On the Plus Side

Bliss’s passable second Perfect Fit contemporary (after Size Matters) will satisfy readers looking for an easy read featuring a relatable larger woman. Valerie Carmichael’s never had a problem attracting men thanks to her outgoing personality and “banging” curves, but the one man she’s really yearned for, her brother’s best friend, Logan Mathis, never seemed interested. Now that he’s back in Granite, Tex., and opening a new bar, Valerie is determined to get his undivided attention. Overcoming her obnoxiously overbearing and overprotective brother, who growls when men approach her, Valerie ends up working behind the bar for Logan, and it doesn’t take long for their previously platonic relationship to heat up. Valerie and Logan’s relationship offers few surprises and meets only minor barriers, including his inability to listen to her. Valerie is the best-drawn character and readers will respond to her bubbly personality, but some may wonder why a grown woman won’t just tell her irritating brother to take a hike (and mean it). Agent: Andrea Somberg, Harvey Klinger Literary. (July)