Hello, I’m Taylor Collien. Chief Story Stylist and TCF Book Club Guide.
This past month we have been reading big girl blitz Written by Daniel Allen And wow…what a ride.
This book hit us with all sorts of emotions. We laughed, we swooned, we got frustrated, we cried, but somehow we weren’t ready to end just yet.
As the third installment, Daniel Allen’s favorite curve series, big girl blitz It offered everything we love about great plus-size romance novels: layered characters, meaningful friendships, emotional growth, undeniable chemistry, and a love story that feels earned.
Needless to say, Daniel Allen I was not disappointed. Rather, she left us anxiously waiting to see what would happen next.
Jazmine Payne, grief, and learning to accept people
Our plus size poster girl, Jazmine Payne, is a lot of things.
She navigates grief, complicated family relationships, childhood scars, career ambitions, and the heartbreaking reality of witnessing the person she loves most, her Aunt Addie, facing a terminal illness.
Throughout the novel, Jazmine does what many of us have been conditioned to do. She handles everything herself.
Or at least that’s what she tries to do.
She throws herself into problem solving, avoids vulnerability whenever possible, and resists accepting help from those who care about her most. Watching her slowly learn that strength doesn’t always mean only suffering became one of the most rewarding parts of the story.
Aunt Addie, Fatphobia, and the Power of Being Seen Perfectly
Let’s talk about Auntie Addy.
Honestly, can we all agree that we need Auntie Addi in our lives?
She is larger than life, charismatic, funny, loving, and dedicated to helping Jazmine experience life to the fullest. Every scene she appeared in felt bright.
More importantly, Aunt Addy was one of the few people in Jazmin’s childhood who made her feel fully accepted.
While Jazmine’s parents valued achievement and perfection, Aunt Addy provided kindness, encouragement, and unconditional support. She became the safe haven Jazmine needed.
That support becomes even more important when you consider why Jazmin left her hometown in the first place.
The fatphobia and bullying she experienced as a child left indelible scars. Going home means facing the same people who continue to criticize, criticize, and comment on her body even after all these years.
Unfortunately, it’s a reality that many readers are familiar with.
Too often, the moment people meet someone with a larger body, they feel entitled to become a nutritionist, body critic, or cyber bully. Especially when all these voices come together at once, the impact can be deeply isolating.
in big girl blitzDanielle Allen doesn’t shy away from showing how those experiences shaped Jazmin’s choices. At the same time, it reminds me how powerful it is to have people like Auntie Addie reminding me that my life is bigger than other people’s opinions.
Plus-size romance novels you can’t help but root for
Now, let’s talk about romance.
Because Lamar.
Lamar enters Jazmin’s life on her first night back home and quickly gives her everything she needs for a summer romance.
He is a professional soccer player. He’s thoughtful. He is emotionally intelligent. He is non-possessive and protective. And most importantly, he sees Jazmin clearly.
As readers, we loved seeing him consistently show up for her.
Lamar continues to persevere even as Jazmin remains on guard. He sends flowers. He checks in and supports her through difficult moments. He also pays her rent after learning she may have to live with Aunt Addie longer than expected.
customer.
Let’s meet.
What impressed us most was Lamar’s emotional maturity. He never tries to put Jazmin in a vulnerable position. He gives her space while making it clear that he will be there when she is ready.
but…
I have one complaint.
Tell her how you feel.
For much of the novel, Lamar expresses his love through actions, even as he struggles to express his feelings in words. Although his intentions are clear to the reader, the lack of clarity of language leaves Jazmin and all of us emotionally lost.
To be honest, it was a little infuriating.
One of the biggest lessons from their relationship is that love should leave no room for unnecessary confusion. Actions are important, but so is communication.
If you care about someone, tell them.
Friendship is the real cheat code
As much as we love the romance, the friendship might have been my favorite part of this book.
Aaliyah and Nina have been friends on Jazmine’s Ride or Die since college. They are the people who help her feel seen outside of her relationship with Aunt Addie, and they never stop showing up for her.
Even if Jazmin refuses to ask for help.
Even when she doesn’t have the mental capacity.
Even if she decides to carry all the burden alone.
Throughout the story, they encourage her to take space, embrace visibility, and love herself.
When Jazmine finally allows them support, we watch her confidence grow.
That’s a great friendship.
They become the third space. A place where you can be yourself between family, work, and relationships. A place where you can process yourself, grow, and feel understood.
It’s also important that Aaliyah, Nina, and Jazmin are all plus-size women who are navigating many of the same societal pressures.
Whether it’s dating, social media scrutiny, public attention, or everyday body comments, their experiences overlap in meaningful ways. Their friendship is a reminder that community makes it easier to get through even the most difficult moments.
to be honest?
Friends who genuinely want to see you win are invaluable.
Sometimes they help move mountains.
Sometimes they will help you climb the mountain.
In Jazmin’s case, one of those mountains happened to be Mount Lamar.
What’s next for TCF Book Club?
It’s officially over now big girl blitzit’s time for your next reading.
The best book of the month for June is just our luck Written by Dennis Williams.
Trust me, this looks delicious.
Imagine buying a winning lottery ticket and accidentally leaving it behind at a very handsome baker.
That’s exactly what happens to Sybil Sweet.
What’s to come promises a lot of romance, chemistry, and complications. We’re getting plus-size heroines, interracial romance, stranger-to-lover energy, fake dates, forced approaches, and life-changing amounts of money.
fundamentally?
It ticks all the boxes.
new book. New crush. Same book club prank.
Officially finished this chapter big girl blitzbut don’t be too relieved. just our luck Already waiting in the wings.
Winning lottery ticket.
A handsome baker.
fake dating.
Forced proximity.
Need I say more?
Please join us Saturday, June 13th, 1:30pm ET / 10:30am PT Get into the first discussion about Dennis Williams just our luck.
Come prepared with your predictions, favorite moments, and completely free character opinions.
No judgment here. we encourage it.
New to TCF Book Club? No worries. please pick up the book (not required)join the discussion and be yourself.
Bring your thoughts, theories, and maybe some snacks.
See you soon!
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
