Love at Full Tilt perfectly captures the highs and lows of being a teenager — from messy friendships to the weight of expectations. Lia Baker feels like a real, complex teen, shaped by her mom’s anxiety and her own desire for freedom and understanding. Her romance with Mason is sweet, if a bit insta-lovey, but their connection feels genuine.

Set in a vividly imagined theme park, the book mixes fun adventure with deeper themes like body image, anxiety, and wanting to be seen. Jenny L. Howe does an amazing job creating a magical, relatable world while tackling important topics with care.

Overall, it’s a heartfelt, Disney-esque summer read with charm, emotion, and just enough magic.

THOUGHTS

This book is really cutesy and fun, just like the cover promises. I loved the theme of striving to be yourself, to figure out how to live the way you want (even if that means breaking out of the expectations that have been placed on you; even if that means making difficult conversations and confrontations unavoidable). Was this book mind-blowing and revolutionary? Absolutely not. But what it does, it does really well.


PROS
Pro-Body: This book is body positive but in a way that really highlights the reality of being plus-sized. This book doesn't just say, "Oh, I'm plus-sized and happy" and move on. Lia's struggles are real, and while they aren't constant (because she's a person living her life, with all kinds of ups and downs), they definitely play a role in the way she experiences her story. And I appreciate that.

Park Magic: Jenny L. Howe does a really good job of capturing a sort of magic in this theme park (one that I, personally, have never experienced in a real theme park, which usually aren't my thing). It feels very Disney-esque but specifically through the lens of an ultra-fan, which makes it all the better. But add in the strange fantasy lore to this park and the extra attention to detail given when food is involved, and this does sound like the vacation of a lifetime!

Generational Woes: Lia's mother suffers from an anxiety disorder, one that's pretty severe, and this anxiety affects Lia's life in a big way. This book does a really good job of balancing the more whimsical, romantic, cutesy plot of the scavenger hunt with this background plot of her mother's unchecked mental health. It can be hard to read at times, because it is a hard reality for Lia to bear. And I like that the weight of the burden that has fallen on Lia's shoulders is such an integral part of the story. It might be hard to read sometimes, but it is important, too.


CONS
Insta-Love: As cute as this couple is, there's really nothing laid out in this book to connect them. Don't get me wrong. I liked them together. But their attraction feels very... superficial. It feels very quick. It feels very... cute. But cute isn't always enough.

Friendship Faults: This book starts as a girls' trip, and it develops into a vacation romance. This is absolutely not a trajectory that I am against. But I would have liked Lia's friends to be more, you know, developed, given where we started. They're not exactly two-dimensional friends. They don't develop beyond the initial sketches we get of them in the opening pages, because Lia spends so much more time with her love interest. And I would have liked to see a fully fleshed-out cast of ladies here, because that's really refreshing in a romance. Alas, I didn't get it.

No Hunt For Me: This scavenger hunt really is only for top Fableland fans, and unfortunately for me, Fableland is fictional. If you're hoping to follow along, to work out the clues as the competitors do, this isn't the book for you. You'll get the lore drops if and when you need them, but putting the pieces together step by step isn't likely to happen (since you won't have those pieces until the puzzle's put together). Don't get me wrong. This wasn't a major detractor from the book, but in an ideal world, I would have had just as much fun with this scavenger hunt as these characters did. And that just isn't possible.


Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7/10

Fans of Ashley Schumacher's The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway will like this body-positive romance with a touch of on-theme magic. Those who enjoyed Joan F. Smith's The Half-Orphan's Handbook will like how this book mingles escapism with the reality of living in a broken world.

I wanted to love this book! The cover is what drove me to the book and I thought I would like the plot, but I just couldn't fall in love with it.

18-year-old Lia enters a contest for superfans of Fable Industries. The contest is an opportunity for Lia to have freedom from all the things bringing her down while getting to experience Fableland for the first time. When she meets Mason, fellow superfan contestant, will she risk it all for love or put her all into the contest and the $50,000 grand prize that could change her life?

I thought this was incredibly cute! There is a whole cast of characters, all of which blended really well together. The entire book is woven with intense imagery to help us understand the magic o Fableland, At first, I did think it was too much, but as the story continued, I fell into the magic. There are life lessons and real and raw engery woven through. From mental health, to self-acceptance, to financial stressors, to grief and loss. Every moment felt real and relatable. This is a slow burn sweet insta love romance.

I kinda thought this might not be for me, and I’m sad to say i was right. There’s just something authors do when they add a gimmick to the book that either makes or breaks the book for me, and this instance was a break.

4⭐️

- rivals to lovers
- theme park scavenger hunt
- forced proximity
- plus sized FMC
- YA (super sweet, no spice!)

Lia and some of her friends are headed down to Fableland (a theme park in Florida) for a week of bestie-fun before college, and Lia happens to also be participating in a scavenger hunt that comes with a cash prize for the winner. Lia’s group of friends ends up crossing paths with another contestant, Mason, and some of his friends, and Lia and Mason link up pretty quickly to work through the challenges together, and some emotions and feelings start to bloom between them. But Lia knows in the back of her mind that her current time in Florida has an expiration date, what will happen when she has to go back home?

There is truly so much *love* in this book, between the two MCs, the friend group, and even the MCs learning to love themselves. Lia and Mason take you on an absolutely emotional rollercoaster I was so invested in that I truly couldn’t wait to get back to reading. and that ending 😭

Thank you so much to Jenny, Delacorte & NetGalley for this ARC!

"And I met you," I said softly. The biggest piece of Fableland magic, standing warm and solid beside me.

・゜゜・。。・❰･❉･❱・。。・゜゜・
💙First-person POV
🎢Disney World Vibes x Scavenger Hunt
🎠Coming of Age YA
🎡Alliance of Convenience
💙Perfect for fans of Lynn Painter
・゜゜・。。・❰･❉･❱・。。・゜゜・

4.5★
Love at Full Tilt does a fantastic job at conveying the core of being a teenager and how struggles can be a tad bit more dramatic; from feeling like your best friends are out of sync with one another to feeling the burden of others' expectations. All this shows with the main character of the book, Lia Baker. She truly feels like an actual living breathing teenager and she faces very teen related struggles throughout the book. At the same time while she might want more freedom from her parents like any other teen, it is in part due to feeling suffocated from her mom's intense anxiety and that helps to make Lia a more well rounded character. She's relatable while also being more than meets the eye because things aren't ever that simple as it seems. Lia is far from perfect like anybody else, she's flawed but the journey she goes on throughout the book was really rewarding to read as we watch her grow to be more confident.

When it comes to Mason, to quote Lia's friend, Issy, "is a walking green flag." While he might not talk a lot, his actions spoke volumes for him. Some of the softer moments between Lia and Mason were sweet, like when Mason opens up about his grandad and how he partly wants to be a teacher because his granddad believed he could be one.

I also thought it was very relatable when it came to Mason's feelings towards Fableland. As somebody that used to live close to Disney World, it does feel just like a place at some points. But it doesn't mean Lia isn't valid in her feelings about the place feeling magical. It can be easy to forget why a place can mean so much for someone. For Lia, Fableland is both her salvation and escape from her actual life. This ties into the themes being explored throughout the novel, such as a sense of belonging and self-discovery. Lia expresses how she just wants her friends to recognize how her experience in the world is different from theirs, rather than dismissing her. It's how she and Mason connect to one another over their desire to be seen from their own point of views.

The romance between Lia and Mason was cute, but it's very much insta-love with its whirlwind romance. I would have loved more build up in their relationship. I feel like they went from strangers to working as partners rather quickly since it had only been around a day at that point. This does get addressed with Lia pondering that "maybe four days can be enough to know someone. Really know them. Care about them in ways you didn't mean." Despite the quickness of their relationship development, everything does feel real between the two and the pair just simply click. The downside, there's a third act breakup.

Jenny L. Howe does such a good job at capturing and making Fableland seem like an actual theme park with adventures awaiting in every corner. Her descriptions are vivid and colorful, with a slight fun edge to it. Reading the descriptions of some of the rides and locations, really added to the reading experience. I liked the quirky names of the rides and the quotes that start off the chapter. Jenny L. Howe also does an amazing job at just building the world, as shown with the snippets we got of Fable Industry's filmography. There's also lore sprinkled throughout the chapters. The one that stuck out the most was the story of Ava and Casterman with the roses; it parallels the relationship between Lia and Mason so well.

While Love at Full Tilt has a fun backdrop, it takes time to dive into deeper and more sensitive topics such as body weight and general anxiety disorders. I was able to feel Lia's emotions so well, especially when she feels embarrassed about not being able to get on a ride or feeling frustrated over wanting to make her friends happy by wearing matching shirts, but it doesn't fit her right. It brings up a very valid point of size inclusiveness at parks, because nobody should have to feel ashamed or be embarrassed over not being able to get on a ride due to their shape. Inclusivity doesn't mean just doing the bare minimal.

By and large, Love at Full Tilt is such a well-paced charming summer time read. It gives such strong Disney World vibes and reminds me so much like a book form of those classic DCOM movies. The ending was so cute and the last line is just the perfect note to end on. I do wish there was little extra epilogue.

Thank you to Random House Children's & Delacorte Romance for the ARC.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I was incredibly excited to hear about Jenny L. Howe’s foray into YA with Love at Full Tilt, after enjoying all of her previous books (even if some took a bit longer to appreciate than others). And while I didn’t entirely know what to expect going in, this ended up being the warm hug I needed just as much as Howe said it was for her in the Acknowledgments.
While I’ve never been to Disney World in Florida (I’ve been to Disneyland California, however(, I loved the tribute to the fun of a Disney-esque amusement park environment. I was particularly intrigued by the effort that went into building the lore around the fictional Fableland, even if most of it was just set dressing and didn’t have massive bearing on the plot. However, getting the feeling that this property and the fandom around it exist from the way the characters interact with it is a massive plus.
So many things about Lia spoke to me in this book. I’m also plus-size/fat, so I loved seeing a character like her who was conscious of her worth and fought for her dreams. And while I’m no longer a teenager, I absolutely relate to the relationships she has with her parents, especially her mother, where she’s trying to prove that she’s ready for adult challenges, even as she’s still figuring it all out. I also love that she’s a budding writer, and how this ties into the fandom aspect.
I also really enjoyed the solid nature of the friend group, and how they truly support each other. They also have their own issues going on, like one of them is navigating coming out as ace. The sentiments she expressed about disinterest in dating resonated, and while this isn’t the first/only instance of ace/aro representation I’ve seen, it was great to see in such an affirming context here, especially when a major theme was “teens figuring themselves out.”
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Mason going in, given my mixed record with Howe love interests, but he’s just a sweetheart. The story is a bit more about her navigating both love and making choices for her future, as opposed to a romance where both have fully fleshed out arcs, but it’s cute for what it is.
Plotting/pacing wise, I did feel like the story was a bit slow, especially initially. However, I’ve almost come to expect it from Howe, and have learned to be more patient, especially after ending up loving a book I previously DNFed. I will note that some of the lore did make the book a little crowded, as much as I appreciated it, but it wasn’t to the point where it detracted from the deeper themes of the book.
I really enjoyed this, and would recommend it to readers in search of a fun late-summer read!

[4.25 stars]

Lia Baker is arguably the biggest fan of Fableland, so when she gets the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in the fiftieth-anniversary scavenger hunt, she knows she has to win. This scavenger hunt is also her ticket out of the lackluster life she's currently living. With the $50,000 cash prize, Lia can move away from her small Massachusetts town and pursue what she really wants, not what her parents want. After a little convincing and numerous promises to check in with her anxious mother, Lia and her two best friends are on their way to Florida to make this dream a reality. Quickly after arriving at the resort, Lia meets Mason, the most dreamy guy she has ever laid eyes on. But she can't get distracted! She HAS to win this prize. Fortunately for Lia, Mason knows just as much about Fableland as she does and even has some insider information. Together, they are the unstoppable duo, quickly rising the ranks of the competition. However, as the competition progresses, Lia realizes she may be falling for Mason - and hard. Not only is she going back home in a few days, but they both can't win the competition. Lia must make a decision (well, multiple) that will change her life forever.

If you know me, you know I LOVE JENNY. Everything she has ever written is fabulous, and it makes sense because she is also fabulous. Anyway, Love at Full Tilt is Jenny's YA debut, and what a debut it is! Although I am very much outside of the YA bracket, I still really enjoyed this. Maybe not as much as her adult fiction since I'm so far out of high school, but I did try to read this through high school Katelyn's eyes. And boy, do I wish I had something like this in my younger years. This story is full of laughs, heartwarming moments, and everything in between. Jenny has a real gift for portraying what life is like as a plus-sized individual of all ages. I am so glad we have authors like Jenny who are showing that you are worthy of love at all sizes. Please give this a read! You won't be disappointed (especially if you are a big fan of the big resorts that start with a D).

I wish books like this were around when I was growing up, which is why I'm so happy they exist now.
Love at full tilt is the ya plus size romance of my dreams that is centered around two contestants in a huge competition in a theme park who also makes movies.
With a prize of $50k plus opportunities, it's life changing money for our two love interests.
The world that Jenny created in this one and the amount of lore she had to build up to create a brand new theme park was incredible. So many times I felt like she was talking about a real place you could visit, only to be bummed out that I can't pick my own glowing flower from a field of them 😭
There was also a beautiful line about ghost in love stuck in a loop just dancing together and I thought the imagery of that was so beautiful.
So here is why I wish I had this as a teen. First off I'm fat.
Shocking I know. I have been all my life and when I was growing up I was told by media that meant I was undesirable. Certainly never saw people who looked like me in books or movies, only the rare comedic relief. So this book existing makes me so happy.
Another huge part of this book that made my heart sing is when our fmc's best friend came out. She is still trying to figure herself out because she is 18 and doesn't have to have all the answers just yet, but seeing asexuality and aromantic being talked about the way it was made me so happy to see. Again, wish I had this when I was younger because when I was uninterested in dating or other things I felt like there was something wrong with me.
Learning about asexuality and the many umbrella terms under that identity was a huge part of my coming out journey.
So in closing, if it wasn't clear already | HIGHLY recommend you pick this one up when it comes out

I love Jenny Howes books! Love at Full tilt was a great representation of a curvy girl, and magical friendship. This was a sweet and innocent romance with no steamy scenes, and sometimes, this is just what I need.
Definitely recommend if you want a feel good story and an easy read.

Love at Full Tilt was just what I needed! A fast-paced YA with all of my favorite things: theme parks, scavenger hunts, friendship, and romance. I think everyone can relate to Lia's complicated feelings as she transitions from high school to college and who wouldn't want a chance at achieving their dreams!? This was my first book by this author and I am looking forward to more!

Thank you to Jenny L. Howe, Random House Children's/Delacorte Romance, and NetGalley for the ebook ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! Review will be shared on socials on publication day (July 22nd).

Just finished Love at Full Tilt and it was exactly what I needed — cozy, emotionally satisfying, and so darn cute. 🩷 This YA story has relatable characters you can’t help but root for, plus a bit of nuance and depth to the relationships that made it feel real. Perfect summer read that hits the spot if you’re craving something sweet and heartwarming

I found a new insta-buy author! What a fun book! Jenny L. However created characters you can root for, and a plot that makes it impossible to put the book down!

This book was so cozy and emotionally satisfying! Jenny L. Howe always writes the most relatable characters, and Love at Full Tilt was no exception!

Oh man, do I love this book. I don't typically read YA and I was immersed in this story from page one.
This book has vibes of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants with a lot of Amazing Race. It's so. much. fun and has so much heart and soul.

Lia is part of a scavenger hunt at Fableland, the theme park that she loves, even if she hasn't been there in person. Winning the cash prize will give her the freedom to explore the future on her own terms. It's also a trip of a lifetime to make memories with her two best friends before they leave her to go college. I really enjoyed this friendship; the three deal with some pretty complicated things (like sexuality, mental health, finances) individually and together. I appreciated seeing life through Lia's eyes as a plus sized person in a standard size world.

Lia teams up with Mason who is the most cinnamon roll male character. There need to be more Masons in the world. I was dreading a third act misunderstanding/break-up but the way the narrative is handled was earned and realistic.

The whole theme park and cinematic worlds that Jenny L. Howe created are absolutely immersive and magical. My ARC did not have the map at the beginning so I'm looking forward to seeing it in the finished copy on release day. Basically, I want a season pass to Fableland.

Please can we have a adult Christmas romance set at Fableland? Asking for a friend.

Thank you Random House Children's | Delacorte Romance and NetGalley for the advance reader copy.
#LoveatFullTilt #NetGalley.

Ugh, this book was so good! I literally thought about it all the time when I wasn't reading it, and I was so entranced by the story and the characters when I was reading it.

Love at Full Tilt was magical. A homage to girlhood, friendship, and young love. Lia was an amazing leading lady, and I loved her friend group so much! The moments between her and Mason gave me butterflies and had me giggling while kicking my feet in the air. It was wholesome and adorable!! The differences between Lia, Issy, and Tess really made each character shine and have their moment.

The setting of a theme park really made this a great summer read (which I needed because it's hard for me to adjust to summer). And I also appreciated the representation of the struggles that a plus-size person may face in their life. While I fortunately couldn't relate to all Lia went through, there were moments or thoughts that resonated with me (like the plus-size geometry!!).

You can tell Fableland was inspired by Disneyland, but I think it was a great character of its own. Lowkey wanna go to Fableland, it seems more magical ✨

I absolutely adored this book!! The main story with Lia, her two best friends, her mom's anxiety, and new boy Mason was excellent. There was a lot of nuance to all of the relationships and a lot of needing to put yourself in the other person's shoes. What took this really over the top for me was the entire world of Fableland. It was not just the creation of the Disney-esque amusement park, but the entire filmography to go along with it. Each movie sounds incredible and lends such depth to an already well put together story. Highly recommended for grades 8 & up.

The way Jenny creates complex and relatable characters, especially with an emphasis on fat representation, is really important.

Characters like Lia, who are given space to follow their dreams and embrace their true selves, help challenge the traditional narratives around body image and self-worth.

Having a love interest like Mason who is a supportive, gentle presence is a refreshing change too. It’s not just about romance but also about showing healthy, empowering relationships.

There’s something really impactful about seeing plus-size women being the main focus of stories, especially when they're portrayed as multidimensional characters.

Thanks to Random House Children's for the advanced copy of Love at Full Tilt by Jenny L Howe!

In all honesty, it was a bit awkward reading this book while being named Leah and having had a teenage boyfriend named Mason too.

In truth, though, I've loved Howe's adult novels and their foray into young adult was just as good as I imagined it could be. The delicate balance of worldbuilding and plot was done wonderfully in Love at Full Tilt. I really enjoyed Lia and Mason's budding relationship and their commitment to each other, plus Lia's relationship with Tess and Issy at such an uncertain time in their lives led to a really well-rounded novel.