I Took On 52 Fitness Challenges For A Year And Here’s What Happened

Amanda Stewart
Jan 29, 2020

In 2019, I took a chance on fitness: I set out to try a different kind of fitness each week of the year. That's 52 different kinds of fitness. I was inspired by Brit + Co Founder and CEO Brit Morin and her #GiveItAWeek challenges. (You can check out Brit's full year of weekly challenges @brit on Instagram.)


I've been a runner for almost 10 years now. Being a runner is part of my identity, it's part of who I am. I can't tell you the number of times people have said to me, "I could never be a runner!!" And the number of times I've responded "Yes, you can!!"

Or, they'd say, "I hate running, but I want to be a runner!"

It hit me one day, when I was talking to someone who loved dance fitness as much as I loved running: there are SO MANY types of fitness out there. There are so many different ways to be active. And I wanted to try more of them.

That's what inspired #fitforsevens.

Below are some of the lessons learned during my 52 weeks of different kinds of fitness:

  1. There are so many ways to sweat and be active. I didn't even make it through my entire list of different kinds of fitness — which included way more than 52 — that I wanted to try!
  2. The fitness industry capitalizes on body shaming, insecurities and diet culture. Unfortunately the majority of the gyms or new workout regimens I tried had a weight loss focus. One trainer even asked me during an introductory assessment, "How long have you hated your body?"
  3. Fitness culture is real and can be hard to break into. It can take a couple visits to know if you fit with the community of a particular gym or fitness space. Be brave and be patient.
  4. You have to do it for you, not anyone else. When I would invite someone to join me on one of the weeks, often they wouldn't show up or would cancel right beforehand. I think that fitness is one of those things that people choose to bail on — it's just too much of a commitment for some — so you can't rely on other people to help you reach your goals. You have to do it for you.

My favorites workouts

A few of my favorites were honestly surprising to me! I did not expect to love axe throwing (Week 13) as much as I did. If you haven't tried it yet, you need to!! I also loved Bar Method (Week 6) and pilates (Week 39) — both were such different kinds of fitness and movement. I was so sore from Bar Method!

My all-time favorite week though was visiting a women-owned CrossFit gym (Week 42) that is new to Fresno/Clovis. It was so different than any other CrossFit gym I've ever visited and the environment that the coaches and members created made me feel at home instantly. It confirmed one of the biggest lessons that I learned all year: that environment and community matters so much to a fitness experience.

Least favorite workouts

I don't love big box gyms (the ones that just have rows and rows of equipment and machines). I need more structure than those spaces offer for me and I need a greater sense of community. The price point for these gyms usually make them more accessible but for me they don't provide the accountability and community that I want and need.

I also had a really disappointing experience at a boot camp gym where I experienced an unfortunate amount of body shaming and weight-loss-only focused goal setting. Fitness is not always about weight loss, and it was disheartening to see some gyms capitalize on body shaming as a marketing technique.

What I learned about my fitness language

I need community. I care much more about how a place makes me feel than the kind of workout that I'm getting. Ideally, you'll find a place or a kind of fitness that makes you feel both. Because I work from home, I appreciate the community that my gym now brings me. It helps me to have somewhere to go and something to schedule my days around.

Would I do #fitforsevens again?

Maybe someday, but not someday soon, haha. It was so fun and I'm so proud of myself for completing the challenge, but I'm ready to focus more on my fitness in CrossFit, swimming, biking and running. There are still so many kinds of fitness that I did not get to try though, so overall, I think this challenge encouraged me to be more adventurous with my fitness.

Looking ahead

As a long-time runner, I never thought I'd find another kind of fitness that I love as much as running. Running is still my greatest fitness love, but I learned that there are so many ways to move your body out there. My #fitforsevens challenge made me realize that I'm stronger than I think I am and inspired me to quit my full-time job to chase a huge dream: training for an Ironman!

THE LIST

Below are all of the 52 kinds of fitness that I tried. You can find videos and more @sweatytearsofjoy on my highlights:

1. Weighted vest workouts

2. Burpees and SUP

3. Yoga

4. CycleBar Fresno

5. Run 5 miles 5x

6. Bar Method

7. Fit Body Boot Camp

8. Blue Moon Yoga

9. Double Unders

10. EmPack

11. TRX Suspension Training

12. Biking

13. Axe Throwing

14. Hip Circle

15. Resistance Bands

16. Juggling and Lunastix

17. Plank

18. Old Town Yoga (online)

19. Old Town Yoga (class)

20. Weight Vest Running

21. Orange Theory Fitness

22. Rollerblading

23. Fitness Social - TRX focus

24. Fit Body Boot Camp

25. Aerial Yoga

26. Swimming

27. 9Round Fitness

28. Driving Range

29. Night Running

30. Stretching

31. Tai chi

32. Dance fitness

33. Esports

34. Hiking solo

35. Peloton

36. Garmin

37. Kettlebells

38. Trail running

39. Pilates

40. Pumpkin workout

41. High altitude running

42. Uncaged CrossFit

43. Fitness Social - Kettlebell focus

44. Park workouts

45. Tennis

46. Step aerobics

47. Body pump

48. Tabata fitness

49. Open-water swimming

50. Open gym

51. Fitness apps

52. MURPH/Hero workouts

I hope that you spend 2020 trying things that you're afraid to try. I hope that you try things that you might be bad at. And I hope you get sweaty.

Mid-Year Reset: How To Still Manifest Your 2024 Goals

July 1 — the officially mid-year point for 2024 — is fast-approaching, and it's a good checkpoint for how you’re doing when it comes to reaching your 2024 goals. Most of us rolled into the new year feeling hopeful that we could meet a list of resolutions by years-end. How are those going? If you’re not where you’d like to be by now, here’s a little help to get you back on track.

Image via Dream Inn

I recently spent a weekend at the Dream Inn in Santa Cruz, CA with meditation master Sarah Vie, author of I Wish I'd Known, and about 35 other women to uncover emotions that might be holding us back. A beachside hotel called the Dream Inn couldn’t have been a more perfect location to ponder life’s biggest questions – without kids, dogs, partners, work, and a house to pull us out of our “me” zone.

I started the weekend off a little bit of a mess: stressed from traffic, organizing a dog sitter, and making sure I could log off from work for the weekend. Any talk of meditation and manifesting my dreams was not on my radar when there was a house to clean! Bills to pay! Kid to care for! I realize now how close I was to burnout.

My weekend with Sarah manifesting my dreams at the Dream Inn pulled me back, set me straight, and transformed my mood and energy in ways I never expected.

Here’s what I learned about manifesting your dreams right now.

Photo by Arina Krasnikova

1.Write down your dreams: And don’t just write them down – be specific about what they look like and how they feel when you’ve finally reached them. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in that moment. Where are you? What does it feel, smell, sound like? What are you doing when you reach them? Use visualization tools like a vision board placed front and center; start a daily meditation routine that keeps you focused on your purpose; and try saying your goals aloud to yourself (if that’s not too weird). These practices can help keep you driven and focused.

2. Write down the “show-me’s”: According to Sarah, this is the how. Write down the small steps for achieving bigger goals. Be consistent. It’s a lot easier to give up on your dreams, when the steps for getting there are not already part of your routine. “We can't just do something one time and expect to change a habit,” said Sarah. Reframe how you think about reaching your goals – a mindset of will do vs. maybe will – and create a routine around the steps. 

Photo by Olia Danilevich

3. Practice gratitude. Practice gratitude for what you already have – this has a lot to do with shifting your energy and what you attract because what we feel inside attracts the same energy outside. Start a gratitude journal or try these gratitude prompts.

4. Set a daily intention. Sarah suggests using LSD: listen to yourself, stop negative thinking, and declare your goals. Every morning find a quiet space to listen to yourself and your needs – this may be actual meditation, or sitting with a cup of tea, or taking a walk or hike. Set an intention for the day that will help you reach your goals.

Photo by Dziana Hasanbekava/PEXELS

5. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. We talked a lot about energies and magnets – what we put out there, we attract so if you're feeling stressed and chaotic guess what's coming right back at you? Underneath that stress though is usually fear – fear of not seeming perfect or saying no or not doing what your true inner self wants to do. Replace those negative beliefs with positive ones; treat yourself with kindness and understanding; and allow yourself to heal slowly to reach a healthier way of living. "Replace those old stories you tell yourself and redefine them into something positive, so your conscious mind starts to believe you can," says Sarah.

6. Focus on what brings you joy. Spend more time doing the things that bring you joy and your energy will shift to a more positive mindset. A positive mindset is key to achieving your goals, attracting positive experiences, and living the life that you want.

7. Stay accountable. Whether it's a friend or partner or a journal that you check in with on a daily or weekly basis, find ways to hold yourself accountable for your goals and check off those small steps you decide are the best way to get there. You got this!

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Header image by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

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9 Super Trendy Summer Nail Designs You Can DIY At Home

No vacation is complete without flowy maxi dresses, cute hairstyles, and allllll the summer nail designs. When it comes to summer vacation, you're in your relaxation era, and you deserve to feel good and look cute! But if you can't figure out which summer nail designs you should be paying attention to, take a deep breath! I found 10 adorable options that are stylish, yet practical so you can make your way over to the swim-up bar in style. Here's all the inspo that I'd take to the nail salon for your next appointment!

Image via abolfazl zarghami/Pexels

Short Abstract Acrylic Summer Nails

If you decide to get an acrylic or gel overlay for a couple of weeks, opt for a shorter style so that you don't have to worry about accidentally breaking them while you're dressed in tenniscore during your friendly pickleball match.

The burnt orange lines and outlines here perfectly complement the flashes of turquoise and brown in this abstract design, making it the perfect choice if you plan to spend your days lounging on Miami Beach. These nail sheets from Amazon are a great option for someone wanting to try this on a budget!

Image via Bellacures

Pops of Magenta Nail Designs

Do you live for a good surprise that's not overwhelming? Me too! It's one of the reasons why I think this summer nail design by Bellacures is the perfect for just that.

It features a light pastel pink nail polish base with two varying magenta dots near your cuticles. While you can easily achieve this look at the salon with a fresh set of acrylic nails, you also don't have to! You can DIY this at home with Olive and June's Rosy Tips as a base for your nails, and their Biggest Bow nail polish for the magenta dots!

Image via Kristina Paukshtite/Pexels

Be One with Nature Nail Designs

Summer nail designs don't have to be in-your-face to make a statement. All you need is one nail color that's associated with warmer days to truly speak to the upcoming season — like OPI's Peppermint Bark and Bite! It has a gorgeous metallic shine that'll truly make this gorgeous nail design sparkle.

Want to get the natural, earthy vibe from home? Try this Evergreen Tree Stickers nail art from Olive and June!

Image via Olive & June

Long Royal Blue French Nail Designs

Do you want your nails to do the talking for you? Opt for long, royal blue acrylic nails that are an updated version of acrylic nails. The color and length alone will make people pay attention to whatever you're saying and wearing. If that's the goal, ask your nail tech to use China Glaze's Simply Fa-Blue-Less Nail Lacquer! Want something quick and easy to achieve at home? Olive & June has a press on for that: Blue Metallic French Glue Press-OnsGlue Press-Ons

Image via Bellacures

Orange Sorbet with Sprinkles

While orange was never my favorite color growing up, I can't get enough of this colorful shade now! It's like all I can think about when I see this nail design is a yummy smoothie or sorbet popsicle that has a hint of mandarin orange in it.

If you plan to indulge in a ton of sorbet to keep cool during scorching days, it's only right that your nails match! For a less designed — but just as cute — option, try these Creamsicle Tab Press-Ons from Olive and June!

Image via Impress

Astrologically Correct

Are you the kind of person who relies on your weekly horoscope to plan your summer vacation or pick what you're gonna grab for dinner? These astrological nail designs are waiting for you.

They have a witchy vibe that guarantees they'll go with any outfit you plan to wear and that's what make them one of the best summer nail designs you can wear! While you can ask your nail tech to get creative with this at the salon, I love that imPRESS has some at-home options you can literally press on yourself!

Image via Bellacures

Short & Sweet Vibrant Nails

Keep it short and sweet with another version of a french manicure that features different colors at the top of each nail. You can go as vibrant as you want or you can opt for pastel colors! This gives you a little pop without overpowering your amazing summer vacation look I know you're slaying right now.

For a vertical, at-home take on this look, Olive and June have these Neon Lines Glue Press-Ons!

Image via Bellacures

Abstract Pastel Colors

Keep the pastel party going with another abstract idea! Bellacures nail salon suggests taking your otherwise neutral manicure to the next level by adding varying shades of pastel blues, pinks, purples, yellows, and greens to each nail. Need a press-on option as a girl on-the-go? Grab these Glamnetic Jelly Bean Short Oval Press-On Nails!

Image via Shae Devereaux/Pexels

Simple, Dreamy Vibes

Abstract summer nail designs clearly have a special place in my heart — but it's because they can be as simple or bold as you want! I like this nail set because it's great for attending summer cocktail parties, weddings, or work events without causing too much of a scene. All you need is a nice white nail polish that's not opaque (it matters) and you're all set! Don't have a steady hand? These press-ons from imPRESS will work just as well!

Which summer nail designs will you try at home or show to your nail tech during your next salon visit?

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Bellacures

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This Is the Best Time to Stretch During Your Workout

Between work commitments, grocery runs, and coffee dates, it feels like we barely have time to even make it to the gym. So when we do actually get our gear and go amid all these responsibilities (hello, 2024 New Year’s resolution), who can blame us for simply wanting to skip straight to cardio, burn as many calories as we can in 30 minutes, and then bounce? Unfortunately, this is a super ill-advised way to exercise, because it means you’re skimping on an essential part of the workout routine: stretching. Although adding a warmupmight mean tacking an extra 20 minutes onto your workout (you can do it!), the numerous benefits should make integrating stretching into your gym time a no-brainer. Nichole Tipps — lead trainer for V Shred, a virtual fitness training program — offers us some insight about the importance of stretching.


Everything You Need To Know About Stretching During A Workout

1. Why to Stretch: It’s not just for gym rats. According to Tipps, all of us, no matter how athletically inclined, should be incorporating stretching into our schedules.

“Many people ignore stretching when working out or just as a daily routine,” she says. “Stretching has an array of health benefits that serve as building blocks for longevity and physical well-being.”

Stretching increases flexibility, which improves range of motion in addition to improving workouts, and it delays the effects of atrophy later in life. It also aids posture and relieves stress. In terms of exercising, stretching has advantages both pre- and post-workout.

“Stretching increases blood flow to the muscles and improves your circulation,” explains Tipps. Because of this, failing to stretch beforehand can result in injury, and neglecting to do it afterward can lead to enhanced soreness and a longer recovery period. You’re also making yourself more susceptible to pain, inflammation, and tension in general, Tipps warns.

2. When to Stretch: Most people are at least vaguely aware of the benefits of stretching, but a lot of confusion surrounds when to actually do it during a workout. Contrary to popular belief, the heavy-duty stretching should be reserved for when you’ve finished exercising.

“After your workout is a better time to stretch with more dedication,” Tipps confirms. “Your muscles are tense, and they are tired and stressed in a good way. So stretching can help relieve that tension and reduce the soreness that results from working a muscle.”

Allot 10-15 minutes for these post-sweat stretches. Before your workout, simply stretch lightly, keeping the time to less than 10 minutes.

“Ease your muscles into the idea that you will be challenging them to perform,” Tipps instructs.

3. What to Stretch: Both of these stretch seshes should always address your arms, legs, and back, regardless of what areas that workout focuses on.

“There are different parts to each of these areas, so concentrate on those that your workout calls for that day, but don’t neglect everything else altogether either,” advises Tipps. “Remember, a lot of workout routines include compound exercises, which are multi-joint movements that work several muscles at one time.”

Although stretching might initially seem like yet another chore to add to your to-do list, its benefits are invaluable enough to no longer ignore. As Tipps encourages, “Stretch regularly, and over time you will reap the benefits and maintain your mobility.”

How do you stretch when working out?

There are quite a few stretches you can do when working out depending on what your body needs. No matter what you end up going with, remember not to force it — stretching should, well, stretch your muscles, but it shouldn't be painful! Check out these Pro Tips To Reach Your 2024 Fitness Goals, The Best At-Home Workouts, and 9 Easy Stretches You Can Do To Exercise At Your Desk for more ideas!

Is it better to stretch during or after a workout?

Nichole Tipps recommends saving your more intense stretches for after a workout. But don't be afraid to do a few easy stretches beforehand!

What’s your favorite stretch during a workout? Let us know on social media!

This article has been updated.

All images via Brit + Co

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Your First Look At Pedro Pascal & Bella Ramsey In "The Last Of Us" Season 2

After a season of adventure, heartache, and lots of father-daughter bonding, we're ready to return to the world of HBO's The Last of Us. So is the rest of the internet apparently, considering "The Last of Us season 2" has almost six billion results on Google. Starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the show immediately started making headlines after its pilot episode, and had a viewership increase of 75 percent by the finale. The series also went on to score three Emmy nominations and a SAG Award for Pedro Pascal as Joel!

Season 2 is sure to be just as compelling as the original season, but only time will tell whether we'll see new plotlines and character arcs, or the timeline arranged in a different way. I know for sure that whatever Craig Mazin and the rest of the team decide to do will make me cry. If you have as many questions about the second season as we do, keep reading for everything you need to know before the series returns to HBO.

Your First Look At The Last Of Us Season 2

Image via HBO

The first look at Bella Ramsey as Ellie shows the teen still rocks her beanie + puffer combo, but you can tell she has much more grit and determination than we saw last season (which, TBH, is hard to believe).

Image via HBO

The first look at Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller already has fans crying because the framing and Joel's outfit look very similar to an emotional scene from the game. Plus, I think we're just ready to see our favorites onscreen again!

"Cries in long hair Joel Miller," one X user tweeted.

"All the set photos and officially released photos from The Last of Us Season 2 are making me so f-ckin happy, I can’t wait to get traumatized again," another said.

When will The Last of Us season 2 premiere?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

The Last of Us season 2 is set to begin filming in February 12, 2024, Craig Mazin tells Variety. HBO confirmed on Wednesday, May 15 that it would premiere in 2025.

Who's in The Last of Us season 2 cast?

Image via Hulu

The Last of Us will see Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal returning to our screens, but they'll also be joined by Kaitlyn Dever in the role of Abby. This is the one role fans have been waiting for — she plays a huge role in the second game and the fact that she's in the second season of the series shows that the action, drama, and suspense is only going to get crazier from here on out.

It was also announced that Isabela Merced will star as Dina and Young Mazino will star as Jesse. Argylle star Catherine O'Hara has reportedly been cast in a role created just for the TV show.

Will The Last of Us season 2 follow the plot of the game?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Showrunner Craig Mazin told EW that the new season "will be different just as this season was different [from the original game]."

Bella Ramsey also weighed in on the changes between The Last of Us season 2 and its first season, telling Vanity Fair that "it’s really a story about revenge and a continuation from the first season about the dangers of unconditional love." I know that The Last of Us: Part II is all about revenge, but we still don't know just how much of the game will be used in the show.

“I think that they’re always going to find ways to build on the incredible source material that they have, and surprise us with how they can use that material in a different format like a television show," Pedro Pascal tells Deadline. "But I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anybody, and the truth is, I don’t actually have all of the information as of [January 2024].”

Will the time jump between games play a role in the series? Will the end of season 2 line up with the beginning of the game? We'll have to wait and see!

Will there be season 2 of Last of Us?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Yes, there will be a season 2 of The Last of Us. The show was renewed after only its second episode ever! Right now there are only two games, so we'll have to see if we end up getting a season 3.

What is The Last of Us about?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

The first season of The Last of Us follows Joel (played by Pedro Pascal), who lives in Boston 20 years after a fungal outbreak leads to the end of the world. When a plan to save his brother goes sideways, Joel finds himself smuggling teenager Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across the country.

Where will The Last of Us season 2 film?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

After the first season filmed in places like Calgary, Alberta, Deadline announced on March 31 that The Last of Us season 2 will shoot in Vancouver.

Where can I watch The Last of Us?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

You can watch the first nine episodes of the show on Max. We're hoping we also get nine The Last of Us season 2 episodes — if not more!

Is Bella Ramsey in season 2?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Yes, Bella will return as Ellie for The Last of Us season 2. "The only way we would ever, ever consider re-casting Bella is if [they] said, 'I don't want to work with you guys anymore,'" Neil Druckmann (the game's creator) tells EW. "And even then, we're not sure we would grant [them] that. We might still force [them] to come back to season 2."

How old is Ellie in The Last of Us 2?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Ellie is 19 years old in The Last of Us: Part II, so it's safe to assume she'll be 19 in The Last of Us season 2!

Why is Ellie immune?

Image via Shane Harvey/HBO

According to Firefly leader Marlene in the season one finale, they believe Ellie is immune because her mother was infected before she could cut the umbilical cord. So, Ellie has had cordyceps with her since birth — meaning her immune system overrides any potential infection.

Your First Look At The Last Of Us Season 2 Cast

Image via Zarak/Instagram

We got our first look at The Last of Us season 2 cast when they dined at Vancouver restaurant Zarak. "Us 🤝🏼 The Last of Us," the establishment says in an Instagram post on January 24. "It was our pleasure hosting you last night." While Pedro Pascal wasn't at dinner, Bella Ramsey, creator Craig Mazin, producer Jacqueline Lesko, and newcomers Isabela Merced and Young Mazino were in attendance! Since Bella's Ellie, Isabela's Dina, and Young's Jesse are all super close in the story, some pre-production bonding sounds like the perfect way to start off season 2.

Follow us on Twitter and TikTok for more pop culture, and check back here for more news on The Last of Us season 2.

Header image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

This post has been updated.

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Christina Lauren's "The Paradise Problem" Is The Sizzling Romance Novel You'll Cancel Plans To Read

If you're a classic romance girl who craves a little spice — I'm looking at you, Bridgerton fans — then Christina Lauren's The Paradise Problemis everything you need. I thought I was hooked on romantasy books, but I think this book has coaxed me right back over to the more traditional romance side — and I mean who can really have too much of either type of romance anyway, right?

But before I dig into all things The Paradise Problem, it's important to be clear up one thing: Christina Lauren isn't just one author like I initially thought. The two women responsible for bringing the world 30 romance novels are absolute powerhouses who also happen to be best friends: Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. I know — this news alone seems like it deserves it's own summer novel. Since they don't have plans to do that, we at least get to have their unified essence in the books they've written and in this lovely interview.

It goes without saying, but The Paradise Problem is the perfect way to celebrate Christina Lauren's successful romance empire. Of their newest title, Christina and Lauren feel great about it being in the world. "This one is really fun so it's like going out and just celebrating. We're not worried," Lauren says with a smile. Confidence; I love it!

Ahead, learn more about how they birthed Christina Lauren and created the characters you'll come to love in The Paradise Problem.

The Making of a Romance Novel Empire 

Image via Brystan Studios

Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings

I know besties when I see them, and this writing duo has all the makings of two friends whose bond has been deepened by more than time. Still, curiosity get's the best of me when I mention what certainly feels like an empire to me before asking, "How did you two meet?" Their knowing smile says it all — they've clearly been locked in for a while, and they remember the exact moment things clicked for them.

"In 2009 we were both writing fanfiction and reading each other's stories online. Then Lo (Lauren) was putting on a panel at San Diego Comic Con on fanworks and she invited me to be on it. So, I came out and we met for the first time, and we got along really well," says Christina.

From there, they wrote a one shot — quick fanfiction story — together, and eventually decided it was worth taking a chance on writing an entire book. The fact that both Christina and Lauren have experience writing fanfiction not only helped them prepare for their pivot into authorship, but it also got them accustomed to the honesty of online book reviews.

As far as people not knowing that Christina Lauren is actually two people, that's basically the point. "We want it [our books] to feel like they're written by one voice. We spend a lot of time editing to make sure it doesn't sound feel like two very distinct, combative voices in there," Lauren says while excitedly adding, "I mean everyday we get DM's that are like, 'I didn't know there were two of you!'"

Peeling Back the Layers of The Paradise Problem 

Warning: May contain some spoilers.

I have a deep appreciation for books that immediately call my imagination to the forefront and that's just one of the many things The Paradise Problem does as soon as you begin reading the first page. We're immediately introduced to Anna Green and "West" going their separate ways after choosing to amicably end their marriage. The kicker? See, they don't actually know each other.

How can two people essentially be strangers while they're married? Realistically, Anna and West's marriage was one of convenience. Each found themselves in a situation where their very survival relied on marriage, so they decided to become husband and wife solely on paper.

That seems pretty straightforward right? Wrong. Based on the first impressions of Anna and West, one has it together while the other is a hot mess. But, Christina Lauren is challenging us to rethink our approach to first impressions because they're not always everything. Once you start peeling back a person's layers, you can really start to understand their choices, reactions, family dynamics (and there are plenty of awkward encounters in this story on that front), and more.

Image via Jasmine Williams

Christina and Lauren knew what they wanted for these two characters in the end, but they had to figure out how to fully thread the needle for it to work — particularly when it came to West and his relationship to his family. They had his backstory, but they needed to figure out how to fully flesh out his world, parents and all. What they went with was jaw-dropping IMO, full of shady behavior, cocky attitudes, and beyond. But how does West's background and personality relate to Anna's?

"We always try to think about who's the perfect person for the characters — not who will complete them. Anna is very different. She does not come from a wealthy background, she's not super polished," says Lauren. But, there's more to her than meets the eye. She's a genuinely good person who has a loving heart that no amount of status can compete with once the layers are peeled back.

This is what begins winning West over, and the two soon begin to find there's some truth to the fictionalized relationship they have on display for West's family. Ultimately, The Paradise Problem begs readers to ask if opposites really do attract, confronting us — and our main characters — with this one scenario at a time.

Image via Jasmine Williams

In my humble opinion, The Paradise Problem feels like one of Christina Lauren's best books because it encompasses all the elements that fans of their work love. Christina says, "They love characters they either want to be or want to be friends with, heroes they want for their own, a lot of the settings..." She continues, saying, "The great thing about having a large catalogue of books is that there's something for everyone. Do you like funny books? We got you. Do you want super saucy books? We got you. Do you want something that's gonna rip your heart out? We got that too."

In case you have any doubts about that, check out all of the duo's books now and get your copy of The Paradise Problemtoday!

Be sure to watch our full interview with Christina and Lauren, officially known as Christina Lauren, on YouTube!

Lead image via Christina Lauren

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