The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
sherrireads247's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
hattiereadssomanybooks_x's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Body shaming and Fatphobia
noveldeelights's review against another edition
4.0
Dani has a bit of an unhealthy relationship with food. Twenty years ago, she left Appledore but life didnât quite pan out the way she thought it would and now sheâs back. Determined to finally let go of the past and get fit in the meantime, she signs up for gym lessons with a gorgeous personal trainer, Chris. But temptation is everywhere, especially when you work in an ice-cream parlour.
I found Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice Cream a bit more of an emotional ride than its predecessor but thatâs not a bad thing. The story is incredibly realistic and believable and Iâm sure us women can all relate to Daniâs circumstances as far as body issues and low self-esteem are concerned. Yet sheâs an amazing and funny lady and I warmed to her instantly. Her diary entries about numerous diets sheâs tried are hilarious!
There are appearances from characters from the first book which I thoroughly enjoyed. They may not be the main attractions in this story but they leave their mark regardless. Their help and support is invaluable to Dani. I found myself truly caring and by the end of the book, all I really wanted to do was hug Dani and say âyou go, girl!â
Of course there are some emotional moments where I almost shed a tear and that doesnât happen often, let me tell you. But thereâs ice cream and the beach, romance, plenty of chuckles and laugh-out-loud moments and so yes, this is a perfect feel-good summer read!
marceelf's review against another edition
4.0
Super cute read - just straight chick lit, which is my favorite in the summer. There is nothing more relaxing that floating in the pool reading a story that you know will end up on a good note. It's a great way to relax after a long week of work.
Dani ran away from her hometown years ago, leaving all memories of her alcoholic mother and cruel boyfriend behind. But she hasn't found happiness anywhere else so she decides to return to the town she loves.
With her birthday fast approaching, Dani decides to make some changes. She is tired of being a fat girl working in an ice cream shop, wondering what everyone is thinking about her. So she sets a goal to slim down before her birthday party, hopefully making her ex-boyfriend rue the day he gave her up.
Dani joins a local gym and promptly embarasses herself multiple times. But she keeps going, supported by the gym's owner and trainer. Dani keeps up her self-deprecating humor, but Chris sees through it and refuses to let her make fun of herself.
As Dani begins to make diet changes, her confidence grows, even though she makes a ill advised interview with a local journalist who has her pose for some awkward photos that show just how much she likes ice cream......
Her birthday has arrived, and the ex-boyfriend is around, showing interest in rekindling their relationship, but now Dani isn't sure that her goals are the same.
Watching Dani's journey, surrounded by her eccentric but loving tribe made for a very good weekend. I laughed a little, cheered on her fitness journey and enjoyed her happy ending.
sarahs_bookish_life's review against another edition
5.0
I have to admit this was quite an emotional book for me. Anyone that has ever battled with their weight is going to be able to relate to Dani. In parts it was actually quite painful as I saw so much of myself in her. If anything I have to say a big thank you to the author as this book has made me even more determined to quit the diets and just start making healthier choices. It even made me contemplate exercise and that is definitely going some.
Even though there is a wonderful relationship blossoming between Dani and Chris and that wonderful sense of romance brewing, this so much more than just your stereo typical romance. This is about a woman finally finding peace within herself and learning to love that person inside that everyone else can see.
Chris I absolutely loved. I so need this man in my life for many reasons. He really is such a great character and he is going to have so many readers falling head over heels for him.
This is such a truly wonderful book. In fact it is now my personal favourite of the authors. I feel like it should be my personal bible to keep going back to, to give me inspiration that itâs never to late to turn yourself around. Thank you Sue Watson for creating such larger than life characters who never fail to give us hope whilst giving us an utterly enjoyable reading experience.
My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
leona_omahony's review against another edition
4.0
meggyroussel's review against another edition
4.0
Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice Cream is all about sweetness. Sweetness and the right dose we need in our lives.
First, don't tell me the title didn't make you dream for a nice bottom in a bikini, a gorgeous lifeguard to rescue you on the beach, and a scrumptious freezing reward after a swim. This title screams yummy. But nothing comes without a price!
Trusting the publisher with my life... Well, here, with my reading list, I decided to give this book a try in the hope to give my brain a little break from playing the sleuth. My decision resulted in the discovery of a heart-warming, hilarious, and moving journey with relatable and colorful characters.
Dani is 39, back to her hometown, âcurvyâ and working in an ice-cream shop. But Dani is also a witty and an adorable character. I can't count the number of times one of her lines made me laugh out loud. I had to remind myself Dani was almost forty, as she felt more like twenty in her head! Dani is a delight to be around, no matter what size she wears. She has a big heart which is still bleeding from old wounds, and she has tried all the diets known to man (or sadly, to women)! Now, I was a little worried about not connecting with her because the book makes lots of room for her weight issue. This in itself is not a problem, but as a girl on the other side of the scale, being told I should not complain to be wearing a size XS or have to go to the kids department to find a skirt, I wondered if I could grasp the issues Dani was facing. I did not need to worry because the author skillfully and tactfully brought the subject in such a natural and easy way that I instantly felt for Dani, and I was by her side throughout the story!
In her task, Dani is helped by an array marvelous friends, a sexy trainer, and hindered by the weight of the past, trying to pull her back into her bad habits. I found it clever to learn snippets of Dani's life through her diets and the stories that went with them. As the story unfolded, both Dani and the reader are reminded there is more to a person than a number, and a list of failures.
So, Dani needs to lose weight. With ice cream in the title, you can guess it is not gonna be an easy task. There is no magic, there is actual work and sweat during the book, and more than this, a deeper analysis of the child within us that never leaves and sometimes needs attention for our grownup self to fully live. The reasons behind Dani's behavior with food was spot-on but did not feel cliché. The way it was presented to us moved me very much and I was relieved to see our gorgeous main character go through her share of struggles, doubts, tears, and bad days. Changing, growing, and learning is not easy, and I am happy the author did not choose the easy way to suddenly make Dani a Barbie.
Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice Cream has a delicious sound to it, but the core of this book is the fight so many of us are faced with. The measures society deem right, the models with perfect blond hair, the pressure women feel to be in the norm, with the scars of the past on top of everything. But Sue Watson mixes all those fabulous ingredients and turns what could be a painful ride to what is called âbeautifulâ from the hills of Hollywood into a wonderfully and sweaty journey through finding what is best for you, in every way. There is so much more to this book than food, weight, and carbs.
Sundaes, treadmills, laughs, best friends, sun, more sundaes, french fries, love in all its forms, and fun, this story will make you melt faster than a scorching day, and leave a fabulous taste of happiness in your mouth.
This unbiased review is my thank you to the publisher Bookouture for letting me be a part of this blog tour and providing me with a copy of this book!
My rating was rounded up to 4 stars on Goodreads and Amazon.Â
thejoyfulbookblogger's review against another edition
5.0
This story is a prime example of what a great chick-lit novel should read like and I loved the overall theme that you need to believe in yourself because you can do anything you set your mind to. Determination, motivation, and dedication are important and key when working towards a goal. And for some, letting go of perceived guilt can make a world of difference when it comes to achieving your goals and being happy.
Note, while reading this book I was personally inspired to get off my butt and get to the gym and I felt fantastic when I went! Thanks Sue for pushing me to be the best version of myself and for writing another fun laugh-out-loud summer romantic comedy.
emmascr's review against another edition
5.0
This book hit quite a personal note for me. I have always struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. I have always been overweight. Not excessively but I have always been at least a stone overweight but closer to two.  I am an emotional eater. I eat when I am happy, I eat when I am sad and I eat when I am bored. So I completely understand Dani's emotional relationship with food. Sue does a brilliant job of explaining Dani's feelings about food and I connected with this very easily.
I also understand her new found love for working out. Like Dani I hated PE at school. I am not very coordinated and I didn't ever enjoy exercise. When I joined a new gym at the beginning of the year I signed up for a weight loss scheme there the content is similar to what Dani does in this story although nowhere near as tough. Through this I found a love of spinning which I never would have expected. I love Dani's determination in this story. She is very inspiring and really made me want to be healthy even if for a few minutes.
I loved every page of this story. It is the perfect summer escapism that will inspire you to go for a walk before that yummy ice cream.