Hey friends,

I think I have found my new favorite kind of book…

Books that are set on reality shows!

This new bookish obsession started in October of 2023 while on a trip with my girls to Vegas. The trip is not relevant, but what I read while on the trip is. And that first book was just the gateway.

Below are three of my top books set on reality shows that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat!

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

This. Book. Though. It’s the book that started it all for me. For fans of reality dating shows like The Bachelor/The Bachelorette. One to Watch follows Bea Schumacher, a plus-sized fashion blogger who is obsessed with the reality dating show, Main Squeeze. Just when she’s sworn off dating, Main Squeeze producers offer her to be the next “Main Squeeze” on the show. I really enjoyed this book and was wondering up until the last minute who Bea was going to choose. The mixed media story-telling made the book read super fast. And going on all those dates with all of those sexy potential love interests and traveling to exotic locales made this book such a fun time. This was definitely a 5 star read for me. I tell everyone I know that they should read it.

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

5 Stars. 10 Stars. 2 Thumbs Up. Whatever the highest rating for a thing is, I give this book that. I am not a huge fan of romances, but this book totally charmed me. This is the second book in a duology. However, both books can be read as standalones. The True Love Experiment follows romance writer, Fizzy Chen. While giving a commencement address at a college, she realizes that the advice she is giving the graduates about following their heart is advice she hasn’t taken herself. Enter a year of depression as Fizzy feels as though she has lost her spark. When Fizzy is offered to be the lead in a new reality dating show, she says yes in an effort to find her happiness. But she might be finding more than that with one of the producers of the show. This book was funny, sexy, all the things. Plus, Connor, the producer, is my new book boyfriend. I was smiling for the entire last chapter. The romance was sweet and extremely spicy. Highly, highly recommend.

On the Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe

This one is for fans of What Not to Wear but mix it with Queer Eye. The novel follows Everly, a plus sized woman who is nominated to be the subject of her favorite lifestyle docu-series, On the Plus Side. You follow Everly as she updates her wardrobe, finds her spark, and falls in love with the grumbly camera man. I love a story where the main character is going through major changes as they find themselves (a coming-of-age story, if you will.) I enjoyed Everly and watching her come to realizations about herself and the beliefs she held true. I also was rooting for her and Logan, the cameraman and felt like the romance of this was akin to what you would find in an Emily Henry book. It’s a book about finding your worth and exploring your passions. There were some time lapse issues that made the story move a little awkwardly in places. But overall, this was a great read that I highly recommend, especially if you are someone currently making changes in your own life.

Final Thoughts

That’s it for now, friends.

I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments. Or leave your own book recommendations. I am a true believer that a TBR pile can never be too big.

Until next week, may you find something extraordinary to read!