Read my full review of the book here! Spoiler Free!
I really liked loved this book!

I think most girls can relate in some way to Annabel. Even though I have personally never struggled with my weight the same way she has, I still found her extremely relatable in how she thinks about herself. I often felt like we were personality twins as I was reading because I couldn't help thinking, "I would have done/said the exact same thing!". I find books today have the "rebellious" independent girls who are their own person, yet they all have perfect bodies/features and unbeknownst to them, every guy in the general vicinity is in love with them. With Annabel you don't get that particular character but someone you have probably felt like at one point in your life.

Which is why I loved the relationship between Tegan and her. You could really see why they liked each other--it wasn't just physical chemistry but what they talked about and believed that drew them together. They really supported each other--and not in some twisted, nearly obsessive way that some New Adult heroines and heroes "need" each other in order to live. Basically, they have a healthy, realistic relationship.

However, as much as I loved this book, I was a little disappointed. I would really like to see a sequel as I felt some issues, specifically with Tegan's story, were not fully resolved. But overall, there is a solid ending that provides closer to the readers so you can cease your worrying over my wishful thoughts :P.

OVERALL: This book was refreshing in a genre that is often just sex & tragedy focused. The characters a relatable and the plot is realistic. With this book, Nyrae Dawn has become a must-read author for me!

Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!

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I always try to cut indie writers some slack on things like editing because I know that they may not have as many resources (editors) available to them. I also never get my hopes up with them, or try not to, so that I don't get disappointed if I find one that really sucks. (It happens.) This isn't one of those bad book cases, though. While it had its faults and some pretty serious editing problems, I thought that it was a pretty awesome book.

I'm going to try not to be too petty about the errors that existed, but I will admit that I was alarmed by some of them. A lot of us forget about all the lessons we got through all the years of English classes, so I understand that. What I have trouble understand is the use of "your" instead of "you're" and vice versa. It may seem like a small thing, but that is a mistake on a concept that is really one of the fundamentals of the language. I know that spell check didn't catch it, which will bring me to repeating something English professors (and other professors) would often say to their classes: Don't rely on spell-check. Spell-check only looks for what you tell it to look for. It's a computer program. There are ways to make it look for grammatical errors, but it is always best if you have another set of eyes look over your writing for actual errors.

I really did like the actual story, but there were some parts that felt awkward. I wish that there had been more development of the characters, conflict, and the plot. Sometimes it seemed that issues in the story were brushed aside and that characters weren't as fleshed out as they should have been. If that had been done, then I could see giving it 4, maybe even 5, stars. As it was, between the errors and the lack of proper development, I can only give it 3. ( )

We all have issues with our body. If you don't then you are not human. I know with girls, we are always trying to loose weight. We always compare ourselves to other women no matter what.

What I adored about this book is the main purpose of being happy with yourself. Annabel has dealt with being overweight for a long time. She's dealt with the name calling and even dealing with her mother's comment. I really loved how Ms. Dawn capture emotions so well. Once in Annbel's shoes I felt her desperation of wanting to loose weight, of just for once, wanting to be accepted and not ridiculed.

The love interest in the book is exactly what I wanted. A guy who knows all about be name called or made fun of. He like Annabel for her heart and not her image. He gave her strength and encouragement when she needed it the most. And Annbel did the same. When she found him turning away from her, she fought for him just as hard. I adored watching them truly love each other.

Measuring Up encompasses the true meaning of love. It gives hope to those who believe they are unworthy. If your looking for a heart-moving, engrossing book Measuring Up is for you. The portraits of judgements and who you think you are all starts with YOU! As Nyrae Dawn says," This book is dedicated to anyone who has ever felt like they don't quite "measure up". YOU DO." ( )