On the Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe

 Rating: ★★★★★

Dates Read: 6/1/23 - 6/3/23

    Everly Winters is content with living her life like a neutral paint color—appreciated but rarely drawing much attention. Because of this mindset, Everly finds herself still working as a receptionist instead of pursuing a career in art. She quietly observes but rarely participates in the forums for her beloved makeover show, On the Plus Side. Additionally, her deep crush on a co-worker remains unattainable. Everly believes that by staying unnoticed, she avoids potential rejection or being deemed too much by others.

    Everything goes according to plan for Everly until an unknown person secretly nominates her for the next season of On the Plus Side. Suddenly, she finds herself overwhelmed by the show's vivacious hosts and the prospect of spending ample time on screen. However, an unexpected friendship with the grumpy yet kind cameraman, Logan, provides solace. Everly realizes that being noticed by him is something she doesn't mind at all—she might even enjoy it.

    Their blossoming connection inadvertently captures the attention of the show's viewers, causing the ratings to skyrocket. As Everly grapples with embracing her authentic self on national television, she must confront the question: Is she willing to risk heartbreak while the whole world watches?

“Everly, I can’t breathe when you laugh.”

    I get incredibly nervous reading books based on plus-sized women because I am a plus-sized woman. It's difficult for an author to handle that in the correct way, while also getting it pretty accurate for what the reality of life is as a plus-sized woman. To be frank, they're usually unbearable to read. This book absolutely nailed it. I felt like I could've been reading my own thoughts, and I loved Everly so much. Logan is amazing, and so are the hosts, as well as the concept of the book itself. 

    This was incredibly well-written, funny, sweet, and the perfect amount of spice for a book like this. Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC, and I hope to read more from this author very soon.

    To all my plus-sized readers, this is a good one. For all readers who aren't plus-sized, read this anyway. It's that good.