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the_escapist's review against another edition
hopeful
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
3.75
Before describing the premise, I’d like to point out that this book is self-aware, and it does present the setting as a multi-faceted nuanced thing.
This is about a plus-sized model who becomes the star of a reality show based on The Bachelorette. Except it’s about more than that because it's also about discussions of fatphobia, the general lack of diversity in those types of shows, self-acceptance and self-worth, and the fakeness (sometimes realness too) of reality TV.
It’s light-hearted and easy to fly through, with an easy to root for main character.
I didn’t really care for any of the romances (though it’s incredibly rare for me to) since they all felt like they were developing too fast and like they barely had time to get to know each other (to be fair, this is probably typical for these kinds of shows, and I don't think there'd be room for slower development without massively adding to the word count), but it's still an enjoyable read. There are also excerpts from group chats and blogs etc about the goings-on of the show which made it feel like you're involved in the spirit of watching the show as well as getting the experience from the main character’s POV, which was a nice bonus.
So even though I wasn't very into the romances (I didn't dislike them though), I still had a pretty great time reading this.
This is about a plus-sized model who becomes the star of a reality show based on The Bachelorette. Except it’s about more than that because it's also about discussions of fatphobia, the general lack of diversity in those types of shows, self-acceptance and self-worth, and the fakeness (sometimes realness too) of reality TV.
It’s light-hearted and easy to fly through, with an easy to root for main character.
I didn’t really care for any of the romances (though it’s incredibly rare for me to) since they all felt like they were developing too fast and like they barely had time to get to know each other (to be fair, this is probably typical for these kinds of shows, and I don't think there'd be room for slower development without massively adding to the word count), but it's still an enjoyable read. There are also excerpts from group chats and blogs etc about the goings-on of the show which made it feel like you're involved in the spirit of watching the show as well as getting the experience from the main character’s POV, which was a nice bonus.
So even though I wasn't very into the romances (I didn't dislike them though), I still had a pretty great time reading this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Infidelity
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
thenovelmaura's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
3.0
This was a fun one! I was excited to finally read about Bea, a plus-size fashion blogger who ends up on a reality dating show while recovering from heartbreak. This kind of positive body-type representation is way overdue in both books and television, so it was satisfying to hear Stayman-London's exploration of body positivity and Bea's smackdowns of fatphobic contestants. Oh, and the descriptions of all Bea's date outfits were the perfect touch.
Unfortunately, the romance aspects didn't really work for me (maybe because I'm not a fan of the Bachelor franchise?). But I didn't feel like we had enough time to get to know her suitors and I wasn't rooting for any of them. I also wouldn't recommend the audiobook, since the female did all the voices for the different suitors and it just wasn't very sexy, especially with the bad French accent. I think reality TV fans will love this one; it was just missing that spark for me!
Unfortunately, the romance aspects didn't really work for me (maybe because I'm not a fan of the Bachelor franchise?). But I didn't feel like we had enough time to get to know her suitors and I wasn't rooting for any of them. I also wouldn't recommend the audiobook, since the female did all the voices for the different suitors and it just wasn't very sexy, especially with the bad French accent. I think reality TV fans will love this one; it was just missing that spark for me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Body shaming
Moderate: Bullying and Infidelity
Minor: Toxic relationship
krisrow's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Infidelity
strickortreat's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
This book really exceeded my expectations! So cute and light-hearted but still with important messages about body positivity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia, and Infidelity
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Sexual content
claudia_bow's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Infidelity, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
cleo_wylde's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Sexual content, and Body shaming
Moderate: Infidelity and Bullying
spearly's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
TW: sexual assault, fatphobia, misogyny, infidelity
“You said yes because you knew some people would object?”
“I wanted to prove that I had every right to be here,” Bea answered. “That I could star in a show about love just like any other woman."
One to Watch follows fashion-blogger Bea, as she is thrust into the public eye as the first plus-size woman to star in Main Squeeze, a reality show akin to The Bachelorette.
This was a nice read. Stayman-London has a way of crafting a very atmospheric, romantic story without getting too technical. For obvious reasons, this reminded me a lot of MTV's Unreal, only sweeter and more satisfying. Still, it's important to mention the obviously heavy themes of fat phobia, fat-shaming, online harassment (including rape and death threats), misogyny, and a very uncomfortable sequence where be a talks about being assaulted in high school.
I loved trying to guess who of Bea's suitors were ~there for the right reasons~. I made a few wrong calls, a few right calls, and Stayman-London definitely threw me at the end there, but it was hella enjoyable!
More important that the romantic side plots, I loved the way Bea came into her own through the story. Even in the beginning, as a body-positive fashion blogger, readers still got a sense of her deeply-rooted insecurities, of how she never allowed herself to be vulnerable, of how she never believed anyone could be attracted to her because it was easier to believe no-one wanted her than to open herself up to being hurt. And yet, despite these insecurities, she was always strong in her convictions, steadfast in ignoring the haters, and, after some trepidation, eager to show the world that being plus-sized doesn't mean you can't get your fairytale ending.
Her journey throughout the show, while yes, was dramatic and luscious to read about, became less about the romance for me and more about the way Bea began to see herself as she started trusted the guys. And, gosh, did she have a good bunch at the end there. Mostly.
Sam was my fave, obviously. If he wasn't yours, then I think you need a re-read!! I was iffy about Luc from the beginning, but I truly felt he played the largest part in helping Bea on her journey to believing she was beautiful. Wyatt was wonderful, and I loved his friendship with Bea, the way he protected her until the very end. And Asher... well, let's just say I liked him fine. I could tell he was genuine. But if I were Bea, I doubt he'd have made it as far as he did.
I will say... I wish the story had ended with Bea on her own. The whole reconciliation with Asher was, yes, expected (it's still a romance, obviously), but unnecessary. I was more interested to see Bea maneuver through the world with everything she'd learned about herself because of the show. Honestly, I think the strongest ending would have been for Bea to be taking herself out on a date, and to catch the eye of stranger while Taylor Swift's Begin Again starts to play. I mean, if this was a movie. Idk. Maybe I just didn't really like Asher.
But I do understand all the glowing reviews and high star ratings from my mutuals! Definitely worth the read.
“You said yes because you knew some people would object?”
“I wanted to prove that I had every right to be here,” Bea answered. “That I could star in a show about love just like any other woman."
One to Watch follows fashion-blogger Bea, as she is thrust into the public eye as the first plus-size woman to star in Main Squeeze, a reality show akin to The Bachelorette.
This was a nice read. Stayman-London has a way of crafting a very atmospheric, romantic story without getting too technical. For obvious reasons, this reminded me a lot of MTV's Unreal, only sweeter and more satisfying. Still, it's important to mention the obviously heavy themes of fat phobia, fat-shaming, online harassment (including rape and death threats), misogyny, and a very uncomfortable sequence where be a talks about being assaulted in high school.
I loved trying to guess who of Bea's suitors were ~there for the right reasons~. I made a few wrong calls, a few right calls, and Stayman-London definitely threw me at the end there, but it was hella enjoyable!
More important that the romantic side plots, I loved the way Bea came into her own through the story. Even in the beginning, as a body-positive fashion blogger, readers still got a sense of her deeply-rooted insecurities, of how she never allowed herself to be vulnerable, of how she never believed anyone could be attracted to her because it was easier to believe no-one wanted her than to open herself up to being hurt. And yet, despite these insecurities, she was always strong in her convictions, steadfast in ignoring the haters, and, after some trepidation, eager to show the world that being plus-sized doesn't mean you can't get your fairytale ending.
Her journey throughout the show, while yes, was dramatic and luscious to read about, became less about the romance for me and more about the way Bea began to see herself as she started trusted the guys. And, gosh, did she have a good bunch at the end there. Mostly.
I will say...
But I do understand all the glowing reviews and high star ratings from my mutuals! Definitely worth the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
Minor: Eating disorder and Sexual content
talknerdybookblog's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Representation: Fat Heroine, Asian Jewish Supporting Character, Black Supporting Character, Asexual Supporting Character, Lesbian Side Character, Asian Gender Expansive Side Character, Asian Side Character
Read my full review on my blog:
Talk Nerdy Book Blog | One to Watch Review
tl;dr: A bachelorette-style romance that delves into the pervasive fatphobia in the US while serving a dramatic yet sweet romance, that falters a bit with its distant narrative and rushed ending.
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Blog • Instagram • Facebook • BlogLovin' • Goodreads
Safety Rating: Safe with Exception
• No cheating
– The Heroine is dating multiple men at once, so it's kinda an open relationship to start with. All the love interests know this and agreed to it as part of the show, but it doesn't mean there's no jealousy.
• No OW drama
• Does have OM drama
– While the guys knew the Heroine would be dating all of them at the same time, once feelings are involved, some don't appreciate this set-up.
• Does have the Heroine pushing the guys away and a few push her away too
• Does have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Infidelity
– Heroine sleeps with her unrequited love while he's engaged to OW
– One of the love interests was cheated on in a past relationship
• Fatphobic hate speech (including death and r@pe threats)
Ending:HEA
Read my full review on my blog:
Talk Nerdy Book Blog | One to Watch Review
tl;dr: A bachelorette-style romance that delves into the pervasive fatphobia in the US while serving a dramatic yet sweet romance, that falters a bit with its distant narrative and rushed ending.
Follow Me
Blog • Instagram • Facebook • BlogLovin' • Goodreads
Safety Rating: Safe with Exception
• No cheating
– The Heroine is dating multiple men at once, so it's kinda an open relationship to start with. All the love interests know this and agreed to it as part of the show, but it doesn't mean there's no jealousy.
• No OW drama
• Does have OM drama
– While the guys knew the Heroine would be dating all of them at the same time, once feelings are involved, some don't appreciate this set-up.
• Does have the Heroine pushing the guys away and a few push her away too
• Does have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Infidelity
– Heroine sleeps with her unrequited love while he's engaged to OW
– One of the love interests was cheated on in a past relationship
• Fatphobic hate speech (including death and r@pe threats)
Ending:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Infidelity
Minor: Sexual violence
moonlitemuseum's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
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
4.0
This was such a dream! I don't ordinarily read straight romance, but the reviews I heard by chance were so tantalizing I just had to try it out. Bea is a dream of a lead character; witty, passionate and terrified of her own vulnerability.
The writing is a little cheesy here and there but it adds to the charm; and the supporting cast, especially Bea's family, her best friend and the final four men she chooses for the show, are all so thoughtful and kind that I could feel my heart healing in real time.
Unfortunately I think the absolute peak of the book is deep in the second act. The first portion of the book is an understandable but gutwrenching gauntlet of bodyshaming, self-doubt and depression, while the third act conflict was a little agitating and predictable (though it read true to the characters). I was, as always, not a fan of the slap-argue-kiss dynamic that seems to plague most straight romance (a late game reveal that a minor m/f couple who spent their entire time barbing each other online got together felt weird and superfluous), but the book is great in terms of dotting LGBT rep around in satisfying dollops in characters that felt authentic.
When the book is good, though, it's GOOD. It feels exactly like binging a trashy reality TV show, but with all the meta commentary and interior feelings carefully curated for your benefit. A gem. As a side note, Kristen Sieh, the narrator for the audiobook, does a flawless job with the accents and building drama!
The writing is a little cheesy here and there but it adds to the charm; and the supporting cast, especially Bea's family, her best friend and the final four men she chooses for the show, are all so thoughtful and kind that I could feel my heart healing in real time.
Unfortunately I think the absolute peak of the book is deep in the second act. The first portion of the book is an understandable but gutwrenching gauntlet of bodyshaming, self-doubt and depression, while the third act conflict was a little agitating and predictable (though it read true to the characters). I was, as always, not a fan of the slap-argue-kiss dynamic that seems to plague most straight romance (a late game reveal that a minor m/f couple who spent their entire time barbing each other online got together felt weird and superfluous), but the book is great in terms of dotting LGBT rep around in satisfying dollops in characters that felt authentic.
When the book is good, though, it's GOOD. It feels exactly like binging a trashy reality TV show, but with all the meta commentary and interior feelings carefully curated for your benefit. A gem. As a side note, Kristen Sieh, the narrator for the audiobook, does a flawless job with the accents and building drama!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Infidelity
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia