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Book Boyfriends Wanted #1
His Curvy Friend
Ian
Being stuck in the friend-zone sucked. I was done. Blake had been single long enough, and if I didn’t make a move, she’d get together with the wrong man again. Because the right one was me.
Luck was definitely on my side. An online dating site paired us up. It was an opportunity to show her the side of me she didn’t know. The side who wasn’t interested in a fling with half the women in town. The side who wanted something serious and lasting. With her.
I thought about confessing. Telling her that I was the guy she was sharing her secrets with. But keeping my online identity a secret meant she talked to me. Really talked to me. It was worth the risk. Blake was worth any risk.
Blake
Getting dumped sucked. Getting dumped because he thought I was in love with my best friend’s older brother was ludicrous. I did not have a thing for Ian. Yeah, we shared a hotel room when we went to Hawaii, but nothing happened. I mean, I walked in on him right after he got out of the shower.
Water running down his chest.
Hair slicked back from his face.
That stormy look in his eyes.
And the rock, hard…
Ahem, anyway. No, I did not have a thing for him. We were friends. That was it. No one needed to know I still dreamed about what would have happened if I’d closed that door with me on the inside instead of the outside. It was never going to happen.
Ever.
Being stuck in the friend-zone sucked. I was done. Blake had been single long enough, and if I didn’t make a move, she’d get together with the wrong man again. Because the right one was me.
Luck was definitely on my side. An online dating site paired us up. It was an opportunity to show her the side of me she didn’t know. The side who wasn’t interested in a fling with half the women in town. The side who wanted something serious and lasting. With her.
I thought about confessing. Telling her that I was the guy she was sharing her secrets with. But keeping my online identity a secret meant she talked to me. Really talked to me. It was worth the risk. Blake was worth any risk.
Blake
Getting dumped sucked. Getting dumped because he thought I was in love with my best friend’s older brother was ludicrous. I did not have a thing for Ian. Yeah, we shared a hotel room when we went to Hawaii, but nothing happened. I mean, I walked in on him right after he got out of the shower.
Water running down his chest.
Hair slicked back from his face.
That stormy look in his eyes.
And the rock, hard…
Ahem, anyway. No, I did not have a thing for him. We were friends. That was it. No one needed to know I still dreamed about what would have happened if I’d closed that door with me on the inside instead of the outside. It was never going to happen.
Ever.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2020
1226 people are currently reading
1339 people want to read
About the author
Mary E. Thompson
96 books364 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Mary E Thompson spent most of her childhood wishing she had a few less curves. She hid in the pages of books because her favorite characters never cared what size her clothes were. Now, neither does Mary, and she writes stories that celebrate women like her. Real women who have curves, chase dreams, and find love, because we should all be happy, no matter our dress size.
Mary spends her non-writing time with her husband and two kids, watching too much TV, cheering for her hometown football team (Go Bills!), and hiding chocolate from her family.
Mary spends her non-writing time with her husband and two kids, watching too much TV, cheering for her hometown football team (Go Bills!), and hiding chocolate from her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
September 1, 2022
Quick(ish) Review
Ugh the time spent focusing on just the conflict (he/she couldn’t possibly want me) with nothing else being said or real emotional dialogue being explored made this more of a chore than a joy. Once it’s established that they’re insecure I don’t need that mental mantra repeatedly shoved in my face. Even towards the end I didn’t quite buy their HEA because I didn’t even really buy their friendship. He’s her friend but she thinks he’d use her like that? And He thinks she’s his friend but they don’t actually speak to each other about anything? Yeah that’s a no from me dog.
Ugh the time spent focusing on just the conflict (he/she couldn’t possibly want me) with nothing else being said or real emotional dialogue being explored made this more of a chore than a joy. Once it’s established that they’re insecure I don’t need that mental mantra repeatedly shoved in my face. Even towards the end I didn’t quite buy their HEA because I didn’t even really buy their friendship. He’s her friend but she thinks he’d use her like that? And He thinks she’s his friend but they don’t actually speak to each other about anything? Yeah that’s a no from me dog.
February 21, 2022
His "Curvy" Friend
I have many female family and friends who are considered "Plus" size women. They are beautiful, confident, smart and successful. This book is an insult to so call " Curvy" women.
I could not warm to Blake (Heroine) as she is constantly on a pity party.
I also could not believe in Ian ( Hero) either as he is too good to be true. Seriously who would put up with Blake's " How can he possibly love me, he is too attractive to want me and my curves" attitude. Please if you are so unhappy about your "curves" then do something about it!
I barely finished this book ( skipping pages) mainly because I wanted to see how on earth she finally managed to end up with (Oh too good for me) Ian.
This is the first time I have read anything from this author and if her other books are similar, I will not be reading any more of her books. Please stop bashing plus size women!
I have many female family and friends who are considered "Plus" size women. They are beautiful, confident, smart and successful. This book is an insult to so call " Curvy" women.
I could not warm to Blake (Heroine) as she is constantly on a pity party.
I also could not believe in Ian ( Hero) either as he is too good to be true. Seriously who would put up with Blake's " How can he possibly love me, he is too attractive to want me and my curves" attitude. Please if you are so unhappy about your "curves" then do something about it!
I barely finished this book ( skipping pages) mainly because I wanted to see how on earth she finally managed to end up with (Oh too good for me) Ian.
This is the first time I have read anything from this author and if her other books are similar, I will not be reading any more of her books. Please stop bashing plus size women!
January 6, 2022
I didn't like this book, the characters are supposed to be in their 30s, yet they read like they're 16. The female character describes how fat and ugly she is over and over and over, yet the love interest just says generic shit like "she's so beautiful to me".. which makes the reader take the FMC's point of view and imagine what she looks like from there.. which isn't fun when the FMC hates herself so much.
The male love interest never actually tells the FMC he wants to be IN A RELATIONSHIP with her.. he just kept saying "I want to be with you, you're beautiful." which felt very surface level and fake. Like he did just want to bang.
Not into it, my dudes.
The male love interest never actually tells the FMC he wants to be IN A RELATIONSHIP with her.. he just kept saying "I want to be with you, you're beautiful." which felt very surface level and fake. Like he did just want to bang.
Not into it, my dudes.
September 27, 2023
This cover and title are terrible, and I knocked my review down a whole star just for that.
I genuinely enjoyed this book, in the same way I might enjoy a lifetime Christmas movie. You know everything that will happen before it happens, and even the dialogue is predictable, but it was like eating a donut. It was sweet and unobjectionable.
For all the reviewers saying they were disgusted by the female main character being so self hating… I think maybe you have never suffered with obtrusive thoughts or self hatred. I could empathize and identify. Her complicated inner thoughts made the book feel more realistic to me. Which is not to say it was realistic at all, because it was still just a vehicle for some spicy sex scenes and slow burn romance. But, leave the inner turmoil alone. I thought it helped move the story along.
I genuinely enjoyed this book, in the same way I might enjoy a lifetime Christmas movie. You know everything that will happen before it happens, and even the dialogue is predictable, but it was like eating a donut. It was sweet and unobjectionable.
For all the reviewers saying they were disgusted by the female main character being so self hating… I think maybe you have never suffered with obtrusive thoughts or self hatred. I could empathize and identify. Her complicated inner thoughts made the book feel more realistic to me. Which is not to say it was realistic at all, because it was still just a vehicle for some spicy sex scenes and slow burn romance. But, leave the inner turmoil alone. I thought it helped move the story along.
June 1, 2020
Ian and Blake
I absolutely loved this introduction to Mary E Thompson! It scared me a little how closely Blake's story was similar to my own..to the point I had a friend read this book for confirmation I wasnt projecting......she says I wasnt, its eerily similar, and then ordered the rest of the series cursing me for a new addictive author LOL
Ian, Blake's best friend's older brother, is a seemingly charming playboy. A master of one night stands but always there for Blake as a friend, the reader quickly grasps he has a thing for his curvy friend. Blake, meanwhile is carrying A LOT of baggage due to family, her shape, her ex...Ian is faced with an uphill war to get her to see their FWB is more to him then an extended one night stand. With a subcast of interesting characters (friends, other couples, etc) and a duel POV - this was a good read that again, maybe hit closer to home then I was expecting...and now my friend has gleefully taken to calling me Buttercup...check this one out! ❤
I absolutely loved this introduction to Mary E Thompson! It scared me a little how closely Blake's story was similar to my own..to the point I had a friend read this book for confirmation I wasnt projecting......she says I wasnt, its eerily similar, and then ordered the rest of the series cursing me for a new addictive author LOL
Ian, Blake's best friend's older brother, is a seemingly charming playboy. A master of one night stands but always there for Blake as a friend, the reader quickly grasps he has a thing for his curvy friend. Blake, meanwhile is carrying A LOT of baggage due to family, her shape, her ex...Ian is faced with an uphill war to get her to see their FWB is more to him then an extended one night stand. With a subcast of interesting characters (friends, other couples, etc) and a duel POV - this was a good read that again, maybe hit closer to home then I was expecting...and now my friend has gleefully taken to calling me Buttercup...check this one out! ❤
January 1, 2022
This is book 1 of an 11 book (?) series but I feel like I’ve been dropped into the middle of another series. The H&h have a lot of history together and so many of the characters have a backstory that isn’t explained.
This is one of those the h in luuurve with her best friends whiny manwhore brother. The H is also in luuurve with her but is too chickenshit to tell her and the h feels like he’s just leave.
This couple are 36/31 ffs. I wanted to know their heads together and yell snap out of it.
HEA? Maybe with some therapy.
This is one of those the h in luuurve with her best friends whiny manwhore brother. The H is also in luuurve with her but is too chickenshit to tell her and the h feels like he’s just leave.
This couple are 36/31 ffs. I wanted to know their heads together and yell snap out of it.
HEA? Maybe with some therapy.
January 12, 2021
I'm partial
I love the steamy parts but I hate how Blake keep hating herself. Causing to almost miss out on Ian. That only almost got me to stop reading. I'm not trying to damper the plot but mentioning her low self esteem thru out the book got me weary
I love the steamy parts but I hate how Blake keep hating herself. Causing to almost miss out on Ian. That only almost got me to stop reading. I'm not trying to damper the plot but mentioning her low self esteem thru out the book got me weary
May 20, 2023
Repetitive
The story itself isn't terrible.
The way it is written, it's the same 4 thoughts written in various combinations of ways.
The narration is also terrible.
Books like this make me regret spending my money.
The story itself isn't terrible.
The way it is written, it's the same 4 thoughts written in various combinations of ways.
The narration is also terrible.
Books like this make me regret spending my money.
October 16, 2023
I am sick of the fat shaming the FMC was constantly doing. It also peeved me that this felt like it was written by a teenager. I mean who talks about a book title like it is a search engine? That is just within the first 2 chapters. Don't bother reading as it was literally that bad and I wanted to like it.
November 30, 2023
Everyone needs an Ian in their life!😭 I hate how relatable Blake’s life is to mine but it is nice to know and reassuring that it isn’t just me… not that I wish the feeling of not feeling good enough or worthy enough on anyone. Everyone deserves this kind of love 💗
August 7, 2022
2.5 ⭐ I saw a glimpse of talent in some parts but that was not enough. I really, really disliked all female characters. The FMC was a stubborn cow who needed a year of therapy.
September 12, 2023
THis is my first book by this author and don't think I will be back. The negative self talk by the heroine was repetitive and overdone. She lacked anytype of confidence or trust in anyone. If you are such good friends with the person you are dating you should actually know him and trust in him. I felt that Blake was immature, untrusting and a negative nancy. I appreciated Ian's efforts to make her understand how she felt but wondered if he should have moved on.
I also disliked the eiplogue. There had to have been another way to introduce the next book without highjacking the HEA of the main characters.
I also disliked the eiplogue. There had to have been another way to introduce the next book without highjacking the HEA of the main characters.
August 31, 2024
All of MacKellar Cove was mourning again but with less of a punch, and not any less of their heart, when the book opened. The reason was that a couple of months prior, Ms. Georgia passed away. She was a beloved mother, wife, waitress, friend, and the unofficial greeter to all tourists. To all who entered their small town, she did it to make them feel welcome. She had married her long-lost love, Eddie. She worked at Earl’s restaurant Crater’s for years, and he planned to have Blake Dewitt, one of his waitresses who is also a local artist, paint a mural on the outer wall of Crater’s.
Blake just needed to get the final permission from Karrisa, however, she wanted concrete ideas on paper to show her so she had an idea of what to expect. She decided that the party to celebrate Ms. Georgia’s life would be the best time to bring up honoring her mom. However, she finds out quickly that it is not. You see, that morning her two worlds collided. Willie showed up at the party coming right up to the table where she was sitting with her girlfriends, and more importantly, Ian Jameson. He said he wanted to make sure that she was doing okay.
He knew how much Ms. Georgia meant to her. Blake worried Ian the way she was looking at Willie that when she made a move to get up, he put a possessive hand on her thigh. And that's the night he first kissed her. Her ex-William of five years, or (Willie) as her friends all liked to call him. She realized after attending Ms. Georgia and Eddie’s wedding in Hawaii, her relationship was just too easy predictable, and comfortable. Yet not for love, sex, or heading toward marriage and a family. She made sure of that.
So she not only had a boyfriend who decided at the last minute not to go to the wedding, leaving her alone in her room, but it also left her with an open seat on the plane next to her. Once her friend Ian, also Finley’s brother, found out, he made sure to volunteer to take his place. They even had to sleep in the same bed. Making it hard on both of them because, for years, they had been crushing on one another. Here’s the problem Blake walks in on Ian in the restroom after a shower before he gets a towel on.
Mr. Hardbody himself was on full display 😉😉and he would have gone for it because it was all about her. There was only one problem she was still officially with Willie. So now they kiss two months later, however, everyone knows, especially Blake that Ian is a one-and-done. She is just hoping that after all the big “O’s” they can remain friends. They do not communicate very well causing Blake confusion. To what Ian assumes is the beginning of their forever.
Such a good book filled with angst, truths, and good friendships. As well as laughter.
Blake just needed to get the final permission from Karrisa, however, she wanted concrete ideas on paper to show her so she had an idea of what to expect. She decided that the party to celebrate Ms. Georgia’s life would be the best time to bring up honoring her mom. However, she finds out quickly that it is not. You see, that morning her two worlds collided. Willie showed up at the party coming right up to the table where she was sitting with her girlfriends, and more importantly, Ian Jameson. He said he wanted to make sure that she was doing okay.
He knew how much Ms. Georgia meant to her. Blake worried Ian the way she was looking at Willie that when she made a move to get up, he put a possessive hand on her thigh. And that's the night he first kissed her. Her ex-William of five years, or (Willie) as her friends all liked to call him. She realized after attending Ms. Georgia and Eddie’s wedding in Hawaii, her relationship was just too easy predictable, and comfortable. Yet not for love, sex, or heading toward marriage and a family. She made sure of that.
So she not only had a boyfriend who decided at the last minute not to go to the wedding, leaving her alone in her room, but it also left her with an open seat on the plane next to her. Once her friend Ian, also Finley’s brother, found out, he made sure to volunteer to take his place. They even had to sleep in the same bed. Making it hard on both of them because, for years, they had been crushing on one another. Here’s the problem Blake walks in on Ian in the restroom after a shower before he gets a towel on.
Mr. Hardbody himself was on full display 😉😉and he would have gone for it because it was all about her. There was only one problem she was still officially with Willie. So now they kiss two months later, however, everyone knows, especially Blake that Ian is a one-and-done. She is just hoping that after all the big “O’s” they can remain friends. They do not communicate very well causing Blake confusion. To what Ian assumes is the beginning of their forever.
Such a good book filled with angst, truths, and good friendships. As well as laughter.
May 31, 2025
This was a quick, enjoyable read as long as I didn’t think too hard about it and treated it as light, fluffy fun. The writing itself was a little rough and pretty repetitive, but not enough to make me DNF the book. That said, it did feel like I’d been dropped into the middle of a series without context. A few flashbacks or deeper backstory between Blake and Ian would have gone a long way in enriching their relationship and helping certain scenes land more emotionally.
I really loved that Ian was absolutely obsessed with Blake in the best way. His unwavering devotion, steady presence, and willingness to communicate made him incredibly endearing. It was especially refreshing to see a romance where the woman was the one who needed to grow and take accountability. I feel that so often in romances written by female authors, the man is the one who’s always at fault, and it was a nice change to see the "oh no, I’m the problem" moment from the female lead.
That said, Blake really tested my patience. As a curvy girl who also experienced instability growing up, I 100% understand and relate to her insecurities. However they were leaned into so heavily that it started to feel like a personality rather than a layer of her character. At times, it bordered on reinforcing negative stereotypes rather than offering empowering representation. She also didn’t quite feel like someone in their 30s. All of the insecurities made her voice and choices read much younger.
Despite that, the characters were relatable in a very real-world way. I’ve known couples like Blake and Ian, where one partner just needs a nudge to finally recognize what’s right in front of them. That dynamic rang true and gave the book a grounded emotional core for me.
While I’m intrigued by some of the characters hinted at in the rest of the series, I’m hesitant to continue due to the writing style. It’s a promising setup with strong emotional potential, but the execution didn’t quite work for me in the long run.
I really loved that Ian was absolutely obsessed with Blake in the best way. His unwavering devotion, steady presence, and willingness to communicate made him incredibly endearing. It was especially refreshing to see a romance where the woman was the one who needed to grow and take accountability. I feel that so often in romances written by female authors, the man is the one who’s always at fault, and it was a nice change to see the "oh no, I’m the problem" moment from the female lead.
That said, Blake really tested my patience. As a curvy girl who also experienced instability growing up, I 100% understand and relate to her insecurities. However they were leaned into so heavily that it started to feel like a personality rather than a layer of her character. At times, it bordered on reinforcing negative stereotypes rather than offering empowering representation. She also didn’t quite feel like someone in their 30s. All of the insecurities made her voice and choices read much younger.
Despite that, the characters were relatable in a very real-world way. I’ve known couples like Blake and Ian, where one partner just needs a nudge to finally recognize what’s right in front of them. That dynamic rang true and gave the book a grounded emotional core for me.
While I’m intrigued by some of the characters hinted at in the rest of the series, I’m hesitant to continue due to the writing style. It’s a promising setup with strong emotional potential, but the execution didn’t quite work for me in the long run.
November 1, 2022
Actual rating: 1.5 stars.
I have no more patience for this book. Let’s just get the review over with. This is a small town, friends to lovers romance between a Curvy Girl and a Hot Guy. I expected more from this story but that’s basically the whole thing. The main female character spends all of her time bemoaning the fact that he’s going to leave her, he’s going to break her heart, he’s such a player, but he’s way too good looking to date her. It got old fast. And the main male character had to keep telling her that the reason he never settled down or dated anyone was because he was waiting for her to get out of a relationship so he could make a move. And I could understand the main female character being a little disbelieving at first. But this kept up right until the final chapter.
I also love the point that I’m seeing all over GoodReads reviews that they must not be that good of friends if the girl keeps thinking the guy is going to just use her and move on. She obviously doesn’t trust him or take him at his word. Which made it hard to believe not only in their romance but also in their friendship. Like, what kind of shitty friend must this guy have been in the past for you to view him like that? And, listen, I get it. I was the super insecure one in a relationship once, I ruined a relationship that way. But I was 16 at the time! I grew up and got over it. These characters are supposed to be in their early to mid 30s. Come on. Not to mention the epilogue which takes us out of this main couple’s perspective and straight into another one’s so we can set up for the next book.
I basically hate red two-thirds of this novel so do as I say and not as I do. Abandon this book the second you don't like something in it. It’s not worth the time or the energy.
I have no more patience for this book. Let’s just get the review over with. This is a small town, friends to lovers romance between a Curvy Girl and a Hot Guy. I expected more from this story but that’s basically the whole thing. The main female character spends all of her time bemoaning the fact that he’s going to leave her, he’s going to break her heart, he’s such a player, but he’s way too good looking to date her. It got old fast. And the main male character had to keep telling her that the reason he never settled down or dated anyone was because he was waiting for her to get out of a relationship so he could make a move. And I could understand the main female character being a little disbelieving at first. But this kept up right until the final chapter.
I also love the point that I’m seeing all over GoodReads reviews that they must not be that good of friends if the girl keeps thinking the guy is going to just use her and move on. She obviously doesn’t trust him or take him at his word. Which made it hard to believe not only in their romance but also in their friendship. Like, what kind of shitty friend must this guy have been in the past for you to view him like that? And, listen, I get it. I was the super insecure one in a relationship once, I ruined a relationship that way. But I was 16 at the time! I grew up and got over it. These characters are supposed to be in their early to mid 30s. Come on. Not to mention the epilogue which takes us out of this main couple’s perspective and straight into another one’s so we can set up for the next book.
I basically hate red two-thirds of this novel so do as I say and not as I do. Abandon this book the second you don't like something in it. It’s not worth the time or the energy.
May 25, 2024
His Curvy Friend by Mary E Thompson is the first book in the Book Boyfriends Wanted series. Ian has been stuck in the friend zone for years. But he wanted for the right moment to make his move and he knows it’s coming. Blake is stinging from a recent breakup. Her ex-boyfriend broke up with her because he thought she was in love with her best friend’s older brother. A claim she thought was ridiculous, even though she thought often about the time she walked in on him just out of the shower. Water running down his chest. His hair slicked back from his face and that stormy look in his eyes. But no, she didn’t have a thing for him! When an online dating site pairs Ian and Blake together, it becomes his opportunity to show a side of him she has never seen before, the side that wanted forever with her. Can he convince her that he sees her for her?
I love books that feature people of all body shapes and abilities and I looked forward to His Curvy Friend. Unfortunately, it was a let down from the opening chapter. First, Blake makes the statement along the lines that all curvy girls get sweaty easily. As a curvy girl myself, I scoffed and a big NO escaped my lips. Second, there was a huge information dump in the first chapter and it was confusing on who was who and what was going on. Third, I simply didn’t buy Ian and Blake’s friendship, much less their romance. They were both supposed to be in their 30s and yet, I thought they were easily in their teens and immature. Blake was in a constant “woe is me” pity party. While I understand intrusive thoughts, it was so repetitive I wanted to scream at her to do something about it! Overall, I did not enjoy His Curvy Friend and I will not be continuing the series.
His Curvy Friend is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
I love books that feature people of all body shapes and abilities and I looked forward to His Curvy Friend. Unfortunately, it was a let down from the opening chapter. First, Blake makes the statement along the lines that all curvy girls get sweaty easily. As a curvy girl myself, I scoffed and a big NO escaped my lips. Second, there was a huge information dump in the first chapter and it was confusing on who was who and what was going on. Third, I simply didn’t buy Ian and Blake’s friendship, much less their romance. They were both supposed to be in their 30s and yet, I thought they were easily in their teens and immature. Blake was in a constant “woe is me” pity party. While I understand intrusive thoughts, it was so repetitive I wanted to scream at her to do something about it! Overall, I did not enjoy His Curvy Friend and I will not be continuing the series.
His Curvy Friend is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
May 6, 2022
I don't even know where to start this review.
I simply hated the book. The characters and their situation were annoying. So the heroine has no confidence in herself and this doesn't change throughout the book. She likes the hero but doesn't think he wants to be in a relationship, especially with her, since he is a player and usually chooses the typical hot women (skinny, with big boobs and ass), who are basically the opposite of the heroine. And these fears she has are made worse by:
The hero. He is a player but now he's been in love with the heroine since I don't know how long. He wants to be in a relationship with her but doesn't tell her how he feels. Instead he has sex with her, which is a great way to show her she is different and he likes her. When given advice on how to gain the heroine's trust (by dating her and not just having sex) he does the complete opposite and continues to have sex with her and not letting her know how he feels, nor making her see a newbside of him. So the heroine thinks she is just another woman he is fooling around with, and he doesn't understand why the heroine thinks that and doesn't see him as an option for a relationship. Seriously.
And the aop situation. It was so unfair for the heroine to not know he was the person she was talking to on the app while all her friendships knew. The hero had the brilliant idea of lying to the heroine to earn her trust. Love this logic.
I didn't like the main characters nor the group of friends.
I simply hated the book. The characters and their situation were annoying. So the heroine has no confidence in herself and this doesn't change throughout the book. She likes the hero but doesn't think he wants to be in a relationship, especially with her, since he is a player and usually chooses the typical hot women (skinny, with big boobs and ass), who are basically the opposite of the heroine. And these fears she has are made worse by:
The hero. He is a player but now he's been in love with the heroine since I don't know how long. He wants to be in a relationship with her but doesn't tell her how he feels. Instead he has sex with her, which is a great way to show her she is different and he likes her. When given advice on how to gain the heroine's trust (by dating her and not just having sex) he does the complete opposite and continues to have sex with her and not letting her know how he feels, nor making her see a newbside of him. So the heroine thinks she is just another woman he is fooling around with, and he doesn't understand why the heroine thinks that and doesn't see him as an option for a relationship. Seriously.
And the aop situation. It was so unfair for the heroine to not know he was the person she was talking to on the app while all her friendships knew. The hero had the brilliant idea of lying to the heroine to earn her trust. Love this logic.
I didn't like the main characters nor the group of friends.
January 11, 2022
Ian & Blake have been friends a very long time, but they both feel a strong attraction to one another. They end up kissing (in order to help her ex avoid thinking of getting back together again), & they end up having some fun time in bed. He thinks they’re starting something big & long term (which he’s quite happy with), but she assumes that they’re just having a one night stand (which she has resigned herself with, sadly).
“... You’re going to scream my name today. And I’m going to stay down here until you do.”
“Oh God.”
“Wrong name, Blake.”
In the meantime, they end up matching with each other on an anonymous new dating app. Ian knows that he matched up with her, but she doesn’t know she’s matched up with him. So he ends up asking her questions in the app to check out what she’s feeling about things, but she doesn’t know that she’s talking to him.
There are a few other parts to the story, like Blake having to deal with her mom.
This was a cute story to read, with an HEA you can see a mile away.
“... You’re going to scream my name today. And I’m going to stay down here until you do.”
“Oh God.”
“Wrong name, Blake.”
In the meantime, they end up matching with each other on an anonymous new dating app. Ian knows that he matched up with her, but she doesn’t know she’s matched up with him. So he ends up asking her questions in the app to check out what she’s feeling about things, but she doesn’t know that she’s talking to him.
There are a few other parts to the story, like Blake having to deal with her mom.
This was a cute story to read, with an HEA you can see a mile away.
December 24, 2023
This contemporary angsty book is about Blake, a part time artist / waitress and her best friend, Finley's brother, Ian, a boat builder. This book spans two main tropes as Ian is her best friend too.
Ian has been in love with Blake for years and didn't get involved with anyone seriously as he was waiting for her to become available. But in the process builds a reputation of never being a long term kind of guy.
Blake is suffering from such a low self esteem and self confidence due to her circumstances growing up that she's painfully insecure.
The characters lacked depth especially Blake's character. Ian was a really good guy, very patient and loving, I liked him. Blake was so in her head about her fears that it became irritating to read though she was a very relatable character.
I was hoping that this book would be better as I've read another book from this author and really enjoyed her other book.
This was an average read that dragged on a bit and a bonus epilogue is available with sign up to the author's newsletter. I rate this book 3.5 stars.
Ian has been in love with Blake for years and didn't get involved with anyone seriously as he was waiting for her to become available. But in the process builds a reputation of never being a long term kind of guy.
Blake is suffering from such a low self esteem and self confidence due to her circumstances growing up that she's painfully insecure.
The characters lacked depth especially Blake's character. Ian was a really good guy, very patient and loving, I liked him. Blake was so in her head about her fears that it became irritating to read though she was a very relatable character.
I was hoping that this book would be better as I've read another book from this author and really enjoyed her other book.
This was an average read that dragged on a bit and a bonus epilogue is available with sign up to the author's newsletter. I rate this book 3.5 stars.
February 27, 2025
“His Curvy Friend” is my latest shared read with my husband. This is not my first Mary E. Thompson book and won’t be my last. It delves into the lives of our two main characters Blake and Ian as they struggle to navigate their friends-to-lovers situation.
Their town is important to them, and its stories and people are a large part of their own lives. There is sadness and loss, love and reconciliation, friendship and support, and tension and uncertainty. All of these combine to create characters who feel real and tension that feels palpable.
And the spice is spicy.
I love a curvy FMC like Blake, a character who really gets the self-esteem struggles I face every day. I love to watch them work through their stumbling blocks and find happiness.
I’ve already signed up for the “His Curvy Friend” bonus content. If you like stories with curvy FMCs, emotional charge, spice, and depth, Mary E. Thompson delivers.
Their town is important to them, and its stories and people are a large part of their own lives. There is sadness and loss, love and reconciliation, friendship and support, and tension and uncertainty. All of these combine to create characters who feel real and tension that feels palpable.
And the spice is spicy.
I love a curvy FMC like Blake, a character who really gets the self-esteem struggles I face every day. I love to watch them work through their stumbling blocks and find happiness.
I’ve already signed up for the “His Curvy Friend” bonus content. If you like stories with curvy FMCs, emotional charge, spice, and depth, Mary E. Thompson delivers.
January 19, 2022
I really appreciate Ian Jameson character for being a great friend to Blake. Even though Ian has been in love with her and Blake feels the same way. She was scared of love and she felt like Ian was not serious about commitment with Blake. She kept downing herself about her weigh and a guy like Ian would not ever like someone like Blake. Blake has some points to feel that way She does. However, she is wrong to not believe in Ian more than she has been. Ian is her friend which should have more trust and love than when she judged Ian harshly. Blake needed to open her eyes better when Ian kept reassuring her and her friends noticed the way he acts toward Blake wanting more than friendship. Blake did not listen when others told her and she was listening to her herself, mom and Melody. I did not agree with her denial throughout the book. But Ian was trying to find ways for her to believe him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
I'm reading a few of this type of novel at the moment - spicy, sexy romances with plus-size heroines - as I'm thinking about trying to write one. US-based ones like this one seem slightly different to those by UK authors as the latter tend to have more humour in them. This, and the other US ones I've read, seem to be more fully-focused on emotions: both types have several, usually quite explicit, sex scenes. This one has more of these that this genre usually does, and it also has a believable heroine for whom you want things to end well, even though I felt my usual frustration about her being obtuse about the hero's feelings for her. The small-town setting is attractive, and there's a bookshop so that's always a bonus. Of the ones I've read I think this is the one I've enjoyed most, but I don't think I'll start reading the other 19 in the series as they're likely to be very similar.
January 10, 2022
Although I loved the idea of the story and FINALLY seeing plus size girls get some attention in the romance novel category, I couldn’t help getting frustrated with the redundancy of the lead females narrative. We get it, you’re plus size, you’re not comfortable in your own skin, you don’t have self-confidence (hell, I live this on a daily basis!), every other paragraph doesn’t need to tell us how this man can’t be in love with you because of your size! We don’t need to read 50 times about the differences in your body types, we get it; it’s in the bloody title!
All that being said, it was an easy read, it had some red-hot romance (once you heard about her insecurities every time) and it killed some time with a mildly entertaining storyline.
All that being said, it was an easy read, it had some red-hot romance (once you heard about her insecurities every time) and it killed some time with a mildly entertaining storyline.
May 30, 2022
Ian was desperate to take things out of the friend zone with his sister's best friend Blake and having been matched with her in a dating app hoped it would show her that he was serious and not prepared to take no for an answer. Plus size Blake is a product of her upbringing and is convinced that her obsession with Ian is just a fantasy and will never work.
This was a strange book. There were people in their early 30s behaving like teenagers and I just wanted to bash their heads together and tell them to grow up. There was so much focus on the angst and self-flagellation by Blake that it completely lost my attention and I just wanted them to sort it out so that the book would have the inevitable HEA. Contains mature content.
This was a strange book. There were people in their early 30s behaving like teenagers and I just wanted to bash their heads together and tell them to grow up. There was so much focus on the angst and self-flagellation by Blake that it completely lost my attention and I just wanted them to sort it out so that the book would have the inevitable HEA. Contains mature content.
September 2, 2022
HFN
Standalone- last chapter is for another book in series
Trigger Warnings- death, alcoholism, miscarriage
You ever read a character, want to reach through the book and shake some sense into them? This is that book. Had half my review written, deleted, rewritten, and deleted again before I was 75% of the way through the book. The MFC just won't listen to the MMC, half the people she does listen to telling her she's right for not taking a chance, the other half asking why she doesn't believe in it. In top of that, she has to deal with an alcoholic parent that doesn't think she has a problem. The MFC is frustrating but as a curvy girl, I understood her insecurities. Still, I wanted to shake her.
Standalone- last chapter is for another book in series
Trigger Warnings- death, alcoholism, miscarriage
You ever read a character, want to reach through the book and shake some sense into them? This is that book. Had half my review written, deleted, rewritten, and deleted again before I was 75% of the way through the book. The MFC just won't listen to the MMC, half the people she does listen to telling her she's right for not taking a chance, the other half asking why she doesn't believe in it. In top of that, she has to deal with an alcoholic parent that doesn't think she has a problem. The MFC is frustrating but as a curvy girl, I understood her insecurities. Still, I wanted to shake her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2023
Angst filled story
A girl whose father left before she knew him with an alcoholic mother who had a series of lovers was not an easy childhood. She grew up feeling rejected, with a very poor role model and low expectations. Immensely talented as an artist, she could see nothing good about herself.
He was divinely good looking. She could not believe he could love her.
I find it frustrating that sleeping around is regarded so lightly. Multiple partners is so common.
Her anxiety would surely have been eased if her proposed to her before sleeping with her? He, apparently, was clueless and totally immoral, believing sexual prowness to be the critera by which he should be judged. They needed to find God.
A girl whose father left before she knew him with an alcoholic mother who had a series of lovers was not an easy childhood. She grew up feeling rejected, with a very poor role model and low expectations. Immensely talented as an artist, she could see nothing good about herself.
He was divinely good looking. She could not believe he could love her.
I find it frustrating that sleeping around is regarded so lightly. Multiple partners is so common.
Her anxiety would surely have been eased if her proposed to her before sleeping with her? He, apparently, was clueless and totally immoral, believing sexual prowness to be the critera by which he should be judged. They needed to find God.
April 22, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶🌶
Blake and Ian’s love story is one that will make you sit on the edge of your seat turning the pages praying for. Blake will rip your hair out and make you want to smack her. Ian is your typical man wh0re turned into a love sick puppy. Blake is the girl who believes she’s not worthy or love. Ian is a man written by a woman and he will grab your heart from the first page.
Definitely 5 stars the plot and story was amazing. It’s a 2 on the spice level. I love the way you saw character development from Ian and Blake’s friends. I wish there was more development in Blake but other than that this book was phenomenal
Blake and Ian’s love story is one that will make you sit on the edge of your seat turning the pages praying for. Blake will rip your hair out and make you want to smack her. Ian is your typical man wh0re turned into a love sick puppy. Blake is the girl who believes she’s not worthy or love. Ian is a man written by a woman and he will grab your heart from the first page.
Definitely 5 stars the plot and story was amazing. It’s a 2 on the spice level. I love the way you saw character development from Ian and Blake’s friends. I wish there was more development in Blake but other than that this book was phenomenal
May 15, 2022
Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
Ian had always seen Blake’s outer and inner beauty and loved everything about her. Problem was, she didn’t believe it about herself. She’d watched girls she viewed as skinny and beautiful come and go in Ian’s life. She loved their friendship but didn’t dare hope for anything deeper, because she just wasn’t Ian’s “type.” Then she meets Woody on a dating app and he begins to open her eyes. Does she really deserve to be loved passionately, cherished dearly, and supported to be her best self? Will she believe the truth in front of her before it’s too late?
Ian had always seen Blake’s outer and inner beauty and loved everything about her. Problem was, she didn’t believe it about herself. She’d watched girls she viewed as skinny and beautiful come and go in Ian’s life. She loved their friendship but didn’t dare hope for anything deeper, because she just wasn’t Ian’s “type.” Then she meets Woody on a dating app and he begins to open her eyes. Does she really deserve to be loved passionately, cherished dearly, and supported to be her best self? Will she believe the truth in front of her before it’s too late?
September 10, 2023
Sweet and Spicy
As the title suggests, I found this book both sweet and spicy. I loved Ian and Blake, even if she drove me a little crazy in a completely realistic way. And as a curvy girl the spice was so much more relatable in this book than in many others. It was such a nice change. My super petty reason for 4 instead of 5 stars? I hate when an epilogue is wasted setting up the next book instead of focused on the couple I just invested hours in. And no, the extra scene you can get for subscribing does not make up for it. Just the small hill I'm willing to die on. But I would still very much recommend the book.
As the title suggests, I found this book both sweet and spicy. I loved Ian and Blake, even if she drove me a little crazy in a completely realistic way. And as a curvy girl the spice was so much more relatable in this book than in many others. It was such a nice change. My super petty reason for 4 instead of 5 stars? I hate when an epilogue is wasted setting up the next book instead of focused on the couple I just invested hours in. And no, the extra scene you can get for subscribing does not make up for it. Just the small hill I'm willing to die on. But I would still very much recommend the book.
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