Gentlemen Prefer Curves

In a story that focuses on the power of family and the idea that it is never too late to try again, the third installment of Jamison's Perfect Fit contemporary series (after Thrown for a Curve) showcases plus-size characters with bold, quirky personalities who go far beyond stereotypes to keep zany energy high around the sedate central couple. Size Me Up boutique manager Belinda Gordon married Carter Lancaster but dumped him shortly afterward due to the discovery of his undisclosed previous wife and baby. Five years later, he shows up in her small hometown of Durant, N.Y., with his fchubby, opinionated and instantly lovable daughter, Ruby, in tow. Unsubsided lust throws Belinda and Carter back into bed together, while Carter's need for support as a single dad brings Ruby and Belinda close, but it takes Belinda's dramatic, overinvolved, and unabashedly sensual model mother (who lovingly calls her "Pudge") and her pro ballplayer father who wishes she had been a boy (and calls her "Bill Junior") to cajole her into taking the idea of a life with Carter seriously. Series fans will delight in this sweet, funny installment. (Oct.)