Big Girl Blitz Review: Why This Plus Size Romance Novel Had the TCF Book Club Hooked

Hi, I’m Taylor Corrien, Chief Story Stylist and your guide through the TCF Book Club!

Over the last month, we’ve been reading Big Girl Blitz by Danielle Allen, and whew… what a ride.

This book put us through every possible emotion. We laughed, we swooned, we got frustrated, we cried, and somehow we still weren’t ready for it to end.

As the third installment in Danielle Allen’s beloved Curve Series, Big Girl Blitz delivered everything we love about a great plus size romance novel: layered characters, meaningful friendships, emotional growth, undeniable chemistry, and a love story that feels earned.

Needless to say, Danielle Allen did not disappoint. If anything, she left us impatiently waiting for whatever comes next.

Jazmyn Payne, Grief, and Learning to Let People In

Our plus size leading lady, Jazmyn Payne, is carrying a lot.

She’s navigating grief, complicated family dynamics, childhood wounds, career ambitions, and the heartbreaking reality of watching the person she loves most, her Aunt Addy, face a terminal illness.

Throughout the novel, Jazmyn does what many of us have been conditioned to do. She handles everything herself.

Or at least she tries to.

She throws herself into problem-solving, avoids vulnerability whenever possible, and resists accepting help from the people who care about her most. Watching her slowly learn that strength doesn’t have to mean suffering alone became one of the most rewarding parts of the story.

Aunt Addy, Fatphobia, and the Power of Being Fully Seen

Let’s talk about Aunt Addy.

Honestly, can we all collectively agree that we need an Aunt Addy in our lives?

She’s larger than life, charismatic, hilarious, loving, and completely committed to helping Jazmyn experience life to its fullest. Every scene she appeared in felt brighter.

More importantly, Aunt Addy was one of the few people in Jazmyn’s childhood who made her feel fully accepted.

While Jazmyn’s parents focused heavily on achievement and perfection, Aunt Addy provided softness, encouragement, and unconditional support. She became the safe place Jazmyn needed.

That support becomes even more significant when we consider why Jazmyn left her hometown in the first place.

The fatphobia and bullying she experienced growing up left lasting scars. Returning home means confronting people who never truly changed, people who continue to judge, criticize, and comment on her body years later.

Unfortunately, that’s a reality many readers know all too well.

Far too often, people feel entitled to become unsolicited nutritionists, body critics, or internet bullies the moment they encounter someone in a larger body. The impact can be deeply isolating, especially when those voices pile on all at once.

In Big Girl Blitz, Danielle Allen doesn’t shy away from showing how those experiences shape Jazmyn’s choices. At the same time, she reminds us how powerful it can be to have someone like Aunt Addy reminding you that your life is bigger than other people’s opinions.

A Plus Size Romance Novel We Couldn’t Stop Rooting For

Now let’s get to the romance.

Because Lamar.

Lamar enters Jazmyn’s life during her first night back home and immediately gives us everything a summer romance should.

He’s a professional football player. He’s thoughtful. He’s emotionally intelligent. He’s protective without being possessive. And most importantly, he sees Jazmyn clearly.

As readers, we loved watching him consistently show up for her.

Even when Jazmyn keeps her guard up, Lamar remains patient. He sends flowers. He checks in. He supports her through difficult moments. He even pays her rent after learning she may need to stay with Aunt Addy longer than expected.

Sir.

We see you.

What impressed us most was Lamar’s emotional maturity. He never tries to force Jazmyn into vulnerability. He gives her space while making it clear that he’s there when she’s ready.

However…

We do have one complaint.

TELL HER HOW YOU FEEL.

For much of the novel, Lamar expresses his love through actions while struggling to put those feelings into words. While his intentions are obvious to readers, the lack of verbal clarity leaves Jazmyn and all of us sitting in emotional limbo.

And if we’re being honest, it was a little maddening.

One of the biggest lessons from their relationship is that love should not leave room for unnecessary confusion. Actions matter, but communication matters too.

If you care about someone, tell them.

Friendship Is the Real Cheat Code

As much as we adored the romance, the friendships may have been our favorite part of the book.

Aaliyah and Nina have been Jazmyn’s ride-or-die friends since college. They’re the people who help her feel seen outside of her relationship with Aunt Addy, and they never stop showing up for her.

Even when Jazmyn refuses to ask for help.

Even when she’s emotionally unavailable.

Even when she’s determined to carry every burden by herself.

Throughout the story, they encourage her to take up space, embrace visibility, and allow herself to be loved.

When Jazmyn finally lets them support her, we watch her confidence grow.

That’s what great friendships do.

They become a third space. A place between family, work, and romantic relationships where you can be fully yourself. A place where you can process, grow, and feel understood.

It also matters that Aaliyah, Nina, and Jazmyn are all plus size women navigating many of the same societal pressures.

Whether it’s dating, social media scrutiny, public visibility, or everyday body commentary, their experiences overlap in meaningful ways. Their friendship becomes a reminder that community can make even the hardest moments easier to navigate.

And honestly?

Friends who genuinely want to see you win are priceless.

Sometimes they help you move mountains.

Sometimes they help you climb them.

And in Jazmyn’s case, one of those mountains happened to be Lamar.

What’s Next for the TCF Book Club?

Now that we’ve officially wrapped up Big Girl Blitz, it’s time for our next read.

Our June Book of the Month is Just Our Luck by Denise Williams.

And trust us, this one sounds delicious.

Imagine buying a winning lottery ticket only to accidentally leave it behind with a very handsome baker.

That’s exactly what happens to Sybil Sweet.

What follows promises plenty of romance, chemistry, and complications. We’re getting a plus size heroine, interracial romance, strangers-to-lovers energy, fake dating, forced proximity, and a life-changing amount of money.

Basically?

It’s checking every box.

New Book. New Crush. Same Book Club Shenanigans.

We’ve officially closed the chapter on Big Girl Blitz, but don’t get too comfortable because Just Our Luck is already waiting in the wings.

A winning lottery ticket.
A handsome baker.
Fake dating.
Forced proximity.

Need we say more?

Join us on Saturday, June 13 at 1:30 PM EST / 10:30 AM PST as we dive into our first discussion of Denise Williams’ Just Our Luck.

Come ready with your predictions, your favorite moments, and your completely unhinged character opinions.

No judgment here. We encourage it.

New to the TCF Book Club? No worries. Grab the book (not required), jump into the discussion, and come exactly as you are.

Bring your thoughts, your theories, and probably a snack.

We’ll see you there!