4 stars.

Danielle Allen's books are SO addictive!! Her stories are filled with banter, humor, spice, inclusion, rapid-fire dialogue, fun settings, and empowerment. "Plus Size Player" is no different. WHAT A BOOK! I loved every minute of this one. It's fun, steamy, hilarious, entertaining, messy, and addicting to listen to, anchored by an incredible voiceover narration from the incomparable Wesleigh Siobhan. I absolutely love her as a narrator. She does the female and male parts so well, each with a distinct flair. We don't often see many books featuring a female "player" type of character, so it was fun to read something slightly different. The characters here are great. Nina is brazen and bold, thick, attractive, and knows it. Her confidence is stunning. She is seeing several different guys for different reasons (the funny one, the exciting one, etc). Russ is dreamy. He goes all out to impress Nina because he is so smitten with her. The chemistry between them is electric, sizzling, and iconic. I totally bought into their relationship and their affections towards one another. They have an easy-going relationship at first, but it quickly evolves into real, big-time feelings. Ugh, I loved them together. They go through some difficult decisions and choices throughout the course of their relationship, and I think Danielle Allen handles the situation well, where other authors may not have. All in all, I loved this book, and it makes an even better listen! Fantastic plus-size representation going on here. Such good stuff.

Thank you to Danielle Allen, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

One thing Danielle Allen knows how to do is keep the reader engaged. This book was a feel-good read with the perfect amount of romance, comedy and spice. Nina Ford isn’t looking for love. The thought of a traditional relationship doesn’t appeal to her. Instead, she prefers to keep a few men in her life that fulfill her needs. The Smart One. The Fun One. The Funny One. The Romantic One. All is well with her dating life until she, and everyone else around her, realizes that she likes The Fun One. Russell Long aka The Fun One, keeps Nina on her toes with adventure. There is an undeniable chemistry between the two. Everything looks good until they realize there is a hurdle in their way.

I loved the social media element of the story because it was so relevant to today. Nina handled the fatphobia scenes with the confidence I hope every plus size woman possess. The characters were well developed, and I loved that it was a mature romance. Nina was no-nonsense on her boundaries and while it got in the way at times, I loved how her and Russell handled things. The meeting scene in the office had to be one of my favorites. Big Russ stood on business when it came to Nina, unapologetically.

I’m loving this series so far and can’t wait to see what the next book brings.

I was really interested in the premise of this, but unfortunately the execution fell a bit flat. The story felt like it was more plot than anything else and the writing was very repetitive. The narrator was great!

Work place romance
Plus size model
Forced proximity
Black romance

Audio review
Narrated by Wesleigh Siobhan

Main characters
Russ
Nina

Nina is a plus sized model and internet influencer. She is confident and definitely career oriented. She is also the player in the scenario. She dates more than one guy and is up front with them. They each serve a different need. The romantic one, the smart one, the funny one and the fun one. She goes to nice dinners, comedy shows and lectures. Out the four men, only one can make her drop her plans - the fun one.
Russ happens to to be the fun one in her rotation. He takes her of adventures and knows who to treat her well. He listens and understands her. He is all the guys wrapped in one. He had her back and never let anytime disrespect her! I love that about him.
The chemistry between Russ and Nina is off the charts.
The story is fun, and sexy with a bit of angst. The banter between the two characters is fire. The characters are wonderful and totally relatable. I really liked Nina’s character with her confidence and how she stood up for herself. She knew what she wanted and went after it.

Once again the narrator did a fantastic job with this story. Easy to follow and nailing the personalities. The lines were delivered on point.

PLUS SIZE PLAYER by Danielle Allen was such an incredible read like the first book in the series.

I absolutely adore Danielle’s storytelling and writing. Her character always feels so real and authentic. You could really see yourself in the female characters as their story unfolding.

I admired Nina so much throughout her journey. The way that see carried herself, her ambition and passion for her career; as well as not allowing anyone around her make her feel less than or undesirable really made me connect deeply with her. Inspired me to be like her when it came to her self-confidence.

Her love life was definitely entertaining with her roster of men individually used to satisfy her various needs. However, you couldn’t deny the deep connection and chemistry between her and Russ. Their banter was everything and more and the pacing of their relationship was beautiful. I loved how down bad they were for each other.

The sisterhood between Nina and her two friend was something special, I loved their bond and the way that they support each other through everything as well as keep each other accountable.

Overall, this book was amazing. I’m excited for the third book to this series I just know it’s going to break me emotionally.

Prepare for the ultimate summer romance when you read Plus Size Player. Fashion, love, careers, friendships, and lots of spice. I was not expecting this book to be as spicy. The audiobook is chef's kiss. This is a series that gets better with each book, and I wish I could read it again for the first time.

I was approved for an ALC of the second book in the Curve Book series Plus Size Player which was narrated by Wesleigh Siobhan. She is one of my favorite narrators because she always brings the characters to life. In this book it follows the confident Nina Ford who is a plus sized model in her career & dating life. Nina juggles a few men while dating because she’s all about having fun & not looking for love. That’s until one of her men in rotation gives her pause on what would happen if they pursued more. Russell is all about his business & Nina, and she quickly takes notice. Nina suddenly finds her head in the clouds but things come screeching to a halt when business gets in the way. I enjoyed this book especially after reading the prior book in this series & seeing how this plus sized beautiful friend circle exude their confidence & navigating their love lives. I only knocked a star off bc the FMC did drive me a bit crazy regarding one situation & I wish there was more to the ending. Other than that I loved the style of writing from this author & the narrator was phenomenal. I appreciate the advanced audio book version to the this book for my honest opinions.

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!!!!!!!!!!! (6/10/25)

I had SUCH high expectations going into this book because Curvy Girl Summer is one of my favorite books of all time and I wasn't sure how a couple could even come close to comparing to Ahmad and Aaliyah, but I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by this book!

The characters were so much fun. Everything seemed so real and I'm just absolutely obsessed. Ms. Danielle Allen, you've done it again. Thank you SO much for the advanced copy and I absolutely can't WAIT for everyone to get their hands on this now that it is OUT!!!!

Love love love love love.

Delicious, romantic, decadent! Plus Size Player kept me on my toes and in my feelings. Danielle Allen knows how to deliver a Capital R Romance that is swoony, sexy, and full of grown folks falling, fumbling, and loving out loud.

The chemistry between Nina and Russell is so immediately off the charts, one wonders why a gal keeps a roster? He was THE ONE off rip, baby! Russ was handsome and charming and fun.

Danielle's writing is so smooth you may as well call it velvet. So much banter, real talk, quotable line...I genuinely lost track of time with this book. There’s real vulnerability as well, with characters who don’t just talk about current issues but actually unpack it in the pages, mess and all.

Allen does plus size romance right. An authentic celebration of the full body, sexy AF and never once feeling like a side plot or afterthought. If you’re looking for a romance that feels like dessert but still sticks to your ribs, THIS THE ONE.

Lastly, Wesleigh did her *thing* on the audio. I don't know why I was trying to listen to this at work. PSA, make sure you are good and ALONE, with a drank and a pack of cigs, as my friend Erin said.

We don't even smoke. IT'S THAT GOOD.

Highly recommend if you want to smile, squirm, and wish for your own version of Russ. I might like him a little bit.

I love, love, LOVEEEEE this book!!! This is a feel good love story where the main male character does not play about his woman. He loves her out loud and does not allow anyone to disrespect her in any way. I love Nina's confidence and how she never allowed society's biases on plus sized women to impact or affect her.

Holy wow 🥵 This was probably the spiciest book I’ve read/listened to, but man what a sweet story. I absolutely loved the plus sized representation! Russell and Nina were such a fun couple! The narrator did a phenomenal job of bringing the story to life too.

Thank you to Danielle Allen, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for a copy of the audiobook!

Audiobook and paperback.

Danielle Allen write your book ma’am! This book was so good to me, i jumped into the authors inbox to tell her so. I mean to be honest after chapter 2 i was ready to give it a 5 and call it a day. With Allen’s writing and Wesleigh narrating it was pure perfection. Wesleigh brought it as per usual. I love her male voices. She’s so amazing.

Nina was funny, sexy, confident and fierce. She was quick with it when people tried to be funny. She made dating seem fun because she set the tone. The family and friend group were absolutely top tier. One thing i appreciate Allen doing was making sure we as the readers got the perfect balance of Nina’s dating life and career. Giving us layers of Nina. Nina’s character is so inspiring.

Now big daddy Russ was talking his ish. That man catered to Nina. He was not afraid to take control, set up dates and speak life into our girl. Honey, the spice and connection these two had is out of this world. The way Allen was building the scenes no matter spice or career it felt like you were there.

No lie i cried a couple times. My emotions were all up in this book. These two are definitely in my top couples. Oh yeah, my jaw dropped a couple times. The story is worth the read. Truly.

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for this opportunity in exchange for an honest review.

In this engaging narrative, Nina emerges as a vibrant, confident character who personifies independence and self-assurance. As a content creator and fashion curator, her charisma is undeniable, and her journey is a refreshing portrayal of a beautiful, plus-size Black woman navigating the complexities of modern relationships.

Nina’s story revolves around her dynamic roster of four primary men, each representing an essential quality she admires: Russ, the fun one; James, the funny one; Drew, the sweet one; and Terrell, the smart one. Together, they form a composite of the "perfect man," yet each holds a distinct place in her life, underscoring the idea that fulfillment can come from diverse experiences rather than a singular source.

The narrative shines with memorable moments, particularly Nina’s chemistry with Russ, whose intentions toward her add depth to their connection. Their amusement park date, highlighted by the heartfelt Ferris wheel scene, is especially poignant. The dialogue—"You’re my escape. Your escape. I can forget everything and just be me. When I say you’re my escape, you’re my freedom."—captures the essence of their bond, illustrating a space where authenticity reigns.

Wesleigh Sioban’s narration breathes life into this story, skillfully weaving emotion and nuance into every scene. Her voice captures Nina’s boldness and vulnerability with equal grace, making listeners feel deeply connected to the character’s journey. Sioban’s dynamic pacing and expressive tone amplify the story’s emotional beats, from the exhilarating highs of romantic escapades to the introspective moments of self-discovery. Through her narration, Nina's world becomes vivid and immersive, turning every word into an intimate experience for the listener.

Overall, Nina’s journey is a celebration of self-love, representation, and the joy found in life's varied connections. It’s a story that resonates with authenticity and charm, leaving readers inspired by Nina’s unapologetic embrace of who she is.

Smart, Sexy, and Full of Confidence

Plus Size Player was such a fun, refreshing listen! Danielle Allen delivers a bold, body-positive rom-com with a heroine who knows exactly what she wants—and refuses to settle for less. Nina Ford is vibrant, unapologetic, and fiercely independent, and following her dating escapades and professional pursuits was both entertaining and empowering.

The audiobook narration brought Nina’s voice to life perfectly. The pacing, tone, and emotional beats were all spot-on, making this feel like a late-night conversation with your most confident, hilarious friend. I especially appreciated how the story balanced steamy moments with introspection and character growth. The love interest was swoon-worthy, the chemistry was 🔥, and the dialogue felt sharp and natural throughout.

While some plot points wrapped up a little too neatly for me, the overall ride was enjoyable and left me rooting for Nina both in love and in her career. A great pick for fans of Julie Murphy, Talia Hibbert, or anyone looking for a romance that celebrates confidence, curves, and career ambition.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

4.5⭐️
Nina was that girl and Russ did not come to play! Nina was confident, knew what she wanted, and she was going to get it. She deemed Russ the “Fun Guy” and he was that plus more. The chemistry was there from the very beginning.

Not only did we get romance, but we got to see a confident, plus sized woman in the modeling industry not care about the opinions of others.

This is the first time I’ve loved both the FMC and MMC throughout the whole book in a while. I can’t wait for book 3!Also ,Wesleigh Siobhan was the perfect fit for this!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for the ALC!

If you're looking for a romance that serves confident main character energy, career ambition, and a storyline that actually keeps you hooked? Go ahead and pre-save this one — Plus Size Player is bringing all of that and more.

We meet Nina mid-glow up — she’s thriving in her influencer bag, protecting her peace, and keeping a curated dating roster. And this isn’t just a casual rotation — she’s got a full lineup: The Fun One. The Funny One. The Romantic. The Smart One. And yes, she’s open to scouting new talent if someone on the bench isn’t pulling their weight.

But what she didn’t plan for? Catching real feelings for the one man she absolutely shouldn’t. Let’s just say, her “fun” fling starts acting and sounding like he wants to be more — and considering Nina’s already dubbed him the best she’s ever had? Yeah… things are getting complicated.

While it carries the same spark and boldness you might remember from Curvy Girl Summer, this story takes things a step further — with more twists, emotional depth, and the kind of tension that sneaks up on you. Nina’s journey is confident, sexy, layered, and refreshingly honest about what it means to want everything — in love, in work, and in life.

AUDIOBOOK...
Let’s start with this: Wesleigh Siobhan ate! She never disappoints...seriously. From the first few chapters, it’s clear she knows what she doing — tone, pacing, character shifts, all of it. Her performance pulled me in and kept the energy flowing, whether Nina was in a flirty back-and-forth or having a vulnerable moment with someone close to her.

A few standout wins:
- Pacing. I listened at my usual 1.3x speed, and it was flawless. No weird drag, no rushed emotion — just smooth and engaging from start to finish.
- Voice work. Her male characters actually sounded distinct without veering into cringe or cartoon territory (which is rare, especially in solo narrations). And her delivery of Nina? Loved it! She gives confident, self-aware, sassy, and overall full of personality.
- Production quality. Clean. No audio glitches, jarring background noise, or weird pauses. Just a seamless, professional listen that made me forget I wasn’t watching this play out on screen.

If you’re already an audiobook lover, this one’s a strong pick. And if you're usually team eBook or physical copy but want to dip into audio? This is a great intro — Wesleigh brings the vibes all the way through!

* Disclaimer I did receive an audio arc and my review is my complete honest opinion!! Thank you Macmillan audio*

5 ⭐️ honestly this book deserves so much more!! Reading about a plus size black woman being loved properly does something to my heart 😩🩷 I never read anything before by this author and I’m definitely gonna check out more of her work because I loved the storyline, how it shows what plus size creators go through, and what it looks like to be poured into. I love everything about Nina and Russ… also the spice is spicy this is one book you don’t wanna listen to out loud if you listen to the audio book

This was a great follow up to Curvy Girl Summer! Both books occur at the same time but in this book we get to hear Nina's story. This book is a fun, summer read. It is SPICY so make sure you're ready for that when you start this one! I listened to the audio book and loved the narration by Wesleigh Siobhan and I loved it!

Nina is an influencer and model who does all the dating - like ALL the dating. She juggles multiple men to meet all the different kinds of dates she wants- fun, smart, funny, romantic. She is open and honest with all her dates that she isn't looking for anything exclusive and that works for her. But suddenly, Nina finds herself caring for one above the rest. What happens when her professional and private worlds collide?

Thank you to @macmillan.audio for providing me an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Out June 10th!

First of all this cover!! 😍😍 I mean, how freakin gorgeous!

Second of all, whew was this a hot one. 🔥

Nina isn’t looking to settle down, which is why she has a rotation of men she goes on dates with, like the funny one, the romantic one, and the intelligent one. But, maybe, one of these men kind of stands out above the others?…maybe??

Ok, so at first I was wondering how this was gonna go because she was going on lots of dates, which one is gonna be the love interest here? But it does became pretty clear early on that there was a definite front runner, and even though the love interest becomes clear so early on, things definitely took off, plot wise, once she finally sees their connection for herself.

I really loved Nina! She is so confident and I love how she handles herself in her life, business, and with unsolicited rude comments. She is really going places professionally, and you can’t help but root for her!

And the MMC is so cute, with his thoughtfulness with their dates, and how he shows her how he cares. 🥰

But also, these two! 🥵

Audiobook notes: Wesleigh Siobhan is always so good! Her delivery, whether comedic or 🔥 is always so good.

What this book is giving:
✅ Contemporary Romance
✅ Single POV
✅ She’s a player
✅ Workplace
✅ Forbidden
✅ Plus Size Rep/Model

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️½ / 5

Danielle Allen books just HIT! Nina is a fashionista - fashion influencer, plus size model, and hustler. She’s built her image from scratch, and now she’s got a modeling gig with a huge company and she’s ready for the next step in her career. What she isn’t ready for is to pare down the casual line of men she’s crafted to keep her weekends busy - and her nights. But there is one stand out… maybe “the fun one” will be the one that sticks.

This was interesting to see the woman who is unapologetically playing the field dating-wise, and I loved how Danielle crafted Nina’s character! AND, I didn’t know which man she was going to stick with at first! That was a fun twist. Her modeling journey was fun to watch, and Nina was so true to herself the whole time; it made me so happy! She didn’t take any sh*t from anyone 💪

All in all, I will be listening to Danielle’s books forever and hoping that Wesleigh Siobhan reads them always!!!