The story of a body positive women and her experiences on a reality show. Told with lots of wit and wisdom we follow the tale of a plus sized women that the reader can’t help but root for. Although the ending was predictable couldn’t help but enjoy this story.

Thank you netgalley spotify audio and SMP for the ALC in exchange for my honest review . This was the perfect book needed to turn my crappy week back on track. This was tender, gentle and executed so so well. This is my favorite book by Jenny Howe.

3.5/5 rounded up.

This book had admirable goals. I believe the author's intent was to normalize being overweight instead of continuing to stigmatize it. What happened instead at times felt like the character's weight being targeted as a weakness instead of pointing our her many strengths.

That said, I did like the basic storyline. It was an original feeling plot and I got on board with it. It was well-written and gave solid insight into the character's thoughts.

AUDIOBOOK: I also listened to the audiobook and found it to be quite good. The narration was solid and pulled me into the storyline. 4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for both the ebook and audiobook. I chose to review them and the opinions contained within are my own.

A good book about body positivity and loving yourself. I thoroughly enjoyed her journey and opening up to love despite past hurts. They were just lovely together and I really loved seeing them confront their fears and hurts together and overcoming them!

On the Plus Side follows Everly who finds herself on a TV show similar to Queer Eye. She has been putting herself in a bit of a box just trying to make herself disappear but this show starts to bring out the fierce zesty side she has been silencing. Will it make her irresistible to her long term crush/co-worker or will she want the attention of a new man in her life?

What I love about this book is that the plus-size main character is not discovering love for herself and her body in this book but discovering how to embrace and love her life. That might seem like a small thing but so often when there is a plus size main character so much of the book is focused on how she can't imagine someone loving her due to her lack of self love and that can get repetitive. This book shows a plus size character just trying to find her way in life which anyone can relate to.

This book was real and I felt myself really rooting for the characters. I guessed a little plot point pretty early on but that's fairly normal for me. This book felt fresh and I enjoyed ever bit of it.

I would recommend this book for anyone who is wanting to read about about a character finding their passion and zest for life again. Thank you so much NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story.

3.5
Just felt like something was missing. Maybe it's because I'm in TV that the methods bothered me a bit, but whatever.

I had a terrible time with the audiobook. It constantly crashed and repeated chapters when I could get it to work. Netgalley wasn't much use toward finding a fix, so I got the print version from edelweiss to finish it

I loved the premise, and the cover is great. I read The Make Up Test (the book that came before), and though I didn't love it, I liked it. So I had high hopes for this. But somehow, I didn't feel connected to this book. The characters are likeable and a very diverse cast but this one just didn't do it for me. I'll try again with Howe's next book.

This was an adorable and heartfelt story about a woman becoming comfortable in herself and finding love where she least expects it. I enjoyed the pace of the character growth for our lead character. I also liked seeing a more vulnerable side to our male lead character as well. It was sweet and heartwarming. I can't wait for more by this author.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for an early advanced audiobook copy.

This romance centers around a plus-size MC named Everly Winters that finds herself as a main character on a reality show a la "What Not To Wear." I was conflicted about the messaging of this book, because at times it dealt with deep familial issues around self-image/body shaming she had with her mother--which is totally fine. But then the plot would of focus on a burgeoning romance with the MMC, Logan, which seemed forced at best. It felt super insta-lovey and I didn't feel the chemistry between Everly and Logan at all. I would have been fine with purely a romantic love story between these two, or a focus more on Everly finding comfort in her own body again, but juggling the two missed the mark for me.

Overall, the audiobook narrator was good. Pacing felt ok because I was listening to the audiobook, but overall I feel that I wouldn't have finished it if I was reading it physically. Pretty forgettable overall. 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.

On the Plus Side by Jenny L Howe
Contemporary romance, or women’s fiction with romance. Plus size / fat shaming fighting back.
Everly Winters is perfectly happy wearing dark colors, living above the garage of her brother’s house and working as a receptionist. Since her grandmother died, and her mother’s constant reminders to lower her voice or questioning her eating choices, Everly prefers to have the focus pointed elsewhere. When her favorite television hosts appear at her desk and tell her she’s been nominated for a makeover of On The Plus Side, Everly realizes she is going to have to figure out what she really wants to do in life. Does she want to explore a career in art? How is this tv show going to rebuild her confidence? They seem to have focused on a male coworker as the main story but that is not what Everly thinks is important or really even relevant to her makeover.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook coy and an audiobook version. The narration is performed by Zura Johnson who does a phenomenal job of distinctive voices between Everly and Logan as well as other supporting characters. The tempo is a smidge slow. I listened at 1.5 which is the most comfortable conversational speed for me. I clearly heard Everly’s surprise, and frustrated moments during the performance as well as her mother’s seemingly disapproval and Everly’s BFF’s support. Jazzy especially came across as enthusiastic.

The storyline itself was a bit concerning initially but a restart helped me to focus on Everly, and not my own goals or life choices. (I’m happy, really!) The topic was handled well and while I thought the mother’s “helping” may be bit of a cliche, I’ve personally experienced it and seen it with friends so believe it played true.
The followers support of Everly’s post on the forum was immediate and super supportive. The kindness of the fans had me crying it was so nice.
A story of learning to be confident in who you are regardless of size, gender, race etc.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and publisher Spotify Audiobooks / @OrangeSkyaudio.

On the Plus Side is the second book I've read by Jenny L. Howe (I think this actually is their second book), and I've got to say what a fantastic author they are! I highly recommend both this one, as well as The Make-Up Test, it was wonderful too.

Howe fills their books with a range of truly unique characters, and the storyline is clever and high octane. Very, very enjoyable!

The audio version of On The Plus Side was beautifully performed by Narrated by Zura Johnson.

"Her body didn't need an apology tour."

There's no way not to root for Everly Winters as she navigates starring on reality TV with everyone commenting on every aspect of her body, her family and her choices in the uplifting character driven On The Plus Side by romance author Jenny L. Howe.

Someone's nominated receptionist Everly to be on her favorite show On The Plus Side where they're not so much about physical make overs but about emphasizing one's self worth and giving confidence to go after what you really want in life...or so Everly believes when she's cast on it.

Reading and listening to Everly's journey, the writer does a remarkable job of making you feel Everly's doubts and fears. When she says she, "... wasn't ready for her day dreams to become reality," I not only felt her fear of going for your dreams and failing at them; I've lived it.

As we meet her often overbearing mother we feel the absence of her grandma, her champion, whose death has left her beaten down. "Grief was hanging too heavy to fight back." Voice actress Zura Johnson captures Everly's pain, grief and fear with a poignant amount of humanity.

It's not all despair as Everly learns to stand up for herself but when she can't, quiet cameraman Logan does it for her. The flannel wearing, senior dog rescuing, lumberjack looking gentle giant sees Everly through a different lens (see what I did there?). Their chemistry is so strong that viewers start posting about it. All this attention has the producer creating a love triangle to boost ratings. It affects their relationship, their jobs and the future of the show.

There's fun, some steam, and conflict but most of all it's the growth of confidence for Everly that's the plus side of this sweet romance.

I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Everly Winters, the protagonist of “On The Plus Side,” takes readers on an inspiring journey of personal growth and self-discovery after a public heartbreak. The author, Jenny L. Howe, skillfully weaves a tale of resilience, love, and embracing one’s true self.

The story unfolds as Everly navigates post-grad life, preferring to remain unnoticed. This changes when she’s unexpectedly nominated for her favourite makeover show, “On The Plus Side.” Howe beautifully captures Everly’s internal struggles and her blossoming connection with Logan Samuel, the grumpy but honest cameraman.

One of the book’s strengths lies in Everly’s character development, as she transforms from a person who avoids attention to someone embracing change on a national stage. The theme of personal growth and increased self-esteem is skillfully explored, resonating with readers who appreciate characters overcoming self-doubt.

The romance between Everly and Logan is a highlight, portrayed with a natural evolution that keeps readers engaged. The collaborative approach they take to address challenging issues adds depth to their relationship, making it relatable and heartwarming.

The evolving dynamic between Everly and her mother adds another layer to the narrative, showcasing the importance of familial relationships. Howe captures the nuances of these connections, contributing to the overall richness of the story.

Central to the book is the empowering message of embracing oneself and being the best version possible. Everly’s journey becomes a source of inspiration, reminding readers of the significance of self-love and acceptance.

The inclusion of Reddit posts adds a unique touch, offering glimpses into public reactions to the show. This clever narrative device keeps the reader engaged, providing a broader perspective on how Everly’s story is received by the fictional audience.

Zura Johnson’s narration skillfully complements the story, providing an easy-to-listen-to experience that enhances the emotional depth of the characters. Her enthusiastic delivery adds an extra layer to the narrative, immersing listeners in Everly’s world of self-discovery and love.

In conclusion, “On The Plus Side” is a heartwarming novel that combines elements of romance, personal growth, and family dynamics. Jenny L. Howe masterfully crafts a story that resonates with readers, leaving them with a message of self-empowerment and the beauty of embracing one’s true self.

I received an ARC of the audiobook from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

I loved the book. It deserves more than five stars.
The characters are fantastic, super charismatic and full of personality, especially the main character.
I loved the story, it really surprised me. The aspect of the program and what the people within it have to deal with and do was really something that drew me into the story. Which develops throughout the pages and lets us get to know the characters and their pasts better.
Their romance was so cute and sweet. It started slowly, with them getting to know each other and letting their personalities shine, but they are immensely fun together and the adult way in which they talk about things and resolve them makes the book mature and solid.
And the little details make the book, like the comments that are left after each episode, super cute.
The writing is delicate and takes us into the world of the characters and what they are going through.
The audiobook was fantastic, the narrator involves us with her soft voice that intertwines with the characters' personalities, to transport us into the story.
It's simply superb.

Considering we are currently boycotting the publisher and demanding accountability, here's my review.

I LOVE THIS BOOK IN ALL CAPS. This one is going on my All Time Faves list for sure. It’s full of heart, fat community, and just so much good. And so much swoony romance! And so much self love! A thoughtful look at fat life, fat love, and radical self acceptance. And the narration is pitch-perfect—expressive and smooth and just the right amount of cheeky. I’ll be buying this one (probably in multiple formats) for myself for sure.

I really wanted to like On the Plus Side. I didn’t. Why? I thought the characters were shallow, not well described except for size. I was surprised by the descriptive use author’s use of “fat”. I understand her reasoning as described before narration begins but I am not comfortable using it and I don’t know anyone who refers to theirselves that way. I listened to the audiobook and thought the reader sounded too teenage. I’m giving this 3 stars because the author wrote a book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Spotify Audiobooks and Jenny L. Howe for this ARC.

First of all, I received an advance copy of the audiobook for “On the Plus Side” from NetGalley.

This novel reminds me that everyone regardless of size has feelings and has the right to fell loved and striking in their being, in their person, in their reflection - in them being their true selves. It hurt hearing Everly’s mom talk about how she was treated as a child thus explaining why she treated Everly why she did. I loved that Everly had her brother and sister-in-law to encourage her even when she didn’t believe in herself. Reading and visualizing Everly’s growth and self-confidence was the best part of the book. The love story was nice but honestly, the book was good with or without it.

I laughed at how the editing of reality TV was also a part of this novel. It has me thinking twice when judging the people I see on so called reality shows. The timeline and the reality aren’t accurate or true.

Finally, my only gripe is the narrator needed more differentiation when it came to the stylists. Their voices, to me, for most of the book sounded similar.

Wonderful book. I totally recommend.

On the Plus Side is an absolutely fabulous romantic comedy that I feel so lucky to have read. First off, I love that the heroine is happy with herself and her body as she is, and just wants the people around her to accept it. I love that the changes they made in her during the makeover were mostly teaching her how to be the wonderful person she is inside. And I was pleasantly surprised that the ending wasn’t the cookie cutter version of every rom-com you read, but had depth and gave this character the ending she deserved.

I received an ALC & eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was my first time reading this author and I thought the story was really good. It was a little hard to get into at first but about 20-25% in I was hooked. It had likable characters, an interesting storyline, it was just a little lackluster for me! I was hoping for a more wow factor. Just didn’t quite hit all the way for me I guess. I’ll definitely be giving this author another try in the future!

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5)