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Storm in a D Cup: An absolutely hilarious and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy to escape with in 2024

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Erica Cantelli thought her days of having to fight for her relationship were over but a storm is brewing . . .

Storm in a D Cup is the third hilarious and incredibly uplifting book in The Husband Diet series following The Husband Diet and My Big Fat Italian Break-up .

For fans of Jennifer Weiner, Kristen Bailey and Sophie Kinsella,

336 pages, Paperback

Published April 19, 2023

34 people are currently reading
70 people want to read

About the author

Nancy Barone

22 books82 followers
Nancy grew up in Canada, but at the age of 12 her family moved to Italy. Catapulted into a world where her only contact with the English language was her old Judy Blume books, Nancy became an avid reader and a die-hard romantic.

Nancy stayed in Italy and, despite being surrounded by handsome Italian men, she married an even more handsome Brit. They now live in Sicily where she teaches English.

Like Erica, the heroine of The Husband Diet, Nancy is of Italian descent, but she swears that is where the similarities stop. And she’s absolutely never fantasized about murdering her husband.

Nancy has had a number of romance novels published, but The Husband Diet is her first Women’s Fiction book. She is a member of the RWA and a keen supporter of the Women’s Fiction Festival at Matera where she meets up once a year with writing friends from all over the globe.

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5 stars
48 (33%)
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47 (32%)
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30 (20%)
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8 (5%)
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10 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for CYIReadBooks (Claire).
851 reviews121 followers
December 26, 2022
Erica Cantelli has been married seven years to successful author and former baseball player, Julian Foxham. It was rough going in the beginning — moving to Tuscany, starting a bed and breakfast, and launching Julian’s writing career. Now that the bed and breakfast as well as Julian’s writing career are flourishing, Erica can finally relax and enjoy life.

But Erica’s bliss maybe short-lived with the impending arrival of Julian’s former girlfriend, Genie Stacie — a successful model and actress. Already feeling inadequate due to her weight gain, Erica must fight to preserve not only her marriage, but her family as well.

Storm in a D Cup was a fun read. It is the last novel in The Husband Diet series. And while it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the previous novel, My Big Fat Italian Breakup. It will help navigate the context of the narrative.

Most of the characters are carryovers from the prior novels but there are some new ones that added a lot more drama to the story. Especially since Erica’s children have grown up and have a lot more opinions on the family dynamic.

Because the story unfolds through Erica’s point of view, we get to see first hand her insecurities of being a plus sized woman and how she and Julian manage the hills and valleys of their relationship.

Storm in a D Cup is more that a seven year itch romance novel since the family element is at the forefront. I must say that although the novel wasn’t that hilarious to me, I did find Erica’s snarkiness funny and entertaining. If only Erica had the confidence, security, and comfort of being in her own skin… Four stars.

I received a digital ARC from Head of Zeus through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my hones thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,517 reviews61 followers
February 8, 2023
I loved Erica and Julian’s follow up story! It can be read as a standalone, but will be a richer experience if you’ve read the previous books.

There’s plenty of LOL moments in the book but there’s also some really emotional ones dealing with body image, insecurities and marriage. The author delivers her message with witty dialogue, plenty of sarcasm and a beautiful Italian setting. Great read.

I received an arc of this book
Profile Image for Bec 🐻.
58 reviews
April 29, 2025
This was annoying, least of all because an 85kg tall girl is like a US size 10 not a size 20. Do a quick google.
Profile Image for Paterson Loarn.
Author 2 books15 followers
January 20, 2023
Storm in a D-cup by Nancy Barone is a fast-paced, entertaining account of family life set in Italy. Pretty plus-size Erica Cantelli and her handsome second husband have moved from America, with her teenage children, to run a vineyard in the fictional village of Castellino. The beauty of the landscape and the relaxed lifestyle they enjoy in their new home make a charming background to the story. In the course of the novel all the characters undergo transformations of one sort or another. Erica’s insecurity about her appearance and warm, responsive personality make this a wild ride, but in the end all their problems are resolved – for the time being. Storm in a D-cup can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone, but as it’s the latest in a highly successful series, there’s likely to be plenty more emotional trauma in the tank.

Many readers will find Erica’s experiences relatable, because in her lively narration she is open and honest about her emotions. I felt some sympathy for her husband Julian, because however much he tries to reassure her she seems to be unable to trust him. Her doubts appear to be justified when he allows his stunning movie star ex to move in for a long visit with her troublesome daughter. This is only one of the many crisis points in the plot. With a predatory local millionaire on the prowl for vulnerable women, a devious girlfriend hanging around Erica’s son and her fifteen year old daughter in a continual strop, there is plenty of action. Barone handles issues which affect the average family with sensitivity and kindness.

Many thanks to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for sending me an advance review copy of Storm in a D-Cup by Nancy Barone in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Lori.
1,892 reviews134 followers
October 26, 2022
What a bombshell of a book! While nothing about this book was remotely funny I did love it all the same. I felt like this book really hit home. It hit home for me because this story had your down to earth people who had problems with their life's journey without beating around the bush so to speak.
This book was about 2nd chances, big misunderstandings, and yes even some forgiveness thrown in. I loved that!
My favorite thing? The story being told from Erica's point of view.
Genie Stacie. I did not like that woman from the get go! Man! The author did such a great job with her. This woman was plain jealous I think. Poor soul.
I finished this book in a day because I wanted to see what happened next and how Erica would handle the situation she was in.
I wasn't disappointed in fact I was rooting for Erica all along! I understood her all too well because men are.....well just men.
I kinda felt sorry for Julian though. Poor guy! He was my hero all along. That's all I'll say. I don't want to give it away.
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend! I'd read this book again
Mt thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Aurele.
75 reviews8 followers
November 16, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Erica is a fortythree years old who’s married and has two children. She loved in Tuscany, Italy because she left the States seven years before to escape from her abusive ex-husband and brings her children and her new boy-friend at the time, next-husband, Julian.
After seven years of living happily like a family one of the famous exes of Julian comes to visit them. This is where the problems starts.

The whole book was anxiety-inducing and unnecessarily sad. I could only take a breath when I finished it.
I understand it deals with insecurities but I think when someone looks for a book is for escaping reality for a little, distracting from everyday’s life that could be hard itself.

The moments I liked where those of found-family trope, little sights of light in everything else, that made me give one extra star.

Profile Image for Jessica Ellingson.
27 reviews
January 11, 2023
Disclaimer - I received a free e-copy of this book for an honest review.

I tried so hard to enjoy this book, but I don't understand where all these reviews on this being a hilarious comedy are coming from. This book left me sick to my stomach for about 3 quarters of it.

The first 52 pages are almost entirely of the main character fat-shaming herself and going on about how she's fat and obese, Julian her husband could never love her or stay with her.

The main character, Erica, was only 165 pounds for god's sake. I must be one of those morbidly obese women who was so thankful she hadn't reached the state of....... I thought she was going to be a character I could relate to but instead, I felt worse about myself.
I seriously almost DNFed this book after 52 pages of fat shaming, but my momma didn't raise no quitter and I wasn't going to let this be the first DNF of my life. So I continued.

Thank god we moved beyond this book relating every sentence to being fat, and we started getting a really great story - but then low and behold we get introduced to a bunch of what came off as gaslighting behavior. Erica was not allowed to be insecure, she was not allowed to have emotions and feelings and thoughts when the one person - HER LIFE PARTNER- who is supposed to talk to her, won't and gallivants around the world with ANOTHER FUDGING WOMEN.

But she's the crazy one because she's an insecure fatty with a ton of emotional damage from a crazy step-mom aunt? Ok...

Honestly, if we could erase the fat shaming and focus on the fat girl realizing she is not fat, that her body and her personality are beautiful and glorious, and truly loving herself emotionally - this would have been s solid 4 stores, but I was so jaded by the end that if it was me in Erica's - I would have been single fat women.
Profile Image for Chelsea Littleton-Harper.
59 reviews
October 12, 2023
In the heartwarming and side-splitting third installment of *The Husband Diet* series, Nancy Barone treats us to another delightful tale of love, laughter, and life's unexpected twists. "Storm in a D Cup" sweeps readers off their feet with a story that reminds us that the quest for love knows no age and that a storm might just be the sign of a new beginning.

Erica Cantelli is a strong and resilient woman, and at forty-three, she's finally achieved the life she'd dreamt of. She's put her tumultuous past behind her, secured full custody of her children, and tied the knot with the love of her life, Julian. But as with any great story, there's a twist in the plot. Julian's desire for a baby shakes the peaceful waters of their life together, and the journey to parenthood isn't as easy as it may seem. Enter IVF, a rollercoaster of emotions, frustrations, and unexpected hurdles.

Nancy Barone's writing shines as she takes us on a hilarious and heartfelt ride through the ups and downs of IVF, laying bare the challenges and realities that many couples face. In Erica, we find a character whose resilience is truly admirable, as she navigates the stormy seas of fertility treatments while holding onto her humor and determination.

What makes "Storm in a D Cup" truly special is the way Barone tackles the complex and sensitive topic of infertility with grace, humor, and authenticity. The characters' experiences are painted with a vivid and genuine brush, allowing readers to connect on a deeply personal level. Erica's journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, reminding us that love can weather even the fiercest of storms.

The addition of Julian's old flame, Genie Stacie, to the narrative adds an exciting layer of tension and intrigue. Her reappearance introduces a compelling element of competition that challenges Erica to stand her ground and fight for the love she's built with Julian. It's a reminder that relationships can be tested, but the strongest bonds can weather the most formidable tempests.

"Storm in a D Cup" continues to showcase Nancy Barone's gift for witty storytelling, infusing humor and charm into every page. As with the previous books in *The Husband Diet* series, it offers laughter, love, and relatability in abundance.

In the end, "Storm in a D Cup" is a remarkable and heartfelt journey that will leave you with a warm smile and a heart full of hope. It's a tale of love's endurance, resilience, and the power of humor to weather any storm that comes your way. Nancy Barone has once again delivered a must-read book that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this enchanting series.
Profile Image for Wendy W..
517 reviews183 followers
January 24, 2023
Storm in a D Cup by Nancy Barone is the third book in the popular The Husband Diet series but can be read as a stand-alone novel. However, I do feel you would get more out of this book if you read the entire series.

Story Recap:
Erica Cantell lives in Tuscany with her ex-baseball player husband and famous author, Julian Foxham, and her two children. Erica and Julian have been married for seven years and they moved from the States to Tuscany to escape Erica’s abusive ex-husband. They have a successful bed and breakfast and life is good for the family. Until, Julian’s ex-girlfriend, Genie Stacie arrives in Tuscanny. Genie is gorgeous and a successful model and actress and this fuels Erica’s insecurities.

My Thoughts:
I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the previous books in the series, however, it was still a fun book and I enjoyed these characters.

I really connected with Erica. She had a tough life, and now everything is going great for her until Genie shows up. I totally got her insecurities, and with her history, I could also understand why she kept feeling like she wasn’t quite enough for Julian.

Genie is charming, manipulative and disruptive. She’s a very unlikeable character, but she gives the story the chaos and conflict it needs. Otherwise, the story would be about a happy couple and not much would happen! Genie knows how to get under people’s skin and how to do what it takes to get what she wants. And she wants Julian. But, will she get him?

Recommendation:
I highly recommend Storm in a D Cup to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3,358 reviews33 followers
January 23, 2023
Storm in a D Cup by Nancy Barone is part of the continuing story of Erica who is 43, very curvy, and married to a hunk, who used to be a professional athlete and now writes very successful novels. She can hardly believe her luck. Plus, he had moved with her and her kids to Italy so she could follow her dream. All was going relatively well until an old girlfriend of Julian’s showed up: Genie Stacie, who was blonde, lithe, long-legged, and a model. She had problems only he could solve. Right. All of Erica’s insecurity rose to the top, at least some of it justified. It is a dramedy. Some of her scrapes were hilarious, but her insecurities were those than many women have. Ok, probably not all at once like Erica, but still. Things went from bad to worse.

Erica is a fabulous character, extremely well written by Barone. She encompasses American womanhood, all in one body. She is loving, and sexy, a great mom, and so much more. She can’t see it. She is brought low by her teen-age daughter acting like a teenager. She nearly comes unhinged when her son’s girlfriend comes up pregnant. It is nonstop. Funny; not funny. It is hard to describe but such fun to read. Take the journey. Cry with Erica; laugh with her. Cringe with her. It’s all there and it’s terrific.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Storm in a D Cup by Head of Zeus, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HeadOfZeus #StormInADCup
Profile Image for Bibliophile Unicorn.
255 reviews21 followers
January 18, 2023
This book is a freaking rollercoaster hence so it's this review!

From the beginning. I truly didn’t like how self-deprecating Erica is. This is book 3 and I would have hope that after all she went through previously the fact that her insecurities still play a massive roll takes from her growing as a character!

Later in the book though I completely relate, because let’s be honest here, no matter what even after all the years of experience and growing. The insecurities that plague us will always be with us no matter how much we think we are beyond them!

Erica’s now peaceful life has just take a turn when her husband’s ex shows up in her home, and honestly what she goes through with them while being in the middle of IVF treatments!!!!!

OMG!!!!

I am in awe of how much she she keeps inside and withstands. Sure she not always makes the right decision but someone can take so much until they break!

In the other hand we have Julian, who we love and has been amazing but he has a soft spot for her ex and makes some not too smart decisions and that’s just painful to read!

Be prepared for a full on emotions story that will make you want to throw the book across your book nook! Believe me I would have but alas my IPad would survive that!
Profile Image for Lucy.
997 reviews15 followers
November 7, 2022
"Erica Cantelli thought her days of having to fight for her relationship were over, but a storm is brewing..."

‘Storm in a D Cup’ is the third instalment of ‘The Husband Trilogy’, and although I haven’t read the previous two books in this series, I still enjoyed this heart-warming read, proving that it can be read as a standalone.

This instalment is also the first time I read anything by Nancy Barone, but I will go back and read the others she has written. Her writing style demonstrates how she can take sensitive issues and make them positively entertaining but still make sure the seriousness and emotional aspects are not lost.

With rememberable and realistic characters, this book is highly recommended to those looking for a light-hearted, fast-paced, absorbing read. I would have read this in one sitting had life not gotten in the way!

‘Storm in a D Cup’ is due for release on 19th January 2023 and is available to pre-order today!

Thank you, NetGalley and Head of Zeus, for a gifted copy of this book.
4,280 reviews24 followers
March 11, 2023
The story was fun and held my attention from beginning to end. This was a quick and easy read, but left quite an impression. There were plenty of laugh out loud moments throughout, but there were some emotional parts as well that dealt with body image and insecurities. Erica and her husband Julian struggled for a bit early on, but now they are settled and doing well and Erica can finally enjoy her life. But when her husband's former girlfriend, who is a successful model, comes to town, Erica begins to be more self-conscious about herself and her body because of her weight gain. We see her journey as she deals with her insecurities a d slowly becomes more comfortable in her skin.
Erica was a very relatable character with realistic qualities that gave her an authentic personality.
The book was entertaining definitely left me with a smile on my face.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Jennine Keleman.
75 reviews12 followers
January 8, 2023
When I first saw the title of this book, it gave me a sense that there would be some humor in this story.
Unfortunately, there wasn't anything funny about the story of Erica Cantelli. In fact, the story is told from Erica's point of view. Right from the very beginning of the book, I got to see first hand Erica's low self esteem and insecurities about herself, which I found so sad.

I feel that if Erica was happy in her own skin ( she is a plus sized woman), she can take on anything that comes her way such as the challenges in her marriage and her family.

I have to say, throughout the book, i was rooting for Erica to rise up and gather the confidence she so desperately needs to overcome life in general. Imagine what kind of person Erica would be?

Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Publish date is January 19, 2023
Profile Image for Valerie  Brown.
686 reviews7 followers
June 16, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
The first 2 books in this trilogy charted the relationship between Erica (a mature, insecure woman who can't believe how much Julian loves her) and Julian (kind, caring, gentlemanly, a catch for anyone) through many hilarious ups and downs. This book begins as they reach 7 years together - will the 7-year - itch rear it's head? There are many more misunderstandings and comical moments as Erica sinks into doubt once more, making an excellent, realistic read.
I've enjoyed these books so much, I'd love to read more about this fun family but I guess all good things must come to an end. Give yourself a treat and enjoy their story from the beginning!
Profile Image for Laura Pellegrino.
167 reviews
January 5, 2023
I really enjoy Barone's style of writing, she paints a wonderful picture without it all becoming too wordy. Having not read the previous books in the series I was originally a little concerned I would be at a disadvantage but this was not the case. I felt Barone portrayed the feelings and insecurities a lot of women had brilliant, and that the main character Erica was relatable and the issues faced were ones that so many of us do. If you read for escapism of every day issues this may not be your first choice, but it is a great read nevertheless. I wish Erica loved herself a bit more!
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sarah Baseley.
97 reviews9 followers
December 26, 2022
This was one of them books that I wanted to love but sadly struggled to get through. The main characters lack of self love and respect was really prominent from the first paragraph and I couldn't get past it, throw in some other issues I think we're glossed over too easily, it wasn't my fav.

The book itself was well wrote and had lots of potential, hopefully it would be a 5* read for someone else.

Thanks Net Gallery for the Arc.
Profile Image for Saloni Porwal.
496 reviews6 followers
February 16, 2023
Sad to say, but this was not what I expected. I got bored very quickly. Erica was not a fun character to follow, neither did Julian or Marco interest me.

I feel bad saying this, but the writing felt like a bad attempt at copying Sophie Kinsella's style. I haven't read any other book in the series, maybe that is why I didn't understand.

The cover is really gorgeous and the colours grabbed my attention, turns out it wasn't worth it .
255 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2023
I didn't realize this was the third book in the husband series otherwise I would never have picked it up as I hated my big Italian Breakup. I thought tho I would give this book a chance and maybe Erica has changed but no she is still the same weight obsessed, self deprecating main character and I could not stomach her or the writing style of this book.
1,947 reviews6 followers
March 19, 2023
A big thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus/Aria for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the 3rd in a series, but reads.well as a stand alone. This was a fun read. Julian and Erica are interesting people. This books puts you through the gambit. Love, laughter, loss and sadness. 3.5 stars
3 reviews
September 9, 2025
Storm in a d cup

It was a good story but I felt there was to.much repetition. This story was ok but too much back and forth of similar conversations between the characters. Julian got on my nerves CA bit as he was supposed to be smart but at times he was to oblivious to certain situations.



Profile Image for Mel Stanton.
351 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2022
Thoroughly loved this. For me, feeling all the emotions of the characters is what makes a good book. And boy, this one had me raging, crying and laughing. A great mix and a great read. Thank you to the publisher, author and netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.3k reviews166 followers
January 16, 2023
Another funny, compelling, and well written story by Nancy Barone. It's escapism at highest level and I ended it with a smile of my face.
Good character development and storytelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
1,480 reviews
October 27, 2022
I wasn't a fan of this book. The writing wasn't engaging. DNF


***********I received an ARC for my honest opinion from Net Galley.*****************
Profile Image for gabriella ♡.
180 reviews2 followers
Read
January 22, 2023
I really, really wanted to love this one since I loved the one before, but I just could not get into it :( sad. maybe I'll try again another time.
35 reviews
October 10, 2025
While I loved the writing style, the plot was unhinged and had so many random side quests…I’m left not knowing how to feel about this book
Profile Image for Jenny .
381 reviews7 followers
January 30, 2023
This is the third book in a trilogy. Having not read the first two, I did feel like I was missing a bit of the back story, but it still worked as a stand-alone. I think that, had I not known there were 2 books before this one, I still would have been fine with the story. It actually felt refreshing; most romance books are about the falling-in-love of it all, while this one was what happened *after* that.

Storm in a D Cup explores Erica's insecurities, even after landing her dream guy, Julian. He is a former professional baseball player, with some high-profile past relationships. When one of these, the uber famous Genie Stacie, shows up on their doorstep, Erica spirals into suspicion and her lack of confidence threatens the happiness of her marriage. Add in the fact that Julian wants them to try for a baby, but at 43, it might be too late for Erica, and she's an emotional, hormonal, stressed out wife and mother.

On top of it all, Julian's novel writing has him travelling all the time, leaving Erica alone and in her head about everything. Will they stay together? Will Genie Stacie manage to steal Julian away? Will their love for each other carry them through to happiness?

It took a little bit for me to get into the book, possibly because I haven't read the first 2. Once I started to get invested, I began to care about Erica, and even relate to her a bit. I did feel that her paranoia was a bit extreme towards the end of the story, but I can't honestly say that I wouldn't feel the same if I were in her shoes.

All in all, it was a unique read, largely for the What Happens After the HEA aspect. I would say it's worth the read.

*I received a digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for BookBoundKay.
471 reviews6 followers
September 1, 2023
Did not enjoy this. Terrible FMC with such negative self talk. 43yo going through fertility issues... so it was also not a good book for me at the time but even separating that still a DNF.
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