276 reviews for:

The Build Up

Tati Richardson

3.87 AVERAGE


This love story between two grown people made me laugh, cry, and blush. Reading about the MFC and MMC falling in love just makes you want to smile. It truly makes your heart happy. Working through your own issues and finding ❤️ what can you ask for...

This debut novel deserves a standing ovation for author Tati Richardson! I adored this book and cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy for my home library. Reader be warned, the beginning of this story contains racism, fat phobia, and misogyny. But let me say, this story is worth being uncomfortable for.

Meet Ari. She is a talented, beautiful, and brilliant plus sized woman. She get a new job at a prestigious architecture firm in Atlanta. Meet Porter. He is successful and gorgeous, yet in a bit of a rut. One day he gets a new co-worker chemistry sparks instantly with. Will this be the meet-cute they’ve been waiting for?

Get ready for unexpected jealousy, an Adonis male main character, a plus size female main character, pool scenes, and spicy romance scenes that will make you weak in the knees. Can I say this book has it all? Because it does. Hats off to Richardson for this grand slam review and I cannot wait to read what comes out next!

Thank you to NetGalley, Carina Press, and Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin) for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

casuallycolorado's review

3.0
lighthearted medium-paced
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
emotional 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: No

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

nj_27's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 40%

Boring
alleymb's profile picture

alleymb's review

DID NOT FINISH: 14%

There was some pretty cringy writing the first hour in. Decided it was not worth my time to continue. 
lighthearted slow-paced
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: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings