Reviews

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

moreyarn's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

moriah_w's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.5

This book wasn’t the right book for me personally. That being said I did like the last chapter and I’m happy to say that it was the twist I didn’t see coming. That landed it an extra half star. The book wasn’t very fashion oriented but since I’m not in the fashion world I didn’t really care for all the detail but I’m sure someone who likes fashion would appreciate it. It took me a long time to read this book. I think having a plus size MFC is a great idea. Although I guessed the very last page of the book, it still made me cry, it ends on a good note. 

heidilreads's review against another edition

4.0

Entertaining take on the bachelor/bachelorette...

shailydc's review against another edition

3.0

As an OG former watcher of The Bachelor/ette, I was very excited to finally read this book. I loved the various forms of media - tweets, blogs, podcasts, etc. - that gave perspective into how the world viewed Bea and the show. It was also a very accurate glimpse into hateful people can be when they're anonymous online.

Spoiler

The parts I didn't like: 1. Bea's never-ending whining and her blaming/judging the men for assumptions she made about them. 2. The checklist of diverse characters that were entirely unrealistic for one book: Black man, super smart Asian man, asexual man, lesbian best friend, gender non-conforming child. Really? 3. The super predictable ending

Overall though, it was mostly entertaining and I liked it while I was reading. Can't say I was rushing to pick it up but it was unique and enjoyable.

iamtaylorhope's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

kdb_0620's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

thehawk72's review against another edition

4.0

Actual rating 3.5

At times I got very immersed in the world and story that Stayman-London was telling, but there was a lot that I felt was problematic. Maybe this genre is just not the genre for me. I felt kind of sick, anxious, and angry as I was reading this.

whatmayisha's review against another edition

5.0

I AM LITERALLY SCREAMING I LOVED EVERY WORD OF THIS

jemima_reads15's review

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Best romance featuring a fat female protagonist I've read in a while. tied for favourite book I've read this year that's set on a reality dating show 

bardo's review against another edition

4.0

Bea has long struggled with her weight and finally has embraced herself and her love of fashion. But does she have enough confidence to be on a dating reality show? The One To Watch is a great twist on an old troupe. Shows like the Bachelor and Bachelorette have amassed a huge following while following a copy and paste approach of gorgeous individuals who fit certain body types and hardly any diversity. Stayman-London has flipped the script on what it means to be a sex icon and date-able. Bea breaks all the body image rules and has a realistic and relatable journey through the book. While Bea tries to be positive, she does display characteristics that are due to the everyday pressure women feel regarding their bodies. The structure of the plot, to incorporate the behind the scenes interactions/debriefs, fan group texts, and family interpretations really did give the characters and "show" deeper meaning. Although this book is a fun, romantic, and light heart, Stayman-London does a deep dive into fat-shaming, body image, and self worth. Making this book more than just a reality show re-do.