Review: One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

One to Watch was one of my most anticipated books of the summer and it did NOT disappoint! I actually binged it in less than 24 hours. It’s sweet, funny, romantic, and down right hilarious. If you’re a fan of The Bachelor/Bachelorette or reality tv, this is the perfect book for you. And honestly, if you just love RomComs, this is a must read! 

Synopsis: Bea is a plus size influencer searching for love. After a girls night viewing of the television dating show Main Squeeze, some drunken tweets go viral and production makes her an offer: to be the first Plus Size lead on Main Squeeze. Though unsure and insecure, Bea agrees to appear on the show, on her own terms. She doesn’t plan to fall in love, but some of these guys are making that promise hard to keep. 

What I Liked: 

• The Representation—I’m an average size woman, so it’s always nice to read about characters who have bodies more like my own. I don’t need to identify with every character in every book I read, but when I do, it’s special. 

• The structure—Each episode is a chapter and there are text message threads from fans, magazine and internet articles, and fun interjections that make it feel like a well rounded ~experience~ reading this book. Some of the fans watching (Colin) ended up being my favorite characters! 

• The Characters—Another dreamy, fictional love interest for me to fawn over has arrived. I loved Asher and obviously loved Bea. Sam is adorable as well! I loved Bea’s friends and family too. Just a fantastic group of characters to read about. 

What Didn’t Work: 

• For me, nothing! 

TW/CW: fatphobia, fat-shaming comments, parental abandonment 

Character Authenticity: 4/5. Steam: 2/5 Overall Rating: 5/5

Thank you Dial Press for my review copy. All thoughts are my own.