Read a romance where the characters find love exactly as they are—no makeover necessary

The Fastest Way to Fall — Denise Williams

What to Read This Week

The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams

What It’s About

Britta is a journalist vying for an editor spot at her lifestyle website job, and competition is fierce. She knows it’s between her and one other woman, so when the two get a chance to use and review new rival fitness apps, Britta knows this is her chance to stand out and make a name for herself as a writer.

She starts using FitMe, an app that pairs users with fitness coaches to guide them through new exercise routines and healthy habits to help them reach their goals. Unbeknownst to Britta, she ends up with Wes as a coach, one of the founders of the app.

Wes needs to get his head back into why he started the app in the first place, so he took on a random client to reinspire him in his coaching efforts. And he’s instantly got a connection with Britta. He loves her humor and that she’s genuinely interested in the app’s purpose — to be healthy and happy, not to focus on a number on a scale or encourage unhealthy dieting behavior.

As Britta and Wes work together online — and eventually in person — they realize their connection is stronger than just friends . . .

Who Will Like It

I actually wrote a whole essay featuring this book about the many things I loved. I loved that the main character was a fat woman who enjoyed sports and working out (we exist, believe it or not!), and I love that she really didn’t want to focus on losing weight — though of course, like anyone, she still struggled with moments of self-acceptance and her own body image. Britta was such a real character that it felt like I was reading about my own self on the page.

In addition, Wes’s character was fully realized and developed, which made for an incredible novel, even aside from the romance of it all. Anyone who’s looking for a guaranteed happy-ever-after ending but with a heavy dose of real-life challenges along the way will love this one.

Plus, for the trope lovers, there’s also a fun moment of fake dating and “there’s only one bed,” which were super fun surprises that were perfectly executed.

Misc.

For another peek at my reading spreadsheet, here is a breakdown of genres I’ve read this year so far. Is there any category you would like to see more of recommended on here? Anything you think I’m missing altogether I should check out? Want to know what my top recommendations are in a specific genre this year? Let’s chat about nerdy stats!

More Books

Can’t get enough, or looking for a different recommendation? Browse the archives, or check out some popular past recommendations: 

• Read about the dark history of an Oregon desert town and the ghosts that haunt it

• Read about a historical family inheritance that comes with a catch

• Read about a mom who accidentally pretends to be a famous author

I also love hearing from readers! Let me know what kinds of books you’re looking for that you’d like to see featured, or send in your most recent five-star read (or two) and get a recommendation just for you. You might be featured in an upcoming newsletter! Reply to this email to get in touch!

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