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nitzanschwarz's review
3.0
While I did enjoy the story, it didn't get me the FEELS I expected it too, being someone with body image issues myself. I didn't connect to the characters that much, and I felt the change in Cat at the end was really instantaneous and out of the blue. I mean, her entire self worth was build on that other person, so it should've taken her a bit longer to find strength out of it all, shouldn't it?
And suddenly she's speaking of understanding she's beautiful and that the new body size is exactly the body size that fits her best... Girl, as someone who's been struggling with body image for about as long as she's been alive, and has only been able to find some form of peace with it after 5 years of working out and still not being there, it really threw me off.
And suddenly she's speaking of understanding she's beautiful and that the new body size is exactly the body size that fits her best... Girl, as someone who's been struggling with body image for about as long as she's been alive, and has only been able to find some form of peace with it after 5 years of working out and still not being there, it really threw me off.
michalice's review
5.0
I have had these books on my wish list for a while, so when I saw Picture Perfect was free on amazon I knew it was a sign telling me I HAD to get it, and with one click I had it ready and waiting, and it didn't really have to wait that long as I dropped everything to read this.
Within two chapters of Picture Perfect my heart was breaking for Cat, going from someone who thinks she has it all, boyfriend, great friends, fantastic body, and a modelling job, to someone who's boyfriend isn't interested, friends who don't act as friendly, and a body she doesn't think of as amazing.
I struggle with my own body image, I have done sine I was in senior school and someone made one little comment to me, from then on I only ever saw myself as fat. Looking back at photos I can't believe how skinny I really was, not stick thin skinny, just normal skinny for my age, but that comment devastated me, and even to this day I refuse to wear clothes that are too tight, I don't wear skirts or dresses in case they show off my fat parts. It's demoralising and ridiculous how much that comment affected me, and seeing how Cat struggles with new new body size was something I could easily relate to and empathise with. She is full of self doubt and it is clearly portrayed in the pages. We see her struggling ever day to try to live in this new body and make the most of it. While she has a great friend in Joey, who is so supportive and caring towards Cat, it doesn't help Cat think differently. Joey quickly steps in to help her friend in need, and takes her to speak to someone. But these meeting only help Cat slightly and it takes something drastic for Cat to really see the truth. Cat is a character I can see myself in, and this it what makes her unique for me, it's very rare that I can find a character that appeals to me on a deeper level, someone who I can easily relate to (minus the modelling part, obviously).
I love how supportive Joey is towards Cat and how she tries to make her see sense in the reality of the situation, and not the reality Cat sees. She is what a best friend ought to be like.
Nate.....what can I say about him. I love the connection they have from the past, and how he fumbles his words when he speaks to Cat. I love how he is persistent in showing his feelings towards Cat, and almost makes her see herself in a new light. I do have some issues with how much she actually relied on him to make herself feel better and more confident, and while the relationship isn't necessary a bad one, I do think Cat should have taken a step back to really evaluate herself and use Nathan less as a crutch, and more as a person.
Picture perfect was a great read and a real eye opening one too. I ended up staying up till 2.30am to finish this book, and it was definitely worth the lack of sleep. Seeing how Cat tried to overcome her self doubt and self confidence issues was a slow process. Yes there were times when she seemed to find her strength again, but a lot of it did revolve around Nate, and I know he is being supportive and encouraging for her, he just needed to take a step back. However when a secret from the past comes back to haunt them, Cat is shocked and hurt, and THIS is the force that drives her, it makes her SEE what an amazing person she really is, what she is really capable of and basically kicks her up the butt and makes her do something about her confidence, or lack of. What Cat creates from this shocking past sounded absolutely amazing and I would have loved to have seen some of her creations, the only question I have after finishing Picture Perfect is did she win? :)
Within two chapters of Picture Perfect my heart was breaking for Cat, going from someone who thinks she has it all, boyfriend, great friends, fantastic body, and a modelling job, to someone who's boyfriend isn't interested, friends who don't act as friendly, and a body she doesn't think of as amazing.
I struggle with my own body image, I have done sine I was in senior school and someone made one little comment to me, from then on I only ever saw myself as fat. Looking back at photos I can't believe how skinny I really was, not stick thin skinny, just normal skinny for my age, but that comment devastated me, and even to this day I refuse to wear clothes that are too tight, I don't wear skirts or dresses in case they show off my fat parts. It's demoralising and ridiculous how much that comment affected me, and seeing how Cat struggles with new new body size was something I could easily relate to and empathise with. She is full of self doubt and it is clearly portrayed in the pages. We see her struggling ever day to try to live in this new body and make the most of it. While she has a great friend in Joey, who is so supportive and caring towards Cat, it doesn't help Cat think differently. Joey quickly steps in to help her friend in need, and takes her to speak to someone. But these meeting only help Cat slightly and it takes something drastic for Cat to really see the truth. Cat is a character I can see myself in, and this it what makes her unique for me, it's very rare that I can find a character that appeals to me on a deeper level, someone who I can easily relate to (minus the modelling part, obviously).
I love how supportive Joey is towards Cat and how she tries to make her see sense in the reality of the situation, and not the reality Cat sees. She is what a best friend ought to be like.
Nate.....what can I say about him. I love the connection they have from the past, and how he fumbles his words when he speaks to Cat. I love how he is persistent in showing his feelings towards Cat, and almost makes her see herself in a new light. I do have some issues with how much she actually relied on him to make herself feel better and more confident, and while the relationship isn't necessary a bad one, I do think Cat should have taken a step back to really evaluate herself and use Nathan less as a crutch, and more as a person.
Picture perfect was a great read and a real eye opening one too. I ended up staying up till 2.30am to finish this book, and it was definitely worth the lack of sleep. Seeing how Cat tried to overcome her self doubt and self confidence issues was a slow process. Yes there were times when she seemed to find her strength again, but a lot of it did revolve around Nate, and I know he is being supportive and encouraging for her, he just needed to take a step back. However when a secret from the past comes back to haunt them, Cat is shocked and hurt, and THIS is the force that drives her, it makes her SEE what an amazing person she really is, what she is really capable of and basically kicks her up the butt and makes her do something about her confidence, or lack of. What Cat creates from this shocking past sounded absolutely amazing and I would have loved to have seen some of her creations, the only question I have after finishing Picture Perfect is did she win? :)
tinalynn510's review
4.0
Loved the first 90ish% of this book. The "fight" didn't even happen until then. The whole fight and ending felt like it was rushed. I almost would of preferred it if there hadn't of been a fight. I really did love this book, but had to knock off a star for that.
kyleechris's review
5.0
If you'd like to read a character interview with Cat and Nate click here!
This will be one of those rant and review, reviews (the good kind) because this book deserves it. To put my feelings about this book into words might be a bit difficult, to say it left me speechless is to the point. This book was such a beautiful little story with such a powerful message and I loved it so much. I feel like an obvious thing that I loved about this book is that Cat was a bigger girl, there's nothing wrong with being skinny or big but I feel like most girls in books I read are skinny and it's not something everyone can relate to. What I really loved about this story is that it isn't just about a bigger woman being beautiful, it's about a once skinny woman learning that no matter the size we are all beautiful. We see Cat's struggle and you can feel how difficult it is for her, I don't know a single girl or woman who has never at one point in her life felt insecure because we all do. Picture Perfect sends such a powerful and positive message to girls who may be bigger, there really is someone out there for everyone and you should be comfortable, confident, and love yourself because that's what makes you beautiful. No matter how cheesy that is, it's true.
On to the actual loving of the book and why. The writing was amazing, it was so easy for me to get into the writing style that Alessandra has and follow the story. I'm finding recently that some books have funky writing styles and point of views that end up confusing me and I didn't have that problem with Picture Perfect. The actual plot of this story was beautiful, we see Cat at her worst from the beginning and get to experience with her the process in growing to love herself again and becoming a stronger person from this experience even when life tries to drag her down. I loved her from the moment we met her and my love for her as a character only grew throughout this story. She was portrayed in a great way and she is definitely one of my all time favorite female characters. Nate was just as phenomenal and definitely hot, hot, hot. I loved his personality and how he pretty much worshiped the ground Cat walked on and as you will see later, still does and always will as far as I can tell in the character interview I got to do with them. The big bomb that Alessandra dropped on us was sooo completely unexpected! You can tell by the description something is going to come up but I never imagined that of all things. It made me sad to see what had happened but at the same time I was sort of grateful in a sense because it made Nate who he is today, into the man that Cat deserved.
I read Picture Perfect in two days, I would have preferred one but I had school. This book is something everyone needs to devour because I guarantee you will love it. Alessandra has earned a place on my watch for list and Cat and Nate are officially in my top five favorite couples, this book is definitely in the running for my favorite book this year! I'm looking forward to more books from Alessandra and I highly recommend you read this one, it's a must. Now on to the super duper fun part, I got to do an interview with both Cat and Nate and I'm so honored they're the first on my blog so check it out below!
This will be one of those rant and review, reviews (the good kind) because this book deserves it. To put my feelings about this book into words might be a bit difficult, to say it left me speechless is to the point. This book was such a beautiful little story with such a powerful message and I loved it so much. I feel like an obvious thing that I loved about this book is that Cat was a bigger girl, there's nothing wrong with being skinny or big but I feel like most girls in books I read are skinny and it's not something everyone can relate to. What I really loved about this story is that it isn't just about a bigger woman being beautiful, it's about a once skinny woman learning that no matter the size we are all beautiful. We see Cat's struggle and you can feel how difficult it is for her, I don't know a single girl or woman who has never at one point in her life felt insecure because we all do. Picture Perfect sends such a powerful and positive message to girls who may be bigger, there really is someone out there for everyone and you should be comfortable, confident, and love yourself because that's what makes you beautiful. No matter how cheesy that is, it's true.
On to the actual loving of the book and why. The writing was amazing, it was so easy for me to get into the writing style that Alessandra has and follow the story. I'm finding recently that some books have funky writing styles and point of views that end up confusing me and I didn't have that problem with Picture Perfect. The actual plot of this story was beautiful, we see Cat at her worst from the beginning and get to experience with her the process in growing to love herself again and becoming a stronger person from this experience even when life tries to drag her down. I loved her from the moment we met her and my love for her as a character only grew throughout this story. She was portrayed in a great way and she is definitely one of my all time favorite female characters. Nate was just as phenomenal and definitely hot, hot, hot. I loved his personality and how he pretty much worshiped the ground Cat walked on and as you will see later, still does and always will as far as I can tell in the character interview I got to do with them. The big bomb that Alessandra dropped on us was sooo completely unexpected! You can tell by the description something is going to come up but I never imagined that of all things. It made me sad to see what had happened but at the same time I was sort of grateful in a sense because it made Nate who he is today, into the man that Cat deserved.
I read Picture Perfect in two days, I would have preferred one but I had school. This book is something everyone needs to devour because I guarantee you will love it. Alessandra has earned a place on my watch for list and Cat and Nate are officially in my top five favorite couples, this book is definitely in the running for my favorite book this year! I'm looking forward to more books from Alessandra and I highly recommend you read this one, it's a must. Now on to the super duper fun part, I got to do an interview with both Cat and Nate and I'm so honored they're the first on my blog so check it out below!
patke's review
5.0
My rating has a lot to do with when I read this book. Yeah, a couple things irked me but overall, it was exactly what I needed to read at this point in my life.
laurelinpaige's review
5.0
Let me preface by saying I am a sexy times reader and writer. I like my books hot, hot, hot. Sweet and meaningful are not usually my first pick.
But Alessandra’s Picture Perfect blew me away. It is so beautifully sweet and has a message to boot. And it’s so relatable. Cat’s struggle with her weight and sexual self-identity is such a universal theme and there just aren’t that many books that address that issue. And tell me the truth – when’s the last time you read a romance book where the hero was a size 12? I read that Alessandra had to search long and hard to find a plus-size model for the cover. Isn’t that just sad? It’s the reason we need more books like this where we are told that a small size does not equal good sex.
Speaking of sex, the author does not skimp on the bedroom scenes. This book is steaming! I absolutely fell in love with Nate and the way he treated Cat. I’m lucky to have found a man like him in my husband, who adores me and my large size. I wish I had been able to overcome my self-consciousness about size in college as Cat does. Her character’s journey and transformation are believable and rewarding. I am delighted to recommend it as a must read.
But Alessandra’s Picture Perfect blew me away. It is so beautifully sweet and has a message to boot. And it’s so relatable. Cat’s struggle with her weight and sexual self-identity is such a universal theme and there just aren’t that many books that address that issue. And tell me the truth – when’s the last time you read a romance book where the hero was a size 12? I read that Alessandra had to search long and hard to find a plus-size model for the cover. Isn’t that just sad? It’s the reason we need more books like this where we are told that a small size does not equal good sex.
Speaking of sex, the author does not skimp on the bedroom scenes. This book is steaming! I absolutely fell in love with Nate and the way he treated Cat. I’m lucky to have found a man like him in my husband, who adores me and my large size. I wish I had been able to overcome my self-consciousness about size in college as Cat does. Her character’s journey and transformation are believable and rewarding. I am delighted to recommend it as a must read.
emilylien5's review
5.0
I Loved this book! I know that not everyone has the same view points on whether Cat's reaction to her weight gain was the best way look at it, but you cant choose how someone else gets to feel about weight gain. I liked this book, I thought it was a good read that made me remember that everyone has different ideas about what is "fat" and no ones should look down on themselves or other for whatever their weight is.
bluebeereads's review
4.0
Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is what I want from New Adult, people. And it's not so hard to do either. This is proof that you can write a great, perfect romance with not so perfect main characters. Thank you.
cancourtneyread's review
5.0
EVERY GIRL SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!
Heck it would even be good for guys to read. This book tackled an issue that almost every person deals with at some point in their lives. Weight. Either too big, or too skinny, or not enough muscle, whatever, it's an issue that a lot of people deal with and was told in this amazingly beautiful way by my new girl crush Alessandra Thomas. This book should be required reading it was so freaking good! Changed my life! Please, please, please do yourself a favor and read this book!
Heck it would even be good for guys to read. This book tackled an issue that almost every person deals with at some point in their lives. Weight. Either too big, or too skinny, or not enough muscle, whatever, it's an issue that a lot of people deal with and was told in this amazingly beautiful way by my new girl crush Alessandra Thomas. This book should be required reading it was so freaking good! Changed my life! Please, please, please do yourself a favor and read this book!
kayla_llbr's review
5.0
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
We live in a society that demands perfection. And perfection is usually wrapped up in a size 2 package. For me, Picture Perfect is one of those books that is a must read! As a girl on the thicker side of life, I always find it hard to identify with heroines that have the most desirable looks, and perfect bodies. In my world, that is not real. Because of the raw honesty of the main character, Cat, and her journey of self-discovery, I found Picture Perfect not only enjoyable, but a story I can identify with.
After an accident shatters Cat's leg, she finds the cocktail of steroids, good food, yoga pants and sedimentary lifestyle has caused her to gain 60 lbs and jump from a size 2 to a 12. For most girls, weight gain is devastating as is. But for Cat, her situation is exacerbated by her modeling background.
In an effort to raise her self-esteem, a therapist assigns Cat to pose for a human-form art class. This is how she finds herself posing for Nate. Nate is buff, beautiful and oh so sweet.
Yes, ladies. Nate is one big slice of swoon-worthy beefcake. He is incredibly sweet, supportive and sexy. Cat finds herself feeling beautiful in Nate's light. But the one lesson that every girl needs to learn is that you cannot find your beauty in the eyes of someone else.
But when Cat enters a Real Woman Project, Nate becomes less supportive and soon a past secret threatens to undo not only Cat's confidence, but the relationship between her and Nate...
Picture Perfect is a very well-written story about a girl learning to find her own inner beauty again. I think for all of us girls that have struggled with weight, or low self-esteem, Picture Perfect is our story too. There is a deep sadness in judging your own worth as a person with the expectations placed on us by not only our peers, but by the media. Why do we associate plus size with fat or unattractive or less than perfect?
All of those woman above are plus size and look how confident and sexy they are! They look happy and proud of the bodies they have!!! Beauty is not one-size fits all. It comes in all forms, and as women, we should support and encourage others to feel comfortable in their own skin.
I cannot recommend this book enough.
4.5 stars*
We live in a society that demands perfection. And perfection is usually wrapped up in a size 2 package. For me, Picture Perfect is one of those books that is a must read! As a girl on the thicker side of life, I always find it hard to identify with heroines that have the most desirable looks, and perfect bodies. In my world, that is not real. Because of the raw honesty of the main character, Cat, and her journey of self-discovery, I found Picture Perfect not only enjoyable, but a story I can identify with.
After an accident shatters Cat's leg, she finds the cocktail of steroids, good food, yoga pants and sedimentary lifestyle has caused her to gain 60 lbs and jump from a size 2 to a 12. For most girls, weight gain is devastating as is. But for Cat, her situation is exacerbated by her modeling background.
In an effort to raise her self-esteem, a therapist assigns Cat to pose for a human-form art class. This is how she finds herself posing for Nate. Nate is buff, beautiful and oh so sweet.
"This is what a woman looks like. This is what made the masters so hungry to paint. They all knew better than the dumbass fashion magazines, Cat. Trust me. It's amazing how so many curves can all come together into something so absolutely visually perfect."
Yes, ladies. Nate is one big slice of swoon-worthy beefcake. He is incredibly sweet, supportive and sexy. Cat finds herself feeling beautiful in Nate's light. But the one lesson that every girl needs to learn is that you cannot find your beauty in the eyes of someone else.
"I promise you, I'm telling you this for your own good. But you and the boy are young. So many things can happen, and his presence in your life is not guaranteed forever. I don't want him to become a crutch."
But when Cat enters a Real Woman Project, Nate becomes less supportive and soon a past secret threatens to undo not only Cat's confidence, but the relationship between her and Nate...
Picture Perfect is a very well-written story about a girl learning to find her own inner beauty again. I think for all of us girls that have struggled with weight, or low self-esteem, Picture Perfect is our story too. There is a deep sadness in judging your own worth as a person with the expectations placed on us by not only our peers, but by the media. Why do we associate plus size with fat or unattractive or less than perfect?
All of those woman above are plus size and look how confident and sexy they are! They look happy and proud of the bodies they have!!! Beauty is not one-size fits all. It comes in all forms, and as women, we should support and encourage others to feel comfortable in their own skin.
I cannot recommend this book enough.
4.5 stars*