I absolutely loved this book! Lia and Mason are very sweet together. I really enjoyed the scavenger hunt, it was super fun. And the plus size representation was amazing to see. If you like young adult romance you'll love this book. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Jenny L. Howe and Random House for allowing me to read this book ahead of release in exchange for my honest opinion.

Love at full tilt was charming, soft, magical, heartfelt, and comforting to read.

It was light and lighthearted in all the right places. Lia was a character you rooted for from the beginning. Mason was the guy you wanted for Lia. They were so cute together and i loved reading their story it was about more than romance. It was also about friendship. Thank you netgalley for providing me with this arc.

Thank you to NetGallery and Random House for gracing me the opportunity to read this arc!

3.75⭐️s rounded up
My initial thoughts contain that if you love Disney and DisneyWorld you’ll enjoy this book, especially if you like scavenger hunts. My main reasons for docking some points are that I didn’t really feel the connection between Lia and Mason. I didn’t get a lot of chemistry from them for some reason. In a way Mason didn’t come off as complex or as interesting I guess as Lia. I’m wondering if I tend to prefer a dual pov book as this seems like a pattern for me lol. But anyways, there’s that and I’m also not usually the type to believe really quick romance like meets-to-romance not that this was a fast burn but I think that chronologically in my head it was a bit off. Maybe if they had more scenes that felt real of them connecting would have changed my opinion more. I do think I’m not exactly the right audience for YA romances and probably better suited for NA or adult romances but this had a plus sized fmc and as a plus sized woman I love to see representation. Which is something I admire about this book. I think the author, Jenny, does really well at capturing the fat experience and I felt seen in a way. Also props to Jenny for having diverse representation for queer people. I see myself in Lia in that aspect because I’m 20 and still don’t have the sexuality thing completely figured out. As a person who also has GAD (anxiety disorder) did find myself very annoyed with Lia’s mom. Considering she would have had access to therapy in certain situations and had the means to continue I would expect her to not be to that extreme. Plus she’s medicated so it kinda seems a bit off to me but I can’t speak for all those with GAD, if anything she kinda came off as someone with OCD on top of GAD. But I do think Jenny did capture the essence of the scary transition between college and high school really well. I’m probably going to look to read her adult novels because this was pretty good!

Set at an amusement park where the main characters are competing in a scavenger hunt for a $50,000 prize. One last adventure the summer after high school.

Great YA romcom. Is there such a thing as a “fast burn” trope? Since the book takes place (mostly) over a one week period, the rom has to move pretty quick. Might seem a bit fast, but it makes sense with the storyline.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Love at Full Tilt to come out July 22, 2025.

I am 100% obsessed with this book. The characters are amazing. Howe strikes again with this one. She is wonderful at bringing in body positivity. I wish I had these books when I was younger!!!

Love at Full Tilt by Jenny L. Howe is a charming, heartwarming read that seamlessly blends romance, adventure, and a journey of self-discovery. The story centers on Lia Baker, a plus-size young woman navigating the uncertainty of her life’s next chapter. With her friends preparing for college and her stuck in a job she doesn’t want, Lia feels like time is slipping away. But when she wins a spot in the fiftieth-anniversary scavenger hunt at Fableland—a legendary theme park where stories come to life—Lia is thrust into an adventure that will not only change her life but give her the opportunity to rewrite her future.

Lia is a character you can’t help but root for. As a plus-size heroine, she’s often struggled with body image issues and the feeling that she doesn’t quite fit the mold society expects. But what sets Love at Full Tilt apart is how it celebrates Lia’s growth toward self-acceptance and self-love. The book thoughtfully addresses body positivity, reminding us that confidence and worth are not defined by size. Lia is smart, capable, and worthy of all the good things life has to offer—just as she is. Watching her embrace her strengths, overcome her insecurities, and realize that she deserves to take up space—physically, emotionally, and mentally—is one of the most rewarding parts of the story.

The romance between Lia and Mason is the perfect slow-burn. Mason, her cute and knowledgeable rival, brings a sense of warmth and encouragement that balances out Lia’s own doubts. What starts as a competitive partnership soon turns into something much deeper, as the two of them navigate the challenges of the scavenger hunt together. Their chemistry is palpable, and Mason’s support and kindness help Lia see herself in a new light. He’s not just attracted to her—he admires her, in a way that makes you root for them to find their way to each other. Their love story is sweet, genuine, and a reminder that love is built on understanding and mutual respect.

Jenny L. Howe’s writing is vibrant and immersive, making Fableland feel like a magical world you’ll never want to leave. The scavenger hunt itself is filled with whimsy, adventure, and heart, but at its core, Love at Full Tilt is about Lia’s personal journey. It’s about choosing to take control of your own story, stepping into your own power, and accepting that the life you’re meant to have may look different from what you originally envisioned. Jenny skillfully combines the magic of Fableland with the real-world challenges Lia faces, creating a story that is both fantastical and grounded in personal growth.

If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts adventure and romance with an empowering, body-positive message, Love at Full Tilt is a must-read. Lia’s journey of self-discovery will resonate with anyone who has ever felt uncertain about their place in the world. This book reminds us that, no matter our size or where we are in life, we are worthy of love, happiness, and the chance to rewrite our own story.