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The Shape of You
Personal trainer Rebecca McCall is furious when her coworker is sidelined and she’s forced to teach the “Be Your Best Bride” class. As if being a size two for your wedding photos is all exercise is good for. Could the whole thing get more vain and sexist? The class is full of preening, giggling Bridezillas, but one woman stands out. The one who confesses she’s only there because her fiancée signed her up. Who does that to someone they care about? And why can’t Rebecca take her eyes off her?
Spencer Thompson is a second-guesser. After making the worst mistake of her life, she’s happy to abdicate responsibility and let other people make her decisions for her. She’s always felt a little bit too soft, a little bit too curvy in all the wrong places. Her fiancée apparently agrees because she signed Spencer up for a class at the gym. Terrified by the online profile of the instructor, the epitome of Zero Body Fat, Spencer is relieved to find someone new, and realistic looking, leading the class. Except the instructor seems to hate her and Spencer has no idea why.
When a perfectly innocent post workout smoothie leads to an earth shattering kiss, Rebecca wonders if she’s been wrong all along, and Spencer is challenged to make another decision that could change her life forever.
Spencer Thompson is a second-guesser. After making the worst mistake of her life, she’s happy to abdicate responsibility and let other people make her decisions for her. She’s always felt a little bit too soft, a little bit too curvy in all the wrong places. Her fiancée apparently agrees because she signed Spencer up for a class at the gym. Terrified by the online profile of the instructor, the epitome of Zero Body Fat, Spencer is relieved to find someone new, and realistic looking, leading the class. Except the instructor seems to hate her and Spencer has no idea why.
When a perfectly innocent post workout smoothie leads to an earth shattering kiss, Rebecca wonders if she’s been wrong all along, and Spencer is challenged to make another decision that could change her life forever.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 1, 2018
78 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Georgia Beers
56 books1,484 followersLambda and Golden Crown Literary Award-winning author Georgia Beers lives in Rochester, New York. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, and published her first lesbian novel in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
April 3, 2019
'ARC generously provided by NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for an honest and fair review'
**'Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing..'
Moderate read!
2.5stars
Who needs to try reading a novelist's "major works" or "when to get married fast" when you have a book that gets deep into your head? Well,'THE SHAPE OF YOU' is not only a little bit entertaining,gym-rat readable for anyone who might be willing to also accept some snarky,criticism,little nostalgia,frustrating storylines,blah chemistry and do not mention the sad romance. Throughout the book,Ms.Beers offers practical ideas and her views during her storytelling about many women,she believes wrestles with their partner being uncommitted,unemotional or insensitive which really reflected on both Spencer & Marti's relationship. Another section in the story she also wrote as a viewpoint: misstep common to most couples is assuming that one partner should demonstrate care to her fiance in the manner she most appreciates.A woman wants a partner who is willing to put all her emotions on the table & talk straight from the heart,a caring companion,want her to risk as much as you do with intense interest in only you and not an insultated robot. Her assumption i think undervalue most women in this story because they are dealing with self-esteem,body shaming etc in their relationships. At least Rebecca did admit that she had her own lifelong battles with a fear of commitment and emotional vulnerability towards other women in her past. Some readers may feel put off with a few sudden changes or the abrupt switch of the storyline because i was. Yet the overall tone of the book is one of optimism and hope for both Rebecca & Spencer.
**'Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing..'
Moderate read!
2.5stars
Who needs to try reading a novelist's "major works" or "when to get married fast" when you have a book that gets deep into your head? Well,'THE SHAPE OF YOU' is not only a little bit entertaining,gym-rat readable for anyone who might be willing to also accept some snarky,criticism,little nostalgia,frustrating storylines,blah chemistry and do not mention the sad romance. Throughout the book,Ms.Beers offers practical ideas and her views during her storytelling about many women,she believes wrestles with their partner being uncommitted,unemotional or insensitive which really reflected on both Spencer & Marti's relationship. Another section in the story she also wrote as a viewpoint: misstep common to most couples is assuming that one partner should demonstrate care to her fiance in the manner she most appreciates.A woman wants a partner who is willing to put all her emotions on the table & talk straight from the heart,a caring companion,want her to risk as much as you do with intense interest in only you and not an insultated robot. Her assumption i think undervalue most women in this story because they are dealing with self-esteem,body shaming etc in their relationships. At least Rebecca did admit that she had her own lifelong battles with a fear of commitment and emotional vulnerability towards other women in her past. Some readers may feel put off with a few sudden changes or the abrupt switch of the storyline because i was. Yet the overall tone of the book is one of optimism and hope for both Rebecca & Spencer.
July 17, 2018
I really liked this one. I was hooked into the story from the beginning and found myself really caring what happened. I do want to mention though, I’m not sure this book will appeal to everyone. For one it deals with infidelity, which is not always a subject people want to read about. Also, there were some character traits that might bother some people, heck they would normally bother me, but it worked for me in this instance anyway. My point, while I really enjoyed this personally, I can see this book being a hit or miss with other people.
Spencer is getting married. When her fiancé signs her up for a bridal work-out class, Spencer goes along even though she is dreading it. At the gym, Rebecca is the trainer in charge of the class. She believes in making women strong and healthy. Spencer and Rebecca immediately get off on the wrong foot due to some of Rebecca’s personal prejudices. Rebecca can’t get over the fact Spencer is such a pusher over to go to this class when it clearly wasn’t her idea. While they continue to butt heads a spark of attraction develops; a spark that is clearly off limits with Spencer being engaged. Will these two women follow their hearts or remain only friends?
When I realized the majority of this story would be about working out in the gym, I did a little eye roll. Not that I am against exercise or being healthy, I just honestly thought I would be bored. Beers has a tendency to write about some jobs that are a little boring. In her book Right Here, Right Now, it was all about an accountant at tax time. I must admit that book really bored me at times. I have to say I was surprised how much I didn’t mind the mildly repetitive gym scenes. I was so into the story I didn’t care. I liked seeing the progress Spencer made and how the relationship between Spencer and Rebecca was changing. Heck, I’m even tempted to go sign up for a cycling class now.
When it came to the characters this is where I found a surprise. Spencer is a real pushover. Due to her life experiences she is a follower and doesn’t like to take control. She would rather appease someone than fight. Spencer is the opposite kind of person I am. And because of this I normally do Not like characters like this. But again for whatever reason her character worked for me. I understood why she was the way she was. Yes, I yelled at her multiple times while reading, but I understood her. And frankly if we only read or care about character like us, we would end up not liking stories about more than half the population. Rebecca had her own issues. She would go from moody to a sweetheart. I didn’t like these shifts but it was because she could not deal with her feelings for an engaged woman. It made sense to me and I grew to understand her character.
I can be real up or down on stories about infidelity. I just don’t always think it is handled well. Either a character that cheats is this evil character or they cheat and it is just swept under the rug. I don’t like cheating but we all know it happens and it isn’t always black and white why. I felt this book really hit that grey area. The character that cheats in this book is far from any cheating character I have read about before. And trust me as crazy as it sound, her choosing to cheat almost felt like her character was taking a step forward. Since I’m personally very against infidelity it was a little shocking the book made me feel like this.
The whole dislike to potential lovers storyline the characters went through in this book really worked for me. I enjoyed this unusual romance. I liked how the chemistry built and built. The sparks and connection were heavy at times. The first major sex scenes was pretty intense and hot because of it. The conflicted feelings I had as a reader, the whole this is wrong but it’s right, just worked for me.
Sorry this review was a little long. I know this book won’t work for everyone, but it will some. I really wanted to try to explain so you reading this can make an informed decision for you. Beers pushed the envelope a bit on this one; infidelity and not always the most likeable characters. I’m happy to say for me it worked.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
Spencer is getting married. When her fiancé signs her up for a bridal work-out class, Spencer goes along even though she is dreading it. At the gym, Rebecca is the trainer in charge of the class. She believes in making women strong and healthy. Spencer and Rebecca immediately get off on the wrong foot due to some of Rebecca’s personal prejudices. Rebecca can’t get over the fact Spencer is such a pusher over to go to this class when it clearly wasn’t her idea. While they continue to butt heads a spark of attraction develops; a spark that is clearly off limits with Spencer being engaged. Will these two women follow their hearts or remain only friends?
When I realized the majority of this story would be about working out in the gym, I did a little eye roll. Not that I am against exercise or being healthy, I just honestly thought I would be bored. Beers has a tendency to write about some jobs that are a little boring. In her book Right Here, Right Now, it was all about an accountant at tax time. I must admit that book really bored me at times. I have to say I was surprised how much I didn’t mind the mildly repetitive gym scenes. I was so into the story I didn’t care. I liked seeing the progress Spencer made and how the relationship between Spencer and Rebecca was changing. Heck, I’m even tempted to go sign up for a cycling class now.
When it came to the characters this is where I found a surprise. Spencer is a real pushover. Due to her life experiences she is a follower and doesn’t like to take control. She would rather appease someone than fight. Spencer is the opposite kind of person I am. And because of this I normally do Not like characters like this. But again for whatever reason her character worked for me. I understood why she was the way she was. Yes, I yelled at her multiple times while reading, but I understood her. And frankly if we only read or care about character like us, we would end up not liking stories about more than half the population. Rebecca had her own issues. She would go from moody to a sweetheart. I didn’t like these shifts but it was because she could not deal with her feelings for an engaged woman. It made sense to me and I grew to understand her character.
I can be real up or down on stories about infidelity. I just don’t always think it is handled well. Either a character that cheats is this evil character or they cheat and it is just swept under the rug. I don’t like cheating but we all know it happens and it isn’t always black and white why. I felt this book really hit that grey area. The character that cheats in this book is far from any cheating character I have read about before. And trust me as crazy as it sound, her choosing to cheat almost felt like her character was taking a step forward. Since I’m personally very against infidelity it was a little shocking the book made me feel like this.
The whole dislike to potential lovers storyline the characters went through in this book really worked for me. I enjoyed this unusual romance. I liked how the chemistry built and built. The sparks and connection were heavy at times. The first major sex scenes was pretty intense and hot because of it. The conflicted feelings I had as a reader, the whole this is wrong but it’s right, just worked for me.
Sorry this review was a little long. I know this book won’t work for everyone, but it will some. I really wanted to try to explain so you reading this can make an informed decision for you. Beers pushed the envelope a bit on this one; infidelity and not always the most likeable characters. I’m happy to say for me it worked.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
August 9, 2018
I have a terrible time finding good F/F books, and I was hoping The Shape of You by Georgia Beers would break my losing streak. It didn't.
I didn't like Spencer from the start, and I didn't like her throughout the book. Spencer is engaged to Marti, who she seems to low-key hate, but doesn't ever communicate her wants and needs to her. Spencer and Marti don't fight, but I guess Marti is supposed to be a mind reader and guess what Spencer wants. Sure, Marti signing up Spencer for a brides' fitness class was sort of a dick move, but Spencer never complains or brings up any issues that she has. She just cheats on Marti.
The book was boring overall, but not horrible. The writing was pleasant enough, however, I couldn't get past the fact that Spencer acted like a child. She never took responsibility for her actions, and her hot/cold act with Rebecca was tiresome. Rebecca went back and forth with being standoffish and then unprofessionally interested. I didn't enjoy their dynamic. I actually wish Marti was the MC because I feel like there was more of a story there.
I'll be generous with my 2 star rating, but I it barely makes the "okay" mark.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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I didn't like Spencer from the start, and I didn't like her throughout the book. Spencer is engaged to Marti, who she seems to low-key hate, but doesn't ever communicate her wants and needs to her. Spencer and Marti don't fight, but I guess Marti is supposed to be a mind reader and guess what Spencer wants. Sure, Marti signing up Spencer for a brides' fitness class was sort of a dick move, but Spencer never complains or brings up any issues that she has. She just cheats on Marti.
The book was boring overall, but not horrible. The writing was pleasant enough, however, I couldn't get past the fact that Spencer acted like a child. She never took responsibility for her actions, and her hot/cold act with Rebecca was tiresome. Rebecca went back and forth with being standoffish and then unprofessionally interested. I didn't enjoy their dynamic. I actually wish Marti was the MC because I feel like there was more of a story there.
I'll be generous with my 2 star rating, but I it barely makes the "okay" mark.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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July 17, 2018
I loved Georgia Beers last book. Loved it! This one I was a little more skeptical of. Infidelity is a super duper hard subject for a romance novel. You know going into this book that one of our leading ladies is in a fitness class to prep for her walk down the aisle. Red flag, dangerous waters ahead! Ruh-Roh!
Spencer Thompson is just going through the motions of life. She is unhappy but unmotivated to do anything about it. Not endearing qualities, I must say. When her fiancée tells her she enrolled her in a 12 week, three times a week, bridal boot camp, Spencer is pissed, hurt and annoyed. She internalizes all of her emotion, buys a pair of sneakers and goes to class. Come on Spence, yell a little.
Rebecca McCall is the personal trainer who gets handed the 12-week bridal class after another trainer falls ill with mono. She loathes the creator of this program and is not a huge fan of the concept of the program. No matter what she is stuck with it and it's five brides-to-be. Rebecca is headstrong, confident and it totally throws her for a loop when she finds out one of the brides, Spencer, was told to take the class by her future wife. Throws her for a loop so much, she asks like a jerk for a third of the book.
Needless to say, Spencer and Rebecca totally get off on the wrong foot. They both think the other is smoking hot but Rebecca cannot get past Spencer being a doormat on taking this class. Therefore, Rebecca is overtly hostile to Spencer and everyone notices. Another endearing quality by a leading lady, yeah not so much.
While the book is good and it holds your attention, there is a spark missing. At times you feel like you're in Groundhog Day because the majority of the time the two leads interact in a fitness class. Lots of gym talk, lots of she's off-limits, plank here, a plank there and off to do it again. Plus Spencer is engaged and she is too lethargic and apathetic to stop the train wreck of a marriage. I like Spencer but at times you as the reader wanted her to wake up. I needed more passion, more heat and more qualities to endear the two characters to my heart. It just wasn't there this time. A good book, I enjoyed it, I am glad I read it, but it is not one I will come back to.
Spencer Thompson is just going through the motions of life. She is unhappy but unmotivated to do anything about it. Not endearing qualities, I must say. When her fiancée tells her she enrolled her in a 12 week, three times a week, bridal boot camp, Spencer is pissed, hurt and annoyed. She internalizes all of her emotion, buys a pair of sneakers and goes to class. Come on Spence, yell a little.
Rebecca McCall is the personal trainer who gets handed the 12-week bridal class after another trainer falls ill with mono. She loathes the creator of this program and is not a huge fan of the concept of the program. No matter what she is stuck with it and it's five brides-to-be. Rebecca is headstrong, confident and it totally throws her for a loop when she finds out one of the brides, Spencer, was told to take the class by her future wife. Throws her for a loop so much, she asks like a jerk for a third of the book.
Needless to say, Spencer and Rebecca totally get off on the wrong foot. They both think the other is smoking hot but Rebecca cannot get past Spencer being a doormat on taking this class. Therefore, Rebecca is overtly hostile to Spencer and everyone notices. Another endearing quality by a leading lady, yeah not so much.
While the book is good and it holds your attention, there is a spark missing. At times you feel like you're in Groundhog Day because the majority of the time the two leads interact in a fitness class. Lots of gym talk, lots of she's off-limits, plank here, a plank there and off to do it again. Plus Spencer is engaged and she is too lethargic and apathetic to stop the train wreck of a marriage. I like Spencer but at times you as the reader wanted her to wake up. I needed more passion, more heat and more qualities to endear the two characters to my heart. It just wasn't there this time. A good book, I enjoyed it, I am glad I read it, but it is not one I will come back to.
September 23, 2018
After a whirlwind of a week or two, I found myself craving some good, fluffy fiction. I broke into my emergency romance case and lo and behold, I see Georgia Beers' latest. I'd saved it for such a time and I'm glad I did.
The love story isn't complicated: a meek, sweet woman (Spencer) unhappily engaged to a feeling-less lawyer (Marti) falls for her sexy fitness trainer (Rebecca). Which makes it even more delicious when you find out who selected the fitness class Spencer would take in the first place.
Is infidelity hot? In fiction, it can be. And here, I was in for the ride. But, Beers kept it from getting too dramatic, for those of you who get anxiety about these things. The characters had chemistry, Spencer is a cutie cinnamon roll, and I liked the theme of working out to be healthy rather than forcing oneself to become a smaller size.
I do have a few nitpicks, though, that I hope Georgia Beers may remedy in the future:
- Sometimes, the tone for Spencer and Rebecca's personal lives felt too similar. Like, a friend will use a phrase or give advice in Spencer's world and in Rebecca's, someone will say the exact same idea or have a parallel action.
- There is a major preference for blue eyes and while that's fine enough, it felt a little repetitive. This isn't only on Beers. I see other authors who use 'blue eyes' to imply beauty without any other descriptors and I find that iffy.
- Last, is specific to this story:
All in all, it gave this femme warm, happy feelings. Also, Veruca Salt is such a cute kitty name. 3.8 stars!
The love story isn't complicated: a meek, sweet woman (Spencer) unhappily engaged to a feeling-less lawyer (Marti) falls for her sexy fitness trainer (Rebecca). Which makes it even more delicious when you find out who selected the fitness class Spencer would take in the first place.
Is infidelity hot? In fiction, it can be. And here, I was in for the ride. But, Beers kept it from getting too dramatic, for those of you who get anxiety about these things. The characters had chemistry, Spencer is a cutie cinnamon roll, and I liked the theme of working out to be healthy rather than forcing oneself to become a smaller size.
I do have a few nitpicks, though, that I hope Georgia Beers may remedy in the future:
- Sometimes, the tone for Spencer and Rebecca's personal lives felt too similar. Like, a friend will use a phrase or give advice in Spencer's world and in Rebecca's, someone will say the exact same idea or have a parallel action.
- There is a major preference for blue eyes and while that's fine enough, it felt a little repetitive. This isn't only on Beers. I see other authors who use 'blue eyes' to imply beauty without any other descriptors and I find that iffy.
- Last, is specific to this story:
All in all, it gave this femme warm, happy feelings. Also, Veruca Salt is such a cute kitty name. 3.8 stars!
September 15, 2018
I enjoyed reading this unfriendly strangers to lovers romance with an edge. The world of spin classes and fitness club workouts is the setting and it’s the perfect venue to generate some heat (and sweat) between our two leading ladies.
Rebecca lets her anger at being forced to train a bunch of bridezillas jade her already low opinion of Spencer. Spencer is a pleaser and is reluctant to admit to herself that her relationship with Marti could be better. Getting railroaded into joining a fitness class showcases Spencer’s self esteem issues and sets her up as an easy target for Rebecca's wrath.
What made this a feel good read for me was watching the personal growth in both women as their relationship slowly develops, one sixty- second plank at a time. I liked watching Spencer’s confidence grow as she discovers all she is capable of achieving. Rebecca learns to appreciate the woman hidden under the meek exterior and warms to Spencer in response. I'm not saying there aren't bumps along the road and inappropriate behaviour does raise its ugly head but I felt the author presented enough evidence to make it clear that Spencer and Rebecca should be together.
A nice romance to curl up with on a rainy weekend and a bit of inspiration to jump out of my treadmill rut and try a spin class.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
Rebecca lets her anger at being forced to train a bunch of bridezillas jade her already low opinion of Spencer. Spencer is a pleaser and is reluctant to admit to herself that her relationship with Marti could be better. Getting railroaded into joining a fitness class showcases Spencer’s self esteem issues and sets her up as an easy target for Rebecca's wrath.
What made this a feel good read for me was watching the personal growth in both women as their relationship slowly develops, one sixty- second plank at a time. I liked watching Spencer’s confidence grow as she discovers all she is capable of achieving. Rebecca learns to appreciate the woman hidden under the meek exterior and warms to Spencer in response. I'm not saying there aren't bumps along the road and inappropriate behaviour does raise its ugly head but I felt the author presented enough evidence to make it clear that Spencer and Rebecca should be together.
A nice romance to curl up with on a rainy weekend and a bit of inspiration to jump out of my treadmill rut and try a spin class.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
August 3, 2018
This is not a typical lesfic romance and it won't please everyone because it deals with infidelity which is a no-go zone for many romance readers. However, talking about infidelity and lesfic, author Clare Ashton said that lesfic genre could quickly come still if authors try to please the crowd all the time (LesDoBooks podcast interview, August 2018). I totally agree with her. Kudos to Georgia Beers for writing a novel that won't necesarily be popular with her fans. So, consider yourself warned that if infidelity is a pet peeve for you as it is a mayor part of this book's plot.
After an awful and embarrasing heartbreak, Spencer Thomson leaves the driving seat of her life and is happy to have others make decisions for her. When her fiancée enrolls her in a fitness class because her body is "too soft and curvy", Spencer goes along and attends the “Be your best bride” class. Personal trainer Rebecca McCall isn't happy having to cover for a colleague on this class as she considers that her job isn't to make her clients skinny but healthy. She particularly dislikes Spencer who admits that she's attending only because her fiancée signed her up. Soon their initial antagonism transforms into attraction but Spencer is engaged and an involvement is definitely not acceptable for Rebecca. Or is it?
This is a character driven novel and Ms. Beers is unapologetic about highlighting the mains' flaws. Spencer makes a very frustrating character: she procrastinates, she allows others to make decisions for her and she's passive-aggressive when facing conflict. At the same time, she's compassionate, cheerful and loving. As a reader you just cannot dislike her but, at the same time, you want to shake her up from her lethargy. Rebecca (and the reader) know that she has to make her life changing decisions by herself and see her through this process. Ms. Beers has achieved this cleverly.
My issue with this book isn't infidelity. This is part of life and I'm happy that the author doesn't sugarcoat, judge or try to justify it. It's just a consequence of the main characters' actions and how lost Spencer is. That's were the conflict lies and the good thing about this book is that, even though this is a romance, there is no obvious or formulaic end. Infidelity is effective for this plot. However, my issue is how tension is crafted. For me, it doesn't ebb and flow in the right places. At the beginning, the tension builds painstakingly slow in multiple, almost cloned scenes in the gym. Then the story finally takes off only to almost lose the tension completely near the end. In those sweet moments when the urgency of the tension unfolds is when this book earned my 4 stars. It's a pity that it didn't quite get to pack the punch near the end.
The secondary characters are multilayered and support the characters' journey effectively maybe with the exception of the fiancée who seemed too flat. Zoe, Rebecca's friend, makes a great secondary character, I hope Beers write a book with her as a main.
Overall, a good departure of the typical lesfic romance. Recommended unless you hate infidelity in romances. 4 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
After an awful and embarrasing heartbreak, Spencer Thomson leaves the driving seat of her life and is happy to have others make decisions for her. When her fiancée enrolls her in a fitness class because her body is "too soft and curvy", Spencer goes along and attends the “Be your best bride” class. Personal trainer Rebecca McCall isn't happy having to cover for a colleague on this class as she considers that her job isn't to make her clients skinny but healthy. She particularly dislikes Spencer who admits that she's attending only because her fiancée signed her up. Soon their initial antagonism transforms into attraction but Spencer is engaged and an involvement is definitely not acceptable for Rebecca. Or is it?
This is a character driven novel and Ms. Beers is unapologetic about highlighting the mains' flaws. Spencer makes a very frustrating character: she procrastinates, she allows others to make decisions for her and she's passive-aggressive when facing conflict. At the same time, she's compassionate, cheerful and loving. As a reader you just cannot dislike her but, at the same time, you want to shake her up from her lethargy. Rebecca (and the reader) know that she has to make her life changing decisions by herself and see her through this process. Ms. Beers has achieved this cleverly.
My issue with this book isn't infidelity. This is part of life and I'm happy that the author doesn't sugarcoat, judge or try to justify it. It's just a consequence of the main characters' actions and how lost Spencer is. That's were the conflict lies and the good thing about this book is that, even though this is a romance, there is no obvious or formulaic end. Infidelity is effective for this plot. However, my issue is how tension is crafted. For me, it doesn't ebb and flow in the right places. At the beginning, the tension builds painstakingly slow in multiple, almost cloned scenes in the gym. Then the story finally takes off only to almost lose the tension completely near the end. In those sweet moments when the urgency of the tension unfolds is when this book earned my 4 stars. It's a pity that it didn't quite get to pack the punch near the end.
The secondary characters are multilayered and support the characters' journey effectively maybe with the exception of the fiancée who seemed too flat. Zoe, Rebecca's friend, makes a great secondary character, I hope Beers write a book with her as a main.
Overall, a good departure of the typical lesfic romance. Recommended unless you hate infidelity in romances. 4 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
August 2, 2018
Rebecca is a fitness instructor who has to take over the “Be your best you” 12-week gym class aimed at brides-to-be when her co-worker gets ill. Not thrilled by the idea, she decides to put her own spin on the class, moving it away from weight loss and more in the direction of health, fitness and strength. She takes an immediate dislike to Spencer when she announces that her fiancée signed her up for the class without talking to her about it first.
In spite of the infidelity theme I really enjoyed reading this. Beers dealt with it in such a way that I didn’t find myself judging or disliking the characters. Rebecca is an all-round nice person most of the time. Spencer is on a steep learning curve and I loved the realism of her journey. I was engaged from beginning to end by good writing, tight story line and characters with depth.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
In spite of the infidelity theme I really enjoyed reading this. Beers dealt with it in such a way that I didn’t find myself judging or disliking the characters. Rebecca is an all-round nice person most of the time. Spencer is on a steep learning curve and I loved the realism of her journey. I was engaged from beginning to end by good writing, tight story line and characters with depth.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
March 8, 2022
I enjoyed this. I feel like a lot of Georgia Beers books are solid 3/3.5 stars for me with the occasional 4 or higher if I really love the characters. She’s a reliable, mostly lighthearted, often enjoyable time for me, which honestly, really serves its purpose. I love the combo of Lori Prince narration for her books, they gel really well. This one was lovely but didn’t have that extra oomph for me. Solidly a good time though and I related to Spencer being stuck in her life a LOT right now.
September 16, 2018
ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to like this. I’m a fan of Beers and her books are usually enjoyable, but this one hit several buttons for me and I just couldn’t enjoy it.
The main premise is that Rebecca teaches a fitness class for brides to be and Spencer is taking the class because her fiancée signed her up for it! That’s a big honking red flag right there. Everyone in the book comments on this and knows its not a good thing, but Spencer is such a doormat that even though she knows it’s insulting, she goes anyway so as not to waste said fiancée’s (Marti) money. Give me a break.
Rebecca is pissed about this because her mother is also a doormat, and this leads her to treat Spencer like crap for about the first third of the book, even though she’s attracted to her. Sounds like all the right elements for a grand romance, no?
We then spend another third of the book with Spencer calling Rebecca on her crap, Rebecca being nicer and then pulling away, and Spencer (and everyone she knows) questioning whether she should be with Marti. The answer is obvious, but Spencer can’t bring herself to make a decision because the girlfriend before this crushed her spirit. Spencer actually has quite a few characters giving her great advice (most memorably her sister) but still manages to bumble around and do nothing about her issues for the vast majority of the book.
Books where one of the main couple is in another relationship are always annoying, because you have to wait for them to extricate themselves before the main couple can proceed. There was way too much Marti and Spencer in this book and the last third of the book was also a hodgepodge of things that made me grit my teeth, there’s infidelity (my least favourite thing in a romance), the breakup between Marti and Spencer took too long (in all honesty, I went from not liking Marti to being sympathetic to her by the end of the book), and the ending was rushed. It seemed like we wallowed in Spencer’s wish washy woe-is-me crap for so much of the book that there wasn’t much time for the main relationship, and the ending required a time jump in order to provide the requisite HEA. In all honesty, not counting the workouts at the gym, where they did not really talk to each other, the main characters spent hardly any time together, so all I got from that was that they were attracted to each other but had nothing of substance to build a relationship on.
We spend a lot of time with Spencer’s issues, and even though Rebecca has scenes with her friends, most of the time devoted to Rebecca is in some way related to how she feels about Spencer or her trying to find someone to date, so she really gets the short stick here. Rebecca deserved better to be honest. The saving grace here was Lucy, who was a great character. Too bad she was straight, she’d have been a better match for Rebecca than Spencer was.
2 stars, I can’t give it 3. It’s getting 2 because it’s Beers and it’s well written, but that’s all this has going for it.
I wanted to like this. I’m a fan of Beers and her books are usually enjoyable, but this one hit several buttons for me and I just couldn’t enjoy it.
The main premise is that Rebecca teaches a fitness class for brides to be and Spencer is taking the class because her fiancée signed her up for it! That’s a big honking red flag right there. Everyone in the book comments on this and knows its not a good thing, but Spencer is such a doormat that even though she knows it’s insulting, she goes anyway so as not to waste said fiancée’s (Marti) money. Give me a break.
Rebecca is pissed about this because her mother is also a doormat, and this leads her to treat Spencer like crap for about the first third of the book, even though she’s attracted to her. Sounds like all the right elements for a grand romance, no?
We then spend another third of the book with Spencer calling Rebecca on her crap, Rebecca being nicer and then pulling away, and Spencer (and everyone she knows) questioning whether she should be with Marti. The answer is obvious, but Spencer can’t bring herself to make a decision because the girlfriend before this crushed her spirit. Spencer actually has quite a few characters giving her great advice (most memorably her sister) but still manages to bumble around and do nothing about her issues for the vast majority of the book.
Books where one of the main couple is in another relationship are always annoying, because you have to wait for them to extricate themselves before the main couple can proceed. There was way too much Marti and Spencer in this book and the last third of the book was also a hodgepodge of things that made me grit my teeth, there’s infidelity (my least favourite thing in a romance), the breakup between Marti and Spencer took too long (in all honesty, I went from not liking Marti to being sympathetic to her by the end of the book), and the ending was rushed. It seemed like we wallowed in Spencer’s wish washy woe-is-me crap for so much of the book that there wasn’t much time for the main relationship, and the ending required a time jump in order to provide the requisite HEA. In all honesty, not counting the workouts at the gym, where they did not really talk to each other, the main characters spent hardly any time together, so all I got from that was that they were attracted to each other but had nothing of substance to build a relationship on.
We spend a lot of time with Spencer’s issues, and even though Rebecca has scenes with her friends, most of the time devoted to Rebecca is in some way related to how she feels about Spencer or her trying to find someone to date, so she really gets the short stick here. Rebecca deserved better to be honest. The saving grace here was Lucy, who was a great character. Too bad she was straight, she’d have been a better match for Rebecca than Spencer was.
2 stars, I can’t give it 3. It’s getting 2 because it’s Beers and it’s well written, but that’s all this has going for it.
January 26, 2020
This was my first book by Georgia Beers, It was fun for the most part but i hope others have a more developed relationship between the MCs.
I loved how body positive the book was and the gym classes were so fun, i was almost inclined to go to gym, almost! I liked how accurate the portrayal of a crush was, panicking at the smallest contact etc. I loved the bathroom scene, so angry, so HOT!
The MCs are insanely attracted to each other since their first meeting and the attraction only grows which is great but i just wish they'd had more meaningful conversations. Every time they see each other they go on and on about what the other person is wearing and how well it fits them everywhere, EVERY TIME. So, physical attraction was all they had, till of course they cheated, then they had two things Yay! Also, i didn't get why had Spencer was with her fiancée, not only that Marti was a garbage person but it was the fact that Spencer wasn't blind to it, nor there seemed to be any sort of love between them, so. why be engaged and then cheat. And when Marti broke up with her,Spencer was still clinging to her?? Dafuq?
Anyway i just hope other Georgia Beers books will have more than just the physical connection.
I loved how body positive the book was and the gym classes were so fun, i was almost inclined to go to gym, almost! I liked how accurate the portrayal of a crush was, panicking at the smallest contact etc. I loved the bathroom scene, so angry, so HOT!
The MCs are insanely attracted to each other since their first meeting and the attraction only grows which is great but i just wish they'd had more meaningful conversations. Every time they see each other they go on and on about what the other person is wearing and how well it fits them everywhere, EVERY TIME. So, physical attraction was all they had, till of course they cheated, then they had two things Yay! Also, i didn't get why had Spencer was with her fiancée, not only that Marti was a garbage person but it was the fact that Spencer wasn't blind to it, nor there seemed to be any sort of love between them, so. why be engaged and then cheat. And when Marti broke up with her,Spencer was still clinging to her?? Dafuq?
Anyway i just hope other Georgia Beers books will have more than just the physical connection.
September 19, 2018
"The Shape of You" is one of several recent lesfic books about an engaged couple who have yet to find "The One". Despite the weighty theme (heh heh…couldn't resist!) and flawed MCs, the book has an upbeat feel to it because of the terrific narration by Lori Prince.
MC Spencer is engaged to wealthy Marti. Marti is a hardworking successful attorney who has a difficult relationship with her own wealthy and controlling mother. Marti is also assertive, controlling and unaware of or dismissive of the emotions and interests of other people (did I mention she's an attorney?). As an unsolicited "gift" for Spencer, and as the basis for this book, Marti purchases membership in a fitness class aimed at helping women lose weight and trim down for their upcoming wedding. But the thing is, Marti is not a "bad" person. She may not be the person I would want to date or marry, and perhaps she isn't the right person for Spencer to marry, but she is one of the most honest characters in the story. She truly loves Spencer, she's never dishonest in word or action, and as Spencer's sister notes during a conversation…Marti deserves better from Spencer.
MC Spencer is difficult for me to like. She doesn't just have a submissive personality, allowing others to take charge of her life, she is just drifting along…not knowing what she wants, not accepting for a long time that she isn't happy, and at a critical moment of truth, she folds and allows her future to be determined by Marti. Her low self-confidence and esteem is painfully palpable for 99% of the book. Also, the reason for her low self-confidence is eventually explained; she was once brimming with enthusiasm, happiness and confidence, until things didn't work out with she and Chelsea. Her change-of-personality reaction to that breakup was very unbelievable and artificial.
MC Rebecca also felt very artificial to me. Spencer observes that Rebecca is fit, yet feminine. She's successful and happy doing a job she loves, and is kind and devoted to a group of friends. She has a great relationship with her boss, Sherri. She seems intelligent. So….the artificial part for me is (1) why, surrounded by women in a gym, is she so fixated on Spencer, and (2) why is she available? She's in her 30s, and as gorgeous as she is, she gets rejected and/or stood up by online dates?
So as the story moves along, Spencer and Rebecca have an encounter that is an act of infidelity for Spencer, and a hugely unprofessional activity for Rebecca (one doesn't sleep with a client). Spencer's reaction disappoints. Rebecca makes friends with Zoe, on a date with no sparks. I liked Zoe. Months pass without communication, then they reconnect and we get a HFN, because of course Rebecca abandons her date Stacey to begin again with Spencer.
Much of "The Shape of You" felt so very much like "Touch" by Kris Bryant, that I'm having trouble separating them for this review. Allison = Marti, Hayley = Spencer, Stone = Rebecca, massage therapist helping a client vs. fitness trainer helping a client, brief period of intense sex followed by no communication and yet a happy ending. Yup….same stories. While I liked Brittni Pope's narration of "Touch", I liked Lori Prince's narration for "The Shape of You" more. So, while "The Shape of You" is a 3.5* book, I'm rounding up to 4* for goodreads.
MC Spencer is engaged to wealthy Marti. Marti is a hardworking successful attorney who has a difficult relationship with her own wealthy and controlling mother. Marti is also assertive, controlling and unaware of or dismissive of the emotions and interests of other people (did I mention she's an attorney?). As an unsolicited "gift" for Spencer, and as the basis for this book, Marti purchases membership in a fitness class aimed at helping women lose weight and trim down for their upcoming wedding. But the thing is, Marti is not a "bad" person. She may not be the person I would want to date or marry, and perhaps she isn't the right person for Spencer to marry, but she is one of the most honest characters in the story. She truly loves Spencer, she's never dishonest in word or action, and as Spencer's sister notes during a conversation…Marti deserves better from Spencer.
MC Spencer is difficult for me to like. She doesn't just have a submissive personality, allowing others to take charge of her life, she is just drifting along…not knowing what she wants, not accepting for a long time that she isn't happy, and at a critical moment of truth, she folds and allows her future to be determined by Marti. Her low self-confidence and esteem is painfully palpable for 99% of the book. Also, the reason for her low self-confidence is eventually explained; she was once brimming with enthusiasm, happiness and confidence, until things didn't work out with she and Chelsea. Her change-of-personality reaction to that breakup was very unbelievable and artificial.
MC Rebecca also felt very artificial to me. Spencer observes that Rebecca is fit, yet feminine. She's successful and happy doing a job she loves, and is kind and devoted to a group of friends. She has a great relationship with her boss, Sherri. She seems intelligent. So….the artificial part for me is (1) why, surrounded by women in a gym, is she so fixated on Spencer, and (2) why is she available? She's in her 30s, and as gorgeous as she is, she gets rejected and/or stood up by online dates?
So as the story moves along, Spencer and Rebecca have an encounter that is an act of infidelity for Spencer, and a hugely unprofessional activity for Rebecca (one doesn't sleep with a client). Spencer's reaction disappoints. Rebecca makes friends with Zoe, on a date with no sparks. I liked Zoe. Months pass without communication, then they reconnect and we get a HFN, because of course Rebecca abandons her date Stacey to begin again with Spencer.
Much of "The Shape of You" felt so very much like "Touch" by Kris Bryant, that I'm having trouble separating them for this review. Allison = Marti, Hayley = Spencer, Stone = Rebecca, massage therapist helping a client vs. fitness trainer helping a client, brief period of intense sex followed by no communication and yet a happy ending. Yup….same stories. While I liked Brittni Pope's narration of "Touch", I liked Lori Prince's narration for "The Shape of You" more. So, while "The Shape of You" is a 3.5* book, I'm rounding up to 4* for goodreads.
October 11, 2018
So so many annoying moments and thought processes in this one. I didn't like the way Rebecca immediately disliked Spencer because she felt she didn't stand up for herself. I'm pleased she realised she was being silly. After they slept together I was annoyed Spencer didn't come clean at any point to Marti. I was also annoyed that Spencer was still going to commit to Marti and it was in fact Marti who broke up with her. I realise she lost alot of confidence over the years but Marti wasn't a bad person either and did deserve the truth. It was a frustrating read but at the same time I was drawn in. I did like these characters and these annoying little traits are just a blip as they're fun, have great personalities and have a great chemistry. The story kept me hooked from beginning to end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2020
4 Stars; Lori Prince Narrator (5 Stars)
This book has been sitting in my audible library for a while. I’m sure I picked it up almost without really thinking about it or even if I did, its Georgia Beers. I’ve liked all of her books that I’ve read. I started it and decided to put it down. This book hints at infidelity and it is one subject matter that I avoid. I didn’t pick it up again until now, well over a year later. I wanted to read an audible book and decided to trust Beers. I’m glad I did.
Personal trainer, Rebecca McCall isn’t thrilled to be assigned “Be Your Best Bride” class for brides to be. Her training philosophy is more along the lines of fitness rather than strictly dress size. The class is 3 days a week for 12 weeks with 5 brides to be. All of the brides except Spencer Thompson had formal weddings planned in Nov/Dec not long after the class ends. Spencer tells the class she was surprised by her fiancé, Marti with a gym membership and she signed up Spencer to the class. They planned to have a courthouse wedding in January. Rebecca has no patience with women who allow their partners to dictate their lives and unfortunately her attitude shows while training Spencer. Spencer quits the class but not before telling Rebecca that her attitude and treatment towards her basically sucked. Rebecca realizes she was wrong in many ways and when she runs into Spencer, she asks forgiveness and tells her she was in the wrong. Spencer decides to return to class and she also discovers she actually enjoys the gym, joining a spin class and working out on her own.
I’m in a quandary. I don’t know what to think about Spencer. She was badly hurt and embarrassed by her previous girlfriend, that she cruises in her next serious relationship with Marti, “allowing” Marti to make all the decisions. But then Spencer will stand up to Rebecca but doesn't confront Marti directly that she’s unhappy. Rebecca maybe wasn’t that far off in her initial opinion of Spencer. I did like that Beers didn’t go the easy way out and make Marti into the bad guy. There are no bad guys in this story. Like life, Beers writes a romance that isn’t always simple or easy. But this is still a romance, so there is an HEA.
This book has been sitting in my audible library for a while. I’m sure I picked it up almost without really thinking about it or even if I did, its Georgia Beers. I’ve liked all of her books that I’ve read. I started it and decided to put it down. This book hints at infidelity and it is one subject matter that I avoid. I didn’t pick it up again until now, well over a year later. I wanted to read an audible book and decided to trust Beers. I’m glad I did.
Personal trainer, Rebecca McCall isn’t thrilled to be assigned “Be Your Best Bride” class for brides to be. Her training philosophy is more along the lines of fitness rather than strictly dress size. The class is 3 days a week for 12 weeks with 5 brides to be. All of the brides except Spencer Thompson had formal weddings planned in Nov/Dec not long after the class ends. Spencer tells the class she was surprised by her fiancé, Marti with a gym membership and she signed up Spencer to the class. They planned to have a courthouse wedding in January. Rebecca has no patience with women who allow their partners to dictate their lives and unfortunately her attitude shows while training Spencer. Spencer quits the class but not before telling Rebecca that her attitude and treatment towards her basically sucked. Rebecca realizes she was wrong in many ways and when she runs into Spencer, she asks forgiveness and tells her she was in the wrong. Spencer decides to return to class and she also discovers she actually enjoys the gym, joining a spin class and working out on her own.
I’m in a quandary. I don’t know what to think about Spencer. She was badly hurt and embarrassed by her previous girlfriend, that she cruises in her next serious relationship with Marti, “allowing” Marti to make all the decisions. But then Spencer will stand up to Rebecca but doesn't confront Marti directly that she’s unhappy. Rebecca maybe wasn’t that far off in her initial opinion of Spencer. I did like that Beers didn’t go the easy way out and make Marti into the bad guy. There are no bad guys in this story. Like life, Beers writes a romance that isn’t always simple or easy. But this is still a romance, so there is an HEA.
August 17, 2018
Frankly I don’t know how to rate this one, this kind of plot is really tricky but I gave it to the author she handled it very well.
Hmmm, I can’t say that I like Spencer. I met someone like her in real life and for me, It’s stupid to justify what she had done and blame it to someone. Yeah I get that she was hurt and all before but still it’s pathetic.
Everyone around her knows she’s not happy and she knows it too but still decided to stay because it’s safe for her.
Rebecca’s is a nice character, Yes, she may have her moments but between the two of them I like her more.
For Marti, hmmmm. She’s just Marti.
Why is it that the person they cheated on are always the bad ones? So that it’s earlier to accept the new relationship or they’re the bad ones because we’re rooting for someone else?
A lot of interesting secondary characters.
I’m happy June farms was mentioned, I miss the series.
The ending is also meh.
3.5
Hmmm, I can’t say that I like Spencer. I met someone like her in real life and for me, It’s stupid to justify what she had done and blame it to someone. Yeah I get that she was hurt and all before but still it’s pathetic.
Everyone around her knows she’s not happy and she knows it too but still decided to stay because it’s safe for her.
Rebecca’s is a nice character, Yes, she may have her moments but between the two of them I like her more.
For Marti, hmmmm. She’s just Marti.
Why is it that the person they cheated on are always the bad ones? So that it’s earlier to accept the new relationship or they’re the bad ones because we’re rooting for someone else?
A lot of interesting secondary characters.
I’m happy June farms was mentioned, I miss the series.
The ending is also meh.
3.5
September 4, 2018
This book was absolutely amazing! I know a lot of people have been here before battling issues with the person you love because things have change or you just overlooked the person ways that are hurtful towards you and deal with it. Eventually it becomes tiresome, hurtful , and extremely overwhelming. The fact that you know deep down you deserve much better but you find yourself still trying to fight for your relationship even though it’s painful hoping that the one you thought you was in love with would actually see you, love you for you, and you can feel as if you can actually be yourself around them and that would be enough. This is what Spencer with through with Marti and it took for someone else “Rebecca” to believe in her and truly see her for the woman she was and love her unconditionally. I really enjoyed reading this book it touched my heart because some people can relate and been there before it seem all to familiar in a good way. Thanks Georgia 🙌🏼🙌🏼😊😊☺️ #netgalley
July 24, 2018
Yikes, just the book synopsis gives you a hint that it is going to touch a not-so-comfortable topic like infidelity, which I think the author handled very well, or as well as it could be handled in a romance novel I guess.
I really liked the story and the characters who felt like real people to me.
Another great book from Georgia Beers. Even with the subject of infidelity playing a major part in the story, I would still recommend this to any lesfic fan.
I really liked the story and the characters who felt like real people to me.
Another great book from Georgia Beers. Even with the subject of infidelity playing a major part in the story, I would still recommend this to any lesfic fan.
July 31, 2018
Netgalley
Gloriously messy lives, no characters here that have it all.
This had the potential to go very wrong on several levels, but I hoped Beers could contain annoyances, I didn't expect to really, really like it.
Delightful lack of forced conflicts, well-developed characters, fun set of secondary characters. All in all very relatable.
Gloriously messy lives, no characters here that have it all.
This had the potential to go very wrong on several levels, but I hoped Beers could contain annoyances, I didn't expect to really, really like it.
Delightful lack of forced conflicts, well-developed characters, fun set of secondary characters. All in all very relatable.
August 5, 2018
I enjoyed the setting of the read. A fitness center where it is not so important to focus on losing weight but being healthy and feeling good about yourself. Sounds good to me. As I was reading, I thought, if you are not happy with your current day-to-day life and/or your relationship, you will be tempted to make some good and not so good decisions. Does Marti mean well by buying a fitness center membership and signing her fiancee' up for "Be your best bride" class without telling her? Maybe. Maybe not. Even though I knew some bad decisions were coming, I thought it was interesting how the author handled it with the internal and external processing and basically, two characters that are good people and difficult not to like. Rebecca McCall wants what her best friend has, a good relationship. Rebecca is tough and judgemental on women she perceives as pushovers. Spencer Thompson has a supportive family, especially her sister Mary Beth. Although she had a awfully bad relationship experience, she is willing to move on but her confidence is shattered and she needs to pull herself together and make some decisions. This read had me on a like/dislike rollercoaster of emotion. My final thought, the read was okay.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
May 8, 2019
Cheating cheaters who cheat are so very not my thing. And I wonder how this plays into the lesbian community where I understand cheating is an endemic problem (an interesting anthropological dynamic for same-sex attracted groups—couples activities have double the cheat-potential surface area and that dynamic scales very poorly). In this story, Spencer is obviously not in love with her fiancée and her reasons for staying with her are ill-defined. So it is, frankly, weak for her to remain with all her discontent without even speaking with Marty about the things she doesn't like or wants to change. So I lost what little respect I had when she made a play for Rebecca. And vice versa because Rebecca knows Spencer is engaged and therefore knows she's hooking up with a cheater and that's the biggest red flag there is.
August 1, 2018
I actually can’t contain my excitement over this book… I stayed up all night reading The Shape of You and then lay for a hour afterwards going over the book in my head.
Rebecca is filling in for her colleagues “Be Your Best Bride” personal training class and she isn’t happy about it. She makes a plan to turn the class around and make it fun, that is until the beautiful Spencer walks into the class and informs her that her fiancé signed her up for the class without telling her. Now Rebecca and Spencer have a clear attraction to each other but Spencer is engaged to someone else. The question is, is she really happy? And Rebecca needs to find a way to avoid Spencer if she can’t keep her fascination hidden. Can these two keep their feelings for each other under wraps when temptations are so high?
I am so blown away by The Shape of You but more so I am impressed with the author for going down the route she has on this book, it was incredibly brave. Lots of readers don’t like when protagonists have feelings for other characters while in a relationship with someone else but this book is written very cleverly. At no point did I think that Spencer belongs with her fiancé and I knew from the beginning that underneath Rebecca’s frustration was fascination and she was the perfect match for Spencer. Now if only Georgia Beers would write a book about Marti, Spencers fiancé I reckon everyone would be happy.
Initially I worried that the amount of page time focussed on the gym would be too much but in fact it was actually the setting for some of my favourite moments. In saying that, I want to commend Georgia for her empowering portrayal of personal trainers not being all about body shaming, but instead emphasising that exercise is about overall health, not just about being skinny. Yay! Go Georgia!
I love books that poke at characters inner turmoil and really puts them through the emotional ringer before they can settle on what they really want and this book pushes that limit, especially for Spencer. I probably liked her character the best; she thought by keeping life predictable she would never get her heart broken but she really didn’t expect what Rebecca could do to her, emotional and physically.
I know I always say this about Georgia Beers’ books but there is no one that writes first kisses like her. They are hot, steamy and all too much!!! But the follow through with the amazing sex scenes was just icing on the cake, I mean…. Wow!
I really enjoyed the out of the box writing that Georgia Beers has pulled off in this novel, it’s fresh, exciting and ultimately another 5 star novel!
Rebecca is filling in for her colleagues “Be Your Best Bride” personal training class and she isn’t happy about it. She makes a plan to turn the class around and make it fun, that is until the beautiful Spencer walks into the class and informs her that her fiancé signed her up for the class without telling her. Now Rebecca and Spencer have a clear attraction to each other but Spencer is engaged to someone else. The question is, is she really happy? And Rebecca needs to find a way to avoid Spencer if she can’t keep her fascination hidden. Can these two keep their feelings for each other under wraps when temptations are so high?
I am so blown away by The Shape of You but more so I am impressed with the author for going down the route she has on this book, it was incredibly brave. Lots of readers don’t like when protagonists have feelings for other characters while in a relationship with someone else but this book is written very cleverly. At no point did I think that Spencer belongs with her fiancé and I knew from the beginning that underneath Rebecca’s frustration was fascination and she was the perfect match for Spencer. Now if only Georgia Beers would write a book about Marti, Spencers fiancé I reckon everyone would be happy.
Initially I worried that the amount of page time focussed on the gym would be too much but in fact it was actually the setting for some of my favourite moments. In saying that, I want to commend Georgia for her empowering portrayal of personal trainers not being all about body shaming, but instead emphasising that exercise is about overall health, not just about being skinny. Yay! Go Georgia!
I love books that poke at characters inner turmoil and really puts them through the emotional ringer before they can settle on what they really want and this book pushes that limit, especially for Spencer. I probably liked her character the best; she thought by keeping life predictable she would never get her heart broken but she really didn’t expect what Rebecca could do to her, emotional and physically.
I know I always say this about Georgia Beers’ books but there is no one that writes first kisses like her. They are hot, steamy and all too much!!! But the follow through with the amazing sex scenes was just icing on the cake, I mean…. Wow!
I really enjoyed the out of the box writing that Georgia Beers has pulled off in this novel, it’s fresh, exciting and ultimately another 5 star novel!
July 26, 2018
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Shape of You is the second book I've read by Georgia Beers, and, frankly, was a bit difficult for me to finish. I'm not really much of a fan of books that contain cheating, so I was initially a bit hesitant to read this, but was intrigued enough with the body positivity and feminism aspect to give it a try.
However, I immediately found myself disliking one of the main characters, Rebecca. As a personal trainer who probably sees many people with low self-esteem, her utter lack of sensitivity toward Spencer's situation really pissed me off. She knew Spencer all of two seconds before writing her off as a doormat, and then proceeds to be incredibly and unnecessarily rude to her for nearly half of the book. I understand how frustrating it could be to watch someone constantly being walked over by another person, but considering Rebecca's mother's past, you would think she would have more sympathy and would be less likely to victim blame. Additionally, I just didn't find the two MC's to have that much chemistry.
Overall, while this book has some sweet moments, I just wasn't interested with Rebecca, and strongly felt Spencer deserved better. I'm still very interested in Beers' other novels, and would even recommend this book to anyone interested in f/f fiction, but I found myself to be a little bit disappointed with this book.
2.5/5
The Shape of You is the second book I've read by Georgia Beers, and, frankly, was a bit difficult for me to finish. I'm not really much of a fan of books that contain cheating, so I was initially a bit hesitant to read this, but was intrigued enough with the body positivity and feminism aspect to give it a try.
However, I immediately found myself disliking one of the main characters, Rebecca. As a personal trainer who probably sees many people with low self-esteem, her utter lack of sensitivity toward Spencer's situation really pissed me off. She knew Spencer all of two seconds before writing her off as a doormat, and then proceeds to be incredibly and unnecessarily rude to her for nearly half of the book. I understand how frustrating it could be to watch someone constantly being walked over by another person, but considering Rebecca's mother's past, you would think she would have more sympathy and would be less likely to victim blame. Additionally, I just didn't find the two MC's to have that much chemistry.
Overall, while this book has some sweet moments, I just wasn't interested with Rebecca, and strongly felt Spencer deserved better. I'm still very interested in Beers' other novels, and would even recommend this book to anyone interested in f/f fiction, but I found myself to be a little bit disappointed with this book.
2.5/5
July 30, 2018
So this was a pretty quick, easy read.
I really really wanted to like this book. I love me a good romance. This one dealt with some big issues: LGBT, the controversial infidelity, etc and had the opportunity to really be a good or at least intense romance. But man this was almost painful. Half the text took place in a gym, the relationships were all surface, forced, contrived and lacked chemistry. The main characters were unlikeable, weak and sometimes stereotypical and the conversations were just so simple. It just all felt so simple. It read like a missed opportunity to be great.
I was given a free copy for an honest review by Netgalley and my honest review is it wasn't for me.
I really really wanted to like this book. I love me a good romance. This one dealt with some big issues: LGBT, the controversial infidelity, etc and had the opportunity to really be a good or at least intense romance. But man this was almost painful. Half the text took place in a gym, the relationships were all surface, forced, contrived and lacked chemistry. The main characters were unlikeable, weak and sometimes stereotypical and the conversations were just so simple. It just all felt so simple. It read like a missed opportunity to be great.
I was given a free copy for an honest review by Netgalley and my honest review is it wasn't for me.
July 26, 2018
Georgia Beers is one of my favorite authors so I was really looking forward to read this one. Now, I liked the book overall speaking, but I’ve been having some issues with it while reading it. Firstly, I haven’t really felt any chemistry between the characters until about 40% of the book, nor was the book especially interesting up until that point- and that’s where it all goes better in my opinion. Things really got much better after Spencer and Rebecca started conversing more. I have to admit, even though it’s a good book, I definitely have other favorites of Georgia Beers.
September 15, 2018
This was actually a rather quirky and cute romcom but it also touched on some rather serious and relevant issues regarding body image and fat shaming.
I 100% loved Rebecca's character although she did get on my nerves sometimes with her mood swings.
Spencer for me was a bit of a toss up, she the book started I loved a humour and quirks and as the book progressed I found myself getting more and more angry at her for leading Rebecca on and not taking charge of her life and constantly placing the blame on the people around her.
Like all good romances there is a happy ending even if I do feel like pulling my hair out before we get there.
*4.2 stars
I 100% loved Rebecca's character although she did get on my nerves sometimes with her mood swings.
Spencer for me was a bit of a toss up, she the book started I loved a humour and quirks and as the book progressed I found myself getting more and more angry at her for leading Rebecca on and not taking charge of her life and constantly placing the blame on the people around her.
Like all good romances there is a happy ending even if I do feel like pulling my hair out before we get there.
*4.2 stars
July 21, 2020
Infidelity Alert !!
Yes, it was hard to read but you can’t be reading something easy, light or sappy all the time right? I mean the plot in TSOY could be someone else’s reality, even as we speak right now.. And the characters were flawed... Spencer, Rebecca, Marti and even Nick! No doubt in my mind this is an interesting read, something outside my comfort zone, but don’t think I’ll pick it up again for a re-read though.
And all that action at the gym had me all geared up to get back to the gym... But once the book ended, all the willpower seem to have disappeared as well.. 😬
Ratings: High 3+
Yes, it was hard to read but you can’t be reading something easy, light or sappy all the time right? I mean the plot in TSOY could be someone else’s reality, even as we speak right now.. And the characters were flawed... Spencer, Rebecca, Marti and even Nick! No doubt in my mind this is an interesting read, something outside my comfort zone, but don’t think I’ll pick it up again for a re-read though.
And all that action at the gym had me all geared up to get back to the gym... But once the book ended, all the willpower seem to have disappeared as well.. 😬
Ratings: High 3+
November 15, 2020
I have been praising Georgia Beers in all my reviews because I really like her books. By now, I have read most of her books but this one I truely, truely loved and would have given it 6 stars if I could.
I know the reviews and ratings aren't great compared to her other books because most people have issues reading about infidelity.
But I really really loved it. The way the kiss and later the sex happened was really hot and sexy.
I also know some people don't like Spencer, thinking she's a pushover. But isn't this more commonly happening in real life than it should be? More often than not, we find ourselves in an unhappy relationship because we don't communicate but we just continue to live our lives as it is because we are just numb to it. It happens.
I like Spencer. I like Rebecca, the hot gym instructor even more. Hehe.
I know the reviews and ratings aren't great compared to her other books because most people have issues reading about infidelity.
But I really really loved it. The way the kiss and later the sex happened was really hot and sexy.
I also know some people don't like Spencer, thinking she's a pushover. But isn't this more commonly happening in real life than it should be? More often than not, we find ourselves in an unhappy relationship because we don't communicate but we just continue to live our lives as it is because we are just numb to it. It happens.
I like Spencer. I like Rebecca, the hot gym instructor even more. Hehe.
August 2, 2018
When Spencer's finance signs her up for a bride-to-be exercise class, she expects to be hate it and everything it stands for. But Rebecca isn't your average fitness instructor and she puts a whole new spin on the class. Spencer begrudgingly decides to continue, for herself this time. Neither expect the intense attraction they feel for one another and neither know what to do about it.
I definitely have my issues with cheating but I found I could swallow the way it was handled in this story, even if I could never condone it. The motivation behind it was realistic and worked well for the characters and the story. The chemistry was sizzling. Wow. I really enjoyed the relationship between Rebecca and Spencer. I loved Spencer's character development. It was frustrating at times to wait while she figured stuff out, but that's what made it very realistic and the process organic. The casual development of secondary characters in Spencer's exercise class really fleshed out the story nicely.
This book was full of positivity, I felt really motivated, and it was just an all around feel-good story. I even want to try a spin class now!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I definitely have my issues with cheating but I found I could swallow the way it was handled in this story, even if I could never condone it. The motivation behind it was realistic and worked well for the characters and the story. The chemistry was sizzling. Wow. I really enjoyed the relationship between Rebecca and Spencer. I loved Spencer's character development. It was frustrating at times to wait while she figured stuff out, but that's what made it very realistic and the process organic. The casual development of secondary characters in Spencer's exercise class really fleshed out the story nicely.
This book was full of positivity, I felt really motivated, and it was just an all around feel-good story. I even want to try a spin class now!
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2018
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. This book was a good read, the chemistry between Spencer and Rebecca is amazing, and I looked forward to the interactions between them. The issue that I had with this book is that I like Spencer. The entire book displayed how Spencer was very passive and just went with the flow. Her fiance signing her up for a fitness class for brides to be without telling her, her cheating on her fiance and even realizing she is unhappy wanting to stay with her. The more I read, the more passiveness and selfishness radiated off of Spencer making me dislike her more. I really did like Rebecca and having her and her friends as a part of this book let me continue reading this book to the end. Overall a good book, just issues with character likability.
July 23, 2018
I found this book to be very drawn out and boring. There was too much dialogue, but internal and out loud. It took a lot for me to finish this book,
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