Description

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In this charming new rom-com from Jenny L. Howe, a young woman who's fed up with dating challenges her family and friends to set her up on ten dates, but gets more than she bargained for when her best friend adds himself to the roster.

Dating as a plus-size woman has been exhausting for Haleigh Berkshire. Sure, she's only twenty-five, but she's been doing it for a decade, and she's beginning to think it's time for a sabbatical. It doesn't help that she's been madly in love with her best friend, Jack, for years--but one disastrous weekend in college taught her the hard way that they'll never be more than friends.

With her sister's engagement party fast approaching, and her friends and family nagging her about a plus-one, Haleigh and Jack do what they do best: scheme. Haleigh agrees to let her friends and family set her up with ten men or women--and she's sure that, once none of them prove to be good matches, her loved ones will finally let her fade into romantic retirement in peace.

To her surprise, some of Haleigh’s dates go better than expected, and for the first time in forever, she's actually having fun. Until Jack starts breaking all the rules they’d made to mend their friendship in college. He produces a laundry list of flaws for everyone she likes, crashes some of her nights out, and finally shocks her by throwing himself into the mix. Dating Jack has always been the dream, but Haleigh is afraid of the reality. Is it worth risking her best friend for something that may have never been meant to be?

About the Author

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Jenny L. Howe first started scribbling stories into black-and-white composition notebooks with neon pink pens when she was in junior high and never really stopped. In college, she decided to turn her love of books into a career by pursuing a Ph.D. in literature, where she spent the next few years studying bizarre and entertaining medieval romances. Now, as a professor, she teaches courses in college writing, literature, and children’s media. When she’s not writing and teaching, Jenny spends her time buried under puzzle pieces, cross-stitching her favorite characters, and taking too many pictures of her rescue dogs, Tucker and Dale. The Make-Up Test is her debut novel.

Praise For…

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Praise for On the Plus Side:

“Smart and funny…this one’s a must read, y’all.” –Book Riot

“Howe dazzles with this pitch-perfect rom-com about learning to love oneself at any size…timely, humorous, and heartfelt.” –Publishers Weekly (starred)

“Everly is presented as beautiful, capable, and the star of her own story. A romantic comedy that’s both cozy and empowering.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Jenny L. Howe knows 'fat' isn't a dirty word and doesn't shy away from using it...adorable [and] wildly compelling.” –Buzzfeed

"Folks standing up for what is right always makes for a good story, and the friendship-to-love relationship between Everly and Logan is fun and fulfilling. For fans of All the Feels by Olivia Dade and Curves for Days by Laura Moher." --Booklist

“Featuring a curvy heroine finding confidence while falling in love, Howe’s latest is a fun mix of What Not To Wear and Queer Eye. Recommended for fans of Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade and The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun.” –Library Journal

“Rom-com readers will appreciate the diverse cast of characters, with plenty of LGBTQ+ representation as well as the inclusion of a funny, realistic, and imperfect family…as rare and refreshing as it is important.” –Shelf Awareness

“A fun and fresh romance following a plus-sized lead...the ultimate cozy read.” --Culturess

Praise for The Make-Up Test:

“Enemies-to-lovers, set in academia, with the pitfalls of imposter syndrome to navigate? Yes, please! A sweet, fresh spin on how the third time’s the charm.” --Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here

“Original, clever, sizzling...I’ll read anything Jenny L. Howe writes!” –Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis

“A delightfully sweet second chance, rivals-to-lovers story wrapped up in a cardigan, sprinkled liberally with Beowulf and Chaucer references, and garnished with cat socks.” –Jen DeLuca, author of Well-Met, Well-Played, and Well-Matched

“Heartfelt vulnerability wrapped in a sexy cardigan...The Make-Up Test is an A+.” --Denise Williams, author of How to Fail at Flirting and The Fastest Way to Fall

“With clever writing that makes her grad school rivals simmer and spark on the page, Jenny L. Howe has crafted a love story that feels not just swoony and heart-stirring, but achingly, breathtakingly real.” –Rachel Lynn Solomon, bestselling author of The Ex-Talk and Weather Girl