotional intimacy drives the romance- I just appreciated the realistic take on physical attraction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Ableism, and Bullying
nightlight_reader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? Yes
5.0
These two were my favorite in Spoiler Alert, I was so glad to see them again! I LOVED Alex, I felt seen, I felt his chaos, I loved his voice and his tone and his joy. Lauren was a delight to get to know better, she’s so strong and brave and made such a great contrast to Alex. Such a different protagonist compared to April from Spoiler Alert.
I loved them. Alex and Lauren are so goofy together, I love that they found each others’ love languages in a perfect way. Alex’s favorite tropes are also my favorite tropes and I would read any of his fics any day.
I loved them. Alex and Lauren are so goofy together, I love that they found each others’ love languages in a perfect way. Alex’s favorite tropes are also my favorite tropes and I would read any of his fics any day.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Body shaming, Physical abuse, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Vomit, Self harm, Mental illness, and Suicide
librarianeno's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
I love plus-size representation in romance novels. Especially romance novels with spice and where the plus-size person ends up with a happily ever after. Alex and Lauren (Wren) have great chemistry. Definite enemies to lovers trope. There was the usual miscommunication that kept the plot moving. A slimy character, Ron, adds to the story as I wanted to strangle him every time either Wren or Alex had to interact with him.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia and Stalking
Minor: Emotional abuse
leonwingstein's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Fatphobia
shelbells427's review against another edition
Yeah.. I don’t need a fat-shaming love interest. I don’t care if he gets a redemption arc later in the book, she deserves better than someone who thought she was ugly and was a jerk about it the first time he saw her. It gives the wrong idea to fat women everywhere that they should hold out for the hot jerk in case he grows to love her for her personality. At any size, YOU DESERVE TO BE LOVED FOR YOUR APPEARANCE AND NOT IN SPITE OF IT!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Body shaming