When Everly is the focus of the next season of On the Plus Side (a makeover show), she falls into a surprising friendship with the grumpy but kind cameraman, Logan. When their growing connection is caught on camera, it sends the show’s ratings into a frenzy. Learning to embrace all of herself on national TV is hard enough; can Everly risk heartbreak with the whole world watching?

I enjoyed this a lot! I liked Everly and Logan and their connection. You should listen to the audiobook.

I read this book as an ARC for NetGalley.

Everly Winters is a plus-size young woman that likes to be in the background. When your mom is always trying to keep you quiet, keep you in dark colors, and diminish your accomplishments, you learn to stay unnoticed. This is why instead of doing her dream job - tattoo artist or a designer, she has remained at her job as a receptionist. Quiet and unassuming. However, that is all about to change. On the Plus Side, a reality show that takes women like Everly and shows them that life is not meant to be in the shadows - it is meant to live out loud!!

As the show progresses, Everly starts a friendship with the grumpy cameraman, Logan, who is quick to point out things that are not right. As the show/taping progresses, Everly realizes that the showrunner has her own agenda and is not listening to Everly. Can Everly stop this train from derailing and taking her dignity with it.

I loved this book - it should be a must read for everyone.

Plus size representation that's actually real and relatable. I love Jenny Howe's books so perhaps I'm biased, but this is my favorite of hers to date.

I enjoyed this book and what is stands for. It's nice and refreshing to have a plus-sized character who is confident in her own body and abilities and not wanting to change who she is. The fact that she could be a role model for women watching the show was very powerful. I really liked Everly's character as well as Logan's; I'm a sucker for a sunshine-grump pairing. I really like this author and will continue to read her books in the future.

I chose this book because I am plus size and was eager to see positive plus size representation in a book. I was so inspired by Everly's journey and she was such a relatable and real character. The book also gave insight into what really goes on on reality TV letting you know you can't believe everything you see on what is supposed to be reality TV. This was a fun and at times emotional read. Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my review.

I would like to thank NetGalley as well as St. Martin's Press for providing me with an eArc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Everly Winters has been conditioned to hide within the crowd. Never being too loud or noticeable to not draw unwanted attention to herself. She longs to be more expressive and comfortable with herself and when someone anonymously nominates her for her favorite reality TV show, she gets the chance of a lifetime. Not only do the amazing hosts become close confidants that she can lean on for support and help through her journey, but she also catches the attention of a certain cameraman who's more than meets the eye.

This book did a beautiful job of portraying the struggles of plus-sized characters and sometimes the harsh reality of having a parent who shames you as well. I think seeing this play out the dynamic between Everly and her mother was important and wonderful to see. I felt like the pacing was PERFECT and the romance was placed in all of the right places. Never too much, but also not too little to offset the target genre. The plot is everything and grasped me immediately and I'm grateful to have gotten the opportunity to read this. Whilst James and Sady were the absolute bane of my existence for obvious reasons, they helped Everly realize her worth and for that I'm grateful to them.

There is something incredibly affirming about having the pleasure of reading a book that represents the story of so many people-- both around me and in general. I love that Everly was able to find herself with the right amount of push and ended in an explosive, yet beautiful way. I loved the story and these characters so much and I am glad that the romance was more subtle so that the overall message of the book wasn't misconstrued. If you haven't read this beautiful book by now, you're truly missing out on something powerful.

I'm loving the plus size representation here!! Also, I'm usually very picky with the grumpy/sunshine trope, but it fit so well here. I loved Everly and Logan's chemistry. The writing was easy to follow and was fun, but had some serious moments. I'm glad Everly got to embrace who she really is and got to fall in love as well.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

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.