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Love & Legal Aid #1
Mother Knows Best
AJ Mulligan’s life is at a standstill. Her writing career hasn’t hit its stride, and between working long hours at odd jobs, writing into the wee hours of the night, and hoping she’ll catch a break sometime soon, there’s zero time left to focus on anything, or anyone, else. It’s been years since she broke it off with the only man she’s ever loved, and she still can’t bring herself to move on. When offered a job as a paid contestant on a reality dating show, AJ finally has the chance to earn some serious money and take a small vacation. All she has to do is make it into the top five and then go back to her everyday life.
Will Masters comes from old money and politics. Every facet of his life has been scripted, whether he liked it or not. Until AJ. She was nothing that his family approved of and everything he ever wanted. When she walked away, he stopped caring about what he wanted for his future. Now his mother has roped him into starring on a reality dating show. A show where his mother can choose the perfect wife for him. Will is perfectly content to go along for the ride. He never thought his ex would be a contestant vying for his affection.
AJ signed a contract, and she intends to honor it. The more she tries to avoid Will, the harder they slam back together. It’s possible she made a mistake all those years ago, but it doesn’t matter. AJ’s contract won’t let her win and Will’s mother wants her gone…too bad he didn’t get the memo.
Will Masters comes from old money and politics. Every facet of his life has been scripted, whether he liked it or not. Until AJ. She was nothing that his family approved of and everything he ever wanted. When she walked away, he stopped caring about what he wanted for his future. Now his mother has roped him into starring on a reality dating show. A show where his mother can choose the perfect wife for him. Will is perfectly content to go along for the ride. He never thought his ex would be a contestant vying for his affection.
AJ signed a contract, and she intends to honor it. The more she tries to avoid Will, the harder they slam back together. It’s possible she made a mistake all those years ago, but it doesn’t matter. AJ’s contract won’t let her win and Will’s mother wants her gone…too bad he didn’t get the memo.
260 pages, ebook
First published February 28, 2023
56 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
January 28, 2023
Okay, so, I want to start this review off by saying I want to wait until I reread the finalized version before giving it a full rating, so the rating might change.
I was given this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review however that will not impact my thoughts and opinions of the book.
Starting off strong I cried over the dedication, this is now the second dedication that Stella has made me tear up over, it was something I really needed to hear.
The actual book was great, I love Will and AJ a lot.
Hated Will's mom and since I think that was Stella's goal, she did a great job at writing Eleanor to be unlikeable.
I wanted to touch on a few things that I really loved
TW FOR TALK OF ED'S/WEIGHT THINGS
This book was healing for me as someone who is recovering from an ED and disordered eating because society has taught me if I'm not thin I'm not going to be loved or as a guy I have to look a certain way and seeing how confident AJ could be with herself was healing for me. It really helped me, and probably will continue to help me with my mindset on how I can take up space. TW OVER
The book also really tackles societal norms and pressures that come with what society thinks or says and expects and how a lot of those thoughts can be really fucked up.
My favorite part of the entire book, though, was the friendships. There were genuine friendships being made between the contestants and I love how they continued after the show ended, too.
It's a quick read and really enjoyable overall and from the beginning I was going "Okay, I need to know what happened though. Like how did we get from point A to point B?"
And the lil mini flashbacks were a fun time, too.
I definitely recommend it!
I was given this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review however that will not impact my thoughts and opinions of the book.
Starting off strong I cried over the dedication, this is now the second dedication that Stella has made me tear up over, it was something I really needed to hear.
The actual book was great, I love Will and AJ a lot.
Hated Will's mom and since I think that was Stella's goal, she did a great job at writing Eleanor to be unlikeable.
I wanted to touch on a few things that I really loved
TW FOR TALK OF ED'S/WEIGHT THINGS
This book was healing for me as someone who is recovering from an ED and disordered eating because society has taught me if I'm not thin I'm not going to be loved or as a guy I have to look a certain way and seeing how confident AJ could be with herself was healing for me. It really helped me, and probably will continue to help me with my mindset on how I can take up space. TW OVER
The book also really tackles societal norms and pressures that come with what society thinks or says and expects and how a lot of those thoughts can be really fucked up.
My favorite part of the entire book, though, was the friendships. There were genuine friendships being made between the contestants and I love how they continued after the show ended, too.
It's a quick read and really enjoyable overall and from the beginning I was going "Okay, I need to know what happened though. Like how did we get from point A to point B?"
And the lil mini flashbacks were a fun time, too.
I definitely recommend it!
January 12, 2023
Two of my favorite things in romance books are second chance romances and anything set on a reality dating show. So naturally when I heard that this book not only delivered both of those but had a fat main character and a hero who absolutely loves her body I knew I had to read it.
While this book is definitely a romance (and a really sweet and steamy one at that), it also tackles some really deep topics. The author talks openly about how the tv networks will hired people to fulfill diversity quotas, tackles fatphobia (every fatphobic side character gets challenged), how even when you’re comfortable in your fat body there can still be situations that trigger those insecure feelings, and so much more. There is a ton of really great rep in her including a character that is an international adoptee who really just wants to reconnect with her culture. Every heavy topic was handled with care and I really loved that.
The romance was great, the rep was fantastic, and it’s really obvious that Will and AJ’s time apart let both of them mature enough to have some really tough decisions. I loved this read and can’t wait to read more from this author.
Thank you to the author for providing me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While this book is definitely a romance (and a really sweet and steamy one at that), it also tackles some really deep topics. The author talks openly about how the tv networks will hired people to fulfill diversity quotas, tackles fatphobia (every fatphobic side character gets challenged), how even when you’re comfortable in your fat body there can still be situations that trigger those insecure feelings, and so much more. There is a ton of really great rep in her including a character that is an international adoptee who really just wants to reconnect with her culture. Every heavy topic was handled with care and I really loved that.
The romance was great, the rep was fantastic, and it’s really obvious that Will and AJ’s time apart let both of them mature enough to have some really tough decisions. I loved this read and can’t wait to read more from this author.
Thank you to the author for providing me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2023
The dedication is like a welcome hug. The cover is nice. The blurb is very exciting and promises loads of drama (pun intended). The note from the author is welcome and much appreciated.
I liked how confident AJ is in her plus-sized body. She believes that she deserved everything smaller women had. I like her firm stance on being child free. Will is immensely in love with AJ. He truly respects her mind. He's very respectful towards the other women in the competition as well. While his dialogues are the ultimate book boyfriend quotes, his caresses for AJ solidify him as the ultimate husband material. They make a good couple. I loved reading the chapter "Then."
The supporting cast of women is wholesome. If this book were a movie, Tandy would win the award for best supporting actress. I liked reading about several grown, secure women. I like that his mother corrects herself over the course of the book, as opposed to recurrent, stuck-up literary mothers.
I love this book. The mature, sensitive writing had me in a vice-grip.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked how confident AJ is in her plus-sized body. She believes that she deserved everything smaller women had. I like her firm stance on being child free. Will is immensely in love with AJ. He truly respects her mind. He's very respectful towards the other women in the competition as well. While his dialogues are the ultimate book boyfriend quotes, his caresses for AJ solidify him as the ultimate husband material. They make a good couple. I loved reading the chapter "Then."
The supporting cast of women is wholesome. If this book were a movie, Tandy would win the award for best supporting actress. I liked reading about several grown, secure women. I like that his mother corrects herself over the course of the book, as opposed to recurrent, stuck-up literary mothers.
I love this book. The mature, sensitive writing had me in a vice-grip.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2023
I was given an ARC copy in exchange for a honest review. Mother Know's Best is my second novel of Stella's.
Will is going on a dating show where he and his mother Eleanor will find him his perfect "First Lady," as he has dreams of running for office. We follow the journey of his ex girlfriend AJ/Jane that ends up on the show. She is a full figured beauty that walked out of his life eight years ago. The book explains what happens then, why shes on the show, and what's going to happen to them moving forward.
This book was ok for me. I enjoyed that Jane was a plus size girl and kicking butt! I loved her and Will as characters and their chemistry. I think the setting overall, I didn't love and found that maybe the story was trying to fit that over all concept too much. Overall it was a cute romcom. Low spice but there was some there.
At the end we got a teaser for her next book and I cant wait for that. I will continue to support this Indie author and cant wait to sew what else she writes.
Will is going on a dating show where he and his mother Eleanor will find him his perfect "First Lady," as he has dreams of running for office. We follow the journey of his ex girlfriend AJ/Jane that ends up on the show. She is a full figured beauty that walked out of his life eight years ago. The book explains what happens then, why shes on the show, and what's going to happen to them moving forward.
This book was ok for me. I enjoyed that Jane was a plus size girl and kicking butt! I loved her and Will as characters and their chemistry. I think the setting overall, I didn't love and found that maybe the story was trying to fit that over all concept too much. Overall it was a cute romcom. Low spice but there was some there.
At the end we got a teaser for her next book and I cant wait for that. I will continue to support this Indie author and cant wait to sew what else she writes.
February 28, 2023
Mother Knows Best was such a fun, cute story, and I really enjoyed it. I love reality dating shows, so I was even more intrigued when it came to this book. Will's mom plays a very prominent role in picking who he will end up with. And Will, oh my gosh I just adored him. He's so sweet, and the way he adored AJ melted my heart. I loved AJ and all the confidence that she had. It was so refreshing to read about, because we don't very often get a plus size FMC. But AJ 100% rocked it, even when she faced rude and hurtful comments, plus all the criticism. Overall, *chefs kiss* for this book and the characters.
April 23, 2023
I loved it! I really can’t say much more than that. I adore the body positivity, the chemistry, and the ever meddling mama. The dating show was such a cute plot and the spice was great ! The cover is so going on my shelf!
Tropes:
Second chance romance
Plus size FMC
HEA
Reality Dating Competition
Slow Burn
Spice: 3/5
Tropes:
Second chance romance
Plus size FMC
HEA
Reality Dating Competition
Slow Burn
Spice: 3/5
February 27, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Stella is one of my favorite new authors! I loved this book. The camaraderie between the contestants, aside from a few rotten apples, was by far my favorite part. I liked how quickly we got to the story and with the flashbacks it definitely meshed well together. Will and AJ finally get to have their happily ever after and all it really took was open communication! Definitely relatable, the best types of stories are.
Stella is one of my favorite new authors! I loved this book. The camaraderie between the contestants, aside from a few rotten apples, was by far my favorite part. I liked how quickly we got to the story and with the flashbacks it definitely meshed well together. Will and AJ finally get to have their happily ever after and all it really took was open communication! Definitely relatable, the best types of stories are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2023
This book features a fat main character taking part in a dating show, where - surprise, surprise - she meets her ex. And not any ex. It's the one that got away.
Stella Stevenson does a great job at including diverse characters and creating a storyline you can't stop reading. Although it is quite slow paced and included some to my taste weird wordings, I read almost the whole book in one day and couldn't wait to see what happened next!
Stella Stevenson does a great job at including diverse characters and creating a storyline you can't stop reading. Although it is quite slow paced and included some to my taste weird wordings, I read almost the whole book in one day and couldn't wait to see what happened next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2025
(Note: This book was 300 pages, not 315!)
Mother Knows Best is part of the Love & Legal Aid series by Stella Stevenson. Although, this is one where it can be read as a standalone.
Stevenson is an author who I've been wanting to check out more of their works from, and this one I pleasantly enjoyed.
It follows Will Masters, a man who works at a law firm, but now, with her mother's plans, is joining a reality show called The First Lady, with the plan to end up getting married to a woman by the end of the show.
And with this, there's quite a twist. One of the contestants on the show, Aileth "AJ" Mulligan, is actually revealed to be Will's ex from the past.
AJ is someone who's purpose on the show is that she's going to end up being eliminated by the end. And that's just the start.
The book goes with a mixture of the show and flashbacks between Will and AJ as for what exactly went wrong between the two. It also takes the time to provide commentary on things regarding reality shows and being inclusive.
AJ does her best to resist Will, but Will still can't help but be in love with her after all these years, even after his heartbreak and that she left him.
In the later half, it gets revealed by Eleanor that AJ didn't leave because she didn't love him, rather, she gave her a sum of money (45K) for her to stay away from him. But, AJ didn't take the money, and she told her about his past exes, how he'd want kids, all these things. But, now she realized her mistake and sees that he does care about her, and her with him.
Before Will confronts AJ, AJ gets a decision from Malcolm that she'll either go home or she can stay and win. She chooses the second option.
After this, Will confront AJ and that's when he gets the actual truth from her, being that it wasn't the money, but they were too different. With Will, it's him and climbing up the ranks as a politician from senator to presidency, and for her, she was a writer with multiple jobs and student debt, having not made any progress on her own works.
Will states how he never wanted to enter into politics, and likes his law firm, and enjoyed spending time doing a bunch of different things with her.
This causes them to reconcile and have sex. Oh, and with the steamy scenes, there are mainly a little bit sprinkled throughout but there is only the one explicit scene, well, two including them in the study.
This book did also surprise me, especially in terms of the other contestants. Like, there's the whole Tandy situation that Will gets into and it causes AJ to storm out, but she clarifies to her that she just wanted to be friends with him.
And the little friend group between AJ, Chloe, and Alex was sweet seeing bits of their moments in the story as well.
In the end, with the final elimination, Will chooses AJ to be The First Lady (after eliminating Tandy, and Molly), and also states that he loves her, and her fierce heart, and it concludes there.
Six months go by and Will and AJ are watching it from the couch, and they've both gone back to Boston, with AJ leaving her waitress job to focus on doing teaching and tutoring. Plus, her and Will now live together.
And, with the show, it did stray from the family friendliness it had, and AJ did become a fan favorite on the show. The network for the show did hold back on the more steamy bits they filmed.
Will, in the end, then proposes over to AJ, because he didn't want to do it for the cameras as Jane, but with her as herself. She accepts it, and that's the end of the book!
All in all, I'm giving it 4 stars, there were definitely a few issues I did have it (mainly in terms of some pacing), but I did still enjoy the book along with AJ and Will's relationship, since it is also a second chance romance as well.
Oh, and the fact that Will agreed with AJ to be child-free as well, I did enjoy that moment too.
I enjoyed this book and The Trope, so I'll absolutely check out more of Stella Stevenson and her works someday.....
Mother Knows Best is part of the Love & Legal Aid series by Stella Stevenson. Although, this is one where it can be read as a standalone.
Stevenson is an author who I've been wanting to check out more of their works from, and this one I pleasantly enjoyed.
It follows Will Masters, a man who works at a law firm, but now, with her mother's plans, is joining a reality show called The First Lady, with the plan to end up getting married to a woman by the end of the show.
And with this, there's quite a twist. One of the contestants on the show, Aileth "AJ" Mulligan, is actually revealed to be Will's ex from the past.
AJ is someone who's purpose on the show is that she's going to end up being eliminated by the end. And that's just the start.
The book goes with a mixture of the show and flashbacks between Will and AJ as for what exactly went wrong between the two. It also takes the time to provide commentary on things regarding reality shows and being inclusive.
AJ does her best to resist Will, but Will still can't help but be in love with her after all these years, even after his heartbreak and that she left him.
In the later half, it gets revealed by Eleanor that AJ didn't leave because she didn't love him, rather, she gave her a sum of money (45K) for her to stay away from him. But, AJ didn't take the money, and she told her about his past exes, how he'd want kids, all these things. But, now she realized her mistake and sees that he does care about her, and her with him.
Before Will confronts AJ, AJ gets a decision from Malcolm that she'll either go home or she can stay and win. She chooses the second option.
After this, Will confront AJ and that's when he gets the actual truth from her, being that it wasn't the money, but they were too different. With Will, it's him and climbing up the ranks as a politician from senator to presidency, and for her, she was a writer with multiple jobs and student debt, having not made any progress on her own works.
Will states how he never wanted to enter into politics, and likes his law firm, and enjoyed spending time doing a bunch of different things with her.
This causes them to reconcile and have sex. Oh, and with the steamy scenes, there are mainly a little bit sprinkled throughout but there is only the one explicit scene, well, two including them in the study.
This book did also surprise me, especially in terms of the other contestants. Like, there's the whole Tandy situation that Will gets into and it causes AJ to storm out, but she clarifies to her that she just wanted to be friends with him.
And the little friend group between AJ, Chloe, and Alex was sweet seeing bits of their moments in the story as well.
In the end, with the final elimination, Will chooses AJ to be The First Lady (after eliminating Tandy, and Molly), and also states that he loves her, and her fierce heart, and it concludes there.
Six months go by and Will and AJ are watching it from the couch, and they've both gone back to Boston, with AJ leaving her waitress job to focus on doing teaching and tutoring. Plus, her and Will now live together.
And, with the show, it did stray from the family friendliness it had, and AJ did become a fan favorite on the show. The network for the show did hold back on the more steamy bits they filmed.
Will, in the end, then proposes over to AJ, because he didn't want to do it for the cameras as Jane, but with her as herself. She accepts it, and that's the end of the book!
All in all, I'm giving it 4 stars, there were definitely a few issues I did have it (mainly in terms of some pacing), but I did still enjoy the book along with AJ and Will's relationship, since it is also a second chance romance as well.
Oh, and the fact that Will agreed with AJ to be child-free as well, I did enjoy that moment too.
I enjoyed this book and The Trope, so I'll absolutely check out more of Stella Stevenson and her works someday.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2023
3.8 stars out of 5 (standard rounding rules apply)
This is the second book out by Stella Stevenson, and one of the things I have seen with her debut, The Trope, and this book would be that she does exceptionally well creating characters that anyone could relate too. This is particularly true with her female main characters. Her female characters are everyday people with problems that anyone could have, and often times are downplayed or just not talked about.
AJ is not different. She is the female main character that knows her worth and won't settle for less. She is a plus-sized FMC and while she may have some insecurities that is not her character. She is perfectly okay with who she is, and if other people are not that is a ‘them problem’ - not a ‘her problem’. Her not settling was clear when she left who she thought was the love of her life behind. Like many she is working various different jobs to make ends meet, and decides to take a role of a reality show - as the "token" plus-sized contestant. She knows the drill; she knows she won't make it to the end... or will she? After all, she didn't know the Bachelor was going to be the love of her life that she had left eight years prior.
Will is our Bachelor and the main male character. He has a lot to be desired, but also a lot that needs to be worked on. He allows his mother to control his life, and dictates what should and shouldn't be done within it. This to me is a total turn off, and does not make him the best book boyfriend. He does have endearing qualities though, like accepting AJ as she is, and even being willing to protect her even from those who mean a lot to him. While he isn't my next book boyfriend, I can totally see the qualities of him being one for others. Especially as his character develops throughout the story.
The two complement each other really well, and you can see the love right off the bat. There is chemistry as well, though for the show that all needed to be downplayed. Besides not everything one sees on the television is what is actually happening behind the camera. When it comes to spice, I would give it a two chili-peppers out of five chili-peppers. (Please keep in mind this is my personal opinion, it may be more or less for you.) There as a good amount of spice within the story, though I typically read novels with more - for the storyline, however, there was a good amount with intention versus just being thrown in there because it could.
The storyline was good, and something that I enjoyed seeing in terms of different. There was a lot of inclusivity on the cast of the show (it is clear Ms. Stevenson made sure to do this in an appropriate manner which is awesome). The mother was atrocious, but then again, she did think she knew best about everything... when she clearly, did not. The mother was, to me, one of the most frustrating parts of the book – especially when it came to her interacting with Will and AJ. With that said, the development of the characters and seeing the backstory, as well as everything unfolding worked well.
As a whole this was a good book. I would recommend it to someone looking for a second chance romance, and a strong female lead. There was a lot to like in the book, and then there was some that just fell flat and without spoilers... I can honestly say you won't regret reading this book, and you will definitely want to pick up another by Stella Stevenson (if you haven't already) after reading it; this is especially true if you are looking for inclusive novels with strong female characters.
I was provided with a copy, so that I could give my honest thoughts and opinions.
This is the second book out by Stella Stevenson, and one of the things I have seen with her debut, The Trope, and this book would be that she does exceptionally well creating characters that anyone could relate too. This is particularly true with her female main characters. Her female characters are everyday people with problems that anyone could have, and often times are downplayed or just not talked about.
AJ is not different. She is the female main character that knows her worth and won't settle for less. She is a plus-sized FMC and while she may have some insecurities that is not her character. She is perfectly okay with who she is, and if other people are not that is a ‘them problem’ - not a ‘her problem’. Her not settling was clear when she left who she thought was the love of her life behind. Like many she is working various different jobs to make ends meet, and decides to take a role of a reality show - as the "token" plus-sized contestant. She knows the drill; she knows she won't make it to the end... or will she? After all, she didn't know the Bachelor was going to be the love of her life that she had left eight years prior.
Will is our Bachelor and the main male character. He has a lot to be desired, but also a lot that needs to be worked on. He allows his mother to control his life, and dictates what should and shouldn't be done within it. This to me is a total turn off, and does not make him the best book boyfriend. He does have endearing qualities though, like accepting AJ as she is, and even being willing to protect her even from those who mean a lot to him. While he isn't my next book boyfriend, I can totally see the qualities of him being one for others. Especially as his character develops throughout the story.
The two complement each other really well, and you can see the love right off the bat. There is chemistry as well, though for the show that all needed to be downplayed. Besides not everything one sees on the television is what is actually happening behind the camera. When it comes to spice, I would give it a two chili-peppers out of five chili-peppers. (Please keep in mind this is my personal opinion, it may be more or less for you.) There as a good amount of spice within the story, though I typically read novels with more - for the storyline, however, there was a good amount with intention versus just being thrown in there because it could.
The storyline was good, and something that I enjoyed seeing in terms of different. There was a lot of inclusivity on the cast of the show (it is clear Ms. Stevenson made sure to do this in an appropriate manner which is awesome). The mother was atrocious, but then again, she did think she knew best about everything... when she clearly, did not. The mother was, to me, one of the most frustrating parts of the book – especially when it came to her interacting with Will and AJ. With that said, the development of the characters and seeing the backstory, as well as everything unfolding worked well.
As a whole this was a good book. I would recommend it to someone looking for a second chance romance, and a strong female lead. There was a lot to like in the book, and then there was some that just fell flat and without spoilers... I can honestly say you won't regret reading this book, and you will definitely want to pick up another by Stella Stevenson (if you haven't already) after reading it; this is especially true if you are looking for inclusive novels with strong female characters.
I was provided with a copy, so that I could give my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 24, 2023
*potential spoilers*
I’m going to describe Mother Knows Best with the exact words Will finds in his heart to describe AJ.
This book was “confident, proud, and strong.” It was “soft, sexy, and warm”. It was everything I could have hoped for and more and I was left, yet again, with more characters from Stella Stevenson that I just couldn’t get enough of.
Mother Knows Best took the problematic aspects of both external involvement in others lives/relationships and the true nature of reality tv shows and shed light on them in a way that addressed the toxicity while also humanizing the participants.
I found myself reading about some characters who grasped the true concept of compassion and love towards others, while also seeing some characters who still needed time to learn how to not only show those traits to others, but to themselves as well. I grew to love the friendships formed, the bonds that were repaired, and the second chance at romance for Will and AJ.
Another glaringly obvious piece of this story that I couldn’t help obsessing over was the undeniable chemistry between the characters. 😮💨🔥 This book gave the perfect amount of spice, starting earlier on in the story and increasing in intensity the further you got without feeling rushed or over-done.
I also found myself admiring AJ and everything her character stood for regarding body image and self-love. She encourages not only herself, but others on the show, to know that they are worth every inch of space that they take up in this world. She takes the word fat and tries to take away the negative implications of it and own the word for what it is: a word. She’s proud of who she is, what she looks like, and what she brings to the world outside of her appearance as well. She’s an absolute role model, as are other characters in the story, and I found myself absolutely adoring the habit of focusing on other important traits like kindness, intelligence, talent, and friendship.
Overall, I just absolutely loved this story, it’s message, and it’s characters. It’s already one of my favorite reads of the year, and I can’t recommend it enough for your next romance read. You can read all about Will and AJ on February 28th, 2023, so mark your calendars!
I’m going to describe Mother Knows Best with the exact words Will finds in his heart to describe AJ.
This book was “confident, proud, and strong.” It was “soft, sexy, and warm”. It was everything I could have hoped for and more and I was left, yet again, with more characters from Stella Stevenson that I just couldn’t get enough of.
Mother Knows Best took the problematic aspects of both external involvement in others lives/relationships and the true nature of reality tv shows and shed light on them in a way that addressed the toxicity while also humanizing the participants.
I found myself reading about some characters who grasped the true concept of compassion and love towards others, while also seeing some characters who still needed time to learn how to not only show those traits to others, but to themselves as well. I grew to love the friendships formed, the bonds that were repaired, and the second chance at romance for Will and AJ.
Another glaringly obvious piece of this story that I couldn’t help obsessing over was the undeniable chemistry between the characters. 😮💨🔥 This book gave the perfect amount of spice, starting earlier on in the story and increasing in intensity the further you got without feeling rushed or over-done.
I also found myself admiring AJ and everything her character stood for regarding body image and self-love. She encourages not only herself, but others on the show, to know that they are worth every inch of space that they take up in this world. She takes the word fat and tries to take away the negative implications of it and own the word for what it is: a word. She’s proud of who she is, what she looks like, and what she brings to the world outside of her appearance as well. She’s an absolute role model, as are other characters in the story, and I found myself absolutely adoring the habit of focusing on other important traits like kindness, intelligence, talent, and friendship.
Overall, I just absolutely loved this story, it’s message, and it’s characters. It’s already one of my favorite reads of the year, and I can’t recommend it enough for your next romance read. You can read all about Will and AJ on February 28th, 2023, so mark your calendars!
February 8, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Will Masters is about to be on national television finding love ten years after heartbreak from the woman he thought he was going to be spending his life with…. Love chosen for him by his mother. AJ Mulligan was the woman who got away and has been hired and chosen to fulfill the “fat demographic” on this show for a specific length of time. When Will and AJ reunite on this show will their love reignite? Will he end up with someone different due to his Mothers interference? Does AJ even want to give him another chance? Can their time apart be a catalyst for something new and exciting for them both?
Comparable to our beloved reality TV, things are staged, certain women are chosen to fill a certain demographic, and certain women have a timeline on how long they will stay on the show.
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨TW: Body image and panic attacks—-stop reading my review here and out your mental health first 🖤🖤
AJ portrays a confident body image but still struggles on occasion in private. I love having a bigger FMC because in media, we often don’t see ourselves represented but through books such as this one, we get to relate to a character on a different level. Aside from herself the one person who always loved and supported AJ just as she was, is Will. It is made clear that AJ had always been judged for her body, even as a child, and that has now carried into adulthood where she is on a show with the run of the mill, “skinny, blonde, housewife” type. Aside from AJ there are 2 other “token” characters hired and put on First Lady.
We also see panic portrayed quite realistically throughout the story. Moments where AJ blacks out during a conversation and we don’t see what was being said during her blackout. Having to take her deep and calming breaths.
My thoughts:
•The idea of a show where the Mom picks the wife for her son gives me the ick. And Wills mom does not seem to have Wills best interests in mind.
•The representation of child free by choice when everything outside is pressuring you to reproduce is again one of those things we don’t often see represented but comes across beautifully throughout the story.
Will Masters is about to be on national television finding love ten years after heartbreak from the woman he thought he was going to be spending his life with…. Love chosen for him by his mother. AJ Mulligan was the woman who got away and has been hired and chosen to fulfill the “fat demographic” on this show for a specific length of time. When Will and AJ reunite on this show will their love reignite? Will he end up with someone different due to his Mothers interference? Does AJ even want to give him another chance? Can their time apart be a catalyst for something new and exciting for them both?
Comparable to our beloved reality TV, things are staged, certain women are chosen to fill a certain demographic, and certain women have a timeline on how long they will stay on the show.
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨TW: Body image and panic attacks—-stop reading my review here and out your mental health first 🖤🖤
AJ portrays a confident body image but still struggles on occasion in private. I love having a bigger FMC because in media, we often don’t see ourselves represented but through books such as this one, we get to relate to a character on a different level. Aside from herself the one person who always loved and supported AJ just as she was, is Will. It is made clear that AJ had always been judged for her body, even as a child, and that has now carried into adulthood where she is on a show with the run of the mill, “skinny, blonde, housewife” type. Aside from AJ there are 2 other “token” characters hired and put on First Lady.
We also see panic portrayed quite realistically throughout the story. Moments where AJ blacks out during a conversation and we don’t see what was being said during her blackout. Having to take her deep and calming breaths.
My thoughts:
•The idea of a show where the Mom picks the wife for her son gives me the ick. And Wills mom does not seem to have Wills best interests in mind.
•The representation of child free by choice when everything outside is pressuring you to reproduce is again one of those things we don’t often see represented but comes across beautifully throughout the story.
February 9, 2023
Thank you to the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review. ☺️
First, I'll say I really loved reading a love story where the female lead was not only a plus size woman, but also never apologized or felt bad about herself for it! She was also treated as a sexual being, which I feel can sometimes get lost in stories of fat women.
The plot of this story is similar to The Charm Offensive in that it's a story about a reality dating show where things quickly go sideways for the contestants. In this case, it's because AJ shows up to the show without knowing that the bachelor, Will, is the one whose love she'll be vying for. Because of her past failed relationship with him 8 years before, and because she's a paid diversity hire for the show, she doesn't plan on staying very long. However, it's not that simple.
What the author did well in this book was making Will head over heels for AJ from the start. I love that he didn't play games with her or treat her badly because she'd broken his heart. I liked that the mother had a believable redemption arc in the third act. I like that none of the characters had to compromise their values to be worthy of love.
Since this is an arc, my rating could definitely change after the final printing, but I'll say for now that I did have just a couple of issues with the narrative. I felt as though there should have been a little more tension to the story, a little bit more of a back and forth instead of making it clear from the start exactly how their story would go. There were other contestants in the show that could have had more chemistry with Will, and maybe that would have made it a little more interesting. I don't often say I wish books were longer, but I think this story could have benefitted from about 50 more pages of tension and plot. The author is so talented that I would gladly read more pages of her writing!
Overall, though, I liked this very much. I'm always happy to see fat women being loved and cherished. We need more of that.
For now, my rating is 3.5, rounded up to 4. Can't wait to read the final product!
First, I'll say I really loved reading a love story where the female lead was not only a plus size woman, but also never apologized or felt bad about herself for it! She was also treated as a sexual being, which I feel can sometimes get lost in stories of fat women.
The plot of this story is similar to The Charm Offensive in that it's a story about a reality dating show where things quickly go sideways for the contestants. In this case, it's because AJ shows up to the show without knowing that the bachelor, Will, is the one whose love she'll be vying for. Because of her past failed relationship with him 8 years before, and because she's a paid diversity hire for the show, she doesn't plan on staying very long. However, it's not that simple.
What the author did well in this book was making Will head over heels for AJ from the start. I love that he didn't play games with her or treat her badly because she'd broken his heart. I liked that the mother had a believable redemption arc in the third act. I like that none of the characters had to compromise their values to be worthy of love.
Since this is an arc, my rating could definitely change after the final printing, but I'll say for now that I did have just a couple of issues with the narrative. I felt as though there should have been a little more tension to the story, a little bit more of a back and forth instead of making it clear from the start exactly how their story would go. There were other contestants in the show that could have had more chemistry with Will, and maybe that would have made it a little more interesting. I don't often say I wish books were longer, but I think this story could have benefitted from about 50 more pages of tension and plot. The author is so talented that I would gladly read more pages of her writing!
Overall, though, I liked this very much. I'm always happy to see fat women being loved and cherished. We need more of that.
For now, my rating is 3.5, rounded up to 4. Can't wait to read the final product!
April 5, 2024
genre: contemporary romance 🫀
overall rating: 5/5 ⭐️
includes –
second chance trope 💌
the bachelor inspired 🎥
dual POV
plus sized! FMC
forced proximity
open door spice
spice level: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
❝and god help me, but i can’t take my eyes off you, no matter where you are or what you are doing.❞
— review
guys.
after reading ❝One to Watch❞ by Kate Stayman-London a long while ago i never thought i’d get my fill of a reality dating show quite like it, ESPECIALLY with a plus sized lead.
clearly i was loud and wrong.
i dived right into this book on a random tuesday morning at 2am and didn’t stop until that afternoon.
AJ is everything i dream for every plus size girly out there finding their way through their own self-love/body journey. it’s never perfect of course but that doesn’t take away the progress that’s been made, no matter how small or large. i can’t even begin to share how confident and human AJ made me feel, from the constant affirmations to even the smaller more vulnerable moments where sometimes words/behaviors do get to us and the journey isn’t linear. she oozed with kindness, class, thoughtfulness, fierceness, and was such a treat to read about.
Will was just husband material from the get-go. at the beginning, i was a little scared where this “mama’s boy” act was going and what it would come down to later but it didn’t deter me from enjoying Will as a character, especially as a pining ex-boyfriend who is still so madly in love with everything about AJ even after 8 years. the obsession and complete infatuation with AJ was everything. Will was incredibly kind, caring, considerate, and so deserving of love in every possible way!
this book embraced a lot of the slow-burn/second chance romance but also did a wonderful job of highlighting real issues in reality television shows like diversity quotas and fatphobia. additionally, the incorporation of secure/confident contestants like Tandy and Alex with their own agendas and fun, loving sisterhood with AJ was the cherry on top!
i loved this book. i loved the evolution and angst between AJ and Will and the well-deserved happy ending they got ♡
❝i am kind. i am caring. i am compassionate. i am deserving of the space i take up in the world. other people do not define my worth, i do.❞
overall rating: 5/5 ⭐️
includes –
second chance trope 💌
the bachelor inspired 🎥
dual POV
plus sized! FMC
forced proximity
open door spice
spice level: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
❝and god help me, but i can’t take my eyes off you, no matter where you are or what you are doing.❞
— review
guys.
after reading ❝One to Watch❞ by Kate Stayman-London a long while ago i never thought i’d get my fill of a reality dating show quite like it, ESPECIALLY with a plus sized lead.
clearly i was loud and wrong.
i dived right into this book on a random tuesday morning at 2am and didn’t stop until that afternoon.
AJ is everything i dream for every plus size girly out there finding their way through their own self-love/body journey. it’s never perfect of course but that doesn’t take away the progress that’s been made, no matter how small or large. i can’t even begin to share how confident and human AJ made me feel, from the constant affirmations to even the smaller more vulnerable moments where sometimes words/behaviors do get to us and the journey isn’t linear. she oozed with kindness, class, thoughtfulness, fierceness, and was such a treat to read about.
Will was just husband material from the get-go. at the beginning, i was a little scared where this “mama’s boy” act was going and what it would come down to later but it didn’t deter me from enjoying Will as a character, especially as a pining ex-boyfriend who is still so madly in love with everything about AJ even after 8 years. the obsession and complete infatuation with AJ was everything. Will was incredibly kind, caring, considerate, and so deserving of love in every possible way!
this book embraced a lot of the slow-burn/second chance romance but also did a wonderful job of highlighting real issues in reality television shows like diversity quotas and fatphobia. additionally, the incorporation of secure/confident contestants like Tandy and Alex with their own agendas and fun, loving sisterhood with AJ was the cherry on top!
i loved this book. i loved the evolution and angst between AJ and Will and the well-deserved happy ending they got ♡
❝i am kind. i am caring. i am compassionate. i am deserving of the space i take up in the world. other people do not define my worth, i do.❞
January 23, 2023
First of all, A+ for representation. Second, this is written in third person.
Thirdly, reality dating shows are my guiltiest of guilty pleasures. I know they're finagled to get the right results (even if the picker does eventually get to actually choose the final person). I know that there are a lot of hoops that have to be jumped through. I know all that. I watch them while I fold the laundry and I choose to pretend that that is not the case and Mr. Just-Wants-A-Wife-And-2.5-Kids is really picking the woman he fell in instalove with as she stepped out of the limo.
It was so interesting to see the other side of it. And yes, I know this is fiction, but it totally makes sense that a producer interested in appealing to the masses would cast different races, religions and sizes. We all want to look at the television and see someone who looks like us, to imagine ourselves in that position. Would we look fabulous in that evening gown? Why yes, we would.
AJ is an extremely likeable character. She has her flaws and she knows it (especially where a certain mother is involved). But she also has her redeeming qualities. None of these things are in anyway tied to her size or shape and she knows it. The self-security was so refreshing.
Will is also extremely likeable, and as I think many of us with mothers can admit, sometimes it is easier to just quit fighting them until you're in a situation where winning is worth it. I absolutely loved how his attraction to AJ was portrayed, because I really think this is where the plus-size representation in most novels is failing us. In many of the books I have come across, it seems that the male love interest loves her despite her shape and/or size, or enough to overlook her shape and/or size. Will loves AJ's shape and size, he's attracted to it, he wants to touch it and enjoy it in all the ways and more of that is what the world needs.
Five stars. Read everything Stella writes. You won't be disappointed.
Thirdly, reality dating shows are my guiltiest of guilty pleasures. I know they're finagled to get the right results (even if the picker does eventually get to actually choose the final person). I know that there are a lot of hoops that have to be jumped through. I know all that. I watch them while I fold the laundry and I choose to pretend that that is not the case and Mr. Just-Wants-A-Wife-And-2.5-Kids is really picking the woman he fell in instalove with as she stepped out of the limo.
It was so interesting to see the other side of it. And yes, I know this is fiction, but it totally makes sense that a producer interested in appealing to the masses would cast different races, religions and sizes. We all want to look at the television and see someone who looks like us, to imagine ourselves in that position. Would we look fabulous in that evening gown? Why yes, we would.
AJ is an extremely likeable character. She has her flaws and she knows it (especially where a certain mother is involved). But she also has her redeeming qualities. None of these things are in anyway tied to her size or shape and she knows it. The self-security was so refreshing.
Will is also extremely likeable, and as I think many of us with mothers can admit, sometimes it is easier to just quit fighting them until you're in a situation where winning is worth it. I absolutely loved how his attraction to AJ was portrayed, because I really think this is where the plus-size representation in most novels is failing us. In many of the books I have come across, it seems that the male love interest loves her despite her shape and/or size, or enough to overlook her shape and/or size. Will loves AJ's shape and size, he's attracted to it, he wants to touch it and enjoy it in all the ways and more of that is what the world needs.
Five stars. Read everything Stella writes. You won't be disappointed.
January 21, 2023
Will Masters is expected by his mother to follow his father’s lead, and run for the Senate, and eventually President.
His mother pressures him into appearing on a reality dating show to find a wife who will fit in with her family, and hopes & dreams for her son.
Will, however, is happy with his life as a Contract Lawyer, and running his own practice with his two best friends.
He’s also been nursing a broken heart for the last eight years, and only gives in to his mother to stop her nagging away at him.
AJ has been contracted by the network to appear as a “plant” in the show, and is happy to take their money, as she is busy working several jobs, as well as trying to write and publish her book.
Neither of them know that the other is on the show, which comes as a big surprise when they meet on the first night, as eight years previously, AJ walked away from Will, breaking both their hearts at the same time.
No one on the show, network executives, producers, or the show host, knows they have history, and if they did, AJ would be sent home with no money.
Can they break the boundaries laid down by the executives, and Will’s mother, Eleanor, to find each other again?
Sit back and enjoy the show, as its many twists and turns unfold.
It is full of emotion, and has a cast of strong women, all vying to become Will’s First Lady.
I found this book a sllow starter, but was soon engrossed, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good romance.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
His mother pressures him into appearing on a reality dating show to find a wife who will fit in with her family, and hopes & dreams for her son.
Will, however, is happy with his life as a Contract Lawyer, and running his own practice with his two best friends.
He’s also been nursing a broken heart for the last eight years, and only gives in to his mother to stop her nagging away at him.
AJ has been contracted by the network to appear as a “plant” in the show, and is happy to take their money, as she is busy working several jobs, as well as trying to write and publish her book.
Neither of them know that the other is on the show, which comes as a big surprise when they meet on the first night, as eight years previously, AJ walked away from Will, breaking both their hearts at the same time.
No one on the show, network executives, producers, or the show host, knows they have history, and if they did, AJ would be sent home with no money.
Can they break the boundaries laid down by the executives, and Will’s mother, Eleanor, to find each other again?
Sit back and enjoy the show, as its many twists and turns unfold.
It is full of emotion, and has a cast of strong women, all vying to become Will’s First Lady.
I found this book a sllow starter, but was soon engrossed, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good romance.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
September 26, 2023
*** 3.5 ⭐️ ***
A Bachelor-type reality show but with the twist of his mother eliminating the contestants one by one.
Will was devastated when AJ walked out of his life 8 years earlier and decided that, if he couldn't be happy with her, he'd let his mother make his life decisions for him. He soon finds himself the center of a reality show, letting his mother choose a respectable wife for him, who will fit into his upstanding political family. Little did he know who one of the contestants would be...
AJ had her reasons for breaking up with Will, yet the biggest one was always kept a secret.
While this book had minority and fat representation all throughout, the major factors (in a reality show, especially) that were missing were drama and conflict. Unfortunately, the book fell flat in those areas, which didn't make the story as intense as it could have been. Yes, there were insults and derogatory language used to make certain contestants feel bad or self-conscious, but there wasn't anything aggressive or physical (cat fights and such) that would have belonged in a show of this nature.
There were also on-page sex scenes that probably should have been kept behind closed doors, what with cameras mounted in every room on set, which also didn't make much sense if contestants were supposed to be covert and secretive of their relations. Again, these acts could have been exploited by the show, but weren't, which also would have added a layer of "reality show" ambience.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Bachelor-type reality show but with the twist of his mother eliminating the contestants one by one.
Will was devastated when AJ walked out of his life 8 years earlier and decided that, if he couldn't be happy with her, he'd let his mother make his life decisions for him. He soon finds himself the center of a reality show, letting his mother choose a respectable wife for him, who will fit into his upstanding political family. Little did he know who one of the contestants would be...
AJ had her reasons for breaking up with Will, yet the biggest one was always kept a secret.
While this book had minority and fat representation all throughout, the major factors (in a reality show, especially) that were missing were drama and conflict. Unfortunately, the book fell flat in those areas, which didn't make the story as intense as it could have been. Yes, there were insults and derogatory language used to make certain contestants feel bad or self-conscious, but there wasn't anything aggressive or physical (cat fights and such) that would have belonged in a show of this nature.
There were also on-page sex scenes that probably should have been kept behind closed doors, what with cameras mounted in every room on set, which also didn't make much sense if contestants were supposed to be covert and secretive of their relations. Again, these acts could have been exploited by the show, but weren't, which also would have added a layer of "reality show" ambience.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2023
3.5/5
Will Masters' life has been planned since he was born basically. He was to follow his father into the world of politics and become a senator - or better yet president. AJ Mulligan believed she didn't fit into his family's standards and bailed years ago. Mother thinks she knows best (obviously) and says it's time for Will to find a wife to have his perfect 2.5 children. The solution? A reality dating show in which AJ is a contestant.
There were a lot of aspects I enjoyed about this book, but there was a lot I didn't like as well. The body positivity and diverse cast make this book. Stella Stevenson did the research and it shows. The way she handled a fat main character was everything I want in a fat main character. AJ was proud of herself and of her body. She didn't take any other characters slack and stood up for herself at every turn. That and the diverse cast (heart eyes for Chloe!) made this book worth reading.
However, I found the book extremely too predictable and that really affected my reading and review. I found I knew how it would end before the 50% mark and discovered I was right as I kept reading. I definitely think the author should have played more into the second-chance trope. More tension. More will-they-won't-they. More inclusion of the other contestants since it was a dating show. Will should have had spark with at least one other contestant to make it believable. Perhaps a longer story was needed.
I received this ARC in exchange for a completely honest review.
Will Masters' life has been planned since he was born basically. He was to follow his father into the world of politics and become a senator - or better yet president. AJ Mulligan believed she didn't fit into his family's standards and bailed years ago. Mother thinks she knows best (obviously) and says it's time for Will to find a wife to have his perfect 2.5 children. The solution? A reality dating show in which AJ is a contestant.
There were a lot of aspects I enjoyed about this book, but there was a lot I didn't like as well. The body positivity and diverse cast make this book. Stella Stevenson did the research and it shows. The way she handled a fat main character was everything I want in a fat main character. AJ was proud of herself and of her body. She didn't take any other characters slack and stood up for herself at every turn. That and the diverse cast (heart eyes for Chloe!) made this book worth reading.
However, I found the book extremely too predictable and that really affected my reading and review. I found I knew how it would end before the 50% mark and discovered I was right as I kept reading. I definitely think the author should have played more into the second-chance trope. More tension. More will-they-won't-they. More inclusion of the other contestants since it was a dating show. Will should have had spark with at least one other contestant to make it believable. Perhaps a longer story was needed.
I received this ARC in exchange for a completely honest review.
February 25, 2023
Does she? Passionate, witty, angsty, revelatory proof that she doesn’t always know best!
After reading “The Trope” I knew I would want to read anything written by Ms. Stevenson. “Mother Knows Best” just confirms that this author will be a must-read from now on. I say this after my staying away from books taking place on reality TV shows. So, I was stunned how much I enjoyed this book.
Will Masters lost his almost-forever girlfriend eight years ago. For a long time his mother has been hounding him to get married for his political future. Producers of a dating show have approached them about being “the bachelor” for many women to fight over. Will who is now 34yo doesn’t care anymore. His chance at love ended eight years ago. AJ Mulligan now 28yo needs money. As it stands she works multiple jobs just to break even. An opportunity comes along on a reality TV show where she realizes she will be the token “curvy woman” on the show but it pays well. What neither Will nor AJ realize is that they will meet again after eight years. Oh. My. Word. There will be a few well-written steamy/passionate moments but lots of fist-pump moments. I loved this story too! I can definitely appreciate AJ’s feelings. The author did some sensitivity training to see how to approach this subject. It shows. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens. If you like a great story with just enough steam, you will want to read this book. Guaranteed!
After reading “The Trope” I knew I would want to read anything written by Ms. Stevenson. “Mother Knows Best” just confirms that this author will be a must-read from now on. I say this after my staying away from books taking place on reality TV shows. So, I was stunned how much I enjoyed this book.
Will Masters lost his almost-forever girlfriend eight years ago. For a long time his mother has been hounding him to get married for his political future. Producers of a dating show have approached them about being “the bachelor” for many women to fight over. Will who is now 34yo doesn’t care anymore. His chance at love ended eight years ago. AJ Mulligan now 28yo needs money. As it stands she works multiple jobs just to break even. An opportunity comes along on a reality TV show where she realizes she will be the token “curvy woman” on the show but it pays well. What neither Will nor AJ realize is that they will meet again after eight years. Oh. My. Word. There will be a few well-written steamy/passionate moments but lots of fist-pump moments. I loved this story too! I can definitely appreciate AJ’s feelings. The author did some sensitivity training to see how to approach this subject. It shows. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens. If you like a great story with just enough steam, you will want to read this book. Guaranteed!
March 11, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
How do you write a review for a good book? I don’t know how I can express my thoughts. This book surpassed my expectations.
Rarely do I stay up to read (with an active toddler I try to sleep when she does) but this book said no. I was up all night reading.
Stella, thank you. Thank you for highlighting how sometimes people use minority groups just to make up the number.
Thank you for creating a realistic h, one who is comfortable in her skin and yet still vulnerable and hanging to the tethers of the past.
I love Will. Guys like him don’t come often. He has moved up ranks in my book boyfriends. His love for AJ is deep. That kind of love is rare.
But on the flip side, who in the 21st Century leaves the life changing decision of choosing a spouse to their mother. C’mon Will!
I loved that the author did not follow the traditional epilogue narrative(you will have to read to know what I’m talking about).
I enjoyed the contrast of the then and now. It would have helped to read more than the teasers we were given.
I would have loved to know more about AJ’s background. Yes, she did progress as a character but nothing else is known about her life prior to when she met Will.
If you love second chance romance and body positivity romance then you will enjoy this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
How do you write a review for a good book? I don’t know how I can express my thoughts. This book surpassed my expectations.
Rarely do I stay up to read (with an active toddler I try to sleep when she does) but this book said no. I was up all night reading.
Stella, thank you. Thank you for highlighting how sometimes people use minority groups just to make up the number.
Thank you for creating a realistic h, one who is comfortable in her skin and yet still vulnerable and hanging to the tethers of the past.
I love Will. Guys like him don’t come often. He has moved up ranks in my book boyfriends. His love for AJ is deep. That kind of love is rare.
But on the flip side, who in the 21st Century leaves the life changing decision of choosing a spouse to their mother. C’mon Will!
I loved that the author did not follow the traditional epilogue narrative(you will have to read to know what I’m talking about).
I enjoyed the contrast of the then and now. It would have helped to read more than the teasers we were given.
I would have loved to know more about AJ’s background. Yes, she did progress as a character but nothing else is known about her life prior to when she met Will.
If you love second chance romance and body positivity romance then you will enjoy this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2024
I loved this second chance romance! It is so good to see plus size representation, and to have her be so unapologetically herself, I haven't seen this enough.
The mother infuriated me. To make such a snap judgement about someone based on one meeting made my blood boil. I would have liked to see AJ "give her hell" more than she did. She 100% deserved to have some kind of repercussions for what she did. She ruined two people's lives for 8 years based on what she believed was what her son wanted when clearly she knew nothing about what he wanted in life. Even after those 8 years, she still did not know that he doest like sailing, he doesnt want to be in politics, and he doesn't want children. This just showed that she hadn't spent any time to get to know her son. I didn't like that Will forgave her so quickly once he found out what she did.
I loved seeing AJ sticking up for herself against the people who judged her based solely on how she looked.
The love between Will and AJ is so pure, passionate, and feels like it will last a lifetime.
I am really happy that the author stayed away from the trope of "I don't want kids" then she has kids and all of a sudden "oh I was so stupid to ever think that I didn't want kids" it was refreshing to see AJ and Will stick with what they know they do and don't want in their life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The mother infuriated me. To make such a snap judgement about someone based on one meeting made my blood boil. I would have liked to see AJ "give her hell" more than she did. She 100% deserved to have some kind of repercussions for what she did. She ruined two people's lives for 8 years based on what she believed was what her son wanted when clearly she knew nothing about what he wanted in life. Even after those 8 years, she still did not know that he doest like sailing, he doesnt want to be in politics, and he doesn't want children. This just showed that she hadn't spent any time to get to know her son. I didn't like that Will forgave her so quickly once he found out what she did.
I loved seeing AJ sticking up for herself against the people who judged her based solely on how she looked.
The love between Will and AJ is so pure, passionate, and feels like it will last a lifetime.
I am really happy that the author stayed away from the trope of "I don't want kids" then she has kids and all of a sudden "oh I was so stupid to ever think that I didn't want kids" it was refreshing to see AJ and Will stick with what they know they do and don't want in their life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2023
First I want to say thank you to @stellastevensonwrites for the e-ARC and then the paperback version I won in her giveaway!
If you love second chance romance, The Bachelor and a strong independent plus sized female lead, with some spice this book is for you!
I’ve never been one to watch The Bachelor but this makes me want to! I wanted to keep reading I needed to know more!
This book was swoony (I’m making that a word), dreamy and it felt like a fairytale!
(Think sort of like Princess Diaries 2)
This book made me feel so many things and I connected with this book and it’s characters in so many ways that I felt all the emotions and everything they’ve gone through.
Stella Stevenson does an AMAZING BEAUTIFUL job of portraying a plus sized female lead and one I can wholly relate to.
The author also did a beautiful and respectful job touching base on topics that we still face today.
I loved Will (not so much the momma’s boy part you’ll see why lol)
The friendship and bonds that were made in this book just made my heart so happy. Typically shows like this a lot of the female contestants are catty and always fighting, and that’s not the case here! I watch a lot of realty shows so it was very refreshing to read!
There is so so so much more I wish I could write in this review but trust me this is a must read! This was so well written and it just flowed and was easy and an enjoyable read!
P.s. Just when you think you know where this story will go you don’t! My heart was racing to find out the whole time!
March 3, 2023
I loved Stella Stevenson's first book, The Trope, so much that I found myself casting the characters from people I saw on the subway. So when Mother Knows Best came out, I could not wait to get my hands on a copy. I was NOT disappointed. Stella's second book is as inventive, big-hearted, and toe-curlingly steamy as her first.
I adored so many elements of this book: the genuine friendships that blossomed between the contestants on the reality show, the frank and mindful reflections on diversity and inclusion, the author's very light touch in dealing with these issues, the celebration of body acceptance and body positivity, how AJ is super confident in herself and her appearance, the way Will cherishes and loooooves every part of AJ , and how a whole bunch of the characters completely bucked my expectations (I'm looking at you, Eleanor).
Most importantly, I loved how the romance just swept me up from page one and kept me reading long after I should have been asleep! I knew they had to end up together...but how? If you like uplifting and heartwarming love stories with strong female characters, mature and dreamy heroes, a dash of fun and a big sprinkle of spice, Mother Knows Best is perfect for you!
I adored so many elements of this book: the genuine friendships that blossomed between the contestants on the reality show, the frank and mindful reflections on diversity and inclusion, the author's very light touch in dealing with these issues, the celebration of body acceptance and body positivity, how AJ is super confident in herself and her appearance, the way Will cherishes and loooooves every part of AJ , and how a whole bunch of the characters completely bucked my expectations (I'm looking at you, Eleanor).
Most importantly, I loved how the romance just swept me up from page one and kept me reading long after I should have been asleep! I knew they had to end up together...but how? If you like uplifting and heartwarming love stories with strong female characters, mature and dreamy heroes, a dash of fun and a big sprinkle of spice, Mother Knows Best is perfect for you!
May 23, 2023
If you are looking for a sweet, funny rom com read this is the book for you!
I finished this in one day- I was hooked from the first chapter and just could not put it down. I was legit reading this by a campfire on the weekend because I needed to know how it ended!
The characters in this book are just so great- AJ is our main girl and she is so sweet and loving you cannot help but root for her. She is a plus sized queen who slays and knows it, until she ends up working on a reality TV show where her ex is the star. A a plus sized woman, she has been hired so the show appears more diverse, but even if her ex wanted to pick her at the end of this dating show, he wouldn't be able to because of her contract.
I loved how the author addressed the issues of microaggressions with shows and their need to 'fill slots' so they appear more diverse. My favorite scenes (outside of the spice lol) were between these women and their conversations around this issue.
Will and AJ's chemistry and backstory were just so well written that you cannot help but hope that they end up together from the beginning. The tension throughout the book of will they wont they keeps you wanting more, and the spice scenes are steamy!
10/10 recommend reading this book!
I finished this in one day- I was hooked from the first chapter and just could not put it down. I was legit reading this by a campfire on the weekend because I needed to know how it ended!
The characters in this book are just so great- AJ is our main girl and she is so sweet and loving you cannot help but root for her. She is a plus sized queen who slays and knows it, until she ends up working on a reality TV show where her ex is the star. A a plus sized woman, she has been hired so the show appears more diverse, but even if her ex wanted to pick her at the end of this dating show, he wouldn't be able to because of her contract.
I loved how the author addressed the issues of microaggressions with shows and their need to 'fill slots' so they appear more diverse. My favorite scenes (outside of the spice lol) were between these women and their conversations around this issue.
Will and AJ's chemistry and backstory were just so well written that you cannot help but hope that they end up together from the beginning. The tension throughout the book of will they wont they keeps you wanting more, and the spice scenes are steamy!
10/10 recommend reading this book!
January 25, 2023
4.5/5
This book was given to me as an ARC read in return for an honest review. This is the first book I have read from this author, but it will not be the last.
As a person who has struggled with my weight and the societal ramifications of that my whole life, this story made me feel seen. The way Stella seamlessly blended in parts of body shaming into the plot had me cheering for this characters strength and the friends she surrounded herself with. The diversity and representation make this book.
The build in understanding of this second chance romance was slow, but satisfying in the best way.
Part of me wished that Will was stronger because AJ deserved more than he gave her in that aspect, but the subtle ways he loved her and saw her for who she was, warmed my heart.
I liked that Stella didn't overdue the terrible over bearing mother and instead showed her in a light that made her decisions realistic.
I wish there was more spice, but the little there was intensified the character's connection and kept us invested.
Way to Stella! You have a new fan, and I have collected a new author :)
This book was given to me as an ARC read in return for an honest review. This is the first book I have read from this author, but it will not be the last.
As a person who has struggled with my weight and the societal ramifications of that my whole life, this story made me feel seen. The way Stella seamlessly blended in parts of body shaming into the plot had me cheering for this characters strength and the friends she surrounded herself with. The diversity and representation make this book.
The build in understanding of this second chance romance was slow, but satisfying in the best way.
Part of me wished that Will was stronger because AJ deserved more than he gave her in that aspect, but the subtle ways he loved her and saw her for who she was, warmed my heart.
I liked that Stella didn't overdue the terrible over bearing mother and instead showed her in a light that made her decisions realistic.
I wish there was more spice, but the little there was intensified the character's connection and kept us invested.
Way to Stella! You have a new fan, and I have collected a new author :)
January 9, 2024
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️.25
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
General Thoughts: Another review I'm getting to late. Sorry! Life was life-ing hard.
I love Stella's books and writing, so I was happy to review this one. Having read all three in the series, I think this and the third are my favorites, but I enjoyed all of them. I've mentioned this before, but I love Stella's commitment to showcasing diversity on the page and the careful and sensitive approach she takes in doing so. That's on full display here with her plus size FMC. I thought she handled that very thoughtfully. It was a great fun, lighthearted read that I stayed up way too late reading.
Second-chance romance can be hard to do right, but Stella nails it here. If you like romance, for sure give it a go.
Steam Meter:❤️🔥.5 Some steamy scenes, but not as graphic or frequent as some.
Romantic Tropes
-dual POV
-romance
-contemporary realistic
-reality tv
-second chance
-steamy
You can read more of my reviews on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
General Thoughts: Another review I'm getting to late. Sorry! Life was life-ing hard.
I love Stella's books and writing, so I was happy to review this one. Having read all three in the series, I think this and the third are my favorites, but I enjoyed all of them. I've mentioned this before, but I love Stella's commitment to showcasing diversity on the page and the careful and sensitive approach she takes in doing so. That's on full display here with her plus size FMC. I thought she handled that very thoughtfully. It was a great fun, lighthearted read that I stayed up way too late reading.
Second-chance romance can be hard to do right, but Stella nails it here. If you like romance, for sure give it a go.
Steam Meter:❤️🔥.5 Some steamy scenes, but not as graphic or frequent as some.
Romantic Tropes
-dual POV
-romance
-contemporary realistic
-reality tv
-second chance
-steamy
You can read more of my reviews on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
February 14, 2023
I received an ARC of this book and I'm more than happy to leave an honest review.
While a bit predictable (something not at all unexpected from this genre, we read for the fun of it not suspense) I enjoyed this book all the way through. AJ is a fun, caring self aware and self assured woman. It's wonderful to see body positivity in characters who aren't a size 0. It's also great to see someone like Will who loves her for who he is and not "despite" her size. It wasn't one of those stories' that he realized he loved her and could look past her faults, he didn't see any and loved her from the beginning. The author did a wonderful job at showing this. I enjoyed the cast and all their traits (with the exception of Will's mother's behavior, although that was something that one could see happening in such a family as well and needed for the story). I won't give any spoilers but If you're looking for a fun, witty rom com with unrequited love, a plus size FMC, a reality dating show, some drama and a HEA then you should definitely give this one a chance!
While a bit predictable (something not at all unexpected from this genre, we read for the fun of it not suspense) I enjoyed this book all the way through. AJ is a fun, caring self aware and self assured woman. It's wonderful to see body positivity in characters who aren't a size 0. It's also great to see someone like Will who loves her for who he is and not "despite" her size. It wasn't one of those stories' that he realized he loved her and could look past her faults, he didn't see any and loved her from the beginning. The author did a wonderful job at showing this. I enjoyed the cast and all their traits (with the exception of Will's mother's behavior, although that was something that one could see happening in such a family as well and needed for the story). I won't give any spoilers but If you're looking for a fun, witty rom com with unrequited love, a plus size FMC, a reality dating show, some drama and a HEA then you should definitely give this one a chance!
February 15, 2023
Omg THIS BOOK!
I loved it so much!!!
The characters were amazing.
AJ my love, i could relate with her 1000%, her fears, and inner thoughts, as a fellow plus size or fat if you want it blunt. She didn't care about world's opinion most of the time and i loved her confident self and her vulnerable side as well!
They were soulmates and it was a sign that they were meant to be!
Also the spice was gooood! 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Will was the one of the best well written male characters I've seen!
The fashion show scene was *chef's kiss 🤌🏻*
I loved the fashion/clothes descriptions scenes (as a stylist with a fashion degree) they were amazing! It was a nice touch!
Alex, Tandy and Chloe need to be my frienda. I adore them!!!
The only thing "negative" thing i have to say is that in some parts the narration was a bit confusing, at least that's what I felt!
Other than that i enjoyed the whole thing!
As far as tropes go:
Dual POV
Second Chance Romance
Plus Size confident FMC
Open Door romance
MC never stopped loving her
thank u Stella for providing me the ARC 🙏🏻
I loved it so much!!!
The characters were amazing.
AJ my love, i could relate with her 1000%, her fears, and inner thoughts, as a fellow plus size or fat if you want it blunt. She didn't care about world's opinion most of the time and i loved her confident self and her vulnerable side as well!
They were soulmates and it was a sign that they were meant to be!
Also the spice was gooood! 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Will was the one of the best well written male characters I've seen!
The fashion show scene was *chef's kiss 🤌🏻*
I loved the fashion/clothes descriptions scenes (as a stylist with a fashion degree) they were amazing! It was a nice touch!
Alex, Tandy and Chloe need to be my frienda. I adore them!!!
The only thing "negative" thing i have to say is that in some parts the narration was a bit confusing, at least that's what I felt!
Other than that i enjoyed the whole thing!
As far as tropes go:
Dual POV
Second Chance Romance
Plus Size confident FMC
Open Door romance
MC never stopped loving her
thank u Stella for providing me the ARC 🙏🏻
December 15, 2024
Let me start by saying I don’t typically read this genre but I couldn’t wait to get back to the story. Stevenson makes you care about the characters and what happens to them and I am interested in reading the sequel.
So why only 3 stars? I’m extremely picky about my 4 and 5 star reads. This was a very enjoyable fun read, which makes it a solid 3 for me so think 3 stars=good.
I did find the formatting challenging and there were a few more editing errors than I am used to, but even that didn’t really bother me too much given the fun of reading the story.
On a plot level, I felt that the reason AJ and Will were apart should have been developed more. By half way through I was like, the readers should have a much better guess or perhaps even knowledge of what it was. I would have liked to see it be more than a mention and play more of an interior role in AJ’s thinking. It could have made both her character and the plot more engaging. But overall it was a good fun read, I would recommend.
So why only 3 stars? I’m extremely picky about my 4 and 5 star reads. This was a very enjoyable fun read, which makes it a solid 3 for me so think 3 stars=good.
I did find the formatting challenging and there were a few more editing errors than I am used to, but even that didn’t really bother me too much given the fun of reading the story.
On a plot level, I felt that the reason AJ and Will were apart should have been developed more. By half way through I was like, the readers should have a much better guess or perhaps even knowledge of what it was. I would have liked to see it be more than a mention and play more of an interior role in AJ’s thinking. It could have made both her character and the plot more engaging. But overall it was a good fun read, I would recommend.
January 10, 2023
✨ARC Book Review✨ Mother Knows Best by the remarkably talented Stella Stevenson
This book is beautifully written, highlighting Stella Stevenson’s talent and ability to create FMCs who face real-life challenges with grace and a strong sense of relatability. Her storytelling deconstructs stereotypes and has readers exploring characters that are worthy of love despite what’s stacked against them. You’ll find yourself rooting for AJ and Will as soon as you meet them and riding big waves of the classic, “Will they or won’t they?” Their chemistry leaps off the pages and slowly burned with their stolen kisses, secret touches, and heat-filled stares. I felt their palpable sexual tension explode when they finally got together. The premise of this story was fresh, romantic and highlighted second-chance love while tackling common problems that couples go through to find their way back to one another. I highly recommend it and think you’ll agree that this book is wonderful!
This book is beautifully written, highlighting Stella Stevenson’s talent and ability to create FMCs who face real-life challenges with grace and a strong sense of relatability. Her storytelling deconstructs stereotypes and has readers exploring characters that are worthy of love despite what’s stacked against them. You’ll find yourself rooting for AJ and Will as soon as you meet them and riding big waves of the classic, “Will they or won’t they?” Their chemistry leaps off the pages and slowly burned with their stolen kisses, secret touches, and heat-filled stares. I felt their palpable sexual tension explode when they finally got together. The premise of this story was fresh, romantic and highlighted second-chance love while tackling common problems that couples go through to find their way back to one another. I highly recommend it and think you’ll agree that this book is wonderful!
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