Scan barcode
jenheitland's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Body shaming
onthesamepage's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
This is a classic case of "should've picked this up sooner". It spent a couple of years on my shelves, because every time I thought about picking it up, something made me hesitate, and honestly, it was unwarranted. This was a really fun read, and I found myself gravitating towards it and wanting to pick it up once I'd started. Cindy quickly endeared herself to me. I loved her moments with Henry, and I'm just a sucker for a good Cinderella retelling anyway.
The ending did feel a bit like a letdown. There is a third act conflict, and I think the couple spent a bit too long apart with not enough payoff at the very end. Other than that, though, I'd definitely recommend this if you're in the mood for something fun and light.
The ending did feel a bit like a letdown. There is a third act conflict, and I think the couple spent a bit too long apart with not enough payoff at the very end. Other than that, though, I'd definitely recommend this if you're in the mood for something fun and light.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Grief, and Fatphobia
beckyyreadss's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
I wanted to read this book because I wanted to read more work from authors that I've enjoyed previously. I love the Dumplin series by Julie Murphy and when I saw this book, I immediately added it to my TBR. However, this book was on my TBR for way too long before I read this. I enjoyed this book; I just wanted it to be longer.
This book is based on Cindy, she has just graduated with a degree in shoe design and trying to get her feet on the ground. In the meantime, she is working for her stepmother who happens to be the executive producer of America’s favourite reality show, Before Midnight. When a spot on the show needs filling ASAP, Cindy volunteers, hoping it might help jump-start her fashion career, or at least give her something to do while her peers land jobs in the world of high fashion. Turns out being the only plus size woman on a reality dating competition makes a splash, and soon Cindy becomes a body positivity icon for women everywhere. What she didn’t expect? That she may find inspiration and love in the process. Ultimately, Cindy learns that if the shoe doesn’t fit, maybe it’s time to design your own.
I really enjoyed this book mainly because I was able to relate to it. Self-confidence is still a massive issue of mine and I have been working on it. Seeing someone like Cindy being able to be on a reality TV show and not have the public rip her to part (because if it was based in the UK, she would have been). I loved her journey and how she was standing up for herself and that she is this badass who chooses to decide on her future. I liked that the stepmother and the stepsisters weren’t evil unlike the original story of Cinderella, it was so refreshing to see that her adopted family cared about her and didn’t see her as a burden.
Even though it was based on a reality TV show, I hate reality TV and the whole challenges and petty girls and challenges were slightly annoying. I would have loved this book to have been more in-depth especially with the ending, we don’t get a happy ending expect for Cindy and Henry reuniting. I wanted them to go on dates as themselves without the reality TV aspect.
I’ve seen that this is a series with different authors, and I cannot wait to carry on with the re-telling and hopefully, the books are longer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Fatphobia, and Body shaming
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Cancer and Car accident
kwthor's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Terminal illness, Cancer, Body shaming, Cursing, and Sexual content
chrissandrapherlv's review
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Infidelity
abookwormspov's review against another edition
Loved the take on Cinderella especially with relationships with step family, but wasn't in the mood for the toxicity of the dating show. Undecided on chemistry with love interest.. Maybe will pick up again, going to try other books in series first.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Fatphobia, Body shaming, and Death of parent
queeniebee3's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Car accident, and Death of parent
koplomps's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Fatphobia, Death of parent, Body shaming, and Alcohol
Minor: Terminal illness and Infertility
jackieyvette's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I found myself really loving the beginning, but the climax/conflict is where they lost me. I've watched the Bachelor/Bachelorette a couple of times before, so I do know enough to understand what they were talking about, but even with that I still found the story too straightforward. I know it's a contemporary romance, and they seem to be pretty straightforward, but I just didn't enjoy it this time.
I liked Cindy and Henry as a couple, but the conflict was really dumb. It could have been resolved so easily if both of them would have just used their heads and thought about the person they were dealing with.As if Cindy would just not show up for no reason just for a job. And as if Henry would act the way he acted the whole book only to not invite her back and not fight production? Be serious. I just don't think the conflict was well thought out.
But overall, it's fine. I'd recommend it for someone who is looking for a light romance with no spice.
Crying score: none
I liked Cindy and Henry as a couple, but the conflict was really dumb. It could have been resolved so easily if both of them would have just used their heads and thought about the person they were dealing with.
But overall, it's fine. I'd recommend it for someone who is looking for a light romance with no spice.
Crying score: none
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, and Fatphobia
caitlinemccann's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming
Moderate: Bullying and Fatphobia