3.5 Stars
On the Plus Side
by Jenny L. Howe
What Not to Wear and Queer Eye meet All the Feels in this sparkling romantic comedy by Jenny L. Howe, in which the new guest on a popular plus-size makeover show has her style―and her love life―transformed.
Everly Winters is perfectly happy to navigate life like a good neutral paint color: appreciated but unnoticed. That’s why she’s still a receptionist instead of exploring a career in art, why she lurks but never posts on the forums for her favorite makeover show, On the Plus Side, and why she’s crushing so hard on her forever-unattainable co-worker. When no one notices you, they can’t reject you or insist you’re too much.
This plan is working perfectly until someone secretly nominates Everly for the next season of On the Plus Side. Overwhelmed by the show’s extremely extroverted hosts and how much time she’ll have to spend on screen, she finds comfort in a surprising friendship with the grumpy but kind cameraman, Logan. Soon Everly realizes that he’s someone she doesn’t mind being noticed by. In fact, she might even like it.
But when their growing connection is caught on camera, it sends the show’s ratings into a frenzy. Learning to embrace all of herself on national TV is hard enough; can Everly risk heartbreak with the whole world watching?
My Thoughts
I decided to read this book because I liked the title. After reading the synopsis I was super excited to know the storyline would be based around reality tv.
The characters, and there were many each played an integral part in bringing the storyline full circle. The author does a fantastic job of describing each and every character. In do so it makes it easy to understand their thoughts and actions. I felt this really enhanced the reading experience.
While I was disappointed that I didn’t connect with the lead character, I will say that she was vibrant, creative, and these traits sparkled throughout the story. I did feel a very strong connection with both male leads. While I admit in the beginning I was a bit suspicious regarding both their actions, the farther in I read, the less suspicious I became, well at least until one surprising factor popped up toward the end of the book.
The family aspect as well as the co-worker aspect was written with spot on reality. While at times it may have been hard to swallow, I applaud the author for keeping the emotions that all these characters brought forth, real.
On the Plus Side is a fun, fast past story. It combines disappointment with excitement. Heartbreak with tenderness. Surprise with satisfaction and dissatisfaction. It showcases how we view ourselves and how others view us. It allows the characters to feel which in turn allows the reader to feel as well. It’s a story of never giving up on your dreams or yourself. Of letting go of the past and going into the future with fierce determination.
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