Book Title: The Big, Not-So-Small, Curvy Girls Dating Agency (Plush Daisies: BBW Romance Book 1)

Author: Ava Catori

Publication Date: April 16, 2014

Becky Holgate wants to start her own business, a dating agency that would cater to plus-size women like her. Her best friend Sam, asked a client, Reed Amwell, to take Becky’s headshots for her business. In exchange, Becky can refer Reed to her clients if they need a photographer. Things, however, became complicated when Becky met Reed. She liked him the moment she saw him and Reed also felt something for Becky. But Reed has a girlfriend, Jessica, and they are already engaged.

This is a light love story about a girl who thinks she never stands a chance with an almost-perfect guy. Part of the reason is her physical insecurity. She thinks that being a plus-size limits her from being pursued by hot guys. When she starts liking one, she feels that it will just be one-sided and nothing will come out of it. Reed however is not just “one of those guys”. He finds Becky intriguing and is interested in knowing her more.

This kind of story has already been explored countless times so I was expecting the writer to have something up her sleeve – like a unique twist to the story. While I didn’t get what I was hoping for, the novel still has its redeeming qualities. The flow of the story is okay. It’s light, it’s romantic. The characters have got their own charms – the insecure yet charming Becky, the sassy best friend Sam, and the hot and nice guy Reed. Even Becky’s cat, Bella, comes with her own quirkiness. The approach to the hot-guy-in-a-relationship-with-a-chubby-girl arc may be less stellar but the writer knows what she’s talking about. Plus I think the ending is written well. Yes, it feels like the ending’s too abrupt, but that scene somehow compensates for it. The realization wasn’t all over the place, it was just that – right at that moment, that instant. It’s when everything’s at its simplest that you see things clearly, feel things clearly. And that scene summed it all up.

So would I recommend this novel? If you’re into feel-good romantic stories, then yes. The novel is a nice read, one you can pick up and indulge in on a lazy Sunday afternoon.