Curvy Girl Summer was great! But Plus Size Player...WOW! Compared to book one in the Curve series by Danielle Allen, Plus Size Player is a fast-paced romance with a sure and certain MMC. Player Nina has her work cut out for her as her romance with Russell turns complicated. Bravo to Allen on another can't-put-down and sexy story.

As a huge huge fan of Danielle Allen, this was probably my least favorite book by her. I loved Nina as a character, but nearly every other page, someone was fat shaming her. As a plus size black woman, I have never experienced fat shaming. Especially not by men. I don’t think that this was realistic. I know it’s fiction, realistic fiction at that, but I just did not like this book.

Thank you Tor Publishing Group for the advanced reader copy.

If it's one thing Ms Allen is going to do is give a grown, sexy, funny read, that is sure to have me giggling and enjoying the ride. This book made me blush so many times, and I was super happy that no one else was in the car to hear all this naughty goodness. I equally laughed out loud throughout this novel as Nina, the FMC, had me cracking up with her sense of humor.

In this novel, we meet Nina as she lives her life focusing on pursuing her dreams as a model and dating various men for the rolls they suit in her life. She has a full roster and has no intention of being serious with anyone that can't measure up to the example her parents have set. We also got to see a little bit of her friendship with Aaliyah, which I loved, because I loved her book last year.

The romance in the story hit all the points for me. The dates were swoon worthy, the communication was on point, and the spice was top tier!! The MMC was a man of action. He was attentive, funny, romantic, sexy, and such a perfect fit for our girl. I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us!! I'm hoping it's the other friend's story.

This book was very well written the chemistry oozed off the pages. I love Nina and Russell together. This story gives hope to those thinking they may never find the one.

this series is going to be one of my all time favs. as soon as we met Nina in book 1 i knew her book was gonna be everything. we love a woman who knows herself and knows what she wants and won’t settle for less. i really enjoyed getting to see her work life as well as romantic life. russ couldn’t be a more perfect MMC. there was never a time where i didn’t like him which i’d say is pretty rare in romance books. the writing was very well done and easy to follow. danielle allen writes very well rounded MC’s and i will never skip one of her books!

Danielle Allen has done it again! I am loving the curve series so far. Similar to Curvy Girl Summer, Plus Size Player is also humorous with truly laugh out loud funny moments. I love Nina and Russ’s story, the way they found each other, and were willing to stay together. It’s sweet, sensual, and funny, all I could ask for in a romance.

This love story was everything I needed! Russ and Nina were HOT and HEAVY in love. Love the whirlwind romance along with a wine and dine of a fmc. This book gave me both! The way Nina stood up for herself in trying times, particularly in the stereotypically skinny fashion industry, i also loved how Russ was always there to reassure/stand up for her. Seeing him fall in love in real time throughout this book was heart warming. Literally was swooning, kicking my feet while listening to these two laugh, joke, get to know each other, dirty talk, and everything else between!

To start…let me say that I’ve never wanted be a fictional character more than I wanted to be Nina Ford! Nina IS THAT GIRL!

She’s enjoying her life and doing what she wants. She doesn’t let anyone or anything bother her. I loved her in Curvy Girl Summer and I knew that her story was going to be one I loved because the character is amazing and she’s funny!

In this book, we get a look at Nina’s whole self outside of her being a wonderful friend to Aaliyah. Her dating life is certainly one to aspire to. She understands the purpose and is just about having fun…that is until she discovers that maybe…just maybe The Fun One might be able to fill all of the things she wants…in one man…does she want to throw caution to the wind and let Russ be THE one?

Enter…a brand new job…that could be the job of her dreams! Can she really have it all? The man of her dreams…the job of her dreams? With no other options? Nina is really all about having options. Putting all her eggs in one basket in her professional life and in her romantic life was certainly not on her bingo card but here she is…and boy is it a wild ride!

I absolutely loved it! I haven’t met a Danielle Allen book I haven’t loved. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Ａｕｄｉｏｂｏｏｋ & Ｅｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Listen closest, and understand me when I say this with my whole chest. PLUS SIZE PLAYER by Daniella Allen is now my favorite book of 2025! I honestly don't think any book could beat this book at the moment. Omg! This book had me giggling like a school girl. I now have to get the physical copy. Nina Ford doesn’t like to put all her eggs in one basket. She works multiple jobs, she enjoys multiple hobbies, she dates multiple men. In her thirty years of life, Nina has never come across a man who has all the things she’s looking for. She’s always been content, rotating a few men in and out of her life to get her needs met. But when Russell Long, her designated “Fun Guy”, shows her that he’s good for more than just thrills, it seems too good to be true. Hunni, once Russell got his hand on Nina, he turned her every way but lose, and I LOVED IT.

The audiobook is phenomenal. I swear Wesleigh Siobhan has me questioning my sexual preferences. When Wesleigh does her man's voice, Lord forgive me, but I always fall in love. And the spicy scenes just send me over the edge.. omg, I feel like every BOOK READER or AUDIO listener should experience Wesleigh Siobhan at least once because you will never be disappointed. She knows how to bring emotions and tell the book into a live action show in your head. With all that said, this audiobook is amazing.

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
•Plus Size Female Lead
•Black Romance

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Tor Publishing Group, for the audiobook and ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Every book isn't for everybody, as we all know, but this book is for everyone. Danielle put her soul into the character of Nina. I am low-key going to go out on a limb and say that Nina has some of her in this book. It was the confidence, witty comebacks, the dreams realized. If you have followed her social media presence, you would understand why I said what I said and stand on it.

Okay, now let's get to Russell because, BABY!!!! In a minute, I am going to say we all need to find us a Russell. First, Ciara and now Nina. Where is my Russell? He was more than fun. He was attentive, protective, creative, and sexy. If the man doesn't instantly harden when you are present, then he is not for you. Crash out over a theory. Fire someone on sight for disrespect. Russ is book husband material and goals.

This book gave and left no crumbs. I threw the church shoe at Danielle via voice text over messenger. Queen, that crown is holding strong, thank you. The message was received loud and clear by this fat girl.

This was a joyful riot of delightful debauchery!

Nina is living a hot girl life with a guy for every occasion.. There’s The Smart One, The Funny One, The Romantic One, and The Fun One. She keeps it honest with them but keeps them all in rotation because she doesn’t think there’s one man that can ever be everything for her.

And then she starts catching real feelings for The Fun One. At the same time, things are really changing for her in her career. Just like with men, she never puts all her eggs in one basket and has spent the last few years working as a plus size fashion Content Creator.

Then an opportunity comes up for her to take a chance on putting all of her eggs into one career basket. While she’s also considering putting all of her eggs into the one man basket?


Suddenly, everything Nina’s ever believed for herself is turned upside down and she has to figure out what right side up looks like.

This was SOOO much fun. It was a quick, easy read and I turned every page wondering what drama would unfold, who Nina would tell about themselves, and what adventure The Fun One—Russ—would have for her next.

BTW, so many of the adventures were sexy fun times because Russ puts it DOWN. He talks her through it regularly because he can’t get enough of Nina.

Love it for her.

I love seeing a woman who doesn’t believe in love get loved hard. Nina and Russ have lots of ups and downs to get to their HEA because of the drama I will not spoil for you. I hope you enjoy every moment like I have!

CW: There’s lots of fatphobia directed at Nina but she doesn’t internalize it or let it make her stutter. She mostly just goes off on them and points out their shortcomings. Queen shit.

This book was such a fun and romantic read! Russ was everything—a true man who knew how to step up when needed, like when he put that rude employee in their place. His attentiveness and confidence were on full display, especially with grand gestures like renting out an amusement park just for Nina. And that helicopter scene? Absolutely unforgettable! I loved that Nina was a plus-size fashion influencer who was not only confident in herself but also fully aware of what she deserved, keeping a roster of men who were lucky to be in her presence. Her storyline running parallel to Aaliyah’s made the story feel even more realistic, and the relationships throughout the book were a highlight. Nina’s bond with her parents, especially her mother, was beautiful—she was showered with love and encouragement, which added such warmth to her character. I also really enjoyed the friendship between Nina, Aaliyah, and Jazmyn—their support for one another was so genuine. Overall, I liked this way more than Curvy Girl Summer!

Nina Ford is all about going with the flow. She sees who she wants to see, does things on her terms, and won't settle for anything less. While most would consider her dating tactics playeristic, she kept a healthy rotation of men around who satisfied all of her needs – that is, until she met that one. It seems Nina finds her perfect match and is about to give in to her happily ever after until she finds out she's dating the boss at her new job. From here, the readers watch a game of tug-of-war between wanting and trying to feign ignorance about the love that is blooming.

There were many elements I loved about this book. I love the unapologetic story regarding a confident woman in the dating scene. I love how it breaks down an influencer's work, and I love the organic chemistry between the characters.

This was a great time!

I really enjoyed this book—it was such a fun and entertaining read! I connected with Nina Ford right away—her approach to juggling multiple jobs, hobbies, and relationships felt so bold and unapologetic. I loved getting to know her vibrant personality and seeing how she kept everything balanced with her unique style. I had such a great time following Nina’s story and watching how her perfectly managed life took an unexpected turn. I felt so invested in her journey and couldn’t wait to see how she handled the challenges ahead, especially as her career dreams clashed with her relationships. Her confidence and humor kept me smiling, and I found myself rooting for her the whole time.

This book was filled with charm, laughs, and some fun twists that kept me engaged until the very last page. Nina’s story reminded me that life isn’t always neat and tidy, but it’s a lot more exciting when you embrace the chaos. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted, feel-good read with a heroine you can’t help but love.

Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.

This was amazing!!

I started out reading the eARC and switched over to the audiobook because if Wesleigh Siobhan narrates it, I want to listen.

These two were the perfect blend of a couple. Two people about their careers and personal lives. The FMC was confident and committed to her work but also her integrity in her relationships, platonic and romantic. The FMC was ambitious and determined to make things work, regardless of the risks.

I loved seeing two people enjoying each other while also blossoming into something more.

and is unapologetically herself and comfortable with who she is. That’s the vibes of Nina as she navigates dating multiple men-each with something to offer, but none she feels is the total package.
I read curvy Girl Summer last year and LOVED it. With this one the author returns with her spot-on banter that kept me laughing and some parts were totally relatable. She upped her game with this spice level it sizzles-ooh she went THERE
As a plus size woman myself, I loved the representation and how the author brings out all the instances and thoughts that plus size girlies run into in different circumstances. (Minor spoiler)Especially these restaurants packing folks in tiny spaces like sardines.
I’m sad I finished so definitely looking forward to book 3…Let’s goo

Baby, let me tell you how I had such a good time reading to this book! I read Curvy Girl Summer last year and knew I had to read this one. When I got the advanced listening copy I knew I had to press play immediately! (Other book plans be damned! LOL) What I am learning about Danielle Allen is she will get to the action immediately and I love that. She had me stressed from the beginning! I loved Nina's confident character. She was focused on her career while having fun and setting clear boundaries while doing that. Plus, she really knew how to pick her roster. But when the one rose above the rest... well he was my forerunner the entire time. Their chemistry was palpable from the start! I even got embarrassed a few times listening to spicy scenes to my car but this book was so good I didn't care. I enjoyed this book experience so much that I hated when it came to an end.

Rounded up from 4.75 stars

Read and Listened

Thank you to netgalley and bramble for the e-arc. All thoughts are my own. I loved Nina from the first book curvy girl summer and was hoping we'd get a book on her next. This book had me laughing out loud, re-reading some scenes because of how hot it was getting, and just overall loved it from start to finish!

This book was so fun! Great banter and character development. SPICY and cute! Loved the social media aspect - this can at times be corny but Danielle Allen did a great job writing this. The friendship between the girls was AMAZING