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ayah_reads's review against another edition
lighthearted
3.0
I feel like this started off way better than when it ended 🤣😭
I enjoyed this one, very easy to read and blew through it. I liked the writing, the characters, their relationship, and the rep, overall it's a solid romcom.
My main issue is two things. 1) It lacked a substantial plot - literally the blurb is basically a plot summary of all the major beats of the story (which is such bad marketing rip 😭). 2) I felt like Crystal's overall arc and the book's message was a bit simplistic, it's not that I don't think it's a good message, but Crystal's development towards the end felt basic, I'd assumed that someone that's had her platform for 7 years would have already had these realistions?? Especially some of the things with racism and her conversation with her dad, like did she really think she was the only one to experience racism?? I think had there been a stronger plotline than this wouldn't have been as bad, but it's literally Crystal internal monologuing or having conversations with people that leads her to these simple realisations, it was too much tell not show for a growth arc and not enough depth to be meaningful generally.
I also wish her and Scott had stayed in the nemesis stage more, which yes I say because I'm enemies to lovers trash, but also I just can't with romcom couples saying I love you in less than three months like PLEASE.
Overall, enjoyed this and will probably pick up the second book in this companion series when I'm in the mood for a romcom.
I enjoyed this one, very easy to read and blew through it. I liked the writing, the characters, their relationship, and the rep, overall it's a solid romcom.
My main issue is two things. 1) It lacked a substantial plot - literally the blurb is basically a plot summary of all the major beats of the story (which is such bad marketing rip 😭). 2) I felt like Crystal's overall arc and the book's message was a bit simplistic, it's not that I don't think it's a good message, but Crystal's development towards the end felt basic, I'd assumed that someone that's had her platform for 7 years would have already had these realistions?? Especially some of the things with racism and her conversation with her dad, like did she really think she was the only one to experience racism?? I think had there been a stronger plotline than this wouldn't have been as bad, but it's literally Crystal internal monologuing or having conversations with people that leads her to these simple realisations, it was too much tell not show for a growth arc and not enough depth to be meaningful generally.
I also wish her and Scott had stayed in the nemesis stage more, which yes I say because I'm enemies to lovers trash, but also I just can't with romcom couples saying I love you in less than three months like PLEASE.
Overall, enjoyed this and will probably pick up the second book in this companion series when I'm in the mood for a romcom.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Fatphobia
Minor: Racism
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
antidietleah's review against another edition
funny
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
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Sexual content
Moderate: Racism and Misogyny
Minor: Pregnancy
lucyanna's review against another edition
Guy that is meant to be love interest is a asshole can’t route for this story he bullies her assault her ,without consent
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Bullying, Sexual assault, Sexism, and Misogyny
jackieyvette's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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
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
cemsreadingcorner's review
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The book was horrible. Crystal was horrible. She was a horrible person. So judgmental, for a person who preaches self-love and acceptance. She was sooo judgmental to her boyfriend, Scott. It didn’t make sense because she’s an Instagram influencer who preaches to people to not judge others. It’s very hypocritical. And then she would call her boyfriend these stupid names, like “Squat Rack Thief.” I felt like I was reading a book that was targeted to teenagers in high school. I feel like this a book teenagers would enjoy. This book deserves one star. The only reason I gave it two was because the characters stood up to Crystal. Scott, her sister, and her friend, Mel, stood up to her. They put her in her place. Those were the highlights of the book. The only highlights of it. I don’t recommend this nonsense to grown adults. There are better things out there for us to be reading. 👎🏼
Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 11:13 AM
Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 11:13 AM
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Body shaming, and Fatphobia
behindherpages's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
crystal was insufferable. she constantly pushed her insecurities onto scott and a few seconds later realized she was wrong, apologized, then did the same thing in 50 more pages. how scott put up with her is insane. i can't believe he only got mad at her once. also adding that their grandparents are together is such a weird plot point like why?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Bullying
Moderate: Cancer, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Minor: Infidelity, Racism, and Death