This love story was everything I needed! Russ and Nina were HOT and HEAVY in love. Love the whirlwind romance along with a wine and dine of a fmc. This book gave me both! The way Nina stood up for herself in trying times, particularly in the stereotypically skinny fashion industry, i also loved how Russ was always there to reassure/stand up for her. Seeing him fall in love in real time throughout this book was heart warming. Literally was swooning, kicking my feet while listening to these two laugh, joke, get to know each other, dirty talk, and everything else between.
The audio was fantastic, I was able to easily follow along when a new chapter/character was speaking. I also realllllly enjoyed the AAVE being used in proper context and pronounced authentically!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Danielle Allen for giving me the opportunity to listen to this advance listening copy of Plus Size Player.

This read a breath of air fresh air! I had so much fun with Nina! I was over here kicking my feet and giggling the whole time. I listened while I cooked and cleaned, sweating more from the spicy scenes than the chores! 😂

Russ--my goodness. 🤤

This is a perfect release read for the summer!

Thank you to @authordanielleallen, @netgalley, @macmillan.audio for the opportunity to listen in advance for my honest review in return.

@wesleigh_siobhan rocks the audiobook narration!

Highly recommend this book! Plus size model and tall dark and handsome man energy. Great supportive friends and family throughout!

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️

this is a slow one. it is more believable than the first in the series. I would still recommend it.
The narrator does a good job but also her voice got to me sometimes and i would have to take a break.

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for this ALC.
The excitement I felt when I received this ALC was unmatched. I loved “Curvy girl summer” so I was anticipating loving this one as well.

At first, I really thought, where is this gonna go. It was different and refreshing to have an FMC who doesn’t settle down just because she feels she has to.
She had her professional life figured out and had a dating roster that was exceptional but Rhee just had to be someone to come and show her everything she did t know she wanted or needed.

When I tell you this book had me laughing, gasping, mad as hell at some people! That one photographer can catch these hands 😩 iykyk.

Nina knew what she had and wasn’t gonna let anyone tell her different and when you can bask and shine in that confidence and knowledge, no one can ever tear you down.
Russ is gonna be up there as far as book boyfriends, but he was making me mad trying to act like he could resist her! He knew he couldn’t resist my girl!! The way he loved her..wheww!!!!!!

I will say, it did feel a little too long, i think there was a bit of fluff in between but that is just me being nitpicky.

Do yourself a favor and get this book, and if you can get it on audio, even better, because Wesleigh Siobhan is unmatched and I could listen to her narrate all day everyday.

This was my first Danielle Allen novel and WHAT A KNOCK OUT!

Nina is a plus sized GODDESS! She’s confident, successful, and has men tripping over themselves for her attention.

Russ is an infatuated love drunk dream. The way he cares for Nina, worships her, oh to be on the receiving end of his love!

This book was HOT HOT HOT and a lot of fun!

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

I really enjoyed this! I love Nina's story and her journey to love, and Russ and her are a great match. I think the ending was kinda rushed tho, like okay he's her CEO and now he's stepping down. I did find some of the dialogue was a bit repetitive like she said " my stomach fluttered" bout 50 11 times lol. Wesleigh is top 2 and not two when it comes to audiobook narration and think she really moved the plot and added to the enjoyment of the book! I didn't read Curvy Girl Summer, but now I'm def interested in checking it out!

i loved this book from start to finish!!! the way danielle allen creates such beautifully flawed characters in a way that feels so vulnerable and relatable seriously needs to be studied because these characters stole my heart! the banter was too tier! the chemistry was off the charts. the audiobook itself was so well done. the narrator brought all of these characters to life making them feel so real.

This was cute. Definitely not a slow burn like book 1 in the series. I felt like this was a good follow up to the sensation that was book 1. It was nice to learn about Nina’s story while catching up a little with Aaliyah. This book gave us another swoon worthy MMC in Russ, whom I adored. It also tackled tough topics like how women in bigger bodies are treated personally and professionally. The humor was still present in this series and it didn’t skimp on the spice. Kudos to Danielle Allen for this follow up!

Super fun and steamy romance! Plus-size model Nina has her life figured out - dating 4 men, all giving her different aspects of satisfaction, without any commitment or real feelings. Her modeling career is starting to really take off when the "fun one" in her rotation of guys starts making her feel something serious.

I really enjoyed this romance, it's a perfect escape into something really spicy, body-positive, and seeing a woman get everything she deserves! Nina is a fun main character and it's great to see a woman be a "player" without anyone truly getting hurt (or even misogyny that comes with it! Perfect escapism). She's funny, smart, passionate, and treated very well by all the guys in her life. The spice is great without it being too much of the focus. This has little drama, which I appreciate, mostly small issues that get resolved reasonably and don't drag down the fun plot.

I also have to commend audiobook narrator Wesleigh Siobhan, who did fantastic as each character! All the voices for men and women were well done and unique, the performance was really engaging and brought me into the story. I'll have to listen to other books she's done because this was great!

Overall a great steamy, women-positive, diverse romance!

Danielle Allen’s latest romance hits different. Her heroine, Nina Ford, treats life like an investment portfolio – diversified. Multiple jobs, various hobbies, and a carefully curated roster of men, each serving a distinct purpose. It’s a strategy that’s worked like a charm, until those pesky feelings show up uninvited.

What makes this book shine is how real it feels. Nina isn’t your typical romance protagonist – she’s messy, complex, and completely unapologetic. Allen writes with the kind of wit that makes you snort-laugh in public, while delivering steamy scenes that’ll have you checking if anyone’s reading over your shoulder.

The book nails body positivity without preaching. There’s no dramatic transformation or “learning to love yourself” montage. Instead, Allen weaves self-acceptance naturally through Nina’s story, making it feel authentic rather than forced.

Sure, the middle drags a bit, and some interesting subplots get left hanging. But these are minor bumps in an otherwise smooth ride. Allen, drawing from her background as a professor and life coach, gets people – their quirks, their fears, their desperate attempts to keep love at arm’s length.

At its heart, Plus Size Player is about finding love on your own terms, even when it messes with your carefully planned life. It’s smart, sexy, and refreshingly real. If you like your romance with a side of actual human behavior, this one’s for you.

4.5/5 stars – Highly recommended for anyone who’s ever tried to spreadsheet their way through relationships (you know who you are).

Ａｕｄｉｏｂｏｏｋ & Ｅｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Listen closest, and understand me when I say this with my whole chest. PLUS SIZE PLAYER by Daniella Allen is now my favorite book of 2025! I honestly don't think any book could beat this book at the moment. Omg! This book had me giggling like a school girl. I now have to get the physical copy. Nina Ford doesn’t like to put all her eggs in one basket. She works multiple jobs, she enjoys multiple hobbies, she dates multiple men. In her thirty years of life, Nina has never come across a man who has all the things she’s looking for. She’s always been content, rotating a few men in and out of her life to get her needs met. But when Russell Long, her designated “Fun Guy”, shows her that he’s good for more than just thrills, it seems too good to be true. Hunni, once Russell got his hand on Nina, he turned her every way but lose, and I LOVED IT.

The audiobook is phenomenal. I swear Wesleigh Siobhan has me questioning my sexual preferences. When Wesleigh does her man's voice, Lord forgive me, but I always fall in love. And the spicy scenes just send me over the edge.. omg, I feel like every BOOK READER or AUDIO listener should experience Wesleigh Siobhan at least once because you will never be disappointed. She knows how to bring emotions and tell the book into a live action show in your head. With all that said, this audiobook is amazing.

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
•Plus Size Female Lead
•Black Romance

Thank you, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Tor Publishing Group, for the audiobook and ebook in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up

Danielle Allen delivers another extremely steamy, messy contemporary romance with a plus size heroine, this time one who likes to date around and has not intention of settling down. We don't often get the girl as the player, so it was a refreshing change and Nina does not pull her punches. She's a successful plus size fashion influencer with a rotation of men, convinced she will never find one who will give her everything she wants. But "the fun one" is starting to give her a run for her money...and then they find out he's the CEO of the company she just signed an agreement with, including a no fraternization policy.

The physical chemistry between these two is intense (and they seem to have a thing for semi-public locations that had me worried what would happen if they got caught!), but they're both equally passionate about what they do. It's a sexy, messy book with heart and a plus size heroine who loves herself and her body, and is confident in who she is no matter what microaggressions she has to deal with. I will continue to read from this author! The audio narration is fantastic, and those spicy scenes are VERY spicy y'all! I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Danielle Allen’s Plus Size Player is a refreshing and heartwarming continuation of her signature blend of body positivity, romance, and unapologetic confidence. Following the success of Curvy Girl Summer, Allen does an excellent job weaving crossover moments from the first book, making it a treat for fans and newcomers alike.
The romance is swoon-worthy, with just the right balance of tension and tenderness. What truly sets Allen’s writing apart, however, is her ability to create fully-realized, relatable characters who aren’t defined by their size but instead by their confidence.
The pacing is perfect, with moments of lighthearted fun and introspection that keep the story engaging from start to finish. And of course, the chemistry between the lead characters is electric.
The narrator for Plus Size Player does an exceptional job of bringing the characters and their emotions to life, adding depth and authenticity to the story. Thanks to NetGalley for this advance audiobook listen!

Rating: 5 Stars

Big thank you to NetGalley & Macmillian Audio for this ALC, in exchange for my honest review. This was a fun read; I truly enjoyed Russ & Nina’s story. I did not expect for Nina to be a player though. When I say Nina was living her life doing her big one, I was low key so happy for her. There were a few things that really stood out for me:

* Not your typical man plays in the women's face
* Nina had a whole career and her own money
* Nine was a plus size curvy girl with loads of confidence
* Nina did things on her terms when she was ready

These points stood out to me because it wasn't your typical cheater story where the man cheats on the woman and the women are left depressed and begging for attention. Nina had her choice of all kinds of men, and she kept them in rotation. When I tell you these men loved them some Nina lol. I felt so bad for them. Nina is a plus size model and influencer with beauty that is undeniable. They really wanted more with her, but she didn't want any commitments... That is until Russ came along.

Nina fought back and forth with her feelings and made me keep playing two songs in my head:
- Still Not A Player (by Big Pun)
- If I Were A Boy (Beyonce)

I just loved how Russ did not play no games with her. Wesleigh Siobhan was perfection as a narrator. Danielle Allen is a phenomenal writer, and I would be honored to read anything she writes. I do hope she continues to put out more audiobooks as I do feel that even if you have read this as a physical or e-book, the audios are a whole new experience. If you are an immersive reader, try reading the book while you listen to the audiobook... MAGICAL!

10/10 I recommend!

WOW she's done it again!!! This hit me right in the feels in the best way. Nina and Russ’s story is more than just steamy romance (though, yes, the heat was VERY much there) but a story about showing up for yourself and letting someone else show up for you too. I loved how easy their connection felt. From their playful banter to the deeper emotional moments, it all felt so real and relatable.

Russ very much gave dream MMC vibes. He was so soft but steady, the kind of partner who’s always paying attention and never afraid to say exactly how he feels. Watching Nina try to pretend like she wasn’t catching real feelings for her star player on the roster was hilarious. She was down bad from the start.

What really stuck with me and why I enjoy this series so much, was Nina herself. She’s a confident, curvy Black woman navigating her space as a content creator and not letting the world’s nonsense get in her way. There were moments where she had to push back against the nasty comments thrown her way, but she handled them with so much grace and clarity.

It was really refreshing to see her centered in a love story without being asked to shrink herself. Her friendships with Aaliyah and Jazmyn added so much heart and humor, and I loved the little glimpses of their sisterhood. This book felt like a celebration of love, of friendship, and of being fully yourself.

The Plus Size Player audiobook was everything I wanted it to be and MORE!!!! Wesleigh Siobhan consistently breathes so much life into the beautiful stories Danielle Allen creates, and this book was no different. Nina is a character who grew up with a shining example of what love looked like through her parents’ relationship, and she was unwilling to settle for anything less. One thing I really love about this series is the way we get to see these beautiful black women loved as their confident selves without having to compromise who they are.

This book was a funny, sexy, and reflective and I loved every second of it.

4.25✨ I really loved this new book by @authordanielleallen ! I devoured it in 2.5 days! Nina Ford is a social media influencer and a plus-size fashion icon who knows how to own her independence. She’s living her best life and keeping her options open, especially when it comes to men. Nina isn’t ready to settle down, or is it the right guy just hasn’t come around yet? This book is packed with Black Girl Magic, and sheds light on some the harsh realities of the modeling industry and how plus-size women are treated. All of this is wrapped up in tons of spice and a super sweet romance! Huge shout out to, @wesleigh_siobhan , as the amazing narrator!
Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced readers copy!
Version: Audiobook
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Thank you so much NetGalley for my ALC!!


I had a really great time listening to this audiobook! The narrator is amazing ✨ Nina is such a vibe and she’s so empowering and so confident of herself, she doesn’t apologize for wanting what she wants and my girl is a hustler and I LOVE THAT! Russ… that man’s mouth AHHH!! The tension was really good and the spicy scenes were HAWT, okay? 🥵
However, I personally think it lacked romance. As much as I loved the tension and the spicy scenes, I couldn’t see them being truly in love. The emotional connection between Nina and Russ was barely there- the attraction is undeniable, but I fear there weren't enough scenes of them talking about something else than wanting each other bodies for me to think they were truly in love.

Regardless, I still had a great time 🤎

Wow, this book was everything I hoped for and more! Nina did not come to play. I absolutely loved how confident she was in her plus-size body—it was so refreshing to see a FMC who fully owned her worth. This story was not a slow burn, and I was here for it.

Nina didn’t believe she could find everything she wanted in just one person, so she played the field until she got exactly what she needed. When the right one came along, she realized she didn’t have to look far at all. This book was grown and sexy in all the best ways.

The character development was phenomenal from start to finish, making every moment feel real and satisfying. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it!