Scan barcode
decklededgess's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
trigger warnings: sexual content, alcohol, sexual harassment, racist microaggressions, fatphobia, depression and anxiety, bullying
I can’t get over the fact that they get together while her grandma and his grandpa also get married….it’s giving Life With Derek.
Anywho
I thought the romance was fun. The chemistry between Crystal and Scott felt a little flat. There was a lot of telling me she has the hots for him and it didn’t feel authentic. On the flip side the initial meet gate was great. The animosity was palpable and I sincerely hated Scott a lot as well. Would have been nice if that level of tangible emotional tension carried through the book.
Crystal’s body positivity turned body acceptance journey was interesting. I appreciated the open conversation about how fat and curvy people are looked down on by outsiders to their relationship, how they’re constantly dealing with roadblocks with the fashion industry, the constant micro aggressions people sling, and on and on. It felt raw and honest when Crystal broke down due to the pressure of social media and I liked her growth past that point.
I felt at times that the author was skirting around the use of the word fat but that could also be because the author wanted to ensure she wasn’t stepping on toes of fat representation when this character is described as chubby/curvy. I’m an outsider on both counts considering i’m not fat, curvy, or chubby so first hand reviews would give you better opinions on that.
I never liked books that harp on health and exercise and actually spend time on that aspect of the story. It bores me to tears and this did not change my mind on that. I skimmed so much. Thankfully other parts of the story carried enough that I enjoyed reading what I did spend time on.
Overall, very meh but a solid debut so I look forward to Amy Lea’s second book.
I can’t get over the fact that they get together while her grandma and his grandpa also get married….it’s giving Life With Derek.
Anywho
I thought the romance was fun. The chemistry between Crystal and Scott felt a little flat. There was a lot of telling me she has the hots for him and it didn’t feel authentic. On the flip side the initial meet gate was great. The animosity was palpable and I sincerely hated Scott a lot as well. Would have been nice if that level of tangible emotional tension carried through the book.
Crystal’s body positivity turned body acceptance journey was interesting. I appreciated the open conversation about how fat and curvy people are looked down on by outsiders to their relationship, how they’re constantly dealing with roadblocks with the fashion industry, the constant micro aggressions people sling, and on and on. It felt raw and honest when Crystal broke down due to the pressure of social media and I liked her growth past that point.
I felt at times that the author was skirting around the use of the word fat but that could also be because the author wanted to ensure she wasn’t stepping on toes of fat representation when this character is described as chubby/curvy. I’m an outsider on both counts considering i’m not fat, curvy, or chubby so first hand reviews would give you better opinions on that.
I never liked books that harp on health and exercise and actually spend time on that aspect of the story. It bores me to tears and this did not change my mind on that. I skimmed so much. Thankfully other parts of the story carried enough that I enjoyed reading what I did spend time on.
Overall, very meh but a solid debut so I look forward to Amy Lea’s second book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Infidelity, Racism, Medical content, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
sami_leigh's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Snort-laugh-worthy enemies-to-lovers with an empowering Asian-American female MC on a self-growth journey; so basically everything you could ever want or need! From the meddlesome grandparents to the gym pranks, cringe-worthy pick-up lines and all of the banter, this is a swoon-worthy rom-com tackling the difficulties inherent to prioritising self-love whilst running an online fitness business in today’s social media era.
The development of our MCs, as well as the supporting cast of family and friends, is well done making for a wholesome and relatable read. The first-person single POV narration allows you to delve into Crystal’s experiences and connect with her journey; the social media updates are the perfect complement to this storyline.
With a Dedication and Author’s Note that will have you both fervently applauding and pumping Lizzo as you dance around your lounge room; this book is a must.
Body respect and self acceptance *chef’s kiss*
🌶🌶
The development of our MCs, as well as the supporting cast of family and friends, is well done making for a wholesome and relatable read. The first-person single POV narration allows you to delve into Crystal’s experiences and connect with her journey; the social media updates are the perfect complement to this storyline.
With a Dedication and Author’s Note that will have you both fervently applauding and pumping Lizzo as you dance around your lounge room; this book is a must.
Body respect and self acceptance *chef’s kiss*
🌶🌶
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Racism
Minor: Death
juffnstuff's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cancer, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Racism
thefatpaperback's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Death, Fatphobia, Racism, Sexual content, Medical content, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
izzyf16's review against another edition
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming and Fatphobia
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Cancer, Death, and Death of parent