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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
This book pissed me off on so many different levels. The first and perhaps most shallow being that it read like an ad for lululemon. We get it…she wears lulus (which aren’t very size inclusive) and is so quirky. This brings me to my second point. This was so very clearly written by someone who is not plus size and was a poor representation of the community in my opinion. From silly stereotypes like the MCs favorite artist being Lizzo to the inability to accept love from a hot man because it must be fake, it was all a little too much for me. Additionally, the author reminded us over and over again just how “alpha male” Scott was and how small and fragile and petite he makes crystal feel. Just felt very reminiscent of a straight sized contemporary romance (which I would’ve been fine with if this book didn’t emphasize a plus size MC). Overall disappointed and pretty let down by the content and characters.
This wasn’t great, really cringy. Giving this 2 stars is generous. I do not recommend…. Feeling
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's not a secret that I like romance with plus size main characters because it's nice that sometimes being represented in the media that you consume. Diverse characters of different kinds is always a plus, both interesting and important for a better society in my opinion.
I'm not chinese myself but of what I know it doesn't exist many representations of bigger chinese women. So A plus on that.
What I would love to see more in romance is men that also get to have "flaws" aka having features not appreciated by dominating beauty standards. Does all men in romance have to be tall hunks with a six pack? It's getting a bit boring tbh. That's why I really appreciated Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade. Peter was H.O.T. Because he served that big bear dad bod thingy.
I had very high expectations on this book but it didn't quite do it for me. It was a fun companion on my train ride from Stockholm but not much more than that. I think I wanted the banter/teasing stage to last longer. And I didn't like the conflict at the last third. It semmed a bit weird to me. Happy to try more if Amy Lea though!
I'm not chinese myself but of what I know it doesn't exist many representations of bigger chinese women. So A plus on that.
What I would love to see more in romance is men that also get to have "flaws" aka having features not appreciated by dominating beauty standards. Does all men in romance have to be tall hunks with a six pack? It's getting a bit boring tbh. That's why I really appreciated Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade. Peter was H.O.T. Because he served that big bear dad bod thingy.
I had very high expectations on this book but it didn't quite do it for me. It was a fun companion on my train ride from Stockholm but not much more than that. I think I wanted the banter/teasing stage to last longer. And I didn't like the conflict at the last third. It semmed a bit weird to me. Happy to try more if Amy Lea though!
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
emotional
funny
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
So I'm going to do something I haven't done before and not rate this book. I was listening to the audiobook on Libby. The premise sounded cute to me, a plus size gym fitness influencer gets in petty arguments with a buff firefighter and they fall for each other.
I got to about chapter 8 and DNF'ed the book. The writing is great, I thought the storyline was cute but I couldn't relate to the FMC in the least. Its not that she wasn't completely unlikeable in general just self-centered. I typically have no problem relating to a character who is much younger then myself (Shes in her mid 20's) but I couldn't connect with Crystal. She seemed self absorbed, petty and I couldn't get on board with her and Scott's hot and cold relationship (I won't say enemies because I just thought they annoyed each other more then they were nemesis's or enemies.
Crystal's pettiness stretched from her talks about tinder hookups in front of Scott, hiding his phone from him. Then he kisses her in the locker room after another phone snatching on his part and I didn't feel any giddy tension or build up. Plus, some of the moves in the gym that Crystal is filming remind me of when Elle Woods did the whole bend snap choreographed routine in Legally Blonde 2
I think the author has a bright future as a writer and I wish I could have gotten into the book more but I just don't think the book was right for my tastes in books
I got to about chapter 8 and DNF'ed the book. The writing is great, I thought the storyline was cute but I couldn't relate to the FMC in the least. Its not that she wasn't completely unlikeable in general just self-centered. I typically have no problem relating to a character who is much younger then myself (Shes in her mid 20's) but I couldn't connect with Crystal. She seemed self absorbed, petty and I couldn't get on board with her and Scott's hot and cold relationship (I won't say enemies because I just thought they annoyed each other more then they were nemesis's or enemies.
Crystal's pettiness stretched from her talks about tinder hookups in front of Scott, hiding his phone from him. Then he kisses her in the locker room after another phone snatching on his part and I didn't feel any giddy tension or build up. Plus, some of the moves in the gym that Crystal is filming remind me of when Elle Woods did the whole bend snap choreographed routine in Legally Blonde 2
I think the author has a bright future as a writer and I wish I could have gotten into the book more but I just don't think the book was right for my tastes in books
“I realized . . . loving myself isn’t realistic at all times. I’m allowed to feel self-conscious and sad at times, but also confident and happy at other times, as long as I’m accepting and respecting myself. And I want you on my team.”
FMC: Crystal
—Curvy biracial fitstagrammer.
—Righteous, mostly has the best intentions, confident, go-getter, determined.
—Has a tendency to judge too quickly and a tad bit too skeptical.
—Got the sneakiest-in-the-most-obvious-way grandma, who constantly adorably meddles with Crys's life.
MMC: Scott
—American golden retriever firefighter.
—Wholesome, charming, patient, supportive, understanding.
—Got the cuteat bond with his boisterous and affectionate grandad.
Lighthearted romance. Would say romcom, but there wasn't enough com. Not really fast-paced. Nothing much going on plot-wise. Decent storyline, with a few interesting elements and takes, and some nice cutesy moments. Not a bad book, but not a memorable one either.
Talks about body-shaming, racism and cyber-bullying. A new take on “body positivity”. Conveys the message that it's okay if it's difficult to love yourself all the time, that you don't have to hold yourself to extreme standards all the time. I love that this was acknowledged. Definitely felt a bit reassured.
A teensy dose of amusing family drama. I'm especially intrigued by Mel (Crys' influencer friend), Tara (Crys' bookstagrammer sister), and Trevor (Scott's charming, player roomie/friend).
“Are you a bank loan? Because you have my interest.”
“Are you my appendix? This feeling in my stomach makes me want to take you out.”
“You’ve hated every guy I ever dated. Did you know Seth was terrified of you? You didn’t even speak a word to him until probably six months into our relationship. And that was just to ask him to borrow his veggie spiralizer.”
--
Tara to Crystal.
I’ve always held my grandparents’ relationship on a pedestal. Grandpa used to bring her flowers every Friday. Though he was outwardly crabby about it, he always made special meals for her, even when she went through a phase when she would only eat a raw, plant-based diet. I’m left to wonder if it was all a sham. And now I have to deal with Scott the Cheater’s presence.
--
Crystal always did give a bit too skeptical and pessimistic vibe.
“And by the way, you can rest easy knowing I’m not pursuing you. My Neanderthal brain got the hint. Loud and clear.”
--
Scott's reply to Crys after she stereotyped him and called him a “Neanderthal”.
“Are you lost, ma’am?” He exudes a very overt brand of charm that’s probably an instant panty dropper for most women with the gift of sight.
--
That's Trevor, y'all. Scott's fellow firefighter friend and roomie.
If he’s lying to me, he deserves an award.
“You’ll be okay. I’m not going to let you fall. You just have to give me your hand. We’re going to go down together.”
“No. I’m going to die up here. I’m okay with it. I accept it. Tell my family I love them. Play Lizzo at my funeral,” I order.
FMC: Crystal
—Curvy biracial fitstagrammer.
—Righteous, mostly has the best intentions, confident, go-getter, determined.
—Has a tendency to judge too quickly and a tad bit too skeptical.
—Got the sneakiest-in-the-most-obvious-way grandma, who constantly adorably meddles with Crys's life.
MMC: Scott
—American golden retriever firefighter.
—Wholesome, charming, patient, supportive, understanding.
—Got the cuteat bond with his boisterous and affectionate grandad.
Lighthearted romance. Would say romcom, but there wasn't enough com. Not really fast-paced. Nothing much going on plot-wise. Decent storyline, with a few interesting elements and takes, and some nice cutesy moments. Not a bad book, but not a memorable one either.
Talks about body-shaming, racism and cyber-bullying. A new take on “body positivity”. Conveys the message that it's okay if it's difficult to love yourself all the time, that you don't have to hold yourself to extreme standards all the time. I love that this was acknowledged. Definitely felt a bit reassured.
A teensy dose of amusing family drama. I'm especially intrigued by Mel (Crys' influencer friend), Tara (Crys' bookstagrammer sister), and Trevor (Scott's charming, player roomie/friend).
Quotes and Thoughts
“Are you a bank loan? Because you have my interest.”
“Are you my appendix? This feeling in my stomach makes me want to take you out.”
“You’ve hated every guy I ever dated. Did you know Seth was terrified of you? You didn’t even speak a word to him until probably six months into our relationship. And that was just to ask him to borrow his veggie spiralizer.”
--
Tara to Crystal.
I’ve always held my grandparents’ relationship on a pedestal. Grandpa used to bring her flowers every Friday. Though he was outwardly crabby about it, he always made special meals for her, even when she went through a phase when she would only eat a raw, plant-based diet. I’m left to wonder if it was all a sham. And now I have to deal with Scott the Cheater’s presence.
--
Crystal always did give a bit too skeptical and pessimistic vibe.
“And by the way, you can rest easy knowing I’m not pursuing you. My Neanderthal brain got the hint. Loud and clear.”
--
Scott's reply to Crys after she stereotyped him and called him a “Neanderthal”.
“Are you lost, ma’am?” He exudes a very overt brand of charm that’s probably an instant panty dropper for most women with the gift of sight.
--
That's Trevor, y'all. Scott's fellow firefighter friend and roomie.
If he’s lying to me, he deserves an award.
“You’ll be okay. I’m not going to let you fall. You just have to give me your hand. We’re going to go down together.”
“No. I’m going to die up here. I’m okay with it. I accept it. Tell my family I love them. Play Lizzo at my funeral,” I order.