I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen Series: Curve #1
Also in this series: Plus Size Player
Published by Bramble on June 11, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
Pages: 368
Narrator: Wesleigh Siobhan
Length: 12 hours and 23 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: NetGalley
Buy on Amazon, Buy on Indigo
Goodreads
Bridget Jones’s Diary meets Survival of the Thickest in Danielle Allen’s CURVY GIRL SUMMER, a smoking-hot, hilarious novel about the perils of online dating.
“There’s got to be an easier way than dating. I want the shortcut. I just want to find my person and start our lives together.”After a one-night stand with her clingy ex, Aaliyah James has an epiphany: this ain’t it. She knows what she wants, and she’s ready to move past casual hookups, flings, and situationships.
But for her family, the clock is ticking—after all, she’s almost thirty. And when they imply that her personality (and her body) might be too big to land a man, she lets them know they’ve gone too far—and her (nonexistent) man loves her curves, thank you very much. Now, she has seven weeks to find the perfect boyfriend to rub in their faces at the big, fancy birthday celebration she’s been planning.
After her first blind date goes wrong, charming local bartender Ahmad Williamson consoles her with a drink and some playful banter. Aaliyah takes him up on his suggestion to use a dating app—but the more she sees of his warm, funny, and easygoing nature, the less she wants to check her DMs. Will her next swipe bring her closer to true love—or is her real match closer than she thinks?
Review
At the heart of this delightful romance is Aaliyah James, an IT professional on the cusp of thirty who’s done with disappointing hookups – especially after an awkward encounter with her clingy ex sends her running. Armed with dating apps and a determination to find real love before her next birthday, she dives headfirst into the wild world of modern dating. Between disastrous meetups and cringe-worthy encounters, she finds solace at her local bar, where Ahmad Williamson, the charming bartender, offers a sympathetic ear and surprisingly good advice.
What starts as friendly banter with Ahmad blooms into something deeper, proving that sometimes love is closer than you think. Through Aaliyah’s journey, Allen crafts a story that’s equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. The novel shines in its portrayal of a plus-size protagonist who’s confident, complex, and utterly human. Aaliyah’s struggles with dating apps, societal expectations, and her own self-discovery feel authentic and relatable, while the chemistry between her and Ahmad crackles with wit and sexual tension.
Allen’s writing sparkles with humor and warmth, tackling weighty topics like fatphobia and self-acceptance without losing its light touch. The supporting cast adds color and depth to the story, from well-meaning but occasionally misguided friends to the parade of memorable dating disasters that lead Aaliyah to realize what – and who – she really wants.
While the friends-to-lovers plot might follow familiar beats, Allen’s fresh voice and commitment to body positivity set this book apart. It’s the perfect beach read that manages to be both fun and meaningful, leaving readers with a smile and perhaps a newfound appreciation for themselves, curves and all.
