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Denise Williams

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The Fastest Way to Fall Kindle Edition

by Denise Williams (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.4 1,814 ratings

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"The perfect feel-good read."—Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author of People We Meet on Vacation

Britta didn’t plan on falling for her personal trainer, and Wes didn’t plan on Britta. Plans change and it's unclear if love, career, or both will meet them at the finish line.

Britta Colby works for a lifestyle website, and when tasked to write about her experience with a hot new body-positive fitness app that includes personal coaching, she knows it's a major opportunity to prove she should write for the site full-time.

As CEO of the FitMi Fitness app, Wes Lawson finally has the financial security he grew up without, but despite his success, his floundering love life and complicated family situation leaves him feeling isolated and unfulfilled. He decides to get back to what he loves—coaching. Britta’s his first new client and they click immediately.

As weeks pass, she’s surprised at how much she enjoys experimenting with her exercise routine. He’s surprised at how much he looks forward to talking to her every day. They convince themselves their attraction is harmless, but when they start working out in person, Wes and Britta find it increasingly challenging to deny their chemistry and maintain a professional distance.

Wes isn’t supposed to be training clients, much less meeting with them, and Britta’s credibility will be sunk if the lifestyle site finds out she’s practically dating the fitness coach she’s reviewing. Walking away from each other is the smartest thing to do, but running side by side feels like the start of something big.

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This entertaining read will have you sweating through your next workout."—Good Morning America

"Warm, fuzzy, and ridiculously cute, The Fastest Way to Fall is the perfect feel-good read. Britta is an absolute breath of fresh air, and Wes is everything I love in a romantic lead. It's been weeks since I read this book, and I still smile every time I think about it. If you're looking for a novel that feels like a hug, this is it!"—Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author of People We Meet on Vacation

"Funny, flirtatious, and full of heart, The Fastest Way to Fall is an absolute winner! I loved tagging along with upbeat and utterly relatable Britta as she tries new things, gets strong, and meets her perfect match in Wes. I fell head-over-heels and never wanted it to end."—Libby Hubscher, author of Meet Me in Paradise

"An addictive romance filled with hilarious banter, sharp and engaging dialogue, heartfelt moments, and a real and empowering heroine worth cheering for. The love between Britta and Wes blooms gradually and realistically and is sure to utterly capture your heart."—Jane Igharo, author of The Sweetest Remedy

"This charming, sexy novel pairs two people who likely would never have connected outside of an app...their slow-burn romance feels delightfully old-fashioned."—Washington Independent Review of Books

“Williams follows How to Fail at Flirting (2020) with another delightfully engaging romance full of humor and surprises. Fans of Jennifer Weiner may like this one.”―Booklist

"A body-positive, feel-good romance with highly relatable protagonists."―Library Journal (starred)

"There's a lot to like in this romance with its supportive leading man, delightful heroine, and dynamic secondary cast. There's more than just romance going on, and Williams excels at juggling all the parts...An emotionally resonant and thoughtful novel."--Kirkus

“The Fastest Way to Fall is not a story about weight loss, but about learning to love who you are and about falling in love with someone who helps you feel strong. Britta’s triumph over her former insecurities concerning her body, her goals and her job are transcendent moments thanks to Williams’ sensitive and masterful storytelling.”--BookPage

"Naya Turner is an overachieving math professor blowing off work stress with a night on the town, which leads to a night with a dapper stranger. And then another, and another. She’s smitten by the time she realizes there’s a professional complication, and the relationship could put her job at risk. Williams blends rom-com fun with more weighty topics in her winsome debut."—The Washington Post on How to Fail at Flirting

“Denise Williams’s How to Fail at Flirting is absolutely SPECTACULAR!! Ripe with serious, real-life drama, teeming with playful banter, rich with toe-curling passion, full of heart-melting romance….Her debut grabbed me on page one and held me enthralled until the end, when I promptly started re-reading to enjoy the deliciousness again.”—Priscilla Oliveras, USA Today bestselling author

“How to Fail at Flirting is a charming and compelling debut from Denise Williams that's as moving as it romantic. Williams brings the banter, heat, and swoons, while also giving us a character who learns that standing up for herself is as important--and terrifying--as allowing herself to fall in love. Put "Read How to Fail at Flirting" at the top of your to-do list!”—Jen DeLuca, author of Well Matched

"An addictive romance filled with hilarious banter, sharp and engaging dialogue, heartfelt moments, and a real and empowering heroine worth cheering for. The love between Britta and Wes blooms gradually and realistically and is sure to utterly capture your heart."—Jane Igharo, author of Ties That Tether

“Naya and Jake's relationship is both sexy and sweet as these two people, who love their work but are not skilled at socializing or romance, find their way forward. Academia is vividly portrayed, and readers will await the next book from Williams, a talented debut author and a PhD herself.”--Booklist on How to Fail at Flirting

“A powerhouse romance. Not only is it funny and charming and steamy, but it possesses an emotional depth that touched my heart. Naya is a beautiful and relatable main character who is hard-working, loyal, spirited, and determined to move on from an abusive relationship. It was thrilling to see her find her power in her personal life, her career, and through her romance with Jake. And I cheered when she claimed the happily ever after she so deserved.”—Sarah Smith on How to Fail at Flirting

“Williams’ debut weaves a charming, romantic love story about a heroine rediscovering her voice and standing up for her passions.”—USA Today bestselling author Andie J. Christopher, on How to Fail at Flirting

“How to Fail at Flirting delivers on every level. It’s funny, sexy, heartwarming and emotional. With its engaging, loveable characters, fresh plot, and compelling narrative, I did not want to put it down! It’s in my top reads of the year for sure!”—Samantha Young, New York Times bestselling author

"The warmth in Denise Williams's writing is unmistakable, as is her wit. She tackles difficult subjects, difficult emotions, with such empathy and thoughtfulness. Best of all: Jake is just the type of hero I love—sexy, smart, sweet, and smitten."—Olivia Dade, Author of Teach Me, on How to Fail at Flirting

About the Author

Denise Williams wrote her first book in the second grade. I Hate You and its sequel, I Still Hate You, featured a tough, funny heroine, a quirky hero, witty banter, and a dragon. Minus the dragons, these are still the books she likes to write. After penning those early works, she finished second grade and eventually earned a Ph.D. in education, going on to work in higher education. After growing up a military brat around the world and across the country, Denise now lives in Des Moines, Iowa, with her husband, son, and two ornery shih tzus who think they own the house.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

1

BRITTA

I hustled down the hall, late and waterlogged. It would rain today of all days.

With a graceless slip on the slick tile of the conference room, I hit the floor with a surprised cry, and my umbrella sprayed water into the air. My skirt rode up my thighs as the box of donuts I’d carried skidded across the polished wood floor, coming to rest by my boss’s Louboutins. Around me, conversation stopped, and I lingered in a cocoon of awkward silence.

Normally, the box was empty and stuffed in the trash before our boss arrived, already full from her kale smoothie or whatever Paleo-adjacent, keto-friendly, sugar-free organic breakfast food was trending. Everyone would enjoy the treat, and I’d maintain my status as popular and much-adored coworker, but the rain had other plans for my reputation and dignity that morning. Maricela’s manicured fingers slipped under the table to pick up the pink box.

“Britta, you made it.” Claire Morales’s voice broke the silence, and a chuckle went around the conference table. She sat back in smug satisfaction.

That’s what I told myself, anyway. From my spot on the floor next to my dripping umbrella, I couldn’t see anything except her impossibly high heels. For a fleeting moment, I wondered how good their traction was and if she might have her own run-in with the slippery floor.

“I like to make an entrance,” I mumbled, trying to stand without flashing anyone. Helen, the instructor for the over-sixty hip-hop dance class I’d accidentally joined at the local gym, would say, “If you got it, flaunt it,” which I tended to agree with. However, I doubted I needed to flaunt my cute underwear for the entire staff of Best Life, the millennial-focused lifestyle magazine where I’d worked as an editorial assistant for four years.

“Britta, are you okay?” Maricela Dominguez-Van Eiken looked the part of someone who ran a lifestyle empire. Straight posture, dark hair curled and cascading, a perfectly organized planner settled perpendicular to the newest iPhone and a rose gold water bottle. She’d built Best Life from the ground and turned it into a lucrative, trendsetting company designed to help people live well. Kale smoothies aside, she had impeccable taste and just seemed to have her life together. What’s that like?

I rubbed my knee and rotated the wrist I’d landed on, catching Claire’s smirk from across the room. “I’m okay.” Just a little mortified. “Sorry I’m late.”

She nodded and passed the box of donuts to the person on her left. It began a slow rotation around the room. Pair after pair of hungry eyes lingered on the treats as my colleagues waved their hands to pass. No one would take one after she demurred.

“It’s the third Friday of the month.” She tapped her index finger to her collar—her impress me gesture. Each month, Maricela sought new ideas from the entire team. After four years, I needed to stand out. I was a good writer, but I’d never gotten the chance to flex those skills for Best Life. I wondered if I might be able to contribute more to the world than background research on face creams or the inside scoop on whether escape rooms were over and what the next big trend would be.

“I have an idea.” With one finger raised, I chimed in. All eyes, once again, landed on me. “FitMi Fitness is a new app that’s been gaining popularity and is supposed to be incredibly body positive. Unlike other apps that focus just on tracking weight loss and counting calories, this one has real people serving as coaches, and the experience is very individualized.” I kept an eye on my boss, who loved the intentional marriages of technology and human interaction. I wouldn’t have been surprised if she had a secret “tech+people” tattoo somewhere on her body. “What if I join and document my journey? I’d talk about the app, but also everything I’m going through.”

I didn’t have to look around the room to know I was the only one who’d be described as plus-size. If she liked the idea, I was the one person who could write it. I’d learned early in life I was supposed to be ashamed of what my mom called my “extra fluff” and my sister called my “cushion for the pushin’.” It wasn’t until I got to college that I accepted I was fun, smart, and . . . fat, and that last one wasn’t the only thing that defined me. When I found FitMi, my wheels started turning with this idea. I was positive the unique perspective I could bring, plus the human and technology integration, was a sure winner.

Maricela was nodding again but had moved her finger from her collarbone to tap her chin.

Shit, she hates it.

“Thank you, Britta. I’d like to see something more original than a weight loss piece, though. I’d want a stronger connection to wellness with there being so much body-shaming in the world already. But bring us the next idea.” She called on someone else, and I squelched the urge to sink into my chair and hide. It wasn’t the first time I’d had an idea shot down—everyone did—but I’d been positive this one would be the bump I needed to earn a place on the staff as a feature writer. Maricela had already moved on when I thought of counterpoints to her concerns, namely that I didn’t want to lose weight through the program. I glanced across the table. Claire had made no secret of her goals, and with one feature writer position available, we’d both been trying to stand out. Hopefully, she didn’t have some great idea to pitch.

Claire caught my eye, her expression pensive before she tapped at something on her phone, and I turned my attention back to the discussion about homemade mud masks and trending scents.

After graduating from college, I’d hunted for jobs, desperate to prove to my family that my English and journalism double major wasn’t a one-way ticket to unemployment. I was confident I’d find a job where I could write stirring pieces that would change minds and hearts. I was wrong, and I jumped at the editorial assistant position at Best Life. Four years later, I’d learned not to roll my eyes during meetings. Though we generated a lot of helpful and insightful content, my heart wasn’t always in it. Some days, it felt like I’d veered so far from my original plans of being a writer, I wasn’t sure I’d ever get back.

“Great idea. Put together a plan for road testing the masks, and let’s get it up for part of the Valentine’s Day Alone series. Britta can assist.” I’d zoned out, but a senior staff member flashed me a big smile. I’d have to figure out what I’d missed later.

“Anything else?” Maricela looked around the table and paused at Claire’s raised hand.

“I have one,” she said, her voice even and annoyingly casual. “It’s a different angle on Britta’s idea. There is another app that is just starting to add coaches. I could join that one while Britta joins FitMi, and we’d do the project together but broaden the scope to focus not on changing bodies but on the entire fitness experience.”

I looked to Maricela. Please let her finger be traveling to her chin. No such luck. It was still tapping at her collarbone. She was interested in Claire’s spin. “What sets this second app apart? How would dual participation improve upon the idea?”

Claire’s shoulders squared. “The app is a lot like the others out there, but they take a different approach. It’s called HottrYou. Their philosophy is about owning hotness throughout the process.”

Our boss’s finger drifted toward her chin as her lips pursed. “This is an interesting take, but I don’t love the visual of a petite woman writing about being hot and a plus-size woman writing about being fit.”

A hundred responses flew through my head, all landing somewhere between tears and declaring I would write about being hot, too. Luckily, my rival spoke before I did, and with a more measured tone than I’d planned.

“On the surface, I agree. However, there’s a unique take here. Or rather, a very common take. We all have relationships with our bodies, don’t we?” She glanced around the room, where most people were nodding. “And I’m comfortable writing about it.”

I nodded and leaned forward, resting my arms on the conference table. “And I love seeing women who are big and happy with their bodies. I love reading stories about people deciding to make a change and losing a bunch of weight. Both can be inspirational, but neither is my story. Fat people can be interested in exercise and fitness without it meaning they don’t like themselves. I think I could tell that story, and I think it would land with our audience. Imagine a series focused on a fitness and nutrition experience where the goal isn’t thinness or weight at all.”

Maricela glanced at her notes, finger hovering between her chin and collarbone.

Claire joined me again, our impromptu tag-team approach seeming to work. “The project would be about relationship with one’s body. And, if the apps are focused only on looks or only on weight loss or fall short on their promises, we’ll point it out, so readers know. I think it’s a win-win.”

Maricela glanced down at her tablet, and after a few taps and swipes, she smiled. “Okay, put together a plan. Let’s try it.”

As we moved on with the agenda, Claire eyed me coolly, clearly conflicted about the idea of sharing the spotlight but also aware this could be the way one of us found ourselves on the writing staff. We’d been in competition since we started, both eager to do well and stand out, and both ready to move up at Best Life.

She was a talented writer, and when she spoke about her body, she sounded genuine. I swallowed, realizing the extent to which I’d have to step it up and make myself vulnerable. Despite my impassioned plea and how much I loved the dance class with Helen and the other women, exercising wasn’t my passion. I assumed I’d have to eat better and hit the gym for a few months to do this project, but I wasn’t wanting or expecting something paradigm altering to happen. Still, if I got it right, it would be big for my career, and I could fake passion long enough to make the project work. Nothing was going to get in the way of success with this assignment and earning that spot as a feature writer. In that spirit, I flashed a wide grin at Claire.

Game on.

2

Wes

I scrolled through my weather app to get a sense of the week ahead. The ten-day forecast called for rain, sleet, and bitter cold, not that I’d be anywhere besides my apartment, the gym, or the office for the foreseeable future. Work out. Meetings. Paperwork. Sleep. Repeat.

Mason, our vice president of communications at FitMi, waved his arm toward the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gloomy expanse of Chicago. “Like a fucking monsoon out there, am I right?” He took a quick gulp from a disposable coffee cup without looking away from his phone.

“Yeah.” I grabbed my water bottle. Mason had delivered on everything he’d promised when negotiating his ridiculously high salary the year before, but I still couldn’t stand the guy. Taking a swig, I glanced at my watch and fell into one of the conference room chairs, ready to get started with another meeting. At least this meeting was small. Recently, the list of people I could tolerate had grown very short.

My assistant stepped into the room, the subtle scents of cocoa butter and cherries tickling my nose. “Cord will be here in five.”

Mason cocked his head and flashed a toothy smile. “Hi, Pearl. It’s nice to see you today.”

I wasn’t sure why, but Pearl didn’t like him. I’d asked her multiple times if he’d done something to her, if he’d been harassing or bothering her, and she’d always said no. Still . . . Douche.

She raised an eyebrow but otherwise ignored Mason and handed me a manila folder. “You have that conference call at ten. Here’s the prep you wanted, and I left the résumés on your desk for the operations position. You need anything else?”

I thumbed through the meticulously organized research on new FitMi users. Our growth was unreal. We were having a hard time recruiting enough qualified coaches to keep up with demand. While I loved the success of our app, I’d never wanted a desk job. I missed working with clients in the park or teaching self-defense classes.

My roommate, my girlfriend, and I came up with the idea for the app in college. Back then, I was studying exercise science, Cord was earning a degree in computer programming, and Kelsey was in management. We’d spent months searching the crowded market to see where we could fit. Even finding a name not already in use was a challenge, and it took us years of hustling to make the company a reality. I’d taught exercise classes and worked as a personal trainer, Cord had made his way up the corporate food chain in IT departments, and Kelsey had powered through her MBA. Nights and weekends meant work sessions in our cramped apartment. Those days felt like a long time ago.

“Nothing else. Thanks,” I said to Pearl.

Mason kept on smiling. “I’m good, too.”

Pearl shot him a withering stare. She was taller than him and slender with dark, smooth skin and hair in box braids. I was certain she could knock him out if it came to it.

Mason’s voice grated on me from across the room. “You know, Pearl, I’m not a bad guy. You don’t always have to shoot imaginary daggers at me.”

“I’d use real ones, but your suit’s so pretty, I’d hate to get it bloody.” Pearl turned on her heel and called over her shoulder, “I’m not rescheduling that call again, Wes, so be on time.”

“I don’t think she realizes I’m a VP,” Mason muttered once Pearl was out of earshot.

“She realizes—she just doesn’t like you. Pearl is nice to everyone. What did you do?”

“Nothing. I’m being pleasant. It’s not my fault she doesn’t like me.”

“If a woman treats a man like she treats you, there’s a reason. Fix it. It’s not the kind of place we run.”

“I get it. We’re a girl-power, everyone-is-beautiful, fat-can-be-fun kind of place,” Mason said with a mocking edge to his voice. “I know. I engineered the brand, remember?”

The app had taken off overnight, and I never got the crash course in being an executive. For example, how was I supposed to deal with a vice president whose glib tone and habit of checking his phone mid-conversation set my teeth on edge?

Cord pushed through the door then, holding a Big Gulp, and tossed his wet umbrella into the corner. “What’d I miss?”

Mason set his device aside, finally. “Wes was just reminding me of the company’s mission.”

“I bet.” Cord shot me a WTF look across the table. “Sorry I’m late—issue with the servers. So, what’s—”

Mason’s phone vibrated across the table, and he scrambled to answer it. “Give me a minute.” He held up a dismissive finger and stepped out the door.

I cut my gaze to my friend. “What would it take to fire him?”

“Cause and probably a severance package the size of Wisconsin. What happened?” Cord leaned back in his chair in a way that made him look like a sitcom dad ready to solve problems and dispense wisdom.

“He isn’t on board with what we do.”

“Not sure that, alone, is a fireable offense. What did he say?” Cord sipped from the bucket of Mountain Dew. I had given up reminding him we ran a health and fitness company years ago.

I repeated Mason’s words back with air quotes. “Who says that shit? He doesn’t get us.”

“Sure, he does.” Cord shrugged. “He’s just a dick.” My buddy was the laid-back, agreeable person everyone should have as a best friend and business partner. The things that kept me riled up seemed to roll off him.

Mason made me twitchy. That, and I was drowning in all the work that used to be a welcome distraction. I glanced at my phone, where my text message remained unanswered. Plus, it’s February.

“Pearl doesn’t like him,” I added, noticing the way Cord’s expression sharpened at her name. To say Cord had a crush on Pearl was the understatement of the decade. When he talked about her, he’d get that look in his eye, like when he worked through a coding problem. I thought Mason’s bugging her would push his buttons, but he relaxed his shoulders. “He dated her sister, Shea, and it didn’t end well.”

“Do we need to kill him?”

Cord chuckled. “If Shea is anything like Pearl, I’m sure Mason did not walk away from that unscathed. Pearl is just protective of her sister.” Cord looked down at his phone, probably to avoid me asking him when the two of them had gotten so chummy.

“Sorry about that,” Mason announced as he reentered the room, clapping his hands together and taking his seat. “Good news. A friend over in marketing at Best Life gave me a heads-up they want to do a feature, following one of their staff through the FitMi program.”

Best Life was trendy, but I’d never seen them hawking unsafe diets or unhealthy messages—and while FitMi was doing well, that kind of exposure could launch us into the stratosphere.

“She said they’ll have someone sign up and try out a coach. I’m thinking we find out who it is and make sure they get the VIP treatment.”

“Back up. How do you know her?” Cord had pulled out his tablet and was, no doubt, searching for Best Life.

“Natalie and I . . . go way back.” Mason’s smirk made his meaning easy to decode, but he explained anyway because he was a douche. “We fooled around years ago, but she’s cool.”

“She’s the one who’ll be trying out the app?” The future of our company would teeter on some woman Mason screwed and likely screwed over.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08VRXJZ5H
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (November 2, 2021)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 2, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 5147 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 380 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #168,056 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #2,056 in Multicultural & Interracial Romance (Kindle Store)
- #2,396 in Women's Friendship Fiction
- #5,416 in Contemporary Women Fiction

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4.4 1,814 ratings

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Denise Williams

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Denise Williams wrote her first book in the 2nd grade. I Hate You and its sequel, I Still Hate You, featured a tough, funny heroine, a quirky hero, witty banter, and a dragon. Minus the dragons, these are still the books she likes to write. After penning those early works, she finished second grade and eventually earned a PhD. After growing up a military brat around the world and across the country, Denise now lives in Iowa with her husband, son, and two ornery shih-tzus.

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Brittany | @chasingmrdarcy

A wonderful book!

Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2021

Verified Purchase

Thank you so much to Berkley and Denise Williams for an advanced copy of The Fastest Way to Fall in exchange for an honest review.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pub Date: November 2, 2021
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have never felt as seen by a book in my life as I did while reading The Fastest Way to Fall. I feel like this book was written for me, about me, to me…the list goes on and on. I truly feel that Denise Williams wrote my soul into a book, and then gave me the best gift by allowing me to read it.

I’ve struggled with my weight for much of my life, a struggle that is very much individualized to me with specific triggers. I’ve only recently gotten a handle on my diet and my weight/eating triggers, and reading The Fastest Way to Fall, I just felt like Denise Williams understood me. Not only that, she gave me a character to look up to in Britta. Britta is strong, funny, interesting, gorgeous, engaged…all the things I need to read in this story. She is also insecure, second guesses herself, and needs some encouragement to believe in herself and her feelings. Basically, she’s a normal woman! :) I loved this character who conquered every goal she set, and I thought while reading, “who says I can’t be that way too?”

And Wes…oh so perfect Wes. On the surface, Wes IS perfect - he’s perfect looking, a great body, a great face, dresses well, has a successful job. He feeds (initially) right into the stereotype that a beautiful person has everything together. What I loved about Wes, though, is he is actually a mess emotionally. He has family baggage a mile long, and he is literally carrying the weight (and guilt) of the world on his shoulders. He’s guarded about his feelings, and he is determined to be a good man. He’s also fiercely protective of Britta, defends her when needed, cheers her on, and lets her take the moment in the spotlight when she needs it. The self-awareness he lacks in himself (at least initially) he helps Britta find in herself. Reading a character like Wes showed me the type of person I need in my life. Not only that, it showed me the type of person I am worthy of having in my life.

I enjoyed so much about this book in addition to the characters. I thought the plot was really well-developed, and I thoroughly enjoyed what can only be described as yearning between Wes and Britta for 2/3 of the book. The yearning between them almost felt tangible to me, and at times my heart physically hurt for them to be together. It was the down-in-the-Bones, soulmate, love of my life type of yearning that we all dream for, and it was written to perfection in this book. I can not get enough of Wes and Britta.

Denise Williams has given the world a gem with this book. Thank you thank you thank you for allowing me to read it!

10 people found this helpful

Helpful

Karen-Nicole

Super enjoyable & relatable!

Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2023

Verified Purchase

Per the Authors Note: “Please note, this story contains reference to drug & alcohol abuse by a side character & brief reference to off-page disordered eating & exercise.”

I really enjoyed this book. There were a lot of relatable moments in here that I think a majority of people can relate to, myself included. I can say I’ve done the crazy and/or unhealthy dieting. Sometimes for myself & sometimes for others. But thankfully like Britta I’ve (mostly) learned to be happy with myself, for myself. That being said I appreciated the messages in here.
Britta & Wes, our main characters, were some of my favorite I’ve read recently. I found them both funny & endearing, they are a couple I’d want to be friends with. The ups & downs they went through in different aspects of their lives be it with work, themselves, friends or family again felt real & relatable.
Throughout the book there were sweet moments, times I laughed out loud & a couple times I teared up. Honestly I don’t know if I can review this book & give it the justice it deserves. The Author’s Note at the beginning of the book says everything I feel about this book & much more eloquently than I can.
I already have the author’s debut book & will definitely be reading it soon. If you’re looking for a good book that you won’t be sorry you picked up, look no further.

4 people found this helpful

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Vanessa Alves

Great Read!!!

Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2024

Verified Purchase

Wow!! It’s so hard to find a book that truly represents the struggles of being a bigger sized woman. Absolutely loved this book. I connected with it so much and it’s an inspiration. Very well written.

Helpful

Jill M.

Swoony Body Positive Read

Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2024

Verified Purchase

I loved this lighthearted contemporary romance so much more than I anticipated. Great character development, witty banter and no unnecessary drama. Britta and Wes are such a great match and I love the body positive message delivered in the storyline. All the happy feels in a delightful read.

Helpful

Emily K

Couldn't Take the Boredom

Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2022

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2.5 stars
Unfortunately this was a DNF for me. I couldn't take the boredom of this story. I loved the beginning! The flirty messages back and forth along with the body positive message that the author put out for us.

When Wes and Britta meet in person at only 30% into the book, it went downhill from there. The story became boring with no real plot line to follow. It seemed that the author was just trying to fill a page or word count at this point.

Lastly, the chemistry between Wes and Britta was a bit cringeworthy at points. Ouch.

DNF at 42%

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Amy

Rare & Empowering & Hopeful

Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024

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Denise delivers again! And with a topic that I don't see many authors tackling. This is a lovely, heartwarming read that everyone will be able to relate to.

Britta is a fat woman who starts her fitness journey as part of an assignment for the lifestyle website she works for. The focus, thankfully, isn't on losing weight; it's about learning how to exercise and the things your body can do when you make it stronger. It made me so happy to see!

It also takes on other topics like eating disorders, addiction, and professional ethics. It's a beautifully well-rounded story. And Wes is dreamy!

It's just a wonderful story -- go read it now!

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Erica B

Must read

Reviewed in Canada on May 31, 2022

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One of the best books I’ve read with a plus size protagonist. Moms buy this for your daughters (14+ cause it gets spicy) or read it yourself. Such a great example to not settle for less than you deserve, and to learn how to love yourself.

NIkita

Heartwarming, touching and feel good romantic story.

Reviewed in India on August 7, 2023

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This book touched a raw nerve. More than half of my life I have struggled with my weight. Trying to fit in, trying to feel.. accepted, trying not to feel unwanted or be ridiculed.

Britta is smart, ambitious and entertaining. She works for a lifestyle website and is given a task along with her colleague to review two famous fitness apps and share their experience. Wes is CEO of a FitMe Fitness app and has struggled and worked really hard to reach there. He has a tough situation at home and to divert his mind he decides to act as coach of Britta not knowing she works for a famous website and her primary job is reviewing his very own company.

Britta is absolutely perfect. She is bold and sexy and blunt. She writes a blog in this book to share her experiences in getting fit. And it felt so so good to read her thoughts. The struggles that she mentions, the disappointments that she felt, felt so relatable. I liked the fact that the theme behind this book was not about being thin or skinny but it was to feel good about yourself - to be fit. I loved the fact that Wes loved Brita for who she is. He fell in love with her personality, her smile, kindness and the way she always pushes herself.

“Anyone who makes you feel you’re not good enough isn’t worth the breath it takes to tell them to go to hell.”

This book was a breath of fresh air. There should definitely be more books like this. I mean why the female protagonist has to have an hourglass figure, why should she be skinny, have a flat tummy, a perfect body? Why can’t she be more.. real or relatable? We need more such books.

Heartwarming, touching and feel good romantic story.

Millie

One of my top books of the year !!!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 11, 2023

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This book has confirmed that Denise Williams is one of my new favourite authors. I loved How to fail at flirting, but this book is one of my all-time favourite books. I loved the plus size representation because I feel in romance books plus size bodies aren’t represented and they need to be, especially a plus size person of colour!!! I absolutely adore Britta she was just everything that a strong female main character should be, and she truly is the embodiment of a brave strong woman. The way that she finds love not only with Wes but within herself was truly wonderful to see and I loved reading about it! Wes was one of the most perfect book boyfriends and I love him so much. The concept of the book had me hooked from the very beginning and the fact that this book was so body positive and amazing I just loved it, and I can’t wait to read another Denise Williams book!!!

m.md

Sweet and realistic

Reviewed in Spain on November 28, 2021

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I loved this book, and I absolutely adored the main character, Britta.
Its entertaining and sweet, and will speak to the hearts of thousands of women who never see themselves as the protagonist.

Gen Bailey

Loved

Reviewed in Australia on October 7, 2023

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I really really loved this book. I related to Britta so much… I’ve been in a reading stump for awhile and this not only made me laugh and cry, it made me want to jump back on my fitness journey. I laughed so much… and I remember those highs and lows when I started my health journey in 2021. After a million Day 1s, I’m excited to start again. Loved Britta and Wes!! What a great read

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