Thank you to NetGalley and DreamScape Audio for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Alice is your typical lower class fat waitress, she dropped out of high school, her mom died, she has no friends. Laura really hammered in on these facts that’s why she was so unlovable. After winning the lottery, she switches her name to Rose and flees her hometown to start over. Her car gets stuck in the snow and she lands in Galway, NC. Some burly mean man pushes her out and she ends up at a B&B.

I listened to the first 25% or so on audiobook and liked it for the most part. The voice actor for Angus sounded much much older than 34 to me, more like a grumpy man in his 50s. I really liked the voice actor for Rose.

Overall I really like this book. Lots of great representation, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, big secret. Which the big secret was the money, Angus thought she was broke and it seemed like every single one of his POVs was just hung up on how he’s going to take care of her, which she didn’t need. The conflict was a little over the top, the reconciliation a little rushed, but all in all I would give 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars!

3⭐️2🌶️ 3.5🎧

- MF
- Plus Sized FMC
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Slow Burn
- Small Town
- Found Family
- Secrets

This felt like a hallmark movie with a bit of spice. It was sweet book set in a small town with a grumpy contractor/therapist who was helping the FMC renovate her dream home.

There was a surprising amount of depth to these characters. Angus struggled with his own self worth while trying to help veterans manage their PTSD.

Rosie had an incredibly generous heart and she didn’t let her past trauma stop her from helping others.

I loved watching the two of them coach each other out of their shells. Their mutual pining was pretty adorable. This was a slow burn with minimal spice, but it did make sense for these characters.

I found myself frustrated by the third act conflict and how both characters handled it. Angus really needed to see a therapist. Rosie did too. I was expecting more from them.

I love Michelle Price and I thought she did wonderful job as Rosie. This is most likely personal preference but I kept imagining a middle aged southern gentleman when Paul Bellantoni voiced Angus. That combined with the slow burn made it hard for me to remember that Angus was intended as Rosie’s love interest until their relationship started to progress.

This was my first novel from Laura Moher and I’m not sure if she has more but I will be running to Amazon to check. I DEVOURED this audiobook. It was so beautifully written and I loved all the characters. Grumpy sunshine also happens to be my favorite trope. Who doesn’t love a grumpy man with the heart of gold.

3/5. Releases 8/22/2023 (audiobook).

For when you're vibing with... small town romance, heroes and heroines who are both plus size, and light enemies to lovers.

Rose is trying to rebuild her life in a new home; and that involves working with surly contractor Angus. Thing is, Angus is surly because he actually finds Rose super attractive and can't quite handle it. As the two slowly become friends, however, the attraction grows harder for him to fight. Of course, Rose is keeping quite a secret from him...

I wish I'd liked this more, and I respect that what this book is doing. The writing is solid. However, there were a few things that kept it from being for me--which doesn't mean it won't be for you.

Quick Takes:

--I have to be totally honest and say that I probably would not have requested this had I known that Angus was a veteran and counselor of veterans. I can read about fantasy soldiers and veterans, and historical (ideally pre-20th century) soldiers and veterans. Contemporary soldiers are just a no, and veterans.... are pretty tough too. Even more so when their veteran status is such a big part of their lives. My reasons are very personal (and somewhat political--but as the daughter of a veteran, mostly personal). It makes me uncomfortable, and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't uncomfortable in basically every scene pertaining to Angus's status as a veteran and his counseling of other veterans. Not because they were wrong, or inaccurate, or offensive (to me). They were respectful, from what I could tell, and sensitively written. It is just a personal hangup for me, and I had a hard time focusing in scenes like that.

On that note, while Laura's website is totally upfront about this in comprehensive content warnings (which I so appreciate) I made the mistake of going off the Netgalley description (which I believe is the official description in general). That description mentions Angus feeling like he owes a debt to the world--not him being a veteran. Look, I know that "has hangups about the U.S. military" is probably not a common... trigger (although I know other readers with the same issue)? But I do think that when military culture is as prominent as it is in this book, readers should know off the bat. I am not the right reader for this book because of the military aspect. Sure, maybe I should've read other reviews, but this is a book that isn't even out yet, so giving it a fighting chance to find the right readers in every way seems pretty important to me.

--Like I said, the writing is solid, and the book is very sensitive in that it acknowledges fatphobia Rose in particular experiences, but doesn't super dwell on it. I liked notes about her being fit and fat, and I liked the pretty frank way in which Angus sexualized her body in his perspective, and vice versa. Sometimes it's just nice to read about people with more realistic, less-represented-in-romance bodies be horny about each other.

--You definitely get a full small town romance vibe with this, which I was hoping would work for me because I was excited about the rep... But unfortunately, it didn't. If you are into small town romances, though, this may definitely work for you.

--I will say: this is a solid audiobook in terms of narration, but to me, the male narrator sounded a bit older than what I imagined Angus to be. I mean, maybe that's just me; he had a lovely voice, it just felt like he was older than the story suggested.

--I think Moher does a really good job of balancing the bitter and the sweet and the dark and the light in this novel. There is a good bit of darkness. As a TW, there is a past experience that Rose realizes in retrospect was acquaintance rape.

The Sex Stuff:

This is definitely an open door romance in that there is sex on the page. It's not super intense, however, and if you enjoy a slow burn, congrats--it does take a good while to get there.

Again, this wasn't for me, but I don't think that has to do with the quality of the writing. And I really do appreciate the fat rep. Always nice to see.

Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 25 percent. I wanted to like this book so badly, especially because there was actual fat rep! Not just "curvy" but fat! The first thing that really ruined it for me was the male narrator. The woman was wonderful, but I just could not stand his voice and it was such a huge turn off. So around 15 percent I switched to the ebook, and it was better, but I just couldn't get myself to care enough about the characters. I think I am just really done with romance around cis het white people. I thought the fat representation would make it better, but it still didn't. I also really don't like enemies to lovers so that's on me. I need to stop requesting books with that troupe because I almost never like them. It was so annoying that they hated each other for quite literally no reason. Anyway, if you like enemies to lovers and cis het romance, I would still recommend this one! I liked the cute small town vibes and the writing was good!

Quick Summary: A body positivity, underdog for the win, hometown heroes romance

My Review: Curves for Days by Laura Moher was an unexpectedly sweet women's fiction romance. It was both humorous and touching. I love that it dealt with a myriad of issues, such as PTSD, anxiety, body image, social biases, and relational intimacy.

About the Book: After a financial windfall, Rose Barnes does her best to re-establish herself. She ventures beyond the borders of her comfortably uncomfortable world and onto a new place with a community of fast friends and acquaintances. While there, she learns more about herself, her hopes and dreams, and her desires.

Angus Drummond is a grizzly teddy bear with a heart of gold. Soon after meeting and working with Rose, he begins to consider the possibilities of having a more is more relationship with her. He wants to help her, as well as protect her. As they get to know each other on a deeper level, he realizes just how special she is and just how much they can have together.

My Final Say: This was a surprise hit. I genuinely liked it. Readers who enjoy realistic fiction that deals with relevant subject matters will appreciate this story.

Other: It was refreshing to see that the author featured a full figured lead. (Thank you!) I feel very strongly about books that fairly represent the present day populace. Readers come in all colors, shapes, and sizes...shouldn't characters capture that? (The answer is yes.) Salute!

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Audiobook: +
Status/Level: 💛
Cover: I like the cover of this book, however, I was a little taken aback because I could not help but notice that the head is not in proportion with the body. Hopefully, readers won't avoid reading this book because of a hang up about that, as weird as it may sound.

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.

Very cute but the summary really buries what the main plot is really about and it's not as if it's hidden we find out about her millions within the first chapters so it was a bit bizarre getting a book with an entirely different plot than expected. I did enjoy it though, fluffy and sweet

Raise your hand if you too struggle with the biggest problem in your life: having too much money. Le sigh, rich people problem am I right?

But for real if you are able to get over that and the sometimes underdeveloped bordering on juvenile dialog, there’s some great small town charm in this romance. I was super happy to see the rep not only for a plus sized heroine but also one who is child free by choice. Her reaction to the wandering child, “I trapped it” was hilarious and refreshing.

I was going to give an east breezy four, but the end fell apart for me. One, disclosing what she did absolutely would violate even a surface level NDA and I was so angry for our female lead that she was outed—and then basically gaslit about it saying they didn’t say anything. Yes you did! Two, that was some top shelf toxic masculinity bullsh*t for the third act breakup, and I expected better from a therapist. She didn’t lie, she told you several times she wasn’t financially struggling—you choice not to believe her because you get off on fixing women I guess.

If you aren’t so picky about these things and just want to enjoy a curvy, lingerie wearing child free lead I would give this one a try.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape media for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review. I really loved this book i like what the author did with the characters and story when. It felt fresh it felt new i enjoyed the narrator wil definetly add physical book to my shelf.

The premise of this book was good. I love a good body positivity moment, I love plus size reps, and I love the grumpy sunshine tope. But this fell a little flat to me. I enjoyed it in the beginning, but as the story went on, it felt like there wasn't much depth to the characters, relationship, or setting. It felt like I was watching a movie with a hazy screen and on mute.

Curves for Days is an entertaining story about lottery winner Rose who escapes to North Carolina to find peace and anonymity after winning the lottery and being besieged by everyone wanting their piece of her prize. She meets Angus a veteran turned contractor who helps people thinking he has a debt to pay before he can find happiness.

Rose and Angus form a friendship that turns into a romance. As their relationship deepens they have to each overcome their own issues, Rose body image and Angus, PTSD.

I was surprised by events that happened in the later stages of the book (no spoilers), but we get our HEA, so all is well.

Ms. Mother has created a body positive, take care of mental health issues main characters who are a joy to read about.

I actually listened to an audiobook version of the stories and the narrators did an excellent job embodying the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this audiobook ARC for an honest review.

Rose is building a home and a new life but her burly contractor, Angus, is a distraction. Little does Rose know, he’s equally distracted by her. Rose is curvy and doesn’t feel like she deserves the love of this hunk of a man . Angus doesn’t feel like he deserves love until he pays a debt to the world he feels he owes. Their unlikely friendship blossoms into love but Rose still has a secret.

I listened to Curves for Days as an audiobook and I loved every minute of it. It grabbed my attention from the very beginning and kept it firmly in its grasp until the end. Rose is extremely kind and humble and helps anyone who needs it. The things she’s endured really tugged at my heartstrings and I just wanted to hug her and be her friend. Plus she’s funny and totally my kind of people. Angus is a cranky burly mountain of a man, that’s enough for me. Ok but seriously, he’s thoughtful, gentle, and protective, who wouldn’t fall in love with him? I sure as hell did. I found myself smiling and laughing to myself throughout the entire book and the narrators did an excellent job. I even stayed awake just so I could finish the book when I really should have been sleeping. If you’re looking for a feel good story that restores your belief in humanity, this is the one. Pick it up, it’s out 8/22/23.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC and the chance to listen and review it honestly.

Happy Reading

The narration was well done, I enjoyed the duel pov voices very much.

This book blew me away! It was so much better than I anticipated.

I listened to this in one sitting, the story was just so intriguing.

I really liked the small town vibes, slow burn and of course plus size representation.

I also was happy to see this book didn't shy away from topics such as mental health and r*pe.

The romance was sweet and felt real. I was rooting for them the whole way.

Overall this was an awesome book and I highly recommend to anyone!

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to listen to this audiobook ahead of release in exchange for my honest opinion.

Okay, I loved this!! A slow-burn romance with two plus-size characters, small town vibes, and really wonderful people trying to make the world a better place. This also does a great job of weaving in real issues like PTSD with former military and the dearth of mental health resources available to them. And there is conflict that feels realistic, but with characters who grow enough to recognize their own hangups and work to move past them. And the fat representation is really good as well. It can be tricky to get it right when you have a heroine who starts out being insecure about her body, but this really nailed that journey and the hero is never anything but super into her.

Rose is a really sweet but lonely woman whose life changes dramatically when she unexpectedly wins the lottery. Suddenly people who ignored her or were cruel want to be part of her life, so she runs away and starts going by her middle name. She finds herself in a charming small town that she falls in love with and decides to buy a house while figuring out how to manage all of this money and do good with it. Angus is a vet determined to repay his debt to the world. He works as a contractor, but also a part-time therapist for military personnel. He's grumpy but has a big heart and Rose ends up hiring him to renovate her new house. They slowly form a friendship and then something more...

This was a really fantastic romance. I was so invested in these characters finding love together! Definitely a fan and looking forward to more books from this author. In terms of steam, it's on the lower end. There are open-door bedroom scenes, but the emphasis in how the scenes are written is really on how that impacted character development and the relationship rather than trying to be super explicit or sexy. (I don't have a problem with reading books that are higher steam, I just want to give readers as sense of what to expect) And this book does a really beautiful job with handling their movement toward intimacy. Rose's only previous experience was a traumatic one and Angus is so sweet and patient with her as she slowly works through that. Truly cannot recommend this book enough and the audio narration is great as well. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Unfortunately I didn't love this grumpy/sunshine, dual POV, small town romance as much as I was hoping to. While the fat girl rep was excellent and the book had loads of emotional depth (including rape trauma in the past), the overall chemistry and plot of the story just left me wanting :( Would still recommend for fans of authors like Mary Warren, Lexy Josephine or Jodi Slaughter. Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!