****TRIGGER WARNING: A LOT of bad language at the beginning of the book. A lot of fat phobia in the book ****

I was really interested in this from the synopsis, but between Bridget Jones and this there's really no comparison needed. I was SHOCKED by the amount of bad language in the first chapter. Why do some books include swear words when lovemaking is concerned? It's not necessary and I find it annoying and immature.

The lovemaking was extremely explicit and I felt thrust into it and even so uncomfortable I almost didn't continue. I did though, hoping that it would get better. There are some tough life situations with the loss of family members and I felt for Aayliah about her sister.

Her family was just unbearable when they were together. There were so many disagreements and there was a lot of judgement and comparison. I felt like Aayliah's family were so overbearing.

Fat phobia and weight is a big theme in the book.

The plot is repetitive and doesn't really go anywhere.

2 stars

Thanks to Danielle Allan and publisher for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Amazing book from Danielle Allen. I typically do not gravitate towards the friends to lovers dynamic but this was just too perfect. I loved the personal journeys that Aaliyah and Ahmad went on and their character development throughout the book.

This book was incredibly funny. And I could not stop laughing at their banter along with their funny friends. Everyone needs a Nina in their life!

Admittedly, the beginning of this book threw me. It starts in hot and heavy and I wasn't expecting it, nor did I love it. However, once we got into the meat of the book, I found myself wanting to pick it back up any time I put it down.

Was this my favorite book? No. Would I recommend it? Yes.

This is a great book about the search for a relationship and finding out it has been right in front of you the whole time. Sometimes love comes when and where you least expect it and I really enjoyed watching the relationship unfold. I am curious about the second book in this series and will very likely check it out.

This book was amazing
4.5⭐️
I was looking for a good romance book and I found it. I had so much fun with this romance, it was funny and real it had me smiling and giggling. I loved all the characters except the uncle he pissed me off, unfortunately a lot of people experience body shaming and im glad it was talked about. I loved Aaliyah and was routing hard for her.
I'm glad I read it

I love this book. It’s everything I wanted and more. It’s fun, exciting and felt refreshing. I love the curvy girl representation, it makes me happy to see women shaped like me in books. Thank you for the early copy.

Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen is an engaging, heartwarming, and empowering contemporary romance that will resonate with readers looking for a refreshing and body-positive story.

The novel follows Aaliyah James, a vibrant, plus-size woman navigating the ups and downs of love and self-worth as she approaches her thirtieth birthday. Tired of the typical blind dates and constant disappointment, Aaliyah decides to give online dating a shot. Along the way, she meets Ahmad Williamson, a charming bartender who encourages her to embrace her journey to love with open arms. As their connection deepens, Aaliyah finds herself learning not just about love, but also about self-acceptance and the importance of embracing who you are—flaws, curves, and all.

Danielle Allen has created a relatable and authentic protagonist in Aaliyah. Readers will quickly root for her, experiencing her moments of vulnerability, humor, and personal growth as she steps into her own power. The book touches on essential themes like body positivity, self-love, and the search for true love in a world that often prioritizes unrealistic beauty standards. Aaliyah’s journey is inspiring and refreshing, especially in a genre where plus-size women aren’t always the central focus.

The romance between Aaliyah and Ahmad is sweet, sincere, and undeniably steamy, without ever feeling forced. The chemistry between the two feels genuine, and their dynamic provides the perfect balance of lighthearted fun and emotional depth. Ahmad’s unwavering support and respect for Aaliyah are heartwarming, and their connection feels grounded and real.

What sets Curvy Girl Summer apart from other romance novels is its emphasis on self-discovery. Aaliyah’s transformation isn’t just about finding the right partner—it’s about falling in love with herself first. This message resonates deeply and will leave readers feeling empowered and hopeful.

Danielle Allen’s writing is witty, engaging, and full of humor, making this novel an easy, enjoyable read. The pacing is just right, and the book delivers a satisfying mix of romance, humor, and heart. Fans of body-positive romances and feel-good stories will undoubtedly fall in love with this book.

Verdict: Curvy Girl Summer is a delightful, heartfelt romance that will leave you smiling long after you finish reading. With its relatable protagonist, empowering themes, and steamy romance, it’s a perfect pick for anyone looking for a light yet meaningful read. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance who appreciate a story that celebrates love in all its forms.

If I were to compare Curvy Girl Summer to another book or movie, I’d say it shares a lot in common with the book The Hating Game by Sally Thorne and the movie Bridget Jones’s Diary. If you enjoyed those stories, you’ll likely appreciate Curvy Girl Summer, as it offers a fresh perspective on romance, self-love, and finding the perfect match while being unapologetically yourself.

CURVY GIRL SUMMER BY DANIELLE ALLEN IS AN AMAZING, HILARIOUS Rom com that everyone should put on their tbr!! I'm so grateful to have read this !

Loved this book! It was refreshing to read a FMC who was in tune with who she was and what she wanted, even if she took some time to figure out her “why”. Her family’s characters fell a bit flat, but her dates were hilarious! Great cozy romance with a heroine that you root for.

This was a smoking hot and fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed the day main character who was unapologetic. Such a great read!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are mine.

This is a steamy romance featuring a confident woman. Aaliyah is done with flings and situations hips and it doesn't help that her family remind her of her age and the rocking clock. So she makes it her mission to find a date before her 30th birthday But sometimes love is right in front of you. Very entertaining ,well written and a perfect weekend read.
.

Many say the dating scene is a scam and that dating apps are not helpful, this book gave some humor to dating. Aaliyah has a goal and while her reason isn't great, it was nice to see her go through her dating journey. Danielle Allen invoked many emotions with Aaliyah's family situation and her dating. I enjoyed the book and changed how I looked at dating

I loved this story. It was cute, sexy, and funny romance.

The MC was smart, curvy, confident and funny. It was great to see how she handled and mishandled all he blind dates.

This one has been on everyone's reading list...so enjoyable!

Ever since Aaliyah lost her sister five years ago, her parents have placed their unfulfilled expectations of becoming grandparents squarely on her shoulders. Approaching her 30th birthday without a boyfriend or husband, Aaliyah finds herself under scrutiny during her sister’s memorial dinner. Her uncle’s tactless comment about her weight only adds to her discomfort, but it also sparks a newfound determination within her.

Stepping out of her comfort zone, Aaliyah crosses paths with a charming bartender, Ahmad, who encourages her to try online dating, arranging her first dates at his bar. Supported by her loyal friends and very attractive Ahmad, Aaliyah dives into the dating scene with hope, only to endure a series of disappointing encounters.

As Aaliyah navigates the highs and lows of dating, her bond with Ahmad deepens beyond friendship, but she cannot do anything about it as Ahmad is married.

I loved Aaliyah and rooted for her from the beginning. She is independent, confident, and sexy. I admired Aaliyah's unwavering clarity about what she wants in life, standing up for herself and rejecting her dates if they are not respectful. It was amazing how she realized why she set a milestone of 30 and the way she communicated about It with her parent.

Ahmad, the bartender, is a compelling character whose struggle with trauma is poignant to witness. While his feelings for Aaliyah are palpable, I felt his perspective could have enriched the story further. His actions, like taking her to a concert, spoke volumes, yet his apology in the end didn't feel enough.

I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamics of Aaliyah’s dates, the banter between her and Ahmad, and her interactions with friends, all of which were wonderfully portrayed. Plus-size representation is well written. Author perfectly showed what a plus size women go through, comments people throw in name of compliments and how some even generalize them. The exploration of grief, trauma, and guilt added depth to the narrative.

The slow-burn chemistry between Ahmad and Aaliyah crackles with intensity, though I wished for more insight into Ahmad’s inner thoughts. I also feel his declaration of love somehow didn’t convince me in the end.

Overall, 'Curvy Girl Summer' is an enjoyable, engaging, and fun romance with a strong portrayal of plus-size identity.

Curvy Girl Summer is a delightful romp through Aaliyah’s chaotic journey through online dating (and how very very bad it can be)... which leads to her unexpected connection with Ahmad, who just might be her perfect match. It's packed with witty banter and sizzling chemistry, which alone would be worth a read. But watching Aaliyah handle fat phobic and well-meaning statements was the most perfect representation and everything I ever needed.

Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen is a fun, empowering, and steamy romance that celebrates body positivity, self-love, and the joy of living unapologetically. The story follows a confident and curvy protagonist as she embarks on a summer adventure filled with laughter, friendship, and unexpected romance. Allen’s writing is engaging and full of heart, capturing both the heat of summer and the deeper emotions of personal growth and self-acceptance. With its relatable characters, sizzling chemistry, and uplifting message, this book is the perfect feel-good read for anyone looking for a romantic escape that leaves them smiling.

This was my first time reading Danielle Allen, and I received Curvy Girl Summer as an ARC from NetGalley. The novel presents a fun and lighthearted narrative that celebrates body positivity and self-love. The beach setting and summer vibes add a delightful backdrop to the story. Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen is a contemporary romance that follows the story of Sierra, a confident and curvy woman who is ready to embrace the summer of her dreams. After a tough breakup, Sierra decides to spend the summer focusing on herself and her happiness. She joins a beach house with her best friends, where she meets the charming and handsome Jax. As sparks fly between Sierra and Jax, she must navigate her insecurities and past heartbreaks to open herself up to new possibilities and love. The character development is a mixed bag. Sierra is a relatable and likable protagonist, and her journey towards self-acceptance is inspiring. Her chemistry with Jax is palpable, and their interactions are sweet and engaging. However, some of the secondary characters felt underdeveloped, and their storylines could have been explored more deeply to add richness to the narrative. The plot is straightforward and enjoyable, though it follows a fairly predictable romance formula. There are a few twists and turns, but nothing too surprising. The pacing is generally good, but some parts of the story felt a bit rushed, especially towards the end. Overall, Curvy Girl Summer is a charming read with a positive message about self-love and embracing one's true self. While it had its flaws, it shows promise for Danielle Allen as a writer. I'm interested to see how her storytelling evolves in future works. #netgalley #curvygirlsummer

WOW! I see why Ashley Antoinnette is here agent. I was already a fan of Danielle Allen's work through her indie catalog but she needs to be with the big leads! When I say this is goals for someone to be indie to getting in bookstores, this is what I meant! The story flowed well, the characters were everything and on top of that it was funny as hell! I can't wait for the next book!

This is the first book that I've read by Danielle Allen, and I'm here for it.

This was a good time,and I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. There were laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt moments, side eyeing a few characters, and so much more. And I mean so much more.

A few quotes that I loved. There are more, but I will not spoil it for you.
💜"That's their issue, not mine."

💜"And I would love to have met the right man to be my husband, but I haven't. And I'm not willing to settle. There's nothing wrong with that."

💜"My happiness is tied to me living a life that I love and am proud of. My happiness is centered around me and what I want."

💜"But again, I don't want to have kids with just anyone. I'd like to do that with my husband, and I'm not going to marry just anyone. So, it goes back to what I said before-I'm not willing to settle."

My stamp of approval. I am recommending this book to you.

This was a superb romance. It was funny, but not lacking in depth. I liked both of our main characters and how we get to see the foundation of their relationship build platonically first. I also LOVED the friendship group of our female main character and I hope that the subsequent books will be following them. I will definitely be picking up the next one and recommending this series to others!!

Definitely a fun summer read! I couldn’t put this book down. Loved the personality every character brought to the story line. I would actually like to see the story evolve. Thank your NetGalley and Danielle Allen for this awesome read.