I really enjoyed Curvy Girl Summer by this author so I was excited to read the second book in the Curve series. I wish I had Nina’s confidence. She knows who she is and what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. The chemistry between Nina and Russ is electric. This book is definitely spicy in the best way. It was nice to see Nina living a full life as a plus size woman, from her dating life to her work as a plus size model, and it was written in a way that shows there is nothing to “fix” and that she is living her best life just as she is. This book takes place along the same timeline as Curvy Girl Summer, and while you don’t need to read that one first, it was fun to know what was happening in that story too to make more of a complete picture of this friend group. I’m excited for book 3! The audiobook was great! Definitely recommend!

Plus Size Player is a charming, feel-good romance that delivers on heart, character, and chemistry. Danielle Allen creates a relatable and empowering heroine with real confidence and vulnerability, and the love story unfolds in a way that feels authentic and sweet.
While I found the pacing a little slow at times, especially in the first half, the engaging characters and emotionally satisfying plot kept me invested throughout. The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life.
Overall, this is a solid, body-positive romance that’s perfect for fans of slow-burn attraction and character-driven storytelling. I’m glad I picked this up!

Nina is a plus size fashion influencer who has a roster of men. She had names for each one calling them the smart one, the funny one, the romantic one and the fun one. The men are all aware that she's not looking for anything serious. Whenever one pushed for more she sent them packing and moved on. It was clear right away that she had feelings for one of them even though she was in denial about it. She got the opportunity to model for a clothing brand and the story takes off from there.

This story had me engaged from the very beginning. I knew they would have to come clean because you can not hide something like that for long. It will eventually blow up in your face. I didn't see that final action coming but it just proved that no games were being played with her. This was a new to me author. I can't wait to go back and read Curvy Girl Summer.

I received this ARC audiobook from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review.

"Plus Size Player" by Danielle Allen was absolutely top-tier! This book radiated confidence, body positivity, and just the right touch of spice. It beautifully highlighted that when you're the right person, there's always someone willing to put in the effort. Nina was a standout lead—she knew her worth and wasn’t willing to settle just because she was plus size. She had dated multiple men until she came across the man who had all the things she was looking for. Raised in a supportive, affirming household, Nina lived her life boldly and unapologetically. This was a charming, feel-good romance, and I’m excited to read more from Danielle Allen. Everything from the cover to the characters to the audiobook narrator was simply fantastic!

This audiobook was so friggin good! Nina, the FMC is absolutely a boss. She is sexy, empowering, professional, funny, sweet, and very headstrong. She has never been in a relationship besides high school and she plans to keep it that way by having a roster of gentlemen to meet her variety of needs. But there’s one guy that might have her risking it all for the love she deserves.

Russ has just made it to my book boyfriend roster. He is so suave and sexy and funny (it should be noted that his nickname is “the fun one”) while also exuding this tall, dark, and handsome BDE with everything he says and does. He measures up to Nina so well.

I’m not one that minds a single POV but considering Russ in my new man, I kind of wish we got more from his side. As the story progressed and in talks with Nina, we got some peeks but I wanted to see more of his world.

The romance and passion between the characters was so magnetic, I was literally panting! Lots of spice in this one and it *hit*. Wesleigh Siobhan had me all types of bothered lol. Beyond that though, the way the main characters equally chose themselves while also choosing each other was so admirable. Very low conflict with other characters in this one which I like in a romance book because…don’t stress me out lol. We also got a little peek into what I assume the love story will be for book 3 and I just know that’s gonna be 🥵 sign me up!

I received this ARC audiobook from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.

I rate this book a 3.5 out of 5. Plus Size Player is about Nina who keeps a “roster” of men because she’s sure no one guy can meet all her needs—until Rus comes along, and their chemistry makes her rethink her rules. This is the second entry in Danielle Allen’s series where she brings back Aaliyah and Jasmine from Curvy Girl Summer, which I loved.

The spark between Nina and Rus is electric: their banter is hilarious, and their slow-burn romance had me rooting for them every step of the way. My biggest issue was Nina’s stubborn denial—she chalks every flutter in her stomach up to something other than love! I wished she’d been more honest with her friends sooner so they could’ve grounded her. I also found the fat-phobia over the top—it’s easy to believe trolls online, but in 2025, it feels unrealistic that people would insult you that frequently face-to-face.

All in all, Plus Size Player is a fun, body-positive read. I’m looking forward to reading Jasmine’s story next. If you enjoyed Curvy Girl Summer, this one’s definitely for you (just brace yourself for the fat-phobia.

Thank you to Bramble Books and NetGalley for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Y’all… I absolutely loved Curvy Girl Summer, so when I found out Nina was getting her own story in Plus Size Player, I didn’t even hesitate. I jumped right in, thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. Let me tell you, this book did not disappoint. I devoured every single bit of it.

Nina is that girl, a confident, stylish, plus-size fashion influencer who is living her best life and not about to settle just because people think she “should.” She’s out here dating on her terms with a full roster: the smart one, the funny one, the romantic one, and the fun one. But babyyy, when she went on that date with the fun one? I was like, oh yeah. He’s the one. The way he adored her, listened to her, and gave her his full attention? I was grinning the entire time. And the chemistry, undeniable.

As their relationship developed, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop (because there’s always a twist), and sure enough, when Nina got the opportunity of a lifetime with a fashion brand, I knew it was coming. But even in the middle of all that? Nina never lost who she was. She stayed smart, strong, quick-witted, and full of heart. I loved her before, but I adored her by the end.

And let’s talk about that ending… I was straight-up squealing while listening. It was sweet, sexy, and everything I wanted for our girl. She got her man, her moment, and she stayed the “it girl” the whole way through.

What really made this book special for me was how body positivity was woven so naturally into Nina’s character. As a plus-size woman myself, it meant the world to see a main character who is confident, successful, and fully loved without shrinking herself, literally or figuratively. I was smiling from ear to ear, proud like a big sister the whole time.

If you loved Curvy Girl Summer, you’re going to fall in love with Plus Size Player. It’s sexy, empowering, and full of joy. Definitely a 5-star read for me!

Wesleigh never misses and she and Danielle are such a winning combination. This one had me locked in from the very beginning. Nina was instantly likable and Russ brought the BDE that I love in an MMC. They felt good to me. I was not expecting to be stressed out but I was and I liked it. I just do t have enough good things to say about this book. As a confident plus size woman, I felt seen and it’s just a reminder of how important representation really is!

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ALC!

Danielle Allen truly can’t miss!!! Plus Size Player was hilariousssss, steamy, and an overall fun read! Listening to the audiobook made the reading experience 100% better. I also feel like I haven’t read a book yet where the FMC was having it her way and legit had a full roster. Of course Nina had a fave, and he was just as fun as Nina described lol.

I loveddddd Nina’s character in this story. Sis was really goals- boss energy, successful influencer career/model, confident, comebacks ready, and stood 10 toes behind her decisions. I also liked how she didn’t didn’t comprise her goals for love (though I would’ve been tempted 🤭😭), and I really loveddddd Russell for her. The banter, the tension, the steam… I mean I was lowkey clutching my pearls listening to the book in public 😂😂😂 but I loved every second of it. Highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun, spicy (as hell) forced proximity love story, this is for you!!

I received the advanced listener copy and the advanced reader the copy for this title. As a consequence, I will focus this review on the narrator and how she presented the story rather than the story beats itself. For that, please see my other review. Wesleigh Siobhan is the solo narrator who seamlessly purrs, coos, and growls her way through this spicy book. She has an equally sexy male and female voice and gives space to each character-minor or major as they maneuver through the highs and lows of our heroine, Nina as she navigates the world that tries to tell her how to feel about herself and the man who steps up to be match her-with his own issues. The audio is engaging-one would not err in selecting this mode; but beware- earphones are recommended.

Im not a fan but told by many that this book is good. I am going to try to take another chance with next book plus size player. I'm a plus size girl so I definitely want to relate.

HOLY SHIT THIS BOOK WAS SO HOTTTTT

Nina is a plus model who just nailed her first major contract in the industry. She's confident and fully believes that she earned this step up in her career. Nina does her best to separate her personal and work life, juggling relationships with multiple men. That is until she meets Russell, and her carefully built worlds start to bleed together.

Nina was the perfect FMC in a story like this. It's not often that we get the player trope from the woman's perspective, and I loved that dynamic. She had an outstanding balance of sexy seduction, confident energy, and a take-no-names attitude. She was so inspiring!

Also, a massive shout-out to the audiobook narrator, Wesleigh Siobhan. She absolutely nailed this story and made me forget that I was only listening to a woman and not a duet narration.

Thank you so much Net Galley, Danielle Allen, and McMillan Audio for an ALC of this phenomenal story!

This book was everything I needed and more. The feelings, the emotions was all there. Black love and good vibes. I couldn’t ask for anything more. This author does not miss !!

I loved this book so much!! Danielle Allen is quickly becoming a favorite. Her books make me laugh, swoon, fan myself and make me want to fight.

Her plus size rep in this one is fantastic! Wesleigh Siobhan did a fantastic job narrating it!

As a longtime fan of Danielle Allen, I was immediately excited to dive into Plus Size Player, and the audiobook did not disappoint. Wesleigh Siobhan absolutely nails the narration, effortlessly capturing each character’s voice, including the male leads.

This is the second installment in the Curve series (following Curvy Girl Summer), but it stands completely on its own. The main character from book one only makes a few cameo appearances, so you can enjoy this story without reading the first.

The story follows Nina, a confident, plus-size social media influencer who has carefully compartmentalized her dating life. She spends time with a few different men, each fulfilling a different need, but she’s not romantically or physically involved with all of them. Her favorite, however, is Russell, a sweet, thoughtful man who plans romantic dates and genuinely sees her.

As Nina’s modeling career takes off, she signs an exclusive contract with RLF Fashions. Just as her professional life starts to soar, her personal life becomes more complicated. She and Russell grow closer, only for Nina to discover that he’s the CEO of RLF Fashions. Their relationship becomes a secret—and a serious conflict of interest. What follows is a steamy, high-stakes forbidden romance where both must decide if love is worth risking their careers.

The chemistry between Nina and Russell sizzles, and the banter—especially with the supporting characters like the other models and the RLF team, is charming and witty. The tension when their professional identities collide is palpable and well-written.

Fair warning: this book brings the heat. It's packed with spice and innuendo, so if that’s not your vibe, proceed accordingly. But if you’re into smart, sexy romance with high emotional stakes, this one’s for you.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Let’s talk about Nina’s parents first! Her dad was the man, and he made sure he handled business. Her mom was a great mother by providing encouragement and allowing Nina to blossom into the woman she was created to be. I thought this part of the story was great because we rarely get an intro on the main character parents that will give us a little background on her upbringing.

Nina was a content creator who was confident and secure in the skin she was in. I was expecting Russ to be player not Nina, based on the cover 😂

The mmc, Russ made me mad a few times especially when he broke off the relationship, but he eventually stole my heart, and I even started to fall for him; the way he showed Nina, gentleness, kindness and softness, this man was in love with Nina.

I also thought it was cute how Nina didn’t want to admit that she was in love with Russ, and she finally admitted that she wanted that man!! The Chemistry was an A+ between Nina and Russ!

The book was a good quick read for me with a lot of spice, and I hate that ended with no epilogue to tap into the future but overall, I loved the book!

Wesleigh Siobhan killed it on the narrating as usual! Her voice was perfect for the characters, and she brought the story to life.
The cover of the book was also amazing and let's not forget about the Bantu Knots which is one of my favorite hairstyles, was perfect for the cover!
5 ⭐

Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for this amazing ALC!

Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen
Narrated by Wesleigh Siobhan
Second in a concurrent series. Stands alone easily.
Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to review this title early. My review is 100% my honest opinion and does contain affiliate links. Quotes are transcribed from audio and may be a little different than the book.

I absolutely loved Curvy Girl Summer (the first in Danielle Allen's Curve Series) when I read it last year, partly because I found it so relatable—especially the way her family was constantly on her case about her weight. So I was excited (and a little nervous) to dive into Plus Size Player . This time, Danielle Allen gives us an uber-confident, plus-sized Black fashion influencer in a sizzling, empowering, and refreshingly modern romance that celebrates confidence, passion, humor, and living life on your own terms. Honestly, because I have such a lack of confidence myself, I thought I might have a harder time connecting with this book, but I’m so happy to say I was wrong. I LOVED Plus Size Player!

Nina is pure sass and self-assurance. She’s dating multiple men who each satisfy different needs—a fun one, a smart one, a funny one, a passionate one… she has a full roster and keeps her boundaries firm. If any of them get too serious, she replaces them without hesitation. She keeps relationships surface-level, never even discussing work as a rule. They’re all great guys, but one stands out as just a little more special—and he’s starting to check all the boxes.

When Nina is approached by the owner of a big streetwear company and asked to represent them as a model, it’s the break she’s been dreaming of. But it’s also a major risk: the contract is exclusive (and Nina doesn’t like exclusive in anything), and she’d have to pull back from the other brands she’s worked with. I loved the modern setting. As someone who follows a lot of plus-sized influencers, it was so fun to peek behind the curtain… and sad too, because competitive mean girls are everywhere. But Nina knew exactly how to put them in their place.
“This body positivity bullshit messed everything up for hard-working ‘real’ models.”

“When you’re ugly on the inside, that shit starts to seep through your pores.” (Nina’s epic reply.)

Nina’s big break is everything she could hope for—being the one plus-sized model/influencer on the team, finally representing the girls who never get to see themselves in cool clothes. But right after she signs the contract, a huge problem is revealed. That guy who checked all the boxes? He’s now officially off-limits, or they could both lose everything.

Let me tell you…the simmering tension between these two? WOW. HOT. Try as they might, they couldn’t keep their hands off each other, and I was on edge the whole time worrying they’d get caught! Plus Size Player delivers all the heat, heart, and badass confidence you want in a summer romance—unapologetic, sexy, and impossible to put down.
“Nina, I was never running away from work and life, I was only ever running toward you.”


Likes:
•It was spicy—and the spice wasn’t cheesy.
•It runs concurrently with Curvy Girl Summer; it’s fun seeing some scenes from different eyes, but you don’t need to read that first.
•Nina’s confidence was through the roof, and I loved how she teased him: “I think you like me!”
•All of the influencer stuff felt so modern and trendy.
•It had a unique storyline, which is getting harder and harder to find.
•Nina was unapologetic about dating multiple guys.
•Nina was proud of her sexy full figure.
•The humor that was naturally woven through the story without it feeling like a romcom.
•I loved the friend group.
•Her love interest (not naming him to avoid spoilers) is hot AF, I loved him SO much.
•He was SO ROMANTIC. The dates he planned? Swoon.

Dislikes:
•I wish there had been better descriptions of the other characters, especially the models. I had a hard time picturing everyone. Were they all Black? Were they all skinny and waif-like except for her?
•I wasn’t completely happy with the outcome for them at work.
•I wanted a little more epilogue, but if the series is continuing, it makes sense.

The Narration:
Wesleigh Siobhan was AMAZING. I’m so glad it wasn’t dual narration, because her male voice might be sexier than any man they could have cast. Her narration absolutely added to my enjoyment of the book, I rarely give 5 stars narration to a single narrated book but she was that good.

The Down & Dirty:
I loved Plus Size Player! Nina’s journey was empowering, sexy, funny, and completely inspiring. Plus Size Player is a love letter to confidence, self-worth, and the magic of finding someone who sees you—and loves you—exactly as you are. I loved how Nina lived boldly, unapologetically, and refused to settle for anything less than what she deserved. The book brought the heat without ever losing the heart or humor of the story—every scene built the relationship and tension perfectly. I highly recommend Plus Size Player if you’re looking for a fresh, spicy, funny and feel-good summer romance that will leave you smiling.

Rating: 4.5 Stars, 4 Heat, 5 Narration

This is my first book by this author and it was an enjoyable read. The chemistry between the leads was electric and real. The love scenes steamy and passionate. The side characters had depth, just like our heroine Nina. Nina was a female lead that you could not help but like and root for. This is a great book and I look forward to reading more in the series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the outset, I was captivated by the narrative of Nina, a plus-size individual who exudes honesty, style, confidence, and a clear understanding of her desires. Her dating approach is purposeful, and she maintains open communication with her partners. Russell, on the other hand, embodies the epitome of fun, and their relationship is characterized by intense intimacy. Their compatibility is evident, and I found great pleasure in witnessing the development of their connection. Additionally, it was refreshing to observe her positive friendships with her girlfriends. The audiobook was exceptional. The narrator’s performance in voicing both Nina and Russell was remarkable, and I found myself engrossed in the narrative. I highly recommend this book. I extend my gratitude to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with this complimentary copy. My opinions are my own

I was so excited when Bramble imprint was first announced. Thank you, NetGalley, Bramble and Macmillan, for the print galley and audiobook. Russ is my first romance novel boyfriend. I started a drinking game every time she said “murmured” and “fluttering” lol. But overall, I love fat, femme sirens and this is exactly the type of romance I needed.