Curvy Girl Summer

Allen’s delightful latest (after 2022’s Guidance) combines snarky one-liners with some serious spice. Aaliyah James, 29, hasn’t found Mr. Right yet, but her family’s putting pressure on her to settle down ASAP. It doesn’t help that her eccentric uncle Al is sure her weight is the real problem keeping her from a relationship. To prove him wrong, she’s determined to bring a boyfriend to her 30th birthday party—which is just seven weeks away. Despite some trepidation, she agrees to a blind date with a friend of a friend, which goes disastrously wrong. The only saving grace is that Ahmad Williamson, the very sexy bartender who watches it go up in flames, can’t take his eyes of Aaliyah. She and Ahmad click when she tells him about her mission and he encourages her to try dating apps, promising to look out for her so long as she brings all her dates to his bar. Aaliyah takes him up on it, but as their friendship grows increasingly flirtatious, his presence becomes a distraction when she’s supposed to be on dates with other people. Allen makes the friends-to-lovers romance sing with a body-positive message, some laugh-out-loud moments, and charming supporting characters—including Aaliyah’s enviable friend group. Readers will hope for more time with these endearing characters in future installments. (June)