On the Plus Side By author Jenny L. Howe was so brilliantly written. It felt like the main character Everly Winters was a friend and the dialogue and story flows effortlessly. I throughly enjoyed reading this novel and I felt like I could totally relate to everything Everly was going through living in a fat body. Everly is living her life under the radar not really wanting to stand out in her life. From work to her love life it’s just easier not to be fully noticed, she’s learned from her mother that she’s too loud, too much. She has a huge crush on her coworker James. He flirts with her daily while she helps him with his designs while working as a receptionist. It seems to be working fine until one day she’s surprised at work by her favorite show and hosts. She’s been secretly nominated to be on the next season of the show ON THE PLUS SIDE!
Smart, capable and desirable are all qualities fat people aren’t thought of as but as the show films Everly starts believing in herself and her confidence grows. At the same time she’s enjoying the friendship and flirting between the cameraman Logan and herself. It’s all so confusing at first her coworker James has been flirting even more with her and she’s wondering how it would be to kiss him but then there’s Logan who is so comforting and that grumpy exterior is hiding a big softy who’s very tempting.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This made me cry it was so cute and deep and lovely.

Everly is such a ray of sunshine, and is SO relatable in every way. Logan is a grumpy little treasure and I adore him. I love grumpy/sunshine, and I especially love when the sunshine makes the grump less grumpy merely with their presence.

I also loved the genuine and open discussions around weight and fatness and beauty standards, both from the perspective of representation and from the way it can so easily get in the way of relationships. The way Everly’s relationship with her mom is so focused on her appearance even when it’s not meant to be is unfortunately too relatable for too many people (whether with a parent or others), and the way it was finally addressed was so solid and realistic.

I love to see representation & I love to see representation that isn’t all about being representation. This was an all-around delight!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this cute rom-com that comes out December 26th!
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This was a delightfully sweet book full of fat joy, body positivity, and a fun romance. Don't forget the sexy lumberjack camera man!
I'm not a huge fan of reality shows, but this one seemed like queer eye for fat women and I was all for that, do I decided to give it a go. And at the end of this book, I can say I wish "On the Plus Side" was a real show! The co-hosts of the show were so supportive, and you could tell they actually cared about Everly and the other contestants. I truly wish I could be Jazzy's best friend - she seems like such a badass!

I felt like the fat representation in this book was handled very well. There were so many jabs about every day things that are actually fat phobic - like the fashion industry - that were so refreshing to see my thoughts written out and discussed. Everly's insecurities didn't feel forced or anything, but rather authentic. And the banter between her and Logan was just swoon worthy.

There were a few tropes NOT present that felt like a relief to not see in a romance book for once. The second act breakup that sometimes seems unnecessary and like it was just there for the angst? Not here.
And my favorite thing - they actually COMMUNICATED! Miscommunication trope? I don't know her.

And now for the reason it didn't get a full 5 stars-
It just didn't seem like anything too special. It was good, it was fun. I'm not mad I read it (obviously), but I'm not sure how much I'll remember this months or a year from now. For a book to get 5 stars from me, I need to be kicking my feet giggling and screaming, crying, etc. And while I felt the emotions of the characters, I didn't feel it as much as I love to. I'm a character driven reader, what can I say.

Overall, I give this book a 3.5 rounded up to a 4 for goodreads.

This was such a great second book from Jenny Howe. It was such a fun read, and I appreciate the plus size representation in her books . This one is based in TV reality setting and it is fun and sad to see what the MC goes through and how she navigates her family while fulling her dream of being on her favorite show. Can’t wait for more books from Jenny!

This was the first book I read from this author and I saw that it was full of plus size representation, I automatically knew I needed to read this book.

I really liked reading about Everly's journey as she is nominated to go on her favorite show.

I will be reading more from this author!

On The Plus Side by Jenny L Howe is a really thoughtful, sweet look at how far we have to go to get what we deserve. Even though Everly Winters is fat, this book isn't about changing her body (the plus-size representation here is great) - instead, she's got to change her attitude about and approach to her life. Everly ends up on a show a la What Not To Wear, and over the course of several weeks she falls in love with the grumpy, taciturn cameraman Logan.

It's nice that the third act conflict here isn't between the romantic leads, but instead pivots around the reality show that connects them all. A lot of it is unbelievable (as is the case when doing anything set in and around the TV space), but it's fun anyhow. The chemistry between Everly and Logan is great. If you're looking for a feel-good romance, with some great plus-size representation, this is the book for you!

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of On The Plus Side.

I enjoyed this book for its body positivity, its fun and sweet main characters and for the gentle courtship of Logan and Everly.

Everly’s experience and self-talk was incredibly relatable.

Logan is a charming gentle giant, but at times he is way too open and communicative. It doesn’t leave room for even the tiniest bit of real conflict.

The book took me longer than expected to finish, primarily because at times it read more like a self-help book than a novel.

3 1/2 stars rounded up.

This was such a good lighthearted read. I love it when I get to read about plus-size FMC. I honestly really enjoyed Everly's story and growth in this book. Her and Logan were super adorable, and I appreciate how their relationship was handled. While, I did see some parts coming, it's the twists that come with being a "Reality TV" trope. I would say this book is a bit slow in the beginning. It wasn't until maybe around 30% that I fully got into it, but once I got into it I was hooked.

Everly Winters has allowed the opinions to influence the way she dresses, the jobs she has, the ways she behaves and the way she feels about herself, but when she is selected as a guest for her favorite TV show , On the Plus Side, she goes on a journey of rediscovery and self empowerment that doesn’t only challenge her.

Overall I enjoyed this storyline, characters and underlying message. I did struggle with the transitions in some chapters and wished that some parts would have been more developed, but this was a decent book

What I loved about this book was celebrating women of all shapes and sizes. These women were content with their size and instead of trying to lose weight they were looking for people to support/love them the way they were. An excellent read, and I highly recommend this one!

This was a nuanced, romantic story with a wonderful character arc of finding self-acceptance and taking control over your own life. A great follow-up from Howe!

I love a plus sized heroine so I knew the second I saw this cover that I needed to read it! On the Plus Side is not only a sweet and spicy romcom but it deals with insecurities that many women can relate to. Any book that is relatable is always a winner for me so everything else was an added bonus! I really adored this one.

Thank you netgalley and SMP for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review . This was the perfect book needed to turn my crappy week back on track. This was tender, gentle and executed so so well. This is my favorite book by Jenny Howe.

3.5/5 rounded up.

I absolutely loved everything about this book! The protagonist Everly was spunky, sassy and I found myself crying tears and cheering loudly for her throughout the whole story. It was so refreshing to read a book that embraces and promotes body positivity. Especially in the current culture, I felt this was so important for girls and women to read. I loved Logan and wished that relationship had longer moments. At times if felt a bit rushed, but I loved it still the same. I can’t wait to share this book with my students with this incredible theme. Thank you netgalley and publisher for the advanced copy. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

On the Plus Side is a sparkling romantic comedy by Jenny L. Howe that follows Everly Winters, a plus-size woman who is secretly nominated for a popular makeover show in the vein of Queer Eye. Everly is content to fly under the radar, but when she's thrust into the spotlight, she's forced to confront her insecurities about her weight and her place in the world.
The taping of the show is initially overwhelming for Everly, but she soon finds comfort in the friendship of Logan, the grumpy but kind cameraman. As Everly's confidence grows, she begins to realize that she doesn't have to hide who she is. But when her growing connection with Logan is caught on camera, it sends the show's ratings into a frenzy.
How is On the Plus Side different from other books:
• It features a plus-size protagonist who is not defined by her weight (what a crazy concept, especially in romance books!)
• It explores the themes of self-acceptance, love, and finding your place in the world without compromising who you are and what you love.
• It has a positive message that will leave you feeling good about yourself. I saw myself in many of the characters and many of them felt realistic and relatable.
Is there anything I didn’t like? Not a lot…
• The romance between Everly and Logan is a bit rushed.
• The book could have been longer to explore the “ending” more deeply (maybe this is just because I didn’t want it to end!)
Howe's writing is witty and insightful, and she does a wonderful job of capturing Everly's journey of self-discovery. The supporting characters are also well-developed, and the romance between Everly and Logan is both sweet and sexy. If you're looking for a feel-good read with a positive message, then I highly recommend On the Plus Side.

Everly Winters doesn't have a problem with her plus-size body, but in recent years she has taken to hiding it -- and herself -- more than she realizes. So when the hosts of her favorite reality makeover show, "On the Plus Side," show up at her workplace and tell her she's going to be on the show, she's utterly thrilled... and a little terrified. It's an opportunity to find herself again, to reach for forgotten dreams, and to let herself laugh and live life out loud again. And it doesn't hurt that the cameraman following her around constantly is a gruff but very attractive plaid-flannel-wearing guy who's always there to lend her his support.

I really appreciate reading about a romance heroine who is plus-sized and totally loves herself at that size. Not "loves herself ANYWAY" or "loves herself BUT" -- loves herself, full stop. The lack of confidence and the desire to be unseen that Everly demonstrates in the book is not about her weight but rather about her grief over losing her grandmother (who also served as a supportive voice to counteract her mother's criticism). So the best parts of the book show how Everly gradually heals from that loss, recognizing how much she has closed herself off to life, and starts to take chances and to stand up for herself again.

Logan is an adorably grumpy hero, and it's pretty clear early on that he is attracted to Everly. There are one or two instances where he kind of crosses the line in defending her, but he listens when she says what she wants from him. Their partnership by the end is hard won and all the more satisfying for it.

Things I didn't enjoy: the side plot with James (almost all of it), the fatphobic comments by Everly's mother (prior to her own redemption arc), the manipulation by the show runner (and Everly's naivete about "reality" shows in general).

Things I did enjoy: the adorable hosts, the support from Everly's boss and another co-worker, Everly finding new friends and new dreams.

All in all, not my favorite fat-positive romance but a good addition to the genre. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you, St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.

A very cute story with good representation! I like books that highlight different types of main characters and I liked the plot of this one. Great writing!

Thank you NetGalley and Jenny L. Howe!

This was such a sweet, fun, tenderhearted, story. I loved Everly from start to finish. I related to her so much, & I definitely rooted for her because I wanted to see on page the true & lovely way people of all body-types are worthy of infinite, passionate, absolute love. Everly was a very relatable character who tries to not let her body- image dictate her life, but its so ingrained in everything she just can't help but let it permeate. Her mother had quit the redemption arc she needed to cross, because she represented so realistically the micro, passive, and sometimes active aggression that people direct toward fat, larger people. And it is wholly unacceptable to behave that way, something this book highlights so well. I loved the way the relationship between Everly & her mother was finally handled in this story, not completely absolving her mother of her words/actions but acknowledging there is room to learn & grow with people we love.
Now, onto the gooey part, I LOVED the romance in this story!!! Logan is the sweetest, kindest, grumpiest grump of a hero & I loved him so freaking much! He loves Everly so wholly, tenderly, & fiercely; showing her exactly the kind of love we all deserve regardless of how we look. Seeing what made Logan such a lovable grump also made him such a great love interest. He & Everly are absolutely perfect for each other & I love them so much!!! <3
Overall, great story with a lovely romance, honest representation of people, & sweet, kind, fun people.
Thank you for the ARC!!!

I wish I could give this review to the author in person because, as a plus size girl myself, this was truly a joy to read. The representation, the way fat bodies were centered and it wasn't fetishized, the encouragement to be authentically you and not shrink yourself to take up less space. I loved every bit of it. The reality show part was so clever and was a cross between Queer Eye and What Not to Wear. I need a Jazzy and a Stanton in my life! Reading Everly's journey to finding the version of herself she'd hidden away and seeing her confidence come to life on the page was, to borrow a phrase, striking. #iykyk. I can't wait for the paperback release of this book so I can add it to my shelf and recommend it to all my friends who could benefit from seeing themselves on the pages.

I loved everything about this story! Jazzy and Stanton reminded me of the old TLC show “What Not to Wear” in all the best, supportive, side character ways. Everly was beyond relatable and such a likeable character. I really loved watching her character development as she overcame her anxieties deeply rooted in grief. I also appreciated that the major conflict of the climax wasn’t a third act breakup, but rather a manipulative outside force that seemed very realistic for reality television.