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One to Watch
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
193 posts | 192 read | 3 reading | 66 to read
Real love...as seen on TV Bea Schumacher is a devastatingly stylish plus-size fashion blogger who has amazing friends, a devoted family, legions of Insta followers--and a massively broken heart. Like the rest of America, Bea indulges in her weekly obsession: the hit reality show Main Squeeze. The fantasy dates! The kiss-off rejections! The surprising amount of guys named Chad! But Bea is sick and tired of the lack of body diversity on the show. Since when is being a size zero a prerequisite for getting engaged on television? Just when Bea has sworn off dating altogether, she gets an intriguing call: Main Squeeze wants her to be its next star, surrounded by men vying for her affections. Bea agrees, on one condition--under no circumstances will she actually fall in love. She's in this to supercharge her career, subvert harmful anti-fat beauty standards, inspire women across America, and get a free hot air balloon ride. That's it. But when the cameras start rolling, Bea realizes things are more complicated than she anticipated. She's in a whirlwind of sumptuous couture, Internet culture wars, sexy suitors, and an opportunity (or two, or five) to find messy, real-life love in the midst of a made-for-TV fairy tale. In this joyful, razor-sharp debut, Bea has to decide whether it might just be worth trusting these men--and herself--for a chance to live happily ever after.
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Top 2 are #TBR and loved bottom one! Love Cyril ❤️

#PinkStack
#LuckyinLove

💗💗💗

Eggs Perfectly Lovely 🥰 8mo
57 likes1 comment
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ElizaMarie
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

In general, I really enjoyed this experience. Discovering love regardless of one's size can be difficult, intimidating, and demanding. I cannot fathom having to go through this process again. (Fortunately, my spouse and I are still going strong.) It would have been great to receive a small booklet containing all the fashion photographs.#BlameItOnLitsy

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ElizaMarie
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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I'm finding this book enjoyable overall, but the constant fat-phobic comments are a bit difficult to stomach. I'm aware it's a work of fiction, but the cruel comments people make online can be really hurtful.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Oh no!! 😟 8mo
15 likes1 comment
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TamTracy
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

I‘ve seen a lot of mixed reviews for this book and criticisms about the main characters and other characters view her. It‘s a book….not reality. I loved the story and was totally invested in “the show”. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Smartypants
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

Off to a slow start this year, but a great light read. Bea isn‘t the typical reality love show contestant but she overcomes her past experiences and finds love. A great Valentine‘s read! Light and fluffy! ❤️💕❤️💕

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Julz422
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

I thought this was cute! As a plus sized woman, I could relate and I liked the way the author cuts between the characters narrative and viewers watching the “show”. Fun and easy quick read

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NikkiCureton
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Mehso-so

I‘m late to the party on this one. It‘s good (especially if you‘re a Bachelor fan, which I‘m not). Cute love story with a happy ending that took a few turns to achieve.

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Katie.happens
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

Perfect for the Reality TV obsessed person trying to get back into reading. I would actually watch the Bachelorette if it went down like that!⬆️⬆️⬆️

14 likes1 stack add
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salencioni
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

Loving the chick-lit moment I'm having. Fun spin on "the bachelorette" series.

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Bekkers
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
Pickpick

Book#1 of 2022! Loved this book, very cute, quick, fun read

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NeuroFerz
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Book #3 of the year!

4 likes1 stack add
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Lvpthemvp
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

Ok - let me start with a confession. I‘ve seen most of seasons of both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. So I already loved the premise of this book. I am also thick and know what it‘s liked to deal with parts of society who think thick beauty is not main stream beauty. But even if you aren‘t a fan of the franchise - you will enjoy this book. It‘s funny and romantic and relatable. We all need a bit of escape and romance and fashion. Right? Enjoy!

WJCintron Me too!! Love the series, lol. I have that one on my TBR! Thanks for sharing!! 3y
3 likes1 comment
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Ahw06
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

I don‘t watch reality dating shows but I LOVED this book!! Bea was the perfect heroine. She brought a fresh, and much needed, perspective to the world of reality tv. If you love a sweet rom-com with a picturesque ending, this is the book for you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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BookNAround
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

Finally getting to posting my review of this #newyearwhodis book from @hes7 @monalyisha I definitely enjoyed this fun rom-com about Bea, a plus-sized blogger, who goes on to be the first non-traditional lead of a reality show that is clearly a Bachelor type show. Not perfect by any stretch, this has a lot of heart. Full review at https://booknaround.blogspot.com/2021/06/review-one-to-watch-by-kate-stayman.htm...

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BookInMyHands
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

Bea is a plus size blogger who loves the reality show Main Squeeze, but she‘s sick of the lack of representation of body size. When her post goes viral the producer asks her to be next up to pick her husband on the show.

I‘m leaving this as a pick because there was so much I liked about it around body representation, calling out fam shaming and more. But these kinds of reality shows make me feel itchy and I almost out it down 2X.

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dgingo
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

While I would ordinarily avoid reading troll-scribed vitriol online, there are times that the novel's readers are forced to read what trolls write about the plus-sized protagonist, and honestly there should be a trigger warning for some of what they write. It's hard to read, although it's sadly realistic. Still, a worthwhile "pleasure" read although there are moments that the ugliness of humanity breaks your heart.

21 likes1 stack add
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SupiciouslySmall
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
This post contains spoilers
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Mehso-so

Enjoyed this enough to be glad to have read it - standard fun beach read, and as a bachelor fan loved this take, and obviously the discussion around beauty and size was actually so amazing to read - but I GET why she had to end up with with someone but I feel like all the men were terrible?

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WJCintron
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Here are my #bookspin and #doublespin books for the September #bookspinbingo
I‘m really having fun with this.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3y
51 likes1 comment
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Hitchhikerbooks
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Bailedbailed

The author really phoned this one in; it's essentially just an anthology of tweets and emails that rode the body-positivity hype-train to mass-market.

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Nalbuque
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

I went thru this whole audiobook in two days, it was so good 🤍 it has the best elements of a rom com, with crappy reality tv, and loads of good old character development. I was cheering the whole time!
#2021

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Beachbum
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

Just checked this out from the library… it‘s going to be a fast read and for sure take to the beach chic-lit 😂 … about a plus size fashion blogger, I can already see this on the big screen 😊 #katestaymanlondon #onetowatch #greatsummerread

peanutnine Welcome to Litsy! 😊💕✨ 3y
Beachbum @peanutnine thank you 3y
Beachbum I just finished reading this book and I‘m a little upset about how this author body shames the main character… it was to much for me to handle. :( 3y
5 likes3 comments
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AlizaApp
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Mehso-so

A plus-size fashion blogger ends up as the new star of a reality TV romance franchise. As a critique of the Bachelor/ette, I thought it was interesting. But as a romance I wound up feeling like all of the men were kind of terrible?

la_rose_noire I 💙 how the nails match the cover! There should be a # for that! 3y
AlizaApp @la_rose_noire thank you! 💅 3y
SupiciouslySmall Agree - didn‘t want her to end up with any of them! 3y
32 likes3 comments
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MeganLindell
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️ ½ • An easy, fun read for fans of the bachelor franchise.

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RedxoHearts
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Thanks @samanthagutt for all the goodies! I had to get a few starbursts before the picture. haha I can't wait to read the books and use my new mug. Thank you! #LitsyLove #LLSS #LitsyLoveSummerSwap @rsteve388 @Bookgoil

samantharoberts Yayy!! So glad you like it. I‘ve read both books before and loved them, hope you enjoy! 3y
Bookgoil Great Mug and One to Watch was awesome!!! 3y
25 likes2 comments
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MaggieCarr
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Mehso-so

Book Riot 2021 Read Harder Challenge: A Fat Positive Romance

As eagerly as I started and fell in love with Bea in the early chapters I quickly remembered why shows like the Bachelorette are just not my cup-o-tea. I just feel like she compromised too much of herself too easily when keeping her platform centered in her new role on the show. Owell.

37 likes3 stack adds
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LeslieO
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Eggs 💖🌸💗 3y
43 likes1 comment
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Lauren_reading
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Mehso-so

I went into this book with a level of anxiety because I‘m not a fan of Bachelor type shows, but the premise of this book sounded good. I enjoyed it, I thought Bea was great even when she drove me a bit nuts. I didn‘t like the love triangle feel of the book though. It‘s a trope I hate and the reason I couldn‘t truly love this novel.

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alisiakae
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

I was really surprised by how much I liked this book, because I hate reality TV and never watch it. It was a fun and enjoyable read, although I have a feeling I won‘t remember all that much about it a year from now. A perfect summer book.

#pop21 #bodypositive
#readharder #fatpositiveromance

Megabooks I feel the same way you do. 👍🏻 I read it about a year ago, and I remember a few scenes, but I couldn‘t recount the whole plot (other than it being a Bachelorette ripoff). It was an enjoyable read, though! (edited) 3y
Cinfhen Yesssss to this entire review but still a super light read! I bet audio was fun 🎧🎉 3y
alisiakae @Cinfhen it was great on audio! 3y
98 likes3 comments
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alisiakae
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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#AnyWayYouReadathon

Emma: 2 hr 42 min
One To Watch 🎧 📖: 1 hr
Total: 3 hr 42 min/ 10hr

On track so far to meet my goal!

Eggbeater Nice job! 👏👏👏 3y
JamieArc What are you using to log your reading? 3y
51 likes2 comments
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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@AkashaVampie Krysti! Thank you so much for this awesome box of goodness!! The books sound really good and I love the journal and bookmarks! I love everything! Thank you so much for your kindness 💛💛💛💛

AkashaVampie Ur welcome sweetie. I hope u enjoy!! 3y
65 likes2 comments
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Lreads
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Mehso-so

I‘m here for body positivity and representation but there was just something about the protagonist, Bea, that made it hard for me to cheer her on. She was on the reality dating show for her career and it showed in her behavior towards the men. Of course, some of the men‘s behavior was horrendous. There was one scene that bothered me but I won‘t spoil the story. I did love the descriptions of the places and “dates”.
#audiobook #UnpopularOpinion

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alisiakae
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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This is the book I didn‘t know I needed right now! It‘s my pick for the #bodypositivity #pop21 prompt, and that was the main reason I started listening. It is so good! And as someone who gained weight during Covid and struggling with body image at the moment, it really hits home with the positive message.

Working on one of the puzzles @wanderinglynn sent last year while I listen! #audiopuzzling 🎧 📖
#catsoflitsy #hellokitty

Megabooks I really enjoyed this one too! 3y
MallenNC I liked this one too. I don‘t even watch The Bachelor but I enjoyed the storyline of a similar show because it made it hard for me to be certain how it would end. 3y
Cinfhen I enjoyed it too!! 3y
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BarbaraBB That sounds good for me too! 3y
alisiakae @MallenNC I hate reality shows and have never watched The Bachelor. I do have a lot of friends who have, but I thought this book might just be me ✅ off a prompt. I‘m glad it‘s exceeding my expectations! 3y
magyklyXdelish That puzzle is amazing 🤩 3y
KarenUK And what a beautiful puzzle! 😍 3y
Leftcoastzen Awww!😻 3y
Crazeedi Gorgeous puzzle! 3y
wanderinglynn I feel you on the covid weight gain. Same here. 💚 And I‘m struggling to lose it. I just signed up to try Noom, so we‘ll see how that goes. I love that your kitty is “helping” you with the puzzle 3y
alisiakae @wanderinglynn I haven‘t even tried to lose it yet. I‘m still very active fitness wide and all my blood work is great, so right now I‘m just trying to embrace it and love myself how I am. It‘s not easy. Ans HK is great at “helping” me puzzle, which for her involves laying across the whole thing and knocking a bunch of pieces on the floor 🤣 3y
Just_reading The cat...the puzzle...just love! 💞 3y
109 likes12 comments
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Julsmarshall
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

So good! Sparkling and smart, well written and pointedly honest. Equal parts entertaining and thought provoking, I can‘t wait to read more by this author after this great debut! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
39 likes1 stack add1 comment
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samantharoberts
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

This book was so cute and fun! The way the story was broken up between a regular dialogue, texts, podcast transcripts, interviews, etc was such a unique technique. It helped keep the story interesting and give it more of a real-life feel.

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Shievad
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
Pickpick

This was such a fun read! I loved how each chapter was broken up w transcripts from a podcast (would love for a podcast like that to exist IRL), texts, interviews, and the main events of the reality show Bea (the protagonist) is on. It‘s not often you have a plus size female lead in a romance book. I‘m very happy with the ending and Bea‘s character growth and think it‘s the right message to send to women, particularly plus size women.

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shivanishinde09
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
Panpan

Bea, an overweight fashion blogger is the main protagonist of the book and her journey to find love is the primary premise of the book. The biggest takeaway from the book is to not let your insecurities cloud your judgment and become an obstacle in achieving what you deserve. The storyline is predictable. I recommend this book if you like reading light romantic books.

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marleed
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

I‘m likely in the minority of folks who don‘t watch The Bachelor - it makes me feel icky. Soooo, I thought this book would be a certain so-so for me, but I loved it! You go, Bea! And look at RíEllie. she‘s ready to take on the world, too - even if she has to start with her brother!

SamAnne I have never watched The Bachelor...although I have my own guilty pleasures. The Tiger King, anyone? 😃 (edited) 3y
Cinfhen Those kiddos are adorable 🥰 💜💜💜and I really liked this book, too!!! 3y
Lsmoore43 I don't watch The Bachelor either. I'm not a big tv person anyway. 3y
See All 22 Comments
Cinfhen And I was OBSESSED with 🐯👑 @SamAnne 3y
marleed @SamAnne Haha! I write this having seen more seasons of the Real Housewives of NYC than I‘m willing to admit ;) 3y
marleed @Lsmoore43 between my physical books and my libraries extensive participation with overdrive, I can go days and days without turning on my tv. I‘m about to give up my cable for the public library! 3y
marleed @Cinfhen Oh thank you. They are endlessly entertaining! 3y
erzascarletbookgasm Haha I love this photo! 3y
marleed @erzascarletbookgasm I think this is their reaction when they see WonderWoman take down Superman :) 3y
Cinfhen Little guy‘s expression is priceless 😁Don‘t know how you have time to read with those two around.... so cute ☺️ 3y
marleed @Cinfhen He makes the funniest faces. I hope I‘m around to see their retakes of his expressions in another 20 years. And my days with them are definitely audiobook days! I can‘t wait to read with them! 3y
Gissy Yes! That expression is so cute!🤗❤️❤️ 3y
bthegood Those expressions!! 3y
marleed @Gissy @bthegood They make the funny faces. They‘ve not been able to meet many people in person as of yet, but somehow the expressions make those waiting to hold them feel like they know them. 3y
Suet624 ❤️❤️❤️ 3y
marleed @Suet624 I had no idea my heart could grow so big! 3y
Suet624 I have 4 children. The last two were twins. I had no idea that I could feel twice the amount of love. It was such a powerful feeling it was kind of unreal. unreal. They are 31 now and I have to say I kind of still feel that way. Enjoy!! 3y
Tera66 This picture is so good! The look on his face! My brother has twins, a boy and girl. Its so amazing seeing them together. Congrats on your beautiful babies! 3y
marleed @Suet624 A love that just keeps growing. 3y
marleed @Tera66 Oh thank you. I‘ve just travelled to my hometown, fully vaccinated in time to sit with my sister in hospice. This particular photo has offered constant smiles in a time that is otherwise heartbreaking. 3y
Tera66 @marleed I'm so sorry, my friend. I can't imagine. Thank goodness for the happiness of your sweet babies. 💙 3y
marleed @Tera66 Oh thank you so much. Today my sister finally slept through most of the day. I was comforted to sit for hours and simply watch her sleep. She‘s just in too much pain to be awake. 3y
98 likes22 comments
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Sharpeipup
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Sarah said it was good and she was right! #staffpicks

36 likes1 stack add
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Sharpeipup
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Thanks @RamsFan1963 for the tag!
1. Coffee shops
2. Historical fiction
3. Scone if I can find one
4. Lucky charms
#playtagshare @BooksCoffeeNurse

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Samanthaglenn
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
Pickpick

So good

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Geemom1118
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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I‘m in the middle of this one and I so want Bea to find her future Mr Right. I love that this is about a bigger lady being cast in the spotlight as they should be. Everybody deserves love.

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Cinfhen
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Pickpick

If you‘re a fan of the Bachelor/ Bachelorette franchise you‘ll definitely enjoy this novel. Bea, a plus size fashion blogger is chosen to be a contestant on The Main Squeeze, a reality TV dating show. Hoping to break down stereotypes and change the way viewers define body types, Bea quickly learns that maybe it‘s not just viewers but her as well that needs to rethink her approach to body images. An easy read with a likeable MC💜

Cinfhen This was my #DoubleSpin @TheAromaofBooks ❣️❣️ 4y
Megabooks Great review, fun book! 4y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
britt_brooke Happy you liked it! 4y
111 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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Cinfhen
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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So this feels like a perfect beach read 🐚🍹🏖thanks for the rec @britt_brooke @Megabooks

Cinfhen Ohhhh and it‘s my #doublespin @TheAromaofBooks ❣️ 4y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Serendipitous! 4y
Megabooks Enjoy! It‘s a perfect beach read! 4y
britt_brooke I loved Bea and I think you will, too. I agree with @Megabooks - perfect beach read. ⛱ Hope you‘re having the best time! 4y
94 likes4 comments
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Cinfhen
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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My brother brought me 3 of my #BoTM books down to Florida today / look @britt_brooke it must be kismet 💫✨ ✨💫

britt_brooke Too funny! ⛱📖 4y
102 likes1 comment
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britt_brooke
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Mehso-so

⭐️⭐️⭐️ After slamming its blatant lack of diversity, plus-sized fashion blogger Bea stumbles into the lead spot on the newest season of Main Squeeze (think The Bachelorette). She trepidatiously agrees. I LOVE Bea and all she represents. I want to be friends. She‘s amazing; genuine and lovely. The other characters felt super forced and often clichéd. I‘m not entirely surprised I didn‘t love this. I loathe reality dating shows. So cheesy.

Cinfhen This seems like the perfect beach read/ listen...I own it so I should probably pick it up!!! 4y
britt_brooke @Cinfhen For sure! Super easy, pretty enjoyable listen. And Bea is fabulous! (edited) 4y
Prairiegirl_reading I‘ve heard so many great things about this one but I can‘t stand dating shows so I‘ve avoided it. I think I‘ll stick with that decision. 😄 4y
See All 6 Comments
britt_brooke @Prairiegirl_reading Good call! The good reviews are why I gave it a try, but I just can‘t stand the whole reality dating show thing. So creepy and just weird. (edited) 4y
Prairiegirl_reading @britt_brooke and sooo fake!!!! I just can‘t! 4y
96 likes1 stack add6 comments
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MaleficentBookDragon
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Random #shelfie
Let‘s see yours.

SeaToSkyes Loved One to Watch! ❤️ 4y
74 likes1 comment
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kirbyb
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
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Definitely a good book to have while sipping a drink 😌

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kirbyb
One to Watch: A Novel | Kate Stayman-London
Pickpick

loved it! so cute and fresh