Plus Size Player By Danielle Allen Book Review

I really liked Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen. This book feels very uplifting. It is great for anyone who wants a summer romance. The story has real body-positive energy. Nina is a confident fashion blogger. She stands out in the story.

Studies say body positivity helps people feel better. It also helps people feel good about themselves. This story shows that is true.

Key Takeaways

Plus Size Player gives a happy story about loving your body. The main character is sure of herself and helps others feel good too. She teaches self-love and acceptance.
The romance in the book feels real and exciting. The characters have strong chemistry. They are easy to relate to, so readers feel close to them.
Readers like the book’s jokes and honest way of telling the story. The book shows many kinds of people. This makes it a fun and positive book for lots of readers.

Quick Verdict

Overall Impression

I’ll be honest, I started Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen late at night and ended up reading way past my bedtime. This book gave me that warm, fuzzy feeling I crave from a summer romance. Nina’s confidence jumps off the page. I felt like I was rooting for a real friend.

The story’s body-positive message isn’t just a buzzword—it feels genuine and uplifting. I noticed a lot of readers say the same thing. They talk about how the book cover and title made them feel seen, and how Nina’s journey inspired them to love themselves a little more.

Note: Many readers leave feedback about how the story made them smile, boosted their mood, and even motivated them to try new things in their own lives.

I have to give props to Danielle Allen for writing a plus-size heroine who isn’t just a sidekick or comic relief. Nina owns her story. The romance is sweet, sometimes a little spicy, and always respectful. I did find a few slow spots, but the emotional payoff made up for it. If you want a book that feels like a pep talk and a hug, this one delivers.

Who Will Enjoy It

If you love contemporary romance with a strong, confident lead, you’ll probably enjoy this book. I noticed that readers who connect most with Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen often share a few things in common:

They’re mostly women, often in their 30s to 50s, who enjoy stories about self-acceptance and empowerment.
Many are fans of authors like Nora Roberts or Jude Deveraux.
They like reading about characters who feel real and relatable, not just perfect models.
Some are looking for books that reflect their own experiences with body image and confidence.
They read for comfort, escape, and a little bit of hope.

If you’re someone who wants to see more body diversity in romance, or you just want a feel-good story with a heroine who knows her worth, this book is for you.

Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen Overview

Series Placement

I always check where a book fits in a series before I start reading. Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen is the second book in the Curve series. It comes right after Curvy Girl Summer and before Big Girl Blitz.

I noticed that readers sometimes get frustrated if they expect a standalone story but find out it’s part of a series. This book stands on its own, but knowing the order helps set the right mood. I like how the series keeps a focus on body positivity and romance, so you know what you’re getting into.

Curve series order:
- Book 1: Curvy Girl Summer
- Book 2: Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen
- Book 3: Big Girl Blitz

Tip: If you want the full experience, start with Curvy Girl Summer. Each book highlights a different heroine, but the themes connect.

Main Character

Nina Ford grabbed my attention from page one. She’s a plus-size fashion blogger and model in her thirties. I love her confidence. She owns her curves and her career. Nina juggles jobs, hobbies, and a busy dating life. She doesn’t apologize for who she is or what she wants.

I saw reviews calling her “uber-confident” and “unapologetic.” She handles online drama and mean girls with sass and quick comebacks. Her story feels like a celebration of self-worth and bold living.

Here’s what stands out about Nina and the book:

Publication Date: June 10, 2025
Author: Danielle Allen
Publisher: Bramble
Genre: Contemporary Romance, African American Romance, Adult Fiction
Format: Paperback, 368 pages
Nina’s lifestyle: fashion influencer, plus-size model, proud of her body, sets boundaries, refuses to settle

I felt like Nina’s journey was a love letter to confidence and finding someone who truly sees you. The book’s steamy, witty tone made her story even more fun to read.

Themes

Body Positivity

Body positivity shines in Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen. I felt it from the first chapter. Nina’s story doesn’t just talk about loving your body—it shows it in action. She walks into rooms with her head high. She wears what she wants. She doesn’t shrink herself for anyone. I saw myself in her, and I know many readers will too.

Research shows that stories with plus-size characters who have high self-esteem can help readers feel better about their own bodies.
When I read about Nina’s confidence, I noticed my own mood lift. I started to think kinder thoughts about myself.
The book doesn’t just focus on looks. It talks about feeling good inside and out. That’s what makes the message so strong.

“Nina’s body-positive attitude isn’t just for show. It’s a real part of her journey, and it made me want to celebrate my own wins, big or small.”

The story pushes back against the idea that only thin bodies deserve happy endings. It gives us a heroine who is proud, bold, and lovable.

Self-Acceptance

Self-acceptance runs deep in this book. Nina faces online trolls and real-life critics, but she doesn’t let them define her. She sets boundaries and stands up for herself. I admired how she handled tough moments with humor and grace.

The book shows that self-acceptance is a process. Nina has good days and bad days, just like the rest of us.
I liked how the story didn’t rush her growth. It felt honest and real.
By the end, I felt inspired to be a little kinder to myself.

Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen uses Nina’s journey to remind us that healing and confidence can go hand in hand. The fat-positive approach isn’t just a theme—it’s the heart of the story.

Romance and Characters

Chemistry

I have to admit, the chemistry in this book made me grin like a fool. Nina and her love interest have that spark you can almost feel through the pages. Their banter feels natural, not forced. I caught myself rooting for them every time they shared a scene.

Sometimes, I even read their conversations out loud just to hear the rhythm. The flirty texts and playful teasing gave me butterflies. I could almost hear their voices in my head—Nina’s confidence, her partner’s charm. It felt like I was eavesdropping on real people, not just reading about them.

The way they look at each other? Swoon-worthy.
Their inside jokes made me laugh out loud.
I noticed my heart beat a little faster during their steamy moments.

Tip: If you love romance that feels both sweet and spicy, you’ll probably enjoy this couple’s journey.

Character Dynamics

The character dynamics in this story stand out. Nina isn’t just a one-note heroine. She has layers—strength, humor, and a little bit of vulnerability. Her love interest matches her energy but brings his own baggage. Their relationship isn’t perfect, and that’s what makes it real. I saw myself in their awkward moments and their big, bold declarations.

Reader reviews often mention how the characters’ voices jump off the page. Here’s what I noticed:

Readers say they can “hear” the characters’ tone and inflection.
Many people feel like the characters are real friends.
Some even blend their own experiences with Nina’s, making the story feel personal.
The dialogue feels alive, not stiff or scripted.

I finished the book feeling like I’d spent time with people I actually know. That’s rare, and it made the romance even more satisfying.

Strengths

Representation

Representation in this book really stands out. I felt seen in ways I rarely do when reading romance. The story doesn’t just focus on one type of body or skin tone. It brings in medical illustrations that show conditions on different skin tones. That surprised me. Most books skip this, but here, I saw how redness can look purple or violet on darker skin.

This detail matters. It helps readers like me feel included and understood. I noticed how Nina’s confidence and the way she owns her space made me want to do the same. The book even uses examples from projects like WoundWatch, showing pressure injuries on all kinds of skin. That’s a big deal. It builds trust and helps everyone feel like they belong in the story.

Characters reflect real people, not just one look or size.
The story addresses how people of color experience things differently.
I felt like the book wanted everyone to feel welcome.

“Seeing myself in a character’s story always makes me want to keep reading. This book gave me that feeling.”

Humor

The humor in this book kept me smiling. Nina’s quick comebacks and playful attitude made the story light and fun. I laughed out loud at her group chats and the way she handled awkward moments. The banter between characters felt real, not forced. I could tell the author wanted readers to have a good time.

Jokes land without feeling mean or overdone.
Awkward dating moments made me giggle.
The story uses humor to balance out tough topics.

I finished the book feeling lighter. Sometimes, I even read parts out loud just to enjoy the jokes again.

Weaknesses

Pacing

I have to admit, the pacing sometimes tripped me up. I flew through the first few chapters because the dialogue felt sharp and the scenes moved fast. Then, I hit a patch where the story slowed down. Nina’s inner thoughts stretched out, and I found myself checking how many pages were left in the chapter. I like a mix of fast and slow, but here, the balance felt off.

Short, snappy sentences and lots of conversation made some scenes feel quick and exciting.
Long, descriptive passages and deep dives into Nina’s feelings slowed things down.
Sometimes, I wanted more action or a twist to keep my attention.
I read a few chapters out loud and noticed the flow changed a lot from scene to scene.

If you love stories that take their time, you might not mind the slower parts. I just wish the pace stayed steady.

Plot Points

Some plot points felt a little too convenient for me. Nina would stumble onto the right clue or have a big realization at just the right moment. That made things feel less believable. I also got confused by the timeline. The story jumped around, and I had to flip back to remember when things happened.

A few side stories pulled me away from the main romance. I wanted more focus on Nina and her love interest.
Some chapters had flashbacks or backstories that didn’t add much.
The story sometimes shifted direction without warning, which made it hard to stay connected.

I think the book could use clearer time markers and fewer distractions. That would help the main story shine.

Narration

Writing Style

Danielle Allen’s writing style feels like a friend telling me a juicy story over coffee. She uses a first-person narrator, so I get Nina’s thoughts straight from her head. That makes every moment feel personal.

I noticed how Allen mixes quick, snappy dialogue with deeper moments of reflection. Sometimes, Nina’s inner voice jumps in with a joke or a pep talk. Other times, the story slows down so I can feel what she’s feeling.

The author uses setting almost like another character. Nina’s world—her apartment, the city, even her favorite coffee shop—shapes her mood and choices.
Allen drops hints about what’s coming next, so I always want to read one more page.
Flashbacks pop up, giving me pieces of Nina’s past and helping me understand her better.

“I love when a book lets me see the world through the main character’s eyes. Here, I felt like I was living Nina’s life for a while.”

The writing never feels stiff. It’s flexible, honest, and shaped by Nina’s unique voice. That’s what makes the story stand out.

Reading Experience

Reading this book felt active, not passive. I didn’t just read the words—I reacted to them. Sometimes I laughed out loud. Other times, I paused to think about my own life. I found myself nodding along or even talking back to the page. The story pulled me in and made me care about what happened next.

My mood changed with Nina’s. When she felt proud, I did too. When she faced drama, I felt tense.
I caught myself texting friends about funny lines or sweet moments.
The group chats and social media scenes made me feel like part of Nina’s circle.

I noticed that reading is more than just turning pages. It’s about feeling, reacting, and sometimes even joining a community. I saw other readers online sharing their thoughts, making jokes, and cheering for Nina. That made the experience even richer.

“A good book doesn’t just tell a story. It invites you in and lets you live it.”

I closed Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen feeling happy. This story is great if you want something empowering and body-positive. It is a good pick for people who like confident heroines and sweet romance.