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mayris88's review
5.0
No tengo palabras para describir lo bien que este libro me hizo sentir, es algo que necesitaba.
Soy una chica con sobrepeso y la verdad, esta historia me abrió los ojos respecto a muchos aspectos de mi vida. Puedo decir que al terminarlo, vi mi cuerpo de una manera completamente distinta.
No hay nada de este libro que no me haya fascinado, la historia, los personajes, todo fue absolutamente perfecto.
Para mi Cat es un modelo a seguir, Nate, el novio perfecto y Joey la mejor amiga que cualquiera pudiera soñar.
Este es y será uno de los libros que se siempre va a tener un lugar muy especial en mi corazón.
Y finalmente, no puedo esperar para leer más libros de la maravillosa mente de Alessandra Thomas, que definitivamente se ha convertido en una de mis autoras favoritas.
Soy una chica con sobrepeso y la verdad, esta historia me abrió los ojos respecto a muchos aspectos de mi vida. Puedo decir que al terminarlo, vi mi cuerpo de una manera completamente distinta.
No hay nada de este libro que no me haya fascinado, la historia, los personajes, todo fue absolutamente perfecto.
Para mi Cat es un modelo a seguir, Nate, el novio perfecto y Joey la mejor amiga que cualquiera pudiera soñar.
Este es y será uno de los libros que se siempre va a tener un lugar muy especial en mi corazón.
Y finalmente, no puedo esperar para leer más libros de la maravillosa mente de Alessandra Thomas, que definitivamente se ha convertido en una de mis autoras favoritas.
melodicfate's review
4.0
This book was such a good example of wonderfully relatable and real New Adult. I loved how it was about a girl who wasn't skinny and beautiful, at least in the fashion magazine way. It had great themes in it about having to love yourself before anyone else could, and how being beautiful doesn't mean you have to be thin.
Cat was such a good main character. I didn't like when she'd get overly depressed, but then she lost everything because of her accident. She hated the way she looked, and just wanted to be how she used to be. When Cat finally accepted that she had to deal with how depressed she was, I gladly watched her take charge and go talk to someone. This of course led her to the nude modeling job where she ran into Nate, who she'd previously met when her love interest from a year ago dumped her. Cat grew so much over the course of this novel, and I loved watching her do it. She grew from a depressed, self-conscious woman to someone who was confident and totally comfortable in her own skin. It was wonderful and motivating to read about.
I loved Nate, as well. He was so great for Cat. He took her rock climbing to make her feel good about herself, told her she looked great, and just generally did things to show her how beautiful she was, inside and out. I thought he was great, and when we learned his backstory, I was sad. But then, I understood why he acted how he did, and I ended up forgiving him, and hoping Cat would too.
As for the side characters, only Joey was very involved in the story. But then, she was a great character. I loved how she supported Cat through everything, and didn't hate that she gained weight. She wanted Cat to be happy in her own skin, and stood by her through thick and thin. Everyone needs friends like that, and I love how the author included such a wonderful friend in this story.
The plot of the novel was great. It was all about Cat finally figuring out how to be comfortable in her own skin. It had a lot to do with self-image, and figuring out that there is more than one type of beauty. I thought that that part was done extremely well. Then, of course, there was the romance between Nate and Cat. I thought their relationship was great, and couldn't wait to see if they got their happy ending. It all made for one totally interesting story that I couldn't put down.
All in all, this book was really good. I love the fact that it's a New Adult story too, because it's so real and relatable, especially for people in this age range. Everyone sees all these fashion magazines and supermodels all the time, and people wonder why they aren't like that. I think that this book should be read by a lot more people, because it has some really great themes in it. Not only that, it comes with a wonderful story about a girl finding her true self, and coming to terms with who that person is. Picture Perfect is definitely not a book you should miss, especially if you like the New Adult category.
Cat was such a good main character. I didn't like when she'd get overly depressed, but then she lost everything because of her accident. She hated the way she looked, and just wanted to be how she used to be. When Cat finally accepted that she had to deal with how depressed she was, I gladly watched her take charge and go talk to someone. This of course led her to the nude modeling job where she ran into Nate, who she'd previously met when her love interest from a year ago dumped her. Cat grew so much over the course of this novel, and I loved watching her do it. She grew from a depressed, self-conscious woman to someone who was confident and totally comfortable in her own skin. It was wonderful and motivating to read about.
I loved Nate, as well. He was so great for Cat. He took her rock climbing to make her feel good about herself, told her she looked great, and just generally did things to show her how beautiful she was, inside and out. I thought he was great, and when we learned his backstory, I was sad. But then, I understood why he acted how he did, and I ended up forgiving him, and hoping Cat would too.
As for the side characters, only Joey was very involved in the story. But then, she was a great character. I loved how she supported Cat through everything, and didn't hate that she gained weight. She wanted Cat to be happy in her own skin, and stood by her through thick and thin. Everyone needs friends like that, and I love how the author included such a wonderful friend in this story.
The plot of the novel was great. It was all about Cat finally figuring out how to be comfortable in her own skin. It had a lot to do with self-image, and figuring out that there is more than one type of beauty. I thought that that part was done extremely well. Then, of course, there was the romance between Nate and Cat. I thought their relationship was great, and couldn't wait to see if they got their happy ending. It all made for one totally interesting story that I couldn't put down.
All in all, this book was really good. I love the fact that it's a New Adult story too, because it's so real and relatable, especially for people in this age range. Everyone sees all these fashion magazines and supermodels all the time, and people wonder why they aren't like that. I think that this book should be read by a lot more people, because it has some really great themes in it. Not only that, it comes with a wonderful story about a girl finding her true self, and coming to terms with who that person is. Picture Perfect is definitely not a book you should miss, especially if you like the New Adult category.
onceuponahardback's review
3.0
Okay, so the end of Picture Perfect mostly redeems the first 3/4 of the book. Mostly. I do love the message of the ending, which can be boiled down to "True beauty really does come from within."
How much better would the world be if women never had to believe that their dress size was the only thing about them that mattered? I believe women should be encouraged to be healthy and strong, whatever that looks like for each individual. I believe women should be told from birth that true desirability comes from their soul, not from society's definition of sex appeal.
The end of Picture Perfect delivered that message. The rest of the story....
I felt like too much time was spent gushing over the sex. Cat seemed to have a two track mind. One was her fat rolls, the other was sex. Love and romance mean far more than just having sex with your partner. The author had glimmers of this idea. Cat doesn't want to tell Nate she loves him during or after they have sex. Good. They `do other things' like cooking together, talking, etc. Nice. But those instances felt like feeble, token gestures. They were told, not shown, and glossed over, drowned in all the "OMG he's kissing all over my body, that must mean he loves my body!"
I would have liked to read more instances of Nate and Cat doing things other than having sex. The rock climbing was good. What about bicycling? Swimming? Canoeing? The author's attention to the sex scenes almost to the exclusion of other activities shows, in my humble opinion, where the true focus of the story lies. Yes, this is a romance of sorts, but to me, true romance happens when clothes are on. Chapters detailing a bicycle tour around Philly are not required. But a few paragraphs about such a trip, with silly attempts at holding hands while riding side by side, and how the activity makes Cat feel strong would deliver much more romance for me than just falling into bed. Canoeing requires teamwork, partnership, respect and learning to trust. That is developing a romance.
And that leads me to the sex scenes. In general, I found the narrative to be so...what's the word I'm looking for? Jumpy? Spastic? Convoluted? I don't know. I just know that I found them to be anything but sexy, romantic, or exciting. I like a sex scene that makes me blush or daydream at least.These sex scenes did not deliver much of that for me.
I would also have liked to read more about Cat's journey from "Nate makes me feel beautiful" to "I make me feel beautiful." For me, THAT is where the meat of the story lies. All we are told is that Cat throws herself into her design work, and spends hours in the studio. Suddenly she knows she is comfortable in her own skin. I would have like to have been shown. Does Cat try on her creations? How does it feel to wear clothes that don't pinch, bind or bunch up? How does she feel looking at herself in the mirror? How does seeing her scar in the reflection make her feel? Does she find it gives her character? Is it a symbol of her strength? There could have been so much more of a triumph to Cat's journey of self discovery. What a missed opportunity.
For me, Picture Perfect would be closer to perfect if:
a) More emphasis was put on the romance than the sex. In my humble opinion the sex scenes were not good enough to be erotica, which means the story would be better served if there was less of it.
b) The first 3/4 of the book could be cut back to 1/2 the story, about Cat's background, her issues and how being with Nate starts her on the path to accepting her `new' body. The third quarter should be about the details of that journey, and include Nate challenging Cat to put herself `out there' more. The last quarter should comprise the aftermath of Thanksgiving, and Cat's realization that she is beautiful just the way she is.
c.)Character Development is a huge miss here. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. Questions are left open-ended about certain aspects of their lives. Very frustrating on that part.
I'm going to judge this book harshly and give it a 3 out of 5 stars. Some good, mostly let downs, but good morals overall.
How much better would the world be if women never had to believe that their dress size was the only thing about them that mattered? I believe women should be encouraged to be healthy and strong, whatever that looks like for each individual. I believe women should be told from birth that true desirability comes from their soul, not from society's definition of sex appeal.
The end of Picture Perfect delivered that message. The rest of the story....
I felt like too much time was spent gushing over the sex. Cat seemed to have a two track mind. One was her fat rolls, the other was sex. Love and romance mean far more than just having sex with your partner. The author had glimmers of this idea. Cat doesn't want to tell Nate she loves him during or after they have sex. Good. They `do other things' like cooking together, talking, etc. Nice. But those instances felt like feeble, token gestures. They were told, not shown, and glossed over, drowned in all the "OMG he's kissing all over my body, that must mean he loves my body!"
I would have liked to read more instances of Nate and Cat doing things other than having sex. The rock climbing was good. What about bicycling? Swimming? Canoeing? The author's attention to the sex scenes almost to the exclusion of other activities shows, in my humble opinion, where the true focus of the story lies. Yes, this is a romance of sorts, but to me, true romance happens when clothes are on. Chapters detailing a bicycle tour around Philly are not required. But a few paragraphs about such a trip, with silly attempts at holding hands while riding side by side, and how the activity makes Cat feel strong would deliver much more romance for me than just falling into bed. Canoeing requires teamwork, partnership, respect and learning to trust. That is developing a romance.
And that leads me to the sex scenes. In general, I found the narrative to be so...what's the word I'm looking for? Jumpy? Spastic? Convoluted? I don't know. I just know that I found them to be anything but sexy, romantic, or exciting. I like a sex scene that makes me blush or daydream at least.These sex scenes did not deliver much of that for me.
I would also have liked to read more about Cat's journey from "Nate makes me feel beautiful" to "I make me feel beautiful." For me, THAT is where the meat of the story lies. All we are told is that Cat throws herself into her design work, and spends hours in the studio. Suddenly she knows she is comfortable in her own skin. I would have like to have been shown. Does Cat try on her creations? How does it feel to wear clothes that don't pinch, bind or bunch up? How does she feel looking at herself in the mirror? How does seeing her scar in the reflection make her feel? Does she find it gives her character? Is it a symbol of her strength? There could have been so much more of a triumph to Cat's journey of self discovery. What a missed opportunity.
For me, Picture Perfect would be closer to perfect if:
a) More emphasis was put on the romance than the sex. In my humble opinion the sex scenes were not good enough to be erotica, which means the story would be better served if there was less of it.
b) The first 3/4 of the book could be cut back to 1/2 the story, about Cat's background, her issues and how being with Nate starts her on the path to accepting her `new' body. The third quarter should be about the details of that journey, and include Nate challenging Cat to put herself `out there' more. The last quarter should comprise the aftermath of Thanksgiving, and Cat's realization that she is beautiful just the way she is.
c.)Character Development is a huge miss here. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. Questions are left open-ended about certain aspects of their lives. Very frustrating on that part.
I'm going to judge this book harshly and give it a 3 out of 5 stars. Some good, mostly let downs, but good morals overall.
missriki's review
5.0
I devoured Picture Perfect in one sitting. It is an irresistible story! I was hooked from the first paragraph hearing about Cat’s struggle to find something to wear in a closet full of her old clothes. What woman hasn’t had body issues at some point in her life? Alessandra Thomas tells the story of Catherine, better known as Cat, who used to be a slim girl who made money for college modeling high fashion. Fast forward past a horse riding accident that leaves her leg broken and her body sixty pounds heavier and we find her struggling with body image issues.
When Cat takes a huge step forward in regaining her confidence she runs into Nate, a seemingly perfect man who adores Cat just the way she is. Everything is going along perfectly in a storybook romance when Nate’s past comes to shock Cat and make her question everything she thought she knew about him.
Alessandra Thomas writes a likeable cast of characters and drew me into the story from page one. Cat could have easily come off as body-obsessed and shallow, but Thomas writes her as completely honest and relatable. I fell in love with Nate from his first appearance and had high hopes for his romance with Cat throughout the book. Thomas writes wonderfully steamy sex scenes that are just hot enough for you to hope a stranger isn’t reading over your shoulder.
This book is classified in the somewhat new genre of New Adult that focuses on the lives of college-aged women. They’re very fun books with just a little more of the sexy than a young adult novel. I simply could not put this book down. It is quick-paced and fun in every way. If you’re looking for a smart, readable story with a strong female character and a steamy love affair, get your hands on Picture Perfect.
When Cat takes a huge step forward in regaining her confidence she runs into Nate, a seemingly perfect man who adores Cat just the way she is. Everything is going along perfectly in a storybook romance when Nate’s past comes to shock Cat and make her question everything she thought she knew about him.
Alessandra Thomas writes a likeable cast of characters and drew me into the story from page one. Cat could have easily come off as body-obsessed and shallow, but Thomas writes her as completely honest and relatable. I fell in love with Nate from his first appearance and had high hopes for his romance with Cat throughout the book. Thomas writes wonderfully steamy sex scenes that are just hot enough for you to hope a stranger isn’t reading over your shoulder.
This book is classified in the somewhat new genre of New Adult that focuses on the lives of college-aged women. They’re very fun books with just a little more of the sexy than a young adult novel. I simply could not put this book down. It is quick-paced and fun in every way. If you’re looking for a smart, readable story with a strong female character and a steamy love affair, get your hands on Picture Perfect.
lenoreo's review
5.0
4.5 stars -- I was worried when I started this one that I wouldn't be able to take a character hating her fat self when she was skinnier than me... But this really was about Cat's story, and about her hating not being the her she used to be. There was so much to her background that set her up to feel like she wasn't worth it in her new body -- she really had placed so much of her own worth on how she looked before, so it was a huge blow in some ways. Ms. Thomas did a fabulous job of dealing with this subject in a...damn, don't you hate it when you can't come up with the word you want. It was respectful and real and sensitive -- I guess sensitive was the one I was looking for. Dr. Albright's character was a welcome one, and the traps that Cat would fall into were real ones that I can see so many people falling into. I guess the half a star loss would be that the transition between hating herself and learning to love who she was was pretty good, but I felt I missed a step in there. COuld be just me though.
And then there's Nate. He was a perfect foil for Cat, and I enjoyed that he had his own story to tell wrt weight and being happy with who you are. And the chemistry between them was off the charts.... And that just topped off a fabulous storyline that needed to be told.
And then there's Nate. He was a perfect foil for Cat, and I enjoyed that he had his own story to tell wrt weight and being happy with who you are. And the chemistry between them was off the charts.... And that just topped off a fabulous storyline that needed to be told.
izziede's review
1.0
I couldn't read it I just had to give up. The heroine has an accident and has serious injuries and as a result of lack of mobility and change to lifestyle puts on quite a bit of weight. I think this is a really sensitive subject and the author would have been better not mentioning specific sizes. What is small/big/tall/short to each person to me is all about perspective. Once you say she is a size 12 people form an opinion, the women that are larger and smaller than that size can perceive her thoughts actions based on their own size or their friends/peers sizes.
She has low esteem about her body image but she goes on and on and on about it.
She has low esteem about her body image but she goes on and on and on about it.
brandiemetzger's review
3.0
Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cat is a model who, after suffering an unfortunate horse-riding accident, has to go through extensive surgeries and therapy, resulting in her gaining 60 lbs. When modeling and fashion is the only thing she knew (and that paid the bills) she returns to college uneasy and insecure about her body. Add her sort-of boyfriend humiliating her in front of everyone to the mix - Cat realizes she needs to seek help in order to deal with her depression and insecurities.
She sees a counselor on campus who suggests that she pose nude for an art class in a neigboring college. What she never expected was that an incredibly gorgeous guy that she met once would be a student in the class. She manages to do the pose for most of the session before rushing out embarrassed. Then said hot guy from class follows her and asks her out.
Being a fat kid growing up and dealing with his own insecurities for years, Nate moved away from that life to start over. He sees Cat as the beautiful woman that she is and sweeps her off her feet. But something from his past will make waves in their relationship and cause Cat to second-guess his true feelings for her.
I was able to relate to Cat so much throughout this story, and that's why I devoured the book in two days. I could put myself in her shoes, having dealt with body issues and insecurities my whole life. The important lesson this story teaches is that you have to learn to love yourself and be comfortable in your own skin - not relying on someone else to make you feel beautiful. I think every woman deserves a man who makes them feel beautiful and sexy. But I also know that it's important to have self-confidence and be accepting of yourself, because you can never truly be happy without that. It's not healthy to rely on others to make you feel good. And that's the struggle Cat and Nate had to deal with throughout this book. Learning that she can be happy in her skin, but also be loved and desired by an incredible man like Nate.
Nate was a sweetheart. I loved how romantic and wonderful he was to Cat. I just wished he'd been a little more aggressive or dominant. A girl likes a little dominance to make her feel sexy and wanted, and I felt this book was lacking a little in that aspect.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and feel that a lot of women will be able to relate to Cat. Her and Nate had a beautiful romance that was great to see unfold throughout the book, but it was her self-transformation that was the real beauty of the story.
Cat is a model who, after suffering an unfortunate horse-riding accident, has to go through extensive surgeries and therapy, resulting in her gaining 60 lbs. When modeling and fashion is the only thing she knew (and that paid the bills) she returns to college uneasy and insecure about her body. Add her sort-of boyfriend humiliating her in front of everyone to the mix - Cat realizes she needs to seek help in order to deal with her depression and insecurities.
She sees a counselor on campus who suggests that she pose nude for an art class in a neigboring college. What she never expected was that an incredibly gorgeous guy that she met once would be a student in the class. She manages to do the pose for most of the session before rushing out embarrassed. Then said hot guy from class follows her and asks her out.
Being a fat kid growing up and dealing with his own insecurities for years, Nate moved away from that life to start over. He sees Cat as the beautiful woman that she is and sweeps her off her feet. But something from his past will make waves in their relationship and cause Cat to second-guess his true feelings for her.
I was able to relate to Cat so much throughout this story, and that's why I devoured the book in two days. I could put myself in her shoes, having dealt with body issues and insecurities my whole life. The important lesson this story teaches is that you have to learn to love yourself and be comfortable in your own skin - not relying on someone else to make you feel beautiful. I think every woman deserves a man who makes them feel beautiful and sexy. But I also know that it's important to have self-confidence and be accepting of yourself, because you can never truly be happy without that. It's not healthy to rely on others to make you feel good. And that's the struggle Cat and Nate had to deal with throughout this book. Learning that she can be happy in her skin, but also be loved and desired by an incredible man like Nate.
Nate was a sweetheart. I loved how romantic and wonderful he was to Cat. I just wished he'd been a little more aggressive or dominant. A girl likes a little dominance to make her feel sexy and wanted, and I felt this book was lacking a little in that aspect.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and feel that a lot of women will be able to relate to Cat. Her and Nate had a beautiful romance that was great to see unfold throughout the book, but it was her self-transformation that was the real beauty of the story.
mackenzierm's review
5.0
First line: My fingers brushed over the rows of fabric hanging in my closet.
I really enjoyed this book. I was really looking forward to reading it and when I started seeing all these mostly negative reviews I was a bit worried that the synopsis of the book didn't live up to the actual potential. That being said, I'm glad I stuck it out and saw for myself.
This is a novel of a girl rebuilding her self esteem, reestablishing her body image, and learning to love herself the way she is compared to the way she was. This is definitely a prevalent issue in North American society, and probably in many other societies as well. Eating disorders are a major psychiatric issue, and something that isn't well understood by the majority of the population. Even though this novel isn't really about eating disorders, it's easy to see how it could have become something related to them.
Anyways, I don't want to give the story away any more than I may have already. I do, however, think that the relationship contained in this novel moved very fast, but it was quite enjoyable anyways....especially the steamy sex scenes.
All in all, I think this novel and this author deserve more credit than some of the reviews give them. I'd definitely recommend this novel, and I'm definitely interested in reading the next novel in the series!
I really enjoyed this book. I was really looking forward to reading it and when I started seeing all these mostly negative reviews I was a bit worried that the synopsis of the book didn't live up to the actual potential. That being said, I'm glad I stuck it out and saw for myself.
This is a novel of a girl rebuilding her self esteem, reestablishing her body image, and learning to love herself the way she is compared to the way she was. This is definitely a prevalent issue in North American society, and probably in many other societies as well. Eating disorders are a major psychiatric issue, and something that isn't well understood by the majority of the population. Even though this novel isn't really about eating disorders, it's easy to see how it could have become something related to them.
Anyways, I don't want to give the story away any more than I may have already. I do, however, think that the relationship contained in this novel moved very fast, but it was quite enjoyable anyways....especially the steamy sex scenes.
All in all, I think this novel and this author deserve more credit than some of the reviews give them. I'd definitely recommend this novel, and I'm definitely interested in reading the next novel in the series!
nicoleasaurus's review
5.0
Im obsessed. I read this book in two days & am currently in the middle of the second one.