If you love second chance romance (and let’s be honest who doesn’t) then this book is just what you are looking for. The chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts and the whole story you are rooting for them to get back together but also understanding why they had issues before. I just highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story.

Jenny L. Howe's debut novel gives all the second chance romance feels with some enemies to lovers mixed in. Allison is very competitive and after being accepted into her dream Ph.D. program at Claymore University, studying medieval literature with a professor she’s admired, she couldn't be happier. That is until her ex, Colin Benjamin, is also accepted and assigned to TA for the same professor. When a career-changing research trip opportunity is announced, her rivalry with Colin heats up. Will they fall into the same pattern as before or will love conquer all this time around?

While it started off as cute read, Allison seemed very focused on her goals and expectations which felt very selfish and immature at times. There was a lot of medieval literature references which we know very little about so it was lost on us. We wish we could have seen a bit more of a romance between Allison and Colin. It felt like the rivalry was more developed than the romance, so when they got back together it felt a bit random. It’s a closed door romance and while Colin Benjamin tried, he was not quite the knight in shining armour we were wanting (his grand gesture at the end was cute). 

Many thanks to @StMartinsPress + @netgalley for the e-book ARC in exchange for our honest review.

What we liked:
▪️ Lovers to Enemies to Rivals to Lovers
▪️ How their past relationship is interwoven into chapters throughout the book
▪️ Allison is a good plus size character. She’s done the work, she doesn’t need to learn to love or accept her body, she already does and it’s just a part of who she is and not THE storyline
▪️plus size representation

What we didn’t like:
▪️Her Father & no real closure with her dad storyline
▪️ A man ONLY wearing a cardigan while naked is not sexy
▪️ The title doesn't make sense, right?
▪️She said his full name, Colin Benjamin, too much (more of a pet peeve)

A big thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for approving me of a copy of an e-arc of this book!
I LOVED IT!

Rating: 4/5
Pub Date: 9.13.22
I was gifted this eARC for my honest review

Who doesn’t love a good romcom, I know that I normally do not read this genre but after reading the synopsis I thought this would be a cute book and I am so happy that I was not proven wrong.

I really enjoyed that in this book you get to see strong, smart, confident, plus sized women. I love that this author didn’t shy away from writing about female plus size MC.

I thought the character development was well done in this book. I really loved the second chance at love, and the lesson of the book that people can grow and change. I enjoyed the humor that was throughout the book. I thought that the book wasn't at a slow pace, but it wasn’t a fast-paced book either. For me it made it easier to read because of that. It did get a little slow towards the middle but it wasn't for a long time.

Allison and Colin, I do understand Allison fears about having Colin around, but I didn’t like how she tried so hard to make herself seem better than him. I had a hard time connecting with Allison, I really wanted to like her, and I would start to then she would do something that would just under my skin, and I couldn’t. Colin, I love how he is exactly how I would picture a nerdy teacher's aid. I really enjoyed getting to know him more throughout the book and I found that it was easier to connect with him. Now their relationship, I loved how they were together. From the looks across the room to the simple touches, and how they learned to lean on each other when going through hard times. I do wish that we had an epilogue about the future with those two, but that is only because I am a sap for happy endings.

Now the pets in this book were my favorite. I loved their names, and I could picture them just perfectly in my brain.

This was my first Howe book but it will not be my last.

I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this eARC.

BOOK REVIEW: The Make-Up Test by Jenny L. Howe
2022 Publication Date: September 13

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Contemporary Romance
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2022

CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
You've got the instincts... You'll learn the rest...

T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
A book about books. Cross stitch samplers with "colorful" language. King Arthur medieval romance. Academia angst. Second chance at love romance... I could go on and on... So many things I loved about The Make-Up Test by Jenny L. Howe...

But, maybe my favorite thing? This is Jenny L. Howe's first book! Which means she is just getting warmed up for more contemporary romance books... And I am now a forever fan ready to read whatever she is working on next.

At the center of this story is a theme of trust and feeling insecure about your potential. So many passages leapt into my heart and whittled away at my own vulnerabilities.

Even one experience of having your personal creative work stolen, plagiarized or demeaned is enough to scar your artistic soul beyond recovery.

The main characters of this story will lead you thru an experience that bravely lays bare their wounds, attempts to heal and restore, and how slippery that slope is in gaining traction back to the "land of eternal trust".

All with loads of witty banter and laugh out loud funny circumstances.

Perfect for readers who yearn to find a best contemporary romance book with a light to lead them out of that foggy soup of insecurity...

And for those artists out there who have been burned... Have faith that you are more than one idea. With all my love, I hope you find your way back to your art.

We need you... ✨😎✨

Pages: 332
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sub-Genre: Second Chance At Love Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶 (Mild Spicy)
Time Period: Present Day
Location: Providence, Rhode Island

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: With Love From Wish & Co. by Minnie Darke
Movie: Passengers

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this debut romance novel, two college exes compete against each other for a spot in a prestigious literature Ph.D. program.

Allison Avery is a determined person who loves to win, but when she discovers her ex-boyfriend, Colin, has also been accepted to her dream Ph.D. program, things get complicated.

Struggling to keep her mind focused, and her childhood best friend and roommate unaware that Colin is back in her life, Allison's "balls in the air" are becoming more and more difficult to juggle.

Allison and Colin compete for a research trip and teaching position opportunity. But when they are forced to spend time together to prepare their assignments, their "hating game / hate-flirting" relationship develops as undeniable chemistry and a match ready to spark fire at any moment.

The Make-Up Test is a remarkable debut novel from a new best contemporary romance novels author to watch... and read!

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• The importance of trust in personal relationships
• The impact of plagiarism and creative theft on artists
• The power of second chances in love and life

BOOK QUOTE:
"Just because things look different doesn't mean they're gone." — The Make-Up Test | Jenny L. Howe

--------------------

All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

This book was so adorable. It was second chance romance tied into academic rivals to lovers. I feel like second chance romance is a trope I always overlook but absolutely love when i read it and this book definitely helped remind me of that. I absolutely loved all the witty banter between Allison and Colin it was so adorable to read. I also really enjoyed seeing the two slowly open up to each other throughout the book. It was very obvious that Allison had her hear closely guarded after the total heartbreak she had from Colin in the past but I was glad when she started to (cautiously) give into her feelings. Colin never wanted to give up on winning Allison back, but wasn't overly persistent and pushy, which was super sweet. And the ending that seemed like it would be impossible to have everything end perfectly ended up better than expected. The story really showed that people are truly capable of change and growth with time.

There were parts of this book I enjoyed, and parts I really didn't enjoy, so my rating is right down the middle.

On one good side, I enjoyed the setting, and following Allison through graduate school and befriending her cohort was rewarding. It was also so nice to have a fat protagonist where the story wasn't about weight loss or self-hatred.

On the bad side of things, I honestly found her a bit angry as a protagonist. She seemed to take everything personally and react quite stubbornly to any and all situations. Her coping mechanisms were childish at best, and we don't really see those grow throughout the story. I also wasn't over the moon about Colin. He didn't have much appeal.

These two really didn't seem ready for a happily ever after, and instead could use some therapy!

ARC REVIEW FOR THE MAKE-UP TEST

3 Stars

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Jenny Howe for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I didn't love, nor did I hate this story. A second-chance lovers-turned-enemies-turned-lovers story, it was a cute romcom set in a typically boring industry. Higher Education, especially Medieval Literature, is boring (I said what I said). But the author made it super interesting and even if there were aspects of the story that were "meh", Jenny Howe did a good job keeping me interested in the outcomes.

The FMC was, quite frankly, insufferable. I wanted to really like Allison: here was a smart, body positive, strong woman who could do anything she set her mind to, and she chose to be whiney and treat her friends and mother like crap. Her Dad? Terrible- and that's the only person she is justified in treating that way. But her mom and her best friend? Horrible. Also, her inability to acknowledge the MMC Colin's growth from when they knew each other in undergrad says more about her inability to accept change. Plus, her being overtly competitive, to the point where she wanted to purposely sabotage others to get ahead isn't being competitive, it's being a terrible human being.

Colin wasn't completely fantastic either- he was extremely secretive, always hiding things to make himself look better. Both of them could do with a good dose of therapy and to learn how to better communicate and deal with their anger.

With that being said, I had a hard time putting this book down. I definitely wanted to find out what happened, which to me means the writing is very enthralling. I would definitely recommend this story for literary lovers and people who love second chance romances.

Not even an Ali Hazelwood blurb could save this book for me.

Admittedly, I don't usually love the Second Chance Romance trope, but I loved the idea of an academic setting and the plus-sized representation, so I went in with an open mind. It was a mistake.

The hero...my God, the worst. Like. The. Actual. Worst. He is the reason second-chance romances rarely work for me. WHY WOULD ANYONE TAKE HIM BACK???? Also, I hate when women apologize and take the blame for their partner being a tool.

As for the plus-sized representation, why must there always be fat shaming? I am not naive. I understand the world and the terrible people in it. I just don't want to read about it.

With all that said, Jenny Howe's writing is quite good. I just want a better story.

Title: The Make-Up Test
Author: Jenny L. Howe
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Make-Up Test" by Jenny L. Howe

My Assessment:

'The Make-up Test' read kept one's attention as the story featured Allison and Colin. These two had one be lovers, but something horrible broke them apart because they were academic rivals. They seem to have come together again due to the grad school assignment, and we see Colin trying to make amends for what had happened between them earlier. But can he be trusted after what he had pulled off earlier to Allison? While these two seemed to be getting along, we find that Allison had another problem in her life that dealt with her family and learning more about herself. After it looks like Colin and Allison are back together in this second chance romance, will this work out for them, or is he still up with the schemes? Be ready for some exciting characters where there will be illness, self-worth, relationships, family, dogs, and a cat. Shaming, death, plus size images will keep you turning the pages to see what's coming next. To see what 'The Make-Up Test" is all about, pick up this novel to see how well this author brings it out to the reader.


Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced digital reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!

2.75 stars ☆ I was so excited to read this book based on the tropes on it alone. Like academic rivals to lovers, second chance ?!? and that we also have a plus-size representation. I'm all in.

But it was a bit hard for me to get through this book, Idk if it's the writing or the pacing isn't the way I wanted it to be. It did make me struggle to read it. And then we have a miscommunication/third-act conflict which I really don't like. I also didn't like Colin, he's just not my favourite.

One thing that I liked about this book was Allison. I loved her growth throughout the book and I'm just so invested in her.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC !!

This is a rich story filled with insight into relationships (romantic and family) as the details for the backstories of Colin and Allison are teasingly revealed with humor as well as a thoughtful compassion for all they have gone through. Using the trope of enemies to lovers, this book has the addition that Allison and Colin were lovers, then enemies and in this story they come full circle, with a lot of brilliant repartee between them. Allison and Colin are both nerdy lit students and both of them want the same position with the same professor, an opportunity to travel with her as she goes on a quest for literary treasures. The references in the book to medieval literature were amusing but I have to admit that some were over my head since I have never been a fan of that genre. However, the way Colin and Allison bantered about Chaucer among others made me wish that I had paid more attention during my lit classes. This is an original romance involving the brain power of two nerds who get their hearts caught in the middle. The pace is fast, with humor throughout and surprisingly good insight into the feelings of a plus-sized young woman in a world in which the smaller someone is, the more they seem to be accepted. Allison and Colin’s competition climbs to fever pitch and I enjoyed the ride with them. I especially enjoyed getting to know how Allison accepted herself as she was, in spite of all of the put-downs that her father saddled her with. Both Colin and Allison are strong protagonists and overcomers of past injuries, so that really pulled all of my heartstrings in just the right way. Not the typical romance because this books deals with some tough topics, but the author does a fantastic job of showing understanding, using a sense of humor that is central in the entire book. Clever plot, brilliantly written!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

POV: Single
Spice: 🌶 🌶.5/5

While this debut novel kept me interested and the writing was good, the romance part of the book fell a little flat for me. I didn’t really find Allison or Colin to be that like-able, and while I can appreciate an enemies to lovers to story, the way Allison describes Colin had me feeling like she was barely attracted to him. While there are a couple of open door 🔥 scenes, it was more of a peak in the open door, so if you like a little spice this might be for you!

A very “smart” book with a lot literature references and great plus size representation (i loved that Allison was very confident in herself) this book has its funny and sad moments, and while I think an epilogue would’ve been great, these two do figure things out for what I would consider more of a HFN.

I didn’t really care for this one.
The characters were very immature, and not relatable. This book definitely gives off a YA plot trying to force itself to be an adult book. It was a little weird and random to write the pandemic into the storyline, it felt out of place. And let’s not even talk about the last portion of the book or the ending.

A cute rom-com. The book did have some good laugh out loud moments. I didn't feel that connected to the characters. It moved along at a good pace. The ending was satisfying. I received an advance copy from NetGalley & am voluntarily leaving a review.

*I received an e-arc from the publisher and Netgalley for review. All opinions are my own. *

I thought the Make-Up Test was a great debut for Jenny Howe! It’s a contemporary romcom, with two exes who find themselves pitted against each other in a prestigious literature Ph.D. program. I loved the academic setting and the fat rep! There are some difficult topics discussed in the book, and I felt that the author handled them in a positive way.

Allison Avery has a very competitive spirit. She’s always aced every academic challenge and has finally been accepted into the PhD program she’s always dreamed of at Claymore University. She’ll be studying medieval literature under a professor that she’s admired for years. Her classes seem intense, her relationship with her best friend and roommate isn’t going according to plan, and her students don’t seem to want to participate, but she feels determined. She then finds out that her ex-boyfriend Colin who is just as competitive, has been assigned to TA with her under the same professor, and for her it’s game time.

As Allison and Colin compete, they start falling for each other again. Will they be able to overcome their past and have a second chance at romance?

I really enjoyed seeing Allison’s growth and development throughout this story and how she was able to speak up for herself. I loved her passion for learning and how devoted she is to her field of study. Such a refreshing character! Colin grew on me too throughout the book, and I loved how nerdy they were together.

I definitely recommend this one for romance readers and I am excited to read more from Howe in the future!

I'm a sucker for second chance romance with touch of enemy to lovers and this was exactly that! I also enjoyed that it takes place in academia. And unlike other academia books that I've read, this one focuses on two characters who banter about literature! I loved the referencing to classic lits that adds to their love story. This story dealt with sensitive topics like body shaming, psychological and verbal abuse, parental neglect, dementia and it was done very well and were realistically approached. However, I could not fully give it a higher rating because I feel like the way the main characters were written was a bit disappointing, so I unfortunately, have to give this a 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press Group for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟 3/5 stars

The Make-Up Test is a sweet romcom about two college exes battling for one spot in a prestigious literature Ph.D. program. Allison and Colin are two highly competitive people who fell in and out of love in undergrad. When they are both assigned to TA for the same professor, they refuse to allow the other to go on a huge research trip opportunity. However, they then find themselves falling in love all over again.

This was a cute second chance romance. It features a swoony male lead, a strong, loveable leading lady, and plenty of banter. I loved the academic rivals angle and all of the tropes. Overall, an enjoyable read.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Make-Up Test is a debut romantic comedy with an academia setting.

The narrator is 23 year old Ph. D student Allison Avery (3rd person POV.

What I liked: I loved the grad school setting. I loved that she was studying medieval lit. I love that she was plus-sized. I liked her Professor Frances.

What I liked less: The main male character drove me crazy. Did not like his actions. And I realized that I do not love enemies to lovers. The rivalry and the guy being a jerk is just not my favorite.

Allison Avery has finally been accepted into the medieval literature Ph.D program of her dreams where she is studying under a professor she really admires. When Allison discovers her ex-boyfriend Colin and her are assigned to TA for the same professor, everything becomes a competition.

There were so many aspects of this book I really enjoyed, including the academic and grad school setting, the academic rivalry, the second chance romance trope and the plus size representation. I liked all the bookish references but the topic of medieval literature is not my cup of tea so I didn't necessarily gravitate towards that, however it didn't take anything away from the story for me. I kind of struggled with connecting and becoming attached to the characters and their relationship and generally lacked any strong feelings towards this book.

Overall, I liked this one, but didn't love it as much as I was hoping I would. I think my reading slump partially contributed to this, but if you are looking for a romcom with academic rivals, competitiveness and a second chance romance that also deals with family drama, consider checking out The Make-Up Test. This was Howe's debut novel and I think I would still give her future work a read!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.