Scan barcode
reads2cope's review against another edition
2.0
I found this book repetitive and dull except for when it was triggering (infidelity, intense bullying, online harassment, and more) or unbelievable (the main character hurting/shaming other women while being portrayed as a feminist icon, the way some minority characters were written, the whole Morocco trip, and many of the podcast or fake articles)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
expressivekim's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-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
2.0
I had super high expectations for this book, and went into it wanting it to be a new favorite. However, I found it really hard to get into the love story when the main character spent most of the book lamenting on how men couldn't love her because of her size, feeling uncomfortable in her own body, and watching her be thrown into impossibly tone-deaf scenarios by a straight-sized character. I hated that the producer ended the book in a positive relationship with Bea. The sleeping around aside, it always felt like she was manipulative and it never was properly addressed .
I did really like Bea as a character. I thought she was funny and smart and relatable outside of the hatred she had for her fatness. I feel like as a fat person, I spend so much of my day having to navigate a fat-phobic world, and it was kind of triggering to read a book that so blatantly forced fat-phobia into your face. In those moments, the book went from a fun and relaxing read to something that required work and actively checking myself for negative thoughts. I personally would've rather seen an unapologetic plus size character and not had intensely triggering vitriol be thrown in. Although I respect the book that was written and can see why the author wanted to write it that way, in the very least the book description could've provided a warning about how intense the anti-fat rhetoric is for a lot of the book, both for the main character internally and for the wider plot.
Overall, the book was well written and it has a lot of cute moments. It holds up as a rom-com, and I did like how it ended. I think the intentions were good in the "learning to love yourself" and "being fat isn't bad" pieces of the plot, but ultimately it just wasn't what I was hoping to find when I picked this up. This would be better suited to someone straight sized trying to understand what it's like to live in a fat body, or a fat person who is just starting their journey into acceptance and self-love. For a person who had put in the work to love themselves and push back against fatphobia - this won't be a fun, lighthearted read.
I did really like Bea as a character. I thought she was funny and smart and relatable outside of the hatred she had for her fatness. I feel like as a fat person, I spend so much of my day having to navigate a fat-phobic world, and it was kind of triggering to read a book that so blatantly forced fat-phobia into your face. In those moments, the book went from a fun and relaxing read to something that required work and actively checking myself for negative thoughts. I personally would've rather seen an unapologetic plus size character and not had intensely triggering vitriol be thrown in. Although I respect the book that was written and can see why the author wanted to write it that way, in the very least the book description could've provided a warning about how intense the anti-fat rhetoric is for a lot of the book, both for the main character internally and for the wider plot.
Overall, the book was well written and it has a lot of cute moments. It holds up as a rom-com, and I did like how it ended. I think the intentions were good in the "learning to love yourself" and "being fat isn't bad" pieces of the plot, but ultimately it just wasn't what I was hoping to find when I picked this up. This would be better suited to someone straight sized trying to understand what it's like to live in a fat body, or a fat person who is just starting their journey into acceptance and self-love. For a person who had put in the work to love themselves and push back against fatphobia - this won't be a fun, lighthearted read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
munches's review
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming and Fatphobia
Moderate: Sexual content and Toxic relationship
bodiesinbooks's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming and Fatphobia
Moderate: Abandonment, Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Alcohol
courtneyfalling's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Wow. This book was full of emotional ups and downs for me. A few notes:
- The beginning chapters stretched on for so long. I wish we had fewer scenes of Bea pining over Ray and just received that backstory in condensed flashbacks. It felt like the author didn't trust readers to understand how Ray had hurt Bea or why he was capital-B Bad for her: we had to have it hammered in over and over.
- Marin, as a gay best friend, reads like a straight woman attempting to write a gay best friend. There was one really cringe-y line about how Bea should "become" a lesbian after Ray breaks her heart that did not sit well with me at all.
- There are also so many text message and email exchanges in the first few chapters. It made listening on audiobook really funky at times.
- This book really started picking up for me at Bea's first night on the show, meeting all her contestants. But that first night... so much to unpack about that chapter. We absolutely could have had more body diversity among the contestants
especially with how awful the only plus-size contestant ends up being with the book still criticizing the typical beauty standards of reality TV. It probably would've been better. - Also, plus-size reviewers have commented extensively on how this book handles/sometimes doesn't handle fatphobia, and those comments are really worth checking out. And especially in this scene of Bea's first night, I had so many frustrated feelings about how the book handles "diversity" over all. For a book with so much emphasis on body type and the cruelties of healthism, it has absolutely no awareness of disability or chronic illness. And there's a moment when Bea, on stage, considers how awful it feels to have all thin men presented to her, where she represents herself in a particularly victimized way... But this is an affluent, college-educated, nondisabled white woman who describes herself as medium-fat headlining a huge reality show. She minimizes the role of racial diversity in the cast as a whole and at no point in the book grapples with any of the privilege she has to be in these situations. This totally could've allowed for an examination of diversity within plus-size and fat communities, but... we never got it.
- The first group date made me uncomfortable to witness and Lauren overall is not a particularly redeemable character, even if the book tries to make her one. Producers overstep Bea's boundaries constantly.
- The one-on-one dates roped me into the "finding romance!" aspect of this book most. It is a little hard at first to keep the contestants clear, but I appreciated how quickly the cast narrowed down to the men that caught Bea's attention most.
- Wyatt!!! I love Wyatt. So much.
Even if a little sappy, Wyatt's decision to come out to Bea then the general public and his family as aroace felt really well-represented and wholesome. I will fight anyone who says bad things about Wyatt. - Luke bothered me for huge portions of the plot and I have to say... not surprising how he ended up.
Also stuff to unpack here about the villainization of polyam people and the conflation of cheating/non-commitment with ethical nonmonogamy... Jefferson sucks but I wish the one plus-size contestant of her season hadn't turned out to be so hateful himself. This is where it comes back to wishing more body diversity had existed among Bea's contestants... because then this wouldn't have been the only plus-size contestant turning out to have been an asshole all along. - I love the variety of emotions and backstories among some of the final men: Asher, Sam, and Wyatt all have such depth that made me care for them even through their flaws. And pretty big emotional and interpersonal issues are handled with genuine care.
I almost lost my damn mind when Ray showed back up on the show and started professing love for Bea. Really, fuck this guy and I wish I could read a version of this book with like 75% less Ray, maybe no Ray at all. Especially because it buys so heavily into the trope that you can't "move on" from an intense emotional relationship unless you realize the guy was a radiating red flag the whole time. No nuance, no sense of mutual incompatibility > individual monsterhood, no acceptance that "closure" isn't always the best option or an option... Anyway. Asher's response here also really bothered me and never got adequately dealt with. Asher absolutely didn't have to choose not to spend the night with Bea: he could've made clear in the dinner/interview portion that he didn't want to have sex to prove how emotionally serious he was to his kids, then still accepted the overnight to talk in private. I get why Bea didn't mention Ray's engagement on public TV: she didn't know if he was still engaged and I understand why she wouldn't want Ray's fiancee to find out like that. And Asher's rush to totally dismiss and insult her was awful and took all the trust I'd started to have in him and just blew it. We needed a much better apology scene, or maybe a drawn out return into Bea's life, than we got. - The end!!!! Okay.
I was really surprised at first, seeing Sam step out of the limo first. I truly did think she was about to end back up with Ray, with all her pining. But honestly, I'm glad we got this idea of being "picky" in love. And Sam becoming the next Bachelor and specifically asking for body diversity among his cast was so wholesome. I'm glad Sam found happiness, freedom, and a lasting relationship! I do think Bea was ultimately right about each of them serving as emotional growth for the other and I can envision a warm continued friendship. - The final reunion special was probably the funniest part of the book.
The kindergarten class teaching Jefferson about anti-bullying? Classic. Wyatt's mom offering public support? Beautiful. As much as I liked Bea with Asher for so much of the book and do think this could've worked as an ending... I needed more. More of a real apology and reassurance Asher wouldn't whip out jealousy and self-sabotaging distance again. You don't magically get forgiven for all the harm you've caused because people have harmed you too.
I do want to reread this in the future and see what it's like knowing what's coming. It's definitely one of the more engaging romance books I've read in a while and I had so many feelings, good and bad and frustrated, while reading because I was so engaged.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Abandonment, Fatphobia, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia
theespressoedition's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? No
5.0
YES YES YES! A thousand times yes! This is the contemporary romance I needed in my life.
I borrowed the audiobook of One to Watch from Libby on a total whim. It was available, so I got it. I had no clue it would turn into one of my favorite books ever! It was cute, had depth, wasn't enemies-to-lovers, and was filled with serious girl power!
From the very get-go, I was rooting for Bea. I wanted her to find herself more than I wanted her to find love, but of course, finding love wouldn't be so bad either. I'm not at all a fan of the Bachelor/Bachelorette shows or anything like them, but for some reason, reading about a show like that was totally fascinating to me. There was something about knowing the behind-the-scenes perspectives that really took it to another level.
I enjoyed how a decent amount of the book was written about the different episodes of the show. It was such fun to find myself drawn to certain contestants and wanting to see them succeed just as much as Bea.
While there were certain parts about the ending that frustrated me (namely Roy showing up - though it was to be expected at some point), all in all, I was satisfied with how things wrapped up. This is absolutely a book I could find myself reading again! So cute!
I borrowed the audiobook of One to Watch from Libby on a total whim. It was available, so I got it. I had no clue it would turn into one of my favorite books ever! It was cute, had depth, wasn't enemies-to-lovers, and was filled with serious girl power!
From the very get-go, I was rooting for Bea. I wanted her to find herself more than I wanted her to find love, but of course, finding love wouldn't be so bad either. I'm not at all a fan of the Bachelor/Bachelorette shows or anything like them, but for some reason, reading about a show like that was totally fascinating to me. There was something about knowing the behind-the-scenes perspectives that really took it to another level.
I enjoyed how a decent amount of the book was written about the different episodes of the show. It was such fun to find myself drawn to certain contestants and wanting to see them succeed just as much as Bea.
While there were certain parts about the ending that frustrated me (namely Roy showing up - though it was to be expected at some point), all in all, I was satisfied with how things wrapped up. This is absolutely a book I could find myself reading again! So cute!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Infidelity, and Sexism
Minor: Eating disorder and Toxic relationship
sunfishcakes's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
I loved this book so much, it's kind of embarrassing. I've read a lot of great romances before but something about this one just reached into my heart and brain and gripped me on such a visceral level I didn't expect. I think because of the premise, the tension goes much farther and deeper compared to most other romances with the endgame upfront. When the various interpersonal conflicts might and often do have permanent consequences, it just makes the drama crackle. The chemistry in this book too is so 😚👌🏼💕. Again the range of potential love interests really work in not only building the romantic arc(s) but really marinate in Bea's emotional journey. The romance of romance itself becomes enticing, rich, and savory in a way that's really fun and supports its themes. I'm also really impressed at the themes of bigotry and marginalization both grounding this book and being threaded throughout. They feel real without bringing down the fundamental dreamy sweetness in a romance. There are parts that aren't perfect (both in some handlings of identity and the writing) BUT the main thrust of everything was so strong, they don't matter much to me.
Also this book moved me to tears multiple times from both the Drama and some really sweet character arcs. Truly just made me tick in a new way, which I loved.
Also this book moved me to tears multiple times from both the Drama and some really sweet character arcs. Truly just made me tick in a new way, which I loved.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming and Fatphobia
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Bullying, and Panic attacks/disorders
libbyhb's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Honestly, this was perfect reading for after a Bachelor finale when you're dying for Bachelorette to start. One to Watch was fun and a great premise. I REALLY appreciated how much care was put into the details of the show and the different media responses to it - so many books attempt to integrate tabloid coverage or make fake reality shows, but rarely do they actually feel like they could be real. Which is frustrating because it really takes you out of the book. Kate Stayman-London clearly cared about making things believable. I loved Bea as a character and honestly wanted to be her friend. Often I'm left frustrated by ~flawed heroines'~ actions but hers all felt so reasonable and I was really rooting for her! However, because I loved Bea and felt for her so much, I do wish she had gotten to have a little more of the fantasy-world romance novel type of arc rather than SUCH a realistic one. It felt like every time things were turning up for Bea, some new horrible event happened, usually in a way that singled out her fatness. Like, by the time the thing with Jefferson happened it felt like a little too far. I know this is the reality of life as a fat woman, but there's a point where you do want the romance-novel nature to take over. In the end, this was a fun read with some frustrating elements, but I'd recommend this to anyone who loves The Bachelorette and can handle reading a lot of fatphobic incidents.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Body shaming, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
kierscrivener's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
4.25
A beautiful romance that looks at the complexities of body positivity and loving one self with an addictive angle of a reality tv show. Weirdly enough the beginning was the hardest part. Once we got into it it was top notch. Loved the tweets, news articles et al, did wish we had seen more of the men but I had them all pegged so I am happy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Body shaming
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
outsidestar's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? Yes
4.75
This book deserves all of the stars.
I don’t even know what to say. It was awesome and I loved it. A lot.
The story follows Bea, a plus-size fashion blogger, as she is cast to feature on the reality TV show Main Squeeze (basically The Bachelor/Bachelorette) following a rant on her blog about the lack of diversity and representation on the show that goes viral. Having recently been hurt in love, she is hesitant to meet 25 potential suitors but finally agrees, since it will give a boost to her career and show plus-size women that they too deserve love, even if hers is fake. That is until she catches feelings and everything gets fun and complicated, of course.
The story itself is great, it’s like binge-watching your favorite guilty pleasure reality TV, but the way it’s told adds so much to it. As well as following Bea, we get to see magazine articles, tweets, text messages or blog posts of the audience’s thoughts on the show as the episodes air. This multi-media format made for such a well-rounded story, whoever came up with that idea is a genius.
Also, I adored every single character; from Bea to her step father or Gwen and Linus, but I must say I’m seriously in love with Sam, what do I have to do to go on a Disneyland date with him? Most importantly, I didn’t just adore them, I connected with them and their personal issues, flaws and insecurities, which is the mark of a great story. Also, the representation in this book is chef’s kiss, not only because Bea is plus-size, but there’s queer, asexual, a kid who’s gender nonconforming, etc and it’s all beautifully done.
I loved following Bea on her journey and figuring things out with her. I mean, who has never thought “I’ll put off dating until I lose some weight” or “it’s impossible for someone like him to love someone like me”? A lot of Bea’s insecurities hit home with me and I loved the message of body positivity and self-love that this book gives.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Two Roads (John Murray Press) for a digital review copy in exchange of an honest and voluntary review.
I don’t even know what to say. It was awesome and I loved it. A lot.
The story follows Bea, a plus-size fashion blogger, as she is cast to feature on the reality TV show Main Squeeze (basically The Bachelor/Bachelorette) following a rant on her blog about the lack of diversity and representation on the show that goes viral. Having recently been hurt in love, she is hesitant to meet 25 potential suitors but finally agrees, since it will give a boost to her career and show plus-size women that they too deserve love, even if hers is fake. That is until she catches feelings and everything gets fun and complicated, of course.
The story itself is great, it’s like binge-watching your favorite guilty pleasure reality TV, but the way it’s told adds so much to it. As well as following Bea, we get to see magazine articles, tweets, text messages or blog posts of the audience’s thoughts on the show as the episodes air. This multi-media format made for such a well-rounded story, whoever came up with that idea is a genius.
Also, I adored every single character; from Bea to her step father or Gwen and Linus, but I must say I’m seriously in love with Sam, what do I have to do to go on a Disneyland date with him? Most importantly, I didn’t just adore them, I connected with them and their personal issues, flaws and insecurities, which is the mark of a great story. Also, the representation in this book is chef’s kiss, not only because Bea is plus-size, but there’s queer, asexual, a kid who’s gender nonconforming, etc and it’s all beautifully done.
I loved following Bea on her journey and figuring things out with her. I mean, who has never thought “I’ll put off dating until I lose some weight” or “it’s impossible for someone like him to love someone like me”? A lot of Bea’s insecurities hit home with me and I loved the message of body positivity and self-love that this book gives.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Two Roads (John Murray Press) for a digital review copy in exchange of an honest and voluntary review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Infidelity and Sexual content