thoroughly enjoyed this book. this is the first book I've read by this author as well. This author did a nice job at representing the curvy/plus size gal which made it feel authentic.I really enjoyed Logan and Everly story. Book had both super sweet aspects but some spice as well. All in all was an enjoyable read for me.

On the Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe was cute and funny, and an easy, feel good read. I couldn't put it down and stayed up well past my bedtime to finish it.

I thought the main characters, Everyly and Logan, were both people to root for, and I was cheering for their love on the sidelines. I am not into reality TV, or makeover shows, or any of that stuff, but this was a fun imagining of what that might look like in a fat-affirming environment.

I found the instances and descriptions of fatphobia in this, appropriate and not-gratuitous. The main character wasn't 100% body positivity rah rah in the beginning, but she also didn't hate herself, which I think can sometimes be a fine balance in stories centering fat experiences in fiction, but something that I think the authour did really well. I thought some of the situations in the story were also very relatable more broadly.

I loved the character growth from start to finish - it also felt like the natural outcome of what was happening in the story.

The grumpy cinnamon roll is a romance trope I am fond of, so that hit the spot for me. There are a few spicy bits in this novel, I didn't find them particularly explicit, but they were also not fade to black.

Some serious themes in here that were touched on, and offered as a heads up in the beginning of the story, and most of these circumstances didn't just feel plonked in there for arbitrary reasons, but meshed well with who the characters became, their motivations, and some of the ways they responded to the world.

Over all, I thought this was very enjoyable and well done. There were a few points in the story that gave me pause, but not enough to be hugely negative. If you know too much about the tattoo industry, you might need to suspend some disbelief, but I didn't think that was a biggie. There are a certain amount of fantasy outcomes here, as in any romance, and I think books like that are very comforting and just a worthwhile respite from reality.

Thanks to Netgalley, and the publisher for an early copy of this book. It's coming out December 26, 2023.

This was a very cute read focused on a plus size main character (which is always great to read about because I can relate) named Everly. She is going on the only lifestyle makeover show exclusively for plus sized people: On The Plus Side; which also happens to be her favorite show. Of course, she finds herself and love on her journey.

Overall, it was a quick, fun, easy read. I felt it drag a bit during some parts because I don’t really watch makeover reality shows much so I’m thinking that is the reason; just a lack of connection there personally. But! If those type of shows are your thing, I think you would really enjoy this book!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

4.5!

Everly is a plus-sized woman you is currently a receptionist for a marketing company and living above her brother’s garage. When Everly is nominated to be a guest on a Queer Eye-esque reality show called On The Plus Side, she’s excited to flourish in some spaces that she hasn’t participated in for a while.

The viewers of the show (and the readers) get to see Everly’s relationship with herself grow through her creativity and art as well as figuring out a potential new career path.

I really enjoyed this! Everly was a great character and I really resonated with her fears of failing or falling. A fear of failing stops you from chasing after something you really want and I think this was a great portrayal of analyzes what may be holding you back and what you may want to change!

I don’t read enough reality tv based books I’ve realized but I think the premise was done well! There’s a realistic approach to the fact that this is Queer Eye-like rather than a dating show (like most reality tv show books I’ve read). The Queer Eye aspect allows for some great character expansion for Everly and sets up a good conflict for later in the book.

I think the pacing near the end felt a little fast to me but ultimately I think this wrapped up pretty well! I wish the epilogue gave a bit more and that there was a bit more with the Collective! I was happy with the way the romance played out though and the communication between Everly and Logan was really nice!

I really liked this book!

The romance was very sweet, but definitely a slow burn with very minimal spice. Still I loved the tender moments between Everly and Logan.

I really appreciated Everly's growth through the book. It felt realistic-- it happened over time and not without her own doubts. I also loved that she didn't NEED a man or to lose weight to develop as a character.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I was excited to read it and was not disappointed!

Think What Not to Wear but plus sized! This novel represented plus sized is such a beautiful way. Not once did the content hyper focus on curves or folds that I have read in other novels with plus sized main characters - and I really appreciated that.

Everly is such a lovable main character and I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing her growth within the pages of On the Plus Side. Reading through her confidence gains with romance, art, fashion, and family was very heart warming. And I loved the little bit of spice that was sprinkled in, it was just enough for this novel!

I definitely recommend this one for those interested in reading something that is plus size friendly, but it truly is one size fits all and should be read by all!

I really enjoyed this book. It's a great cross between Queer Eye and What Not to Wear. I loved that Everly found herself throughout the book, and wasn't changing for a man, but in tandem with finding love. The main message was about doing the work on the inside, alongside changing her outer appearance in small ways that enhanced Everly's appearance and made her more confident. The conflicts were resolved through direct communication and matched with the ages of the characters. Not having silly miscommunications helped the integrity of the book and the believability of the relationships. I really liked that there wasn't a 3rd act breakup. All in all, this was a fun read and I saw a lot of myself in Everly.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an eARC of On The Plus Side.

This book was such a pleasure to read! I devoured it. It was fast paced, had many interesting characters, and was full of witty dialogue, I loved the body-postivity message within the theme of the book and the reality of how difficult it can be to live your life authentically and love yourself while constantly being told you're either not good enough or you don't deserve to have what others have. This story was full of really honest moments -- from self doubt and negative feelings, to embarrassing situations. I loved the characters and appreciated that the storyline didn't go in the directions of Everly losing faith in Logan, but rather the two of them joining forces to deal with the situation. It was also refreshing to have male characters that also had body-issues.

I hate to compare authors but I mean this in the highest compliment that the writing will appeal to fans of Olivia Dade novels. The humor, plus sized characters, and romance are brilliant.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this arc in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book! The premise of the story was so fun (think Queer Eye for plus sized women), and I really like how it ended. The characters in this book were so easy to love, and I think that’s what made me love the book so much. Everly had such great personal development and never lost sight of who she truly is. Logan is the SWEETEST grumpy guy ever and sees the good in people. And Jazzy and Stanton are just so fun and kind! I just can’t get over these fictional people!

Very cute and fun read! Loved that there was no third act breakup, a very good representation of plus size experiences.

This is probably closer to a 3.5 for me. I loved Jenny L. Howe's debut, [book:The Make-Up Test|59808330]. It was witty, light, and the romance was spot-on. However, I didn't feel those things from <I>On the Plus Side</i>. While I enjoyed the premise of the makeover show, the initial chemistry, and Everly's journey of self-discovery, the story felt rushed. I wanted the romance to really build after that initial spark, but everything added up to insta-love which is one of my least favorite tropes. Really, that is a me thing more than anything — it's just my preference in romance, but I expected something more built up considering how the rest of the plot was unfolding. Ultimately, my concerns with this book fell to timing; the timing of the romance plot, the timing of the twist, etc. I think this could have shaped up to the perfect romance with better pacing.

Some things I did like included the chemistry between Logan and Everly, the relationship with Becca and Ellis, and the family relationship that was explored with Everly and her mother. All of these made for a more well-rounded story that wasn't just romance-focused. The filming scenes for the show were fun too, and I almost wish we could have gotten more of those!

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

A quirky, realistic view of how people can do damage with their words unknowingly. Everly is a great character that many people can relate to no matter their background.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC!

LOVED IT! Couldn't put it down!

"On the Plus Side" is a romcom about Everly, a plus-size woman who has lost her self-confidence and self-love. Enter reality TV show 'On the Plus Size' and its hosts who will spend several weeks helping Everly come out of her shell and become her true self while on national TV. Scandals and romance fill the pages of this can't-put-down book.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. It has it all: scandals, intrigue, romance, and betrayal. I appreciate the representation of a fat main character and the stigma fat people endure in society. Everly's character development and her love story were touching and I felt myself rooting for her throughout the book. I would read this book again and I'll be on the lookout for more books from this author.

I use to love watching makeover shows, so I was excited by the premise of this book. On the Plus Side follows Everly, a plus size MC, who is in need of a life overhaul. She hides herself behind a receptionist job & bland clothing from fear of standing out. The show helps her embrace & love herself for who she is & to not be afraid to stand out. She also finds a love interest in the cameraman, Logan, who is the sweetest character!

This was a really fun book to read. I loved seeing Everly's journey as she branches out & explores the things she loves. I like that it focused on more than just her appearance. The body positivity & self-confidence was great to see! I enjoyed the forums & news articles throughout the book. They made the characters feel real. The drama at the end was intense & definitely brought awareness to consent!

This was a fun, light romantic read that left me with a big smile at the end.

Since her grandmother’s passing, Everly Winters has put her dreams on the back burner and has decided to blend in to get by. When the hosts of her favourite makeover show, “On The Plus Side,” surprise her at her office, everything changes. Suddenly her aspirations are front and center, and she is faced with the opportunity to change her life and live out loud. Plus, Everly feels sparks of something (romance?) every time she interacts with the grumpy, flannel-clad cameraman, Logan. And Everly knows Logan can feel it, too.

4/5 stars, I really loved this book. It was truly a rom-com, because there were lines that I actually laughed out loud at (a rarity for me)! I loved all the dogs (Bagel!!!), I was so happy to read about them. I also adored the ren faire chapter, it was so fun!

I found this book covered a lot of sensitive subjects in a very compassionate way. Everly felt so relatable and her cheerful demeanor was refreshing, and Logan was *chefs kiss.* His description as a “woodsy metrosexual” made me laugh because it is so spot on. There was also so much representation which was also lovely to see! I didn’t want this book to end so I hope to read another book with Everly and Logan in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

Jenny L. Howe hits her second book out of the park. I love to see the plus-sized representation, I loved Everly and Logan separately, and adored their journey together.

I thought the idea of this book was a great concept. I always love a plus sized fmc. Everly is very relatable. I did feel like this book did fall short though. I had higher expectations and found myself bored halfway through. I wish I had more to add to this review.

Thank you to Jenny Howe, Netgalley and St. Martin's press for the e-arc. Opinions are my own.

Love loved loved the plus size representation! The book was cute with the perfect romance and plot. Cant wait to read more from the author!

This was cute! The premise was amazing, and I do think it had more potential- but again, overall a cute read. It may not have clicked for me for a few reasons: the people on the show helping her did not seem to have personality- I was expecting JVN from queer eye type stuff but they weren't very developed. It also felt "insta-love." the writing wasn't great, and the overall flow was off.

Reasons I did like it: the concept of a queer eye type show for the plus sized community, the body positivity/neutrality, the male hero was cute, the female hero was confident and funny- though I do think they needed more development.

This was adorable! I love the tv show setting and how the story revolved around love and body image but not in a negative light. "Fat" usually holds such a negative connotation and this story completely ignored that and used it in a positive light. So many people try and fall short when writing about plus-size characters and their journey with self-love/discovery. However, this was written so gracefully and held space for the main character's feelings while not overdoing it. It discussed hard topics in a light way that made the book easily digestible without feeling surface-level. Truly a beautifully written piece.

The story started a little bit fast for me but I appreciated how the ending wasn't easily predictable and there were genuine problems and solutions along the way. This is a minimal spice book (which I'm okay with, I just like to know in advance) that still included falling in love in the journey of self-discovery. Very cute!