Phenomenal second book by Jenny Howe! The characterization, the plot, the chemistry… it all slaps! Can’t wait to read her next book.

Cute, but I am BEGGING publishers to stop marketing "women's fiction WITH romance" as "romance." It feels like a bait-and-switch, even for a book I generally like, like this one.

I absolutely love Jenny’s writing style, characters, and sense of humor. I enjoyed her first book and was so glad to get access to her second book, On the Plus Side. It seems reality dating show is becoming a popular trope, but it’s one I like most of the time, and definitely enjoyed here! Very charming, not too much spice, and good banter.

DNF

I couldn't get into the writing style of this story. I enjoyed the premise and would consider trying another book by this author

This was a very good book. I enjoyed reading it. The characters and plot kept me interested. I would read another book by this author.

I loved Jenny L. Howe’s debut, MAKE-UP TEST, partially bc it took place in academia. ON THE PLUS SIDE is a solid rom com that takes place on a dating show. I didn’t love it as much probably bc I’m not the target audience for the setting- not that into dating shows. fwiw I did like ON THE PLUS SIDE better than a similar premise ONE TO WATCH- characters here much better developed.

I thought this book was okay. I did relate to the FMC with how she was struggling with her place in the world because she’s bigger than most. I felt seen. Although the way she was nominated to go onto the show I thought was dumb. Like I loved the relationship with the MMC and the FMC, but the rest of the story was just okay. Her mom though had no excuse to treat her daughter like that. She should’ve talked to her daughter and explained to her way she was like that with her growing up.

I had a blast both reading and listening to ON THE PLUS SIDE, and love having a character with plus side representation. It was an entertaining story and I loved the grumpy x sunshine trope as well as the reality tv aspects.

*many thanks to St Martins Press and Macmillan audio, Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

I have a lot of mixed feelings on this book. The fat rep was great and I feel like it did a pretty good job of having the fmc show a lot of growth especially with addressing how her moms actions have hurt her, a go outside her comfort zone to go find her dreams. However I do feel like it relied really heavily on stereotypes for characters especially Logan which just made things really frustrating and character feel 1 dimensional. I was really disappointed that her whole art collective thing basically just fizzled out and didn’t happen. Overall it was cute and mostly lighthearted.

I honestly enjoyed this book so much. Being plus size "fat", it's always been a touchy subject for me. After reading this, I truly see myself in a better light and embrace myself in whatever stage I'm in.. even if I'm fat! Shape doesn't define you. The main character is truly inspiring and relatable. I loved every bit. Several times I giggled out loud and multiple times I got teary eyed. Such an inspiring and moving story, but in a light hearted way. Wonderful for others in the fat community seeking to find their self-love and confidence to realize they're "striking"! I've never felt more seen in my life. If you're part of the fat community trying to break fat phobia and your own insecurities to just truly LIVE, you need to read this.

This was really fun! Everly was such a strong female character and I loved being in her shoes. I loved Logan so much he was such a sweetie.

If a book has plus-sized representation, you know I’m gonna end up reading it! As a fat person, I get very passionate (ie worked up) around the discussion of plus-sized people, so you never know if my review is going to be glowing or dripping with disappointment.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book! I read quite a few negative reviews, but I was pleased with how things were handled. I loved the idea of a POSITIVE reality show that focuses on fat people instead of one that presents them as a different species. Getting to read about Everly’s journey on this show was very cool, and of course, the love story with hunky cameraman Logan was lovely too.

I really liked how Everly was presented in the book. There were a lot of themes commented on that I could relate to, but the one that hit me the most was being fat and having a thin friend. There are a lot of things that you don’t really consider if you’re a “standard” size, and I felt so validated and understood while reading.

I also liked the general writing style, and I’d love to read more by this author. Oh, and no third-act breakup or conflict between the love interests?? Yes, please!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my gifted copy!

This was a an enjoyable romance read. I loved the characters in this book and their personalities. The romance was interesting between the two characters but not one of my favorites. The story for this book was enjoyable and intriguing as well. The plus size representation in this book was a great addition to the story and I loved how this book felt very cute and entertaining. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a fun, cute romance read.

Gave all the cathartic and uplifting feelings of the Queer Eye TV series but in a charming romantic comedy format. Enjoyed it a lot.

"On the Plus Side" is a charming and uplifting read that will leave you smiling. It's a perfect escape for anyone looking for a heartwarming story about self-acceptance, finding your voice, and the transformative power of love. The relatable characters, witty dialogue, and positive message make it a delightful addition to the romantic comedy genre.

This book did an extremely good job with its representation. I enjoyed the storyline and how the events of the book played out. I didnt love the MMC very much, but besides that the book was fun! I gave it a 3 star and would recommend.

I read this book a couple months ago and I think the reason I waited to write this review is because I did not have strong feelings about it one way or the other. Seeing body diversity in romance books is always something I am looking for, so I did enjoy that aspect of this one, but something just felt off for me. It might have been the writing style that just wasn’t for me. I would still recommend this to others; just because it was not for me does not mean it isn’t for others!

a 4 star rating!!

with a sweet nod to queer eye but for plus-size folks, it was a good book with a lot of thoughtfulness written.

Evelyn is written well with a great character arc and her romance with the cameraman is sweet too. although it wasn't my favorite book, i am excited to add this to the growing list of books with plus-size main leads that i will be recommending to folks.

To be honest, my favorite part of this book was the format: a reality TV show and all that entails (online message board forums, charismatic and solution-oriented hosts, tv vs real life dichotomies and, of course, sexy lumber-sexual cameramen). I also deeply loved the note to the reader at the beginning of the novel, which put everything Everly goes through and went through as a larger woman into perspective. I thought it did an excellent job of letting the reader know exactly what they were getting into and why stories like these are so, so important.
I didn’t love Everly, though. I liked her character arc and the way she was figuring things out, but I found her initial lack of ambition a bit devoid of reason. I didn’t totally understand why she didn’t believe in her full potential and found it a bit frustrating that Logan, our very lovable male lead, had to make her believe in herself at times. That said, I understand that kind of a plot is totally necessary for a reality show-themed book that is also a romance and I still genuinely enjoyed reading it.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.