Is Love a Plus-Size Obstacle?
Are you looking for a romance novel with heart, humor, and body-positivity that challenges traditional dating norms?
Check out my book review of How to Get a Life in 10 Dates by Jenny L. Howe.
The Challenges of Plus-Size Dating
Dating as a plus-size woman has been exhausting for Haleigh Berkshire. At twenty-five, she’s already endured a decade of navigating the dating world, often feeling like she’s constantly battling the pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards. Haleigh’s friends and family are pushing her to settle down, urging her to bring a date to her sister’s engagement celebration— an event that’s already causing Haleigh to feel pressured.
With mounting stress from dating mishaps and her family’s constant reminders about finding a partner, Haleigh decides to go on a “sabbatical” – hoping for romance to fade into the background while her friends set her up with ten new potential dates. This idea comes after a disastrous college weekend taught Haleigh that she will never be more than friends with Jack, her long-time best friend. But, with family and friends setting up dates, Haleigh finds some of these encounters surprisingly positive and even fun.
Enter the twist – Jack’s friendship is tested as he becomes a potential date for Haleigh, prompting her to confront the line between what she yearns for and what’s realistically achievable.
A Review of “How to Get a Life in 10 Dates”
Jenny L. Howe’s debut novel *How To Get A Life In 10 Dates* delivers a fresh perspective on the challenges of dating, particularly for plus-size women. She excels at showcasing the complexities and humor surrounding the quest for love, using this story to advocate for greater diversity in romance novels. The book’s strength lies in its relatable characters – Haleigh’s journey resonates with readers who have experienced similar hurdles.
“How to Get a Life In 10 Dates” is not just about finding a partner but navigating the complexities of self-discovery, friendship, and love that transcends societal expectations.
Finding Love in Unexpected Places
As Haleigh navigates her dates, she finds some surprisingly good matches – one of them turning into something more. Jenny L. Howe’s writing is engaging, but the romance itself isn’t overly developed.
It’s a journey that explores the complexities of relationships and the courage it takes to break free from what may feel like unfulfilled expectations.
Is It Worth Taking a Leap?
Jenny L. Howe is on a mission to bring more inclusive and body-positive romance books to the genre, and in “How To Get A Life In 10 Dates,” she delivers an insightful and entertaining read that celebrates diversity in all its forms.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a heart-warming, humorous, and body-positive romance with a dash of relatable drama, “How to Get a Life In 10 Dates” is an excellent choice.
**Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.**