A review by pagesand_polish
One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

emotional 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? Yes

4.0

One to Watch centers on Bea Schumacher, a plus-sized fashion blogger who becomes the lead on a reality dating show similar to The Bachelorette. Though Bea is skeptical about finding love on a show she doesn’t fully believe in, her journey challenges stereotypes and opens her heart in unexpected ways.

I absolutely loved the setting of this book. While I’m not the biggest fan of shows like The Bachelorette, I do give in to the guilty pleasure now and then, and this book captured that feeling perfectly. Bea as a main character was a breath of fresh air—her struggles with body image felt real and relatable, making it so easy to root for her throughout the story. It was refreshing to see a plus-sized protagonist in the spotlight, and I appreciated how the book addressed her insecurities with both honesty and care. I also enjoyed getting to know the men vying for Bea’s heart, which added an extra layer of fun to the experience.