I don’t watch shows like The Bachelor, but I hear they don’t feature a lot of body diversity.
It seems that being traditionally attractive is a pre-requisite to be cast on one of those shows.
However, the novel One to Watch, by Kate-Stayman London, flips the script. Protagonist Bea Schumacher, a popular body positivity/fashion blogger, uses her platform to criticize one of her beloved reality shows, Main Squeeze, for not featuring more women like her. To everyone’s surprise, the show offers Bea the starring role. She’s still heartsick over an unrequited love, so she accepts for the adventure and a chance to advance her career.
On each episode of Main Squeeze, Bea dates a string of men while battling her own insecurities. Despite embracing her body, Bea faces constant scrutiny from millions of viewers. She also questions whether any of the men are interested in her for the right reasons.
Or are they interested in her at all?
At first, the men are portrayed as stereotypical characters based on their hometowns and occupations, but as the season progresses, their layers and secrets relationships are revealed. And while I was pretty sure which guy Bea would end up with, her connection with several of the men grew strong, and I kept guessing. Plus, there were lots of reality TV twists and turns, which had me turning the page to the next chapter long after my bedtime. Bea is a likable character, and anyone who has ever been insecure about their looks or dating life can relate to her. One to Watch is a fun, feel-good romance that also gives you something to think about. Two big thumbs up!
Buy One to Watch on Amazon
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