My Review:  4/5
After reading a very, very dark and terrifying book, Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice Cream was the perfect remedy.  It is a light-hearted, hilarious book that kept me laughing until the end.
It’s about Dani, an overweight and full-of-life 39 year old who works in her dream place: an ice cream parlour!  Realizing her 40th Birthday is right around the corner, and after getting a bad health report from her doctor, Dani knows some serious life changes are in order.  She joins her local gym and (after some major mishaps) finds herself getting trained personally by the gym’s owner, Chris.
As I mentioned, this book had me laughing throughout the whole thing.  Dani’s antics were hilarious.  But, she is also inspiring.  Anyone who has ever struggled with weight issues can identify with her.  It is SO hard to make the transition from eating what you want and not exercising, to eating healthy and making the commitment to getting up and MOVE!  I felt this was one of those characters where women can read about and say ‘if Dani can do it, so can I’.  I know she’s fictional, but she is also so real.
This is a great beach read and one of Sue Watson’s best!
***Thank you so much to Kim at Bookouture for asking me to be part of the tour.

Curves, Kisses, and Chocolate Ice Cream is the second novel in the Ice-Cream Cafe series and I loved it! It was fun, humorous, and touched on real life issues that people face with families, life, and addiction. Fueling your feelings into addictions can be dangerous, whether you turn to food or alcohol, and often times those people avoid living their life to the fullest because they’re too busy trying to control it through their addiction tinted glasses.

This story is a prime example of what a great chick-lit novel should read like and I loved the overall theme that you need to believe in yourself because you can do anything you set your mind to. Determination, motivation, and dedication are important and key when working towards a goal. And for some, letting go of perceived guilt can make a world of difference when it comes to achieving your goals and being happy.

Note, while reading this book I was personally inspired to get off my butt and get to the gym and I felt fantastic when I went! Thanks Sue for pushing me to be the best version of myself and for writing another fun laugh-out-loud summer romantic comedy.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice-Cream is the second book in the Ice-Cream Cafe Series and boy are you in for a treat. Talk about scrumptious it is simply delicious and yummy and will make your mouth water, it certainly filled my appetite to say I loved it is an understatement it's freaking amazing!

In this story we meet Dani who fled Appledore 20 years ago with a broken heart. To return and sell homemade Ice creams in the ice cream cafe. Is she ready to put the past behind her and get fit in time for her birthday party.

I am so in love with this book, the story, the characters, the setting are perfect. Who doesn't love ice cream especially in the summer. Dani is just ace,she is overweight through eating comfort food. But Sue has made her so real to life you cannot help but love her. She is witty and funny you will be laughing out loud. My stomach is actually hurting from laughing so much.

With it written from Dani’s point of view we really get to know her has a person and what makes her tick. With parts that pull on your heartstrings. Believe it or not I have been there myself with a weight problem so I can totally relate to Dani. This is a story about not giving up and being who you want to be. All everyone wants in life is to be happy.

Although this is the second book in the series this can easily be read has a standalone. This is the perfect summer read, which I cannot recommend enough giving it 5 massive scoops of ice cream.

Thank you to Kim Nash for inviting me to take part in this epic Blog Tour.

Dani is an hilarious approaching forty year old who works with Marco a great cake maker unfortunately for her as she battles to lose weight throughout this book.

Dani returned to Appledore in Devon after fleeing to London years before as her nineteen year old self was broken hearted by the cad, Jude she was in love with.

The cafe she works in is alive with characters of all ages and Karla her beat friend is also staying with her right now which is great as she spurs her on in now deteriorating from her diet plans to be slim and trim by her birthday as she dreams of being!

As Dani battles the gym environment quite literally head on, am array of catastrophes in there result in Chris, a member of staff getting to know her rather well. He offers her personal training on the deal she doesn't quit and works with him for twelve weeks, she agrees and her life starts to change.

Through the book, we learn of Dani's insecurities being spurred on by her alcoholic mum who existed solely on a gin diet, calling Dani fat and not feeding her properly either. Her dad had left her mum and so she was heartbroken as a young child growing up in a tough situation all round as she was bullied at school too.

As her birthday approaches, a disastrous newspaper article printed,,she finds Jude reappearing in her life as well as Alex, a regular gym bunny appearing too close to Chris leaving her a little heartbroken until her birthday wish which may come true...

I devoured this book quicker than Dani could all her ice creams for sure I was hooked, hilarious and Miranda style Dani was a joy to read about and her story is so funny but probably relatable to some girls out there who read this book. Light hearted and beach perfect this is a summer read you definitely need!

Another great book by Sue Watson.
I must admit I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first but it is still an amazing book.
Sue hits on a very important message about women and their bodies there is so much pressure out there these days that it was nice to read about it in such a fun way.
Sue has continued her amazing series creating wonderful characters that you can relate to and we are back in the amazing setting of a Cornwall. It felt like coming home to the Ice cream shop.
I am looking forward to more from Sue Watson.

This is the second book in a series, I loved Ella’s Ice Cream Summer and was really excited I didn’t have to wait very long for the second book. This one was just as wickedly funny as the first and had just as much heart and warmth, I LOVED it!

Dani was such a fun heroine, she’s sassy and has a super funny self deprecating sense of humor and she’s always struggled with her weight. She’s so relatable, what woman hasn’t had the same issues with weight and body image? I just adored Dani and her attitude was amazing, when she finally decides to take getting into shape seriously, she does it wholeheartedly and she maintained a positive attitude throughout, she was truly inspirational.

The humor is one of my favorite parts of any Sue Watson book, so I have to highlight some of the funniest moments. Every chapter is not only hilariously titled, they begin with a paragraph or so detailing one of Dani’s many failed diets. She’s tried some crazy ones in the past and they had me giggling like a maniac. Checking in with Ella and the gang was another treat and that meant seeing Sue again! Her malapropisms are also back and one of my favorites was when she asked if someone wanted ordinary coffee or decapitated. Oh gosh it has me cracking up again!!

This is the ideal series for summer, you have an idyllic location in Appledore along with the even sweeter setting of the ice cream shop, I dare you to read this without eating some! It’s impossible I think. On top of all that, you have a side of romance as Dani’s ex, Jude is back in town and her new personal trainer is hunky and charming. What more could you want?! For me, absolutely nothing this was a wonderful, feel good, funny read with a fantastic heroine. And ice cream. Enough said.

Review to comeCurves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice Cream is all about sweetness. Sweetness and the right dose we need in our lives.

First, don't tell me the title didn't make you dream for a nice bottom in a bikini, a gorgeous lifeguard to rescue you on the beach, and a scrumptious freezing reward after a swim. This title screams yummy. But nothing comes without a price!

Trusting the publisher with my life... Well, here, with my reading list, I decided to give this book a try in the hope to give my brain a little break from playing the sleuth. My decision resulted in the discovery of a heart-warming, hilarious, and moving journey with relatable and colorful characters.

Dani is 39, back to her hometown, “curvy” and working in an ice-cream shop. But Dani is also a witty and an adorable character. I can't count the number of times one of her lines made me laugh out loud. I had to remind myself Dani was almost forty, as she felt more like twenty in her head! Dani is a delight to be around, no matter what size she wears. She has a big heart which is still bleeding from old wounds, and she has tried all the diets known to man (or sadly, to women)! Now, I was a little worried about not connecting with her because the book makes lots of room for her weight issue. This in itself is not a problem, but as a girl on the other side of the scale, being told I should not complain to be wearing a size XS or have to go to the kids department to find a skirt, I wondered if I could grasp the issues Dani was facing. I did not need to worry because the author skillfully and tactfully brought the subject in such a natural and easy way that I instantly felt for Dani, and I was by her side throughout the story!

In her task, Dani is helped by an array marvelous friends, a sexy trainer, and hindered by the weight of the past, trying to pull her back into her bad habits. I found it clever to learn snippets of Dani's life through her diets and the stories that went with them. As the story unfolded, both Dani and the reader are reminded there is more to a person than a number, and a list of failures.

So, Dani needs to lose weight. With ice cream in the title, you can guess it is not gonna be an easy task. There is no magic, there is actual work and sweat during the book, and more than this, a deeper analysis of the child within us that never leaves and sometimes needs attention for our grownup self to fully live. The reasons behind Dani's behavior with food was spot-on but did not feel cliché. The way it was presented to us moved me very much and I was relieved to see our gorgeous main character go through her share of struggles, doubts, tears, and bad days. Changing, growing, and learning is not easy, and I am happy the author did not choose the easy way to suddenly make Dani a Barbie.

Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice Cream has a delicious sound to it, but the core of this book is the fight so many of us are faced with. The measures society deem right, the models with perfect blond hair, the pressure women feel to be in the norm, with the scars of the past on top of everything. But Sue Watson mixes all those fabulous ingredients and turns what could be a painful ride to what is called “beautiful” from the hills of Hollywood into a wonderfully and sweaty journey through finding what is best for you, in every way. There is so much more to this book than food, weight, and carbs.

Sundaes, treadmills, laughs, best friends, sun, more sundaes, french fries, love in all its forms, and fun, this story will make you melt faster than a scorching day, and leave a fabulous taste of happiness in your mouth.

I love this author's books and was really looking forward to reading this one. It can be read as a standalone but it does feature characters we previously met in book one of this series, so I would recommend reading that first as it sets the scene for this story.

Dani is a woman after my own heart. She is a bubbly woman on the outside, yet inside there is a thin person dying to get out. She knows she has let things slide but it's only when people start commenting on her weight that she decides she needs to take back control of her life and get fit. Having been given comments from children before myself about my weight I totally got exactly where Dani was coming from.

The journey Dani goes on to get to where she wants to be is hilarious. It's not easy at all, and she has to fight constantly to keep on track. This is a very funny story which not only gives the reader a deeper insight into Dani's life, but also reintroduces us to all of the characters we met in book one.

Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.

What an amazing second novel to the Ice-Cream Cafe books! I absolutely LOVED this book and it made me want to pack up my bags and move to Devon! The cover of this book is beautiful and so summery - it makes you want to head to the beach and enjoy a chocolate fudge sundae (Oh how I am craving one of those right now!). I loved everything about this book from the characters to the storyline to the location.

The story follows main character Dani on her quest to find love and lose weight. The book is full of humour, romance and some drama and you can't help but also fall for Dani's love interest Chris, he's funny and kind and all the things a woman would want! I also loved that the characters from the first book were included in this one but don't worry if you haven't read the first one - this one can be read as an individual and you won't be confused!

I loved being with Dani on her journey and if I'm honest it's made me wish I worked in an ice-cream cafe! This book was absolutely delightful and I couldn't have been happier with the ending! Sue Watson is a fabulous writer and both of the Ice-Cream Cafe books are definitely now part of my favourites!

You are absolutely guaranteed a giggle with Sue Watson's books and the early scenes in the gym make you laugh out loud and made me think that's exactly how I'd be if I was brave enough to get through the gym door.
Dani who helps run the ice cream cafe is a curvy lady who has tried every diet going over the years. She knows the calorie content of everything she eats- but it just tastes sooo delicious! Working in the cafe isn't ideal for her self control either! She has to sample all the new recipes!
Her friend persuades her that she needs to start exercising and she braves the gym and meets Chris. He's the typical gym bunny- but he offers to become her personal trainer to help her get fit.She evens finds a breakfast run along the beach enjoyable.
I love the characters and the setting. You can feel the sparks between them- but neither seems to recognise the signs. Dani's goal is her 40th birthday party and the plans sound amazing and you can just imagine the cafe all decorated and the cake.
It's a really heartwarming book and I can't wait to see what the future holds with the cafe characters.

Sue Watson is back with book two in the 'Ice-cream Cafe Series'! 'Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice-cream' may be book two in the series, but it can quite easily be read as a standalone, so don't worry if you haven't managed to read the first book beforehand. However, book one is a brilliant book so I do recommend reading that one anyway!

I say this every time I review a Sue Watson novel, but, this novel really was written from the heart. We follow the life of main character, Dani, who is still trying to mend a broken heart after all this time. Some people suggest getting under a guy to get over one, however, Dani decided that she was going to find a friend in all things sugar instead. Unfortunately for Dani, her relationship with sugar became strained, and her self-esteem plummeted, there was only one thing for her to do - lose weight. After several embarrassing attempts in the gym, Dani drove home with a plan....and a man of the personal trainer variety. Word on the street was that he was quite hot...

Dani is such a big-hearted, bubbly type of character who is incredibly easy to warm to. I reckon a lot of readers will be able to relate to her due to the weight issues, as well as the self-esteem issues. Even though those two issues are often emotionally draining, I found that I was able to like Dani a lot more because she came across as 'real'. It was as though she took on the role of being 'the voice of many'. Although, I am sure a lot of readers would be extremely envious at the prospect of having ice-cream at their fingertips.

Watching Dani grow, for me, was the highlight of the storyline. I was able to watch her come out of her shell, grow into her personality, and finally be able to learn the skin she was in. The personal trainer helped though, I must admit.

Out of the Ice-Cream Cafe series so far, 'Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice-cream' is my favourite. Whilst 'Ella's Ice-cream Summer' was a fantastic novel to read, I found this second book a lot more heart-warming in terms of the relatability factor. It had the type of storyline that screamed 'HUG ME', with a hint of 'please don't pinch my ice-cream'. Not only that, the entire storyline was filled with such dry and fun humour, it's pretty clear that the author has put her own personality in the storyline via her wit.

I have no idea (like always) how Sue Watson does it, but she continues to blow my mind with each and every storyline that she produces. Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice-cream is yet another outstanding, humorous, heart-warming and memorable read, from the cosy author we have all come to love and adore, Sue Watson.

I totally think Sue Watson should get an ice-cream named after her in the next book...just saying..

Thanks Bookouture.

Thank you to Kim for letting me part of this blog tour. I have to confess that I didn't read the blurb before I agreed to the tour or even before I started reading this book so I was kind of expecting this to be a continuation of Ella's Ice Cream Summer. It wasn't, nevertheless this was quite a book. Just a warning this is going to be quite a personal review.

This book hit quite a personal note for me. I have always struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. I have always been overweight. Not excessively but I have always been at least a stone overweight but closer to two. I am an emotional eater. I eat when I am happy, I eat when I am sad and I eat when I am bored. So I completely understand Dani's emotional relationship with food. Sue does a brilliant job of explaining Dani's feelings about food and I connected with this very easily.

I also understand her new found love for working out. Like Dani I hated PE at school. I am not very coordinated and I didn't ever enjoy exercise. When I joined a new gym at the beginning of the year I signed up for a weight loss scheme there the content is similar to what Dani does in this story although nowhere near as tough. Through this I found a love of spinning which I never would have expected. I love Dani's determination in this story. She is very inspiring and really made me want to be healthy even if for a few minutes.

I loved every page of this story. It is the perfect summer escapism that will inspire you to go for a walk before that yummy ice cream.

We are back in the town of Appledore and this time we meet Dani. She left Appledore twenty years before with a broken heart and now she is back, overweight and desperate to become thinner and more fabulous in time for her fourtieth birthday. Dani is a very likeable character and to be honest you just know that she is going to struggle on her weightloss challenge. The first quarter of the book really sets the scene and the reader really gets to see what Dani is up against including some very funny scenes when she attempts to go to the gym.

Once Dani is in her stride she is joined by Chris from the gym who is on a mission to help her with her plan to lose weight. It was also nice to see brief glimpses of characters from the first book set in the same town. Although these are all set around the town and the Ice Cream Cafe, each book can certainly be read as a standalone. As the story progresses you soon understand that this is the reader experiencing Dani's journey with her, including all the pitfalls and funny moments too.

In one respect this was very different from her last book but actually that m ade no difference and it was nice to have such a departure. As usual Sue Watson has created a book that will lift your spirits and more importantly make you laugh. I am a huge fan, and although this may not be my favourite of hers, it's a brilliant addition and one that I thoroughly loved. Be warned though, with the sheer descriptive deliciousness, don't expect to NOT want to eat a number of summer deserts whilst reading. The perfect beach read that will have you laughing into your Cocktail!

Amazing! Laugh out loud funny but with a poignant heart, this story has everything. Great dollops of humour, a huge serving of romance, a sprinkling of heartbreak and lashings of delicious ice-cream, a beautiful story told in Sue Watson's trademark style - what's not to like? LOVED this beautiful book. This author just gets better and better with every book and I just cannot wait for her next!

Another fantastic book from Sue Watson, with relatable characters and lovely descriptions.

Dani has returned to Appledore after having been away for the last 20 years, Dani was always the fat kid and nothing much has changed, she is now the overweight adult. Dani works in the ice cream shop which is owned by Ella, she used to work there as a teenager and a lot of her good memories of Appledore are connected with ice cream.

Dani is approaching 40 and has decided she wants to look stunning at her 40th birthday party and decides to lose weight. We follow her journey from joining a gym and the many mishaps that follow, and realising her weight problem is wrapped up in her family problems as a child.

This was a fantastic story, I loved Dani and her endeavours to lose weight, I think there is a little of Dani in everyone. It also nice to see the characters from Ella’s Ice Cream Summer again. This was a laugh out loud book and there were moments where your heart goes out to Dani, This is a great summer read and the flavours of the ice creams described throughout the book sounded delicious.

This is the second book from Sue Watson that I have read. Also, this is the second in The Ice Cream Cafe’ series. This series tells stories using real life issues that people deal with. They are cozy romantic comedies, but with a dose of serious reality.

In this book you have Dani, who is a curvaceous girl who is out of shape and unhappy in life. Dani works at the Caprioni’s Cafe’. She decides that she is going to change her life and joins a gym. At the gym she meets the owner Chris, who decides he is going to help her to reach her goal. First day at the gym is a disaster as is the second and third. She has all but given up hope? Can Chris help Dani become a better person? Will Dani be her own worst enemy?

This book was a really great read. It did start a little slow, but it was building up Dani’s story. Dani is struggling with some real deep issues in her past. This causes her to binge eat. She doesn’t truly understand what it means to have friends or even love of family in her life. Chris has his own demons as well, but he is determined to help Dani. They build a wonderful friendship. These two characters are so strong and determined to make a better life for themselves. Of course the old gang from book one Ella’s Ice Cream Summer are there to cheer her on and show her what life can be like. I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Watson is a wonderful writer. She has such a great way of incorporating every day struggles into a well written cozy book. She is witty and her books will make you laugh out loud. If you have not picked these up you should. They are wonderful. I give this book 5 Stars.

Wowzers again. I don't think Sue Watson could write a book I don't like. Curves, Kisses, and Chocolate Ice-Cream is another brilliant feel good read. Again Sue's books take me away from my usual reading of all things Crime and it's always a welcome break. Chance to get lost in the lives of others, and that's exactly what I did.
​Anyone who enjoys a god Chic Lit book, will thoroughly enjoy this, and it would be a superb read for anyone heading off to the beach, to lie in the sun eating Ice Cream.
​Dani Enjoys her ice creams, but she also enjoys anything else that isn't good for her, and has a big sugar addiction.
​Dani at 39 wants to lose weight and get slimmer ready for her 40th birthday. But it's clear from early in the book Dani just doesn't' want to commit to stopping her treats, or getting fit. It's just to much like hard work, and when you work with Ice Cream it would just be ludicrous to not eat it.
​When Dani does decide to do something about her weight, she heads off to the gym. Dani in the gym was just so funny, I loved this part of the story it had me laughing out loud in places and I could just see Dani doing it all.
​Now fairs fair, and you can't knock the girl for trying, and try is certainly what she does, with the help of a personal trainer everything starts to change for Dani.
​Join Dani on her journey and get reading this book. If  you like funny chic lit style books you will just love this.
​And even better, I think It's compulsory to eat Ice Cream while reading this.

3.5 stars
Fun, summer feel-good book! Anyone who loves to eat and is suffering or has suffered from weight issues in the past will enjoy this storyline featuring Dani, a plump woman about to turn 40. She loves food (especially ice cream), hates exercise, and is dying to lose weight and feel good about herself. This book is her journey on her 39th summer which has many funny, laugh out loud moments as well as some more sober ones. Great beach read!

**Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!**

I just couldn't get into this book. There seemed to be way too much talk about why Dani overeats, and not enough actual plot. While I understand how important the psychology of overeating is to Dani's story, I wish the psychological tidbits were interspersed with more fun events.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

After having read and thoroughly enjoyed book 1 Ella's Ice Cream Summer recently, I just knew that I had to read the second instalment.

It was lovely to meet up with some of the characters from book 1 again, to see how they are doing and it was fabulous to meet new characters Dani, Karla and Chris, and thus enjoyed getting to know them.

I absolutely loved Dani's motivation throughout the book but I truly did feel sorry and sympathetic for her at times, with some of the things she had to go through and the obstacles she had to push her way through (figuratively speaking). Overall it was a truly great inspirational read, really makes you think about certain things.

Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.