WOW. I just finished reading One to Watch, and I gave this book a solid 5 stars. Here’s my book review!

This book is a vibrant romance story with an unconventional setting, a reality TV show. Our main character, Bea Schumacher, stars as the first plus size woman on “Main Squeeze” (the in-universe version of the Bachelor), where she has to pick from 25 men in search of true love. A tried-and-true format for reality TV, right? Well, apparently, it works just as well in book format.

I loved this book’s writing – it had luscious, vibrant prose that really immersed you in the setting. It just felt like one big, warm hug. If you love watching reality television, that’s exactly who this book was made for – filled with twists and turns and juicy moments that will make you gasp.

Honestly, this book felt like lying wrapped in a cozy blanket, enthusiastically watching all the drama unfold. The format of this book was a little different to a regular romance. Bea went on various “dates” with all of the male leads, all in various unique locations. The focus wasn’t on a single relationship – a different part of her shone with each male lead.

Our main lead, Bea Schumacher, was the type of woman I aspire to be like. I really admired how authentic and vulnerable she was throughout the show. To unlock that vulnerability, she had to overcome many obstacles and face herself.

One of the main obstacles was Bea’s struggle with being a plus-size woman. The judgement she faced and her struggles with staying confident were a pivotal part of the book.

“Everyone wanted so many things from her—to believe in herself and see her own true beauty, but not to be conceited, to know her place. Be more than your looks, but never speak out of turn. Don’t be defined by love, but remember, you’re nothing without it. Be a princess. Find your prince. You don’t need a man to complete you. Stand on your own two feet.”

– Bea Schumacher

I felt like her difficulties were articulated in such a real and honest way. She felt so human, and you couldn’t help but root for her. Dieting culture, comparing ourselves to other people and not being able to feel happy in our own body are things all of us have experienced at some point, to some degree. I just really, truly appreciate how the author placed this issue under the spotlight. Kate managed to walk the tightrope of addressing these issues without making them the sole part of Bea’s personality. Yes, she struggled, but that wasn’t who she was – it was society that viewed her only as her body.

This book has a strong main character with a distinct voice, human and purely her own. All the male leads were distinct and unique in their own ways. And the reality TV setting was fun and unusual, providing the perfect backdrop for the story. What isn’t there to love?

One to Watch Goodreads: One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London | Goodreads