This book was refreshing in the way it portrayed plus size women/people, and I really appreciated and related to that!

📖 On the Plus Side
📝 Jenny L. Howe
🗓️ 12/26/2023
💜 Women’s Fiction/Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

As a plus-sized woman, I definitely connected with Everly in a lot of ways.
I found her thoughts and experiences refreshing as she navigated going on the show, and when she expressed how it felt to be in a room with all larger bodies.

This book had me doing a lot of self reflection, on the choices I make and the perspectives I have, what is in my own head and what comes from the society around me.

While I really enjoyed the dynamic and relationship building between Everly and Logan, it definitely isn’t a full romance book - I’d say 50/50 romance & women’s fiction. The story was a lot more about Everly’s growth within herself than her relationship.

Tropes + topics:
🧡 Reality makeover tv show
🧡 Star & camera man
🧡 Friends to lovers
🧡 Grumpy sunshine
🧡 Plus size fmc
🧡 Forced proximity
🧡 Slow burn
🧡 Single POV/3rd person

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy to review. All opinions are my own.

On the Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe

This is an interesting take on reality TV and how fat people are depicted in media. It does a good job of breaking down the stereotypes and reclaiming the language. I'm not personally aware of any such fatpositive organizations, but I'm sure they exist.
Watching Everly become the person she was always meant to be is inspiring. The grumpy sexy lumbersexual cameraman makes the story dynamic.

I'm not a reality show viewer, with the exception of makeover shows, and SYFY's FaceOff (which is baller and I miss it), so this was right up my alley. My two favorite makeover ones being Queer Eye (the GOAT) and What Not To Wear (when TLC wasn't just a bunch of trash). Additionally, being a #fatgirl myself, this book hit all the right notes for me. I was delighted to be given an ARC of On the Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe.

A Little Bit of Plot

When she lost her grandmother, Everly Winters, also lost a bit of herself. Her goal, in life and career, has been to disappear into the background. Her receptionist job at a marketing firm hasn't exactly been fulfilling, neither has her not so covert crush on Thor look alike coworkerJames. Suddenly she has been selected to participate in the reality show, On the Plus Side, which is focused on fat acceptance. She immediately connects with grumpy cameraman, Logan, who plays a foil to the overly friendly and quaffed James. When Logan and Everly grow closer, will their relationship take a front seat to her art and personal growth? She agreed to join the show to find herself not a boyfriend.

The Compliment Sandwich
The Top Bun (The Pro)
Everly's Journey

What I loved about this book is that Everly is an 'every person'; there's nothing really quirky about her. Howe has done a fantastic job as creating the perfect cypher for readers to relate to her situation and her interactions. At times, I felt as though I've had similar conversations with people in my own life. I too had a parent that equated thinness to happiness, hence the eating disorder Ive have for over 20 years of my life.

This quote in particular that hit close to home

Everly wasn’t one of those people who could let embarrassment roll off their backs. She was an obsesser. A re-liver. She would replay this moment over and over in her head like a new song she’d just heard until nothing else existed.

I'm not sure about others, but the number of sleepless nights I have relived cringy moments from middle school or the dumb thing I said at work last week.

There are many beautiful scenes in this book, but one in particular that actually made me feel so seen and will lead to my bottom bun.

During her session with Jazzy where they go through her closet and wardrobe, one of the main aspects of this exercise is to delve into what is keeping her back from making progress. It's very personal and emotional.

I was too exhausted and scared to do the Collective without my grandmother. If she had been my mirror, now I was staring at an empty wall. I didn’t know where I fit anymore. The art that had made me so proud looked silly. Weird. I was too afraid people wouldn’t understand what I was doing. I knew it would break my grandmother’s heart to see me quit, to see me give in to my fears, but it felt safer. Disappearing is safer...Then there’s never the chance that I might be all the things I’m afraid I am: too weird, too loud, too awkward.”
Everly had to take a breath before she spoke the last one.
“Too much.”

At some point in my life, I gave up caring what other people thought of me and my idiosyncrasies; however, to be Everly's age and living her struggle, I wish I had this book to let me know it was absolutely fine to be different. Laugh a little louder than others, let my freak flag fly, and just not GAF.

The Meat (The Con)
I felt like the tattoo aspirations were kind of tacked on. And there's something we don't get to see that I'm a bit disappointed in, but I can't share because :major spoilers:

The Bottom Bun (The Pro)
LOGAN

I love Logan so much. I usually don't stunt cast in my reviews, but I'm imagining Chris Evans, with his naturally dark blonde hair and blue eyes and IDGAF attitude (think beginning of End Game style). This is our introduction:

How was this happening? And to Everly of all people. “Holy fuck,” she muttered again. Somewhere nearby, a frustrated groan broke through the shock that had left her ears ringing. “There goes that take.” Everly cut her gaze toward the gruff voice. It came from a guy standing slightly apart from the rest of the group, an expensive-looking camera balanced on his shoulder. He’d angled it to the side so he could judge her with his whole face. Whatever he saw caused his frown to deepen beneath his dark, close-trimmed beard.

Logan is poised to be the critical, super buff, alpha dude that looks down on people like Everly. We quickly learn that he's just grumpy when it comes to getting a good shot and Everly talking down about herself. He's so supportive, that it makes me jealous of his relationship with Everly. The conversation that Jazzy has with Everly that I detailed in my top bun ends like this:

For a moment, no one spoke. Then, out of nowhere, Logan growled, “Fuck that.” His voice was so distinct, so clear, that Everly suddenly understood the phrase “shattering the silence.” It was like something palpable broke against the roughness of his voice. Her eyes cut to his face.
“Hey.” Jazzy waved at him. “Language and the fourth wall and all that.”
“Fuck it. Greg can edit me out. You are not too much.”

His reaction reminds me of that Ted Lasso quote, "I have a hard time hearing people who don’t believe in themselves.". After this interaction, Logan definitely becomes Everly's 'person'. Late in the novel, Logan is given an ultimatum of sorts and he says "to me, you're what matters". He also has a pretty great grand gesture (no third act breakup) that's played pretty low-key, but it's beautiful nonetheless. Logan is up there with my favorite book boyfriends.

Overall, this book releases 12/26 and you should scoop it up. It's a relationship angst free novel that will give you a confidence boost and a sense of hope for culture moving forward.

4.5 stars
This is a fun, entertaining, uplifting read. Logan and Everly are interesting, relatable, captivating, intriguing, entertaining characters. I love Everly’s journey and her character development throughout this story. Their romance is so good and fitting for these characters. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. I loved the various characters and the authenticity that they bring to the story and Everly’s journey. This story is so touching and meaningful in so many ways. The writing is easy to read and get into.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

The main character Everly gets nominated to be on a show like Queer Eye but with a focus on plus-sized people. Sounds great right? We love wholesome feel good shows that show growth and bring all the feels. So imagine that type of show but then what if they took a left turn and decided to break bad by dabbling in manipulative ways like The Bachelor to bring drama. Welcome to Everly’s unexpected dilemma, this book immerses you into her world and the constant push for her to be something and someone she isn’t. You will root for her not only on finally finding herself but also to find love. You will want to yell, cry, cheer, smile, and laugh on this roller coaster of a story, and in the end, it will all be worth it. I enjoyed the ride and can’t wait to see more from Jenny L. Howe she hasn’t let me down yet.

While I wish books featuring fat people were not about them fat, I do like what this one did. It’s almost meta. I didn’t know where it was going toward the end and I liked that story arc. The writing was enjoyable, and so were the characters for the most part. I wish the FMC would have went deeper with her mom and explaining why her behavior was so deeply unacceptable.

On the Plus Side is Jenny L. Howe's sophomore novel, and she created a blockbuster with this one! Definitely a 5 star read for me.

As a female who has been big/fat/curvy/overweight/obese for almost her whole life, it's nice to finally see a female main character with those same traits now that I'm in my mid-40s. These kinds of books are way overdue. Especially with a protagonist who isn't trying to lose weight or using self-deprecating humor to deflect from herself.

Everly Winters has just found out she's been chosen to be on her favorite reality TV show, On the Plus Side. A different kind of makeover show, its focus is on fat people and helping them to find the clothes that make them feel comfortable and confident, and helps them to focus on their dreams and how to get there. Everly doesn't hate her body, she just wants to blend in and be invisible...but the show hosts Jazzy and Stanton aren't going to let that happen. When cameraman Logan starts following her around, she can't help but talk to him, breaking the fourth wall. He's grumpy about it because Everly is supposed to act like he's not there, but it's so hard when he's RIGHT THERE. She's trying to focus on herself and where she wants her life to go, but she can't help but think about the man behind the camera.

All of the characters are fully fleshed out and wonderful. They each have their own personality, and the entire novel was extremely well-written. There were a couple of times where it hit a little too close to home for me and I teared up, which is probably the best compliment that I can give.

All in all, this is a great sophomore novel from Jenny L. Howe. A relatable main character with family issues, romance, and a work rut. So Everly is a normal woman. If you enjoy rom-coms or the grumpy/sunshine trope, then you will definitely binge this one!

Thank you to @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for a digital copy for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.

Everly finds herself on her favorite makeover show. She's unsure eventually, but decides she wants to use this opportunity to refocus on her art and uncover her passions. Unfortunately, the show runner seems interested in her apparent crush on her coworker while Everly is maybe actually falling for the hot cameraman.

This gets 3.5 stars from me because it was an enjoyable read, but I found the MMC, Logan, underdeveloped - yes, it was clear that he found Everly amazing but there was just a little something missing.

I loved that Everly stood up for herself and began to be seen again, rather than fade into the background as she had done. I love that her friends are there for her and that she makes new friends along the way. In that way this reads almost as women's fiction because Everly is focused on her journey first (as she should be) and the romance second.

If you like makeover shows like What Not to Wear and empowering fat people, this is a solid read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book so much. Although I am not what would be considered plus sized, I could relate to the main character Everly on so many levels. Wanting to blend in and not stand out in a crowd is something that is not often talked about but affects many. The author did a great job using the reality show as a backdrop for a glimpse into the reasons why Everly doesn’t believe in herself. The book had me going out to buy tops that weren’t black! If you have ever struggled with self esteem this is a terrific read no matter what your size is.

I enjoyed this book! I didn’t read The Makenzie-up Test and didn’t feel like I missed anything so points for that. I like Everly and Logan as a relationship. We get to see them trade looks, flirt and then move forward. Was it insta-love which I normally don’t like yes but in this instance it worked because he was the cameraman for the reality show that was filming her. I would have liked to learn more about Logan other than he loves dogs and how he got to be a cameraman. We also never truly get to hear why he likes Everly.

As a plus size person I related to Everly in some aspects that I normally don’t. I have felt and thought some of what Everly does. I think Howe did a great job showing what it truly means to be plus size from shopping, to navigating a bar, etc. I also just loved Jazzy and Stanton! What great characters who livened up the book and brought out the deeper moments but with a side of comedic relief.

Thank you St Martin’s Press through NetGalley for the arc of this book. 3.5 stars for overall development but overall I really enjoyed this book. I think anyone who is plus size should read this book just like Olivia Dade’s books. So happy to see more diverse (and realistic) character representation coming out.

I really couldn’t get into this one. I wanted to root for their love story and the premise sounded good on paper but the male
Main character had no redeeming qualities s

I wasn't even halfway through this book and told my sister that she HAD to read it when it came out. It's amazing. I love the body-positive messaging, and the author creating a main character who stands up for herself. If you're a fan of reality TV, you'll adore this book. Even if you aren't, you're still going to love this book. Everly Winters is so relatable and you root for her and her HEA the whole time.

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Jenny L. Howe for an eARC of this book!

I am SUCH a massive supporter in picking up a book with a main character that is plus-sized and curvy because I am so tired of reading romances where the female lead is constantly described as 'tiny' *eye roll*. Overall, I enjoyed this book but was not blown away by it. I felt like the writing here just wasn't my favorite with the overly 'out-there' descriptions and some cringey moments. I think I would recommend this one but I won't be shouting it from the rooftops!

On the Plus Side is an absolutely fabulous romantic comedy that I feel so lucky to have read. First off, I love that the heroine is happy with herself and her body as she is, and just wants the people around her to accept it. I love that the changes they made in her during the makeover were mostly teaching her how to be the wonderful person she is inside. And I was pleasantly surprised that the ending wasn’t the cookie cutter version of every rom-com you read, but had depth and gave this character the ending she deserved.

I received an ALC & eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was my first time reading this author and I thought the story was really good. It was a little hard to get into at first but about 20-25% in I was hooked. It had likable characters, an interesting storyline, it was just a little lackluster for me! I was hoping for a more wow factor. Just didn’t quite hit all the way for me I guess. I’ll definitely be giving this author another try in the future!

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5)

Everly got a life makeover!

I’ll admit I’m the last person to watch reality television because I would rather read but I adored On the Plus Side. Everly Winters loves to watch On the Plus Side and lurk on their forums but she never expected to hear her name as one of the guest on the next season for her whole life to change with hosts Stanton and Jazzy.

I loved how Everly had to work through all of her issues with confidence and finding her style of clothing that would make her feel like a queen but she did it with style. But she had move on from being a receptionist to making her art her career with her growing friendship with cameraman Logan Samuel.

On the Plus Side is for anybody that feels like they need to step away from being a wall flower.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

**Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Jenny L. Howe for an ARC of this book!**

The last place Everly Winters EVER imagined she'd be is in front of a camera. Even though she's always been a huge fan of the makeover reality show On The Plus Side, where plus size individuals undergo physical and life makeovers (think Queer Eye with a dash of What Not To Wear thrown in for good measure), she would prefer to lurk on the "read-it thread" and stay out of the limelight. She's always dreamed of pursuing her passion for art, but feels her job as a receptionist is where she 'belongs'...and her mother's critical eye has only played on this insecurity.

But all of that is about to change.

When Everly finds out she has been NOMINATED for the ultimate makeover on her all-time favorite show, she's stunned, terrified...and yes, a bit excited. Was it her best friend who nominated her? Everly isn't quite sure...but she's hoping maybe she'll end up able to participate in the art Collective of her dreams and the shows two hosts will bring out the very best of her and a new confidence she's never known. And then there's the hunky guy James she's had her eye on forever too...could they be MORE than work friends?

And then there's gruff, flannel-clad hunky cameraman Logan. His grumpy demeanor is off-putting at first, but after a while, Everly starts to notice the twinkle in his eye when he talks to her on camera AND off...and she starts catching feelings of her own as well. But is there any 'reality' in this reality TV...or has this love triangle simply been orchestrated for ratings? Can Everly trust Logan...or is she simply a pawn in a ratings game, set to have her heart broken AND her dreams dashed, all in one fell swoop?

I was an instant fan of Howe's writing after thoroughly enjoying The Make-Up Test, a rom-com with a literary bent, where the bookish references flew fast and furious and the banter was reminiscent of Emily Henry's fun and quirky style. I was hoping for more of the same in this book, and as someone who is both a fan of shows like Queer Eye and ALL kinds of rep in my reading, Howe's brand of plus-size positivity. This seemed like a winning combination of story elements and writing style, and I was fairly certain I'd enjoy this read.

But when I say much of this one felt like a bicycle with flat tires...it's an unfortunate truth. While many would argue our MC Logan is far more likable than the male lead in Howe's last book...I have the opposite opinion. While I can safely say there isn't much to dislike about Logan, in many ways, this is part of the problem. He read more like a stereotype, from the bearded flannel lumberjack look, to his "gruff" introduction. As is the case with many of these type of reads, I had a hard time believing that he was so unapproachable anyway: he went from quiet to talkative and kind in no short order, and because there was such a quick transition, it lost impact.

Everly also read as a bit more young and naive than I had hoped she would be, I yearned for her to come into her own FOR herself, but it still seemed like she was more focused on impressing others...and fixating on her clothes more often than necessary. Yes, it's a makeover show and I know the author was also inspired by What Not To Wear, so the references make sense...but after a while, it just felt like overkill. I wasn't interested in hearing about EVERY single outfit she was wearing, especially those that just seemed a bit young or unprofessional for her (rather than unbecoming to her body type). I was more interested in her internal journey, and although this was discussed, I STILL felt like it was overshadowed at times.

There's also the "readit" (think Reddit) posts tossed in, which often felt goofy and inauthentic and the fourth act 'scandal' is MORE than a bit convoluted. It was nice to skip the obligatory third act breakup, but because the plot got so implausible, it still didn't quite land. As an administrative assistant myself, I also didn't like the implication that being a receptionist should just be a temporary position while you look for a REAL job in marketing (or in Everly's case, design). While this kind of job isn't for everyone, people work in different professions and roles for all sorts of reasons...and she certainly was able to utilize and hone her art skills both at home AND at work...but despite her life transformation, I'm not sure she ever came to appreciate that fact.

Of course, one of Howe's trademarks at this point is plus size rep, and she handles it well. I'm glad to see her continuing to tell these stories. With that being said, however, it did feel at times like we were retreading territory covered in The Make-Up Test, and maybe I was dreaming, but it honestly felt like certain passages by the MC felt almost paraphrased or just restated from her first book. While I realize the main themes may be similar, I sometimes felt like I was hearing the author's direct POV rather than the original thoughts of her different characters...and while Everly may not have been my FAVORITE heroine, she certainly had a unique personality...and I think COULD have had subsequently made some more interesting and impactful statements along her journey.

And although I won't say how this one ends...rest assured there's at LEAST a 50% chance of a Happy Everly After!

3.5 stars

#OnThePlusSide #JennyLHowe #SMPRomance #StMartinsPress

A celebration of just how human even those of us that are plus-sized can be! I am a big fan of reality TV. I love the drama, the ridiculousness, the feels, but I am not ignorant to the producer influence. This book helps illustrate the perspective from a contestant's side. I liked that. I also enjoyed the overall approach the author took to address the clear lack of body inclusivity that occurs. This book actually celebrated how no matter a person's size, they are still someone's cup-o-tea! I was a little leery that it would be redundant with specifically stating that the FMC is plus-sized at the beginning. It took about 25% before I was able to focus more on the story rather than the physical descriptions of Everly.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and author Jenny L. Howe for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[4.75 rounded up]

Everly Winters loves On the Plus Side, a reality makeover show that focuses on plus sized individuals - and is hosted and produced by plus sized people. So, when Everly is surprised at work by Jazzy and Stanton, the two hosts of the show, she is immediately star struck. As she gets used to being around the cameras, Everly begins to see herself for who she is, no longer trying to hide behind her clothing or other people. To get to the end goal, she must endure difficult discussions and events - some real and some manufactured for the viewers. However, as a love triangle arc begins to form within the narrative, Everly begins to question who nominated her and why? When she finds out the truth, she will never be the same. Will Everly receive the transformation of her dreams or will everything in her life come crashing down?

As a plus sized person, I am SO happy to see someone like me in a romance - and not just as the butt of the joke or the ugly fat friend. I really connected with Everly's struggles of self-esteem, dating, and finding a career path that sparks joy. I quickly became attached to Everly and reacted alongside her whenever something good or bad happened. She was like the plus sized friend I've always wanted. It was a little slow in the beginning and one part of the plot really bothered me, but overall it was a super heartwarming book that made me feel seen. I could cry. Seriously.

Lots Of Grand Ideas. No Technical Errors. Plenty Readers May Not Like. This is one of those books that is filled with GRANDIOSE IDEAS it wants to communicate and build an interesting story around. And it does that. There are no glaring technical errors with anything about this book. The plot works within world, the characters are serviceable enough for the genre generally, and the GRANDIOSE IDEAS are all given at least some "screen time".

All of this noted, there are *several* issues here that individual readers may have problems with, depending on their own experiences.

The book opens with an author's note about why she doesn't have a problem with "fat" in the context of this tale + trigger warnings. Ok, there is a lot of discussion on trigger warnings at the front of books in Booklandia, with different people coming down on different sides there. Clearly, Howe has staked her position. Fair enough, but again, some readers may not like this.

Then we get into the various GRANDIOSE IDEAS as we go throughout the actual tale.

Self Acceptance. Noble idea, some may not like the execution of how it is explored.
Family Drama. While a certain family member is written almost as an antagonist... this is going to be one of those "antagonists" that at least some readers are likely going to agree with more than the main character.
"Reality" TV (and the lack of actual reality therein). This is a main driver of the plot, and for the most part works well enough. But there is a lot of social commentary here that I suspect won't hit as hard for many as perhaps Howe had hoped.

Others get more into spoiler territory, so I'll not discuss them here. But you get the idea. For at least some readers, this will absolutely be OHMYGODAMAZEBALLSAWESOMESAUCETHANKYOUFORWRITINGTHISMOSTIMPORTANTBOOKEVAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! level. I suspect that for most readers, this book will more likely fall into the "ok" - "good, but a few problems" range. And I do think that its 4.06 average across just over 500 reviews just days before publication (yes, I too read this as an ARC) is both evidence that I am right and, to my mind, roughly where its rating average is likely to pan out over time.

Recommended.