Bea Schumacher was a plus-size teenager trying to be invisible, until an astute shop owner in Paris found the cape that would change Bea’s life. As soon as Bea wrapped that beautiful cape around her shoulders, she came to life, in technicolor. Years later, Bea is a popular fashion blogger, sharing her struggles finding beautiful, flattering clothes in her size (she is proud of her 20) and encouraging other women to be true to themselves despite the body shaming, the advertisements of the diet companies, and the internet trolls.
So when she had a little too much wine while watching the reality dating show Main Squeeze and goes online to voice her opinions, her piece about the lack of diversity of the contestants goes viral. With the season suffering the lowest ratings yet, and Bea’s post storming the internet, the show’s (new) executive producer has a brainstorm: Bea should star on the next season of Main Squeeze!
At first, Bea balks. She’s not in a relationship, but she’s also not sure about trying to find herself a husband on national television. She can only imagine what the internet trolls will say about that. But her best friend encourages her to try it to get over the loser who broke her heart, and the executive producer of the show tempts her with how the exposure could help her career, even if she doesn’t find love. Bea finally agrees, and prepares herself to meet the bachelors who want to win over her heart.
As the weeks go by, and the Kiss Off ceremonies rack up, Bea finds herself at an impasse. She wants to protect herself from getting hurt (especially in front of an audience), but she also wants to find love. Will she be able to let go and let herself be vulnerable, or will she miss out on a chance at true love?
One to Watch is a fun romance with an inclusive point of view that asks: what would happen if the individuals on reality television looked more like the individuals in real life. Or, maybe more to the point, do fat women deserve love too? Author Kate Stayman-London has created a classic rom com along with a biting satire of dating shows, internet trolls, and how often we are our own worst enemies.
I adored One to Watch and devoured it in a day. I couldn’t help but root for Bea as she made this journey to healing and to love. And those brothers of hers? They stole the show, in more ways than one! Looking for a fun summer book while you’re waiting on the next season of The Bachelorette? One to Watch is out and waiting to hear from you!
Egalleys for One to Watch were provided by Random House Publishing Group through NetGalley, with many thanks.