On The Plus Side

By: Jenny L. Howe

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC of this book!

I completely fell in love with this book and took my time reading it because I didn’t want it to end!

Everly is content blending in; in fact, all the clothes she wears makes it so she is never noticed. She works as a receptionist at a marketing firm, even though she really loves art. As a member of the plus size community, she follows the reality TV show “On The Plus Side” on online message boards. Always a lurker and never a participant. One unexpected day, the hosts and cameraman from the show come to her office to surprise her! She’s been picked for the show from a nomination by someone else. The hosts are nice, but a little overwhelming. The cameraman, Logan, is a grump! She softens to him and they have an undeniable connection – which is caught on camera. The show’s frontrunner starts airing segments in a not so honest way. It’s a lot for Everly to handle.

I connected with Everly so much. Growing up, I was overweight. I started gaining weight when my dad left. My mom started to make derogatory comments to “help me.” Everly’s mom did the same (though for a somewhat different reason). I literally cried when she expressed how she felt because it was the exact way I had felt.

The plus size representation in this book was very realistic. It was written as if it was from someone who was plus size. I have read other books with plus size rep, and the rep felt very underwhelming. This didn’t just focus on her size and whether or not she was comfortable in her skin. It focused on her personality and how she felt she had to hide and be small.

Now.. Logan. Never in my wildest dreams did I think two words could make my heart skip a beat! “F that.” He saw Everly for who she really was and he supported her. He was the perfect MMC. And what I liked even more is that there was no third act breakup.

Lastly, the ending… it was *chef’s kiss* – PERFECT!

This book comes out on December 23, 2023. Do yourself a favor and pre-order it here!