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ayah_reads's review against another edition
3.0
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 π). 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.
Moderate: Bullying and Fatphobia
Minor: Racism
garbage_mcsmutly's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
IDK they both seemed to be pretty flat characters too, like they were interested in working out and doing their jobs and not much else. As an introvert (which, they are both supposed to be homebody types) I can say that we still have plenty of interests that we don't have to leave the house for!
Graphic: Body shaming, Cursing, Fatphobia, and Sexual content
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death, Alcohol, Death of parent, and Racism
cruthe's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Fatphobia, Bullying, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Cancer and Racism
irenemayblack's review against another edition
- 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
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: πΆπΆ
- he falls first & harder
- strong female lead
- golden retriever boy
- curvy, half asian girl
Moderate: Bullying, Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Cursing, Cancer, and Racism
antidietleah's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Bullying and Sexual content
Moderate: Racism and Misogyny
Minor: Pregnancy
lucyrudd's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Death, Grief, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, and Racism
behindherpages's review
- 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
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Bullying
Moderate: Cancer, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Minor: Infidelity, Racism, and Death
katiekat1357's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Racism and Fatphobia
beckyremillard's review
- 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
Graphic: Racism, Fatphobia, Body shaming, Bullying, and Sexual content
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Cancer
sarahsbookstacks's review
- 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
Graphic: Sexual content and Fatphobia
Moderate: Racism