(review incomplete)

I actually cannot decide if I like this book more than the first book, or the other way around. Outcome-wise, this one definitely wins (like I said, I'm a sucker for romance), which was totally weird because the majority of this book, to me, wasn't about the romantic relationship? lol

Also published on:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2025460378

Dani grew up in Appledore with an alcoholic mother, who constantly belittled her. Twenty years ago, after a broken heart and one last argument with her mother, she fled Appledore for London. Now she is back, making and selling homemade ice-cream and determined to become a skinnier and healthier woman. In order to do that, she has some baggage she needs to deal with. Her 40th birthday is coming up and she wants to be thinner and gorgeous so she can rub it in the faces of the girls who bullied her and Jude, the boy who broke her heart. Her BFF comes with her to help get her settled and she joins a gym where she meets trainer, Chris. He really wants to work with her and help her become a healthy woman, but when he realizes the she has as much to teach him as he has to teach her, feelings between them begin to blossom. What happens when two people move from friends to having romantic feelings, but both think the other's interests lie elsewhere.

I want to start this review off by saying that I am not a fan of books that make being heavy seem like something to be ashamed of, or making someone feel less worthy because of their size. That is not what this book is about. Yes, Dani felt that way about herself, and yes she had been bullied and teased, but she wants to lose the weight to become healthy in the end. Dani also has some very supportive friends who encourage her to be the best Dani she can be no matter what size she is. Twelve years ago, I was Dani. I wasn't single, but I was extremely overweight and unhealthy. I had tried all the diets, just like Dani did, but I was always doing it for some external reason: for my husband, so I wouldn't embarrass my kids, to fit into a certain outfit etc. When I realized that I had no energy, my knees and ankles ached and I was always short of breath, I realized that I had to do something. I started going to a gym and worked hard, but I did it for me! Dani is a great character. She had all the feelings that many heavy people have, but eventually, she realized that she had to do it for herself and her friends and Chris were so supportive. She also took the time to realize that her father leaving and her mother's death were not her fault and not because of her size. Overall, this is a great story, one that I really identified with. I loved the happy ending, the sense of community and friendship as well as the personal growth and self-reflection. Yes there is some romance, but that is a very small piece of this story.

Book #2 in The Ice-Cream Café series by the very talented Sue Watson was just as yummy as the first book! Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice-Cream introduces the reader to Dani Sheridan, the new assistant manager Ella hires for the Ice-Cream Café. I found Dani to be 100% relatable and easy to empathize with. As a fellow ice-cream addict, erm…connoisseur of all things ice-cream, I completely felt for Dani and the journey she is on.

I loved being back in Appledore with the gang and getting to know Dani. One of the best things about this book, for me, is the author tells a new story instead of rehashing the same story from before. The original characters all make numerous appearances, but this story is all about Dani and her struggles with her weight and self-esteem. Her early experiences at the gym and meeting Chris had me wiping tears of laughter from my eyes and thanking the good Lord I didn’t endure the gym catastrophes Dani did, but I admired her determination and tenacity to keep moving forward.

I was mortified for her when the newspaper article comes out and though it is highly humorous, I understood how Dani felt and would have joined her on a splurge. She is so human, after all, and like the rest of us have highs and lows.

When the reader finally learns what happened to Dani that drove her away for twenty years, I just wanted to cry and hug her. I admired the strength of her character for wanting to put the past behind her and start over in a town she has always called home and ring in her fortieth birthday in style.

I also enjoyed watching Dani’s relationship with Chris blossom from professional training to friendship and hoped pretty please with a cherry on top that their friendship would bloom into more.

My Final Verdict: Overall, this book worked for me on so many levels. Characters that are easy to relate to and care about, locales that have so much charm and appeal you want to go there immediately and a story that serves up so much sweet and yummy goodness, you want to dive head-first into the story and be a part of it. I highly recommend this story to readers of the chick-lit, contemporary romance and women’s fiction genres, but also to readers who like to see good people get a break and find success.

This was book 2 in the Ice Cream Café series but it can be read as a stand-alone. I loved everything about this book and loved how the story developed. Only thing was I wanted to eat lots of ice cream whilst reading it.

Really enjoyable read. Good characters and a Good story. Well worth a read. Think others will enjoy.

The funniest book I have read in a long time. I laughed out loud a lot when reading this book.

Instantly relatable as an overweight lady struggling to stay motivated to go to the gym. When Dani falls off the treadmill aside from my face hurt from laughing it is something I think everyone dreads at the gym.

The story was funny but also addictive and escapism from thinking about anything but what Dani was up to and sweet treats while she is craving and eating ice-cream.

Dani is an instantly likeable character who you can’t help but love. All the characters that support Dani are also lovely and well written it’s like you’re part of their group. I also need a Chris in my life! I wish I could make some fictional characters appear in real life.

After reading this review copy I bought the paperback version and gave it to my friend to read as I enjoyed it that much and she was my gym buddy.

Sue never fails to write thoroughly enjoyable, escapist books and I love reading her work.

A highly recommended, hilarious, instantly uplifting read.

With a title like that, how could I NOT love this?! Every bit as sweet as you’d expect from Sue. A glorious read!

This was a cute summer read by Sue Watson, an author with a great voice. Funny and heartwarming, this one's a great read for people who love romance, but I myself wasn't able to get fully swept away by the story.

Dani works in the ice-cream shop in Appledore and being surrounded by sweet heaven isn’t really working well for her weight. Food and eating is her comfort, when problems arise, but she’s had enough and decides to join a local gym, where she meets a gym instructor.

I really liked how each chapter started-failed attempts at diets and the reasons behind the diet. While it was really funny book, it also had thought provoking moments. It’s definitely a book a lot of people can relate to and I did enjoy it a lot.

We eat either to escape some emotional trauma or to fill an emotional need, and that’s why it is known as comfort food. And this comfort food is almost always something delicious, something ridiculously fattening, and something which fills the mouth with bursts of flavor and hips with a bigger arse. That is the law of Murphy… Everything good is seriously bad for us.

The author, Sue Watson, also has her main character, Dani, doing just that: eating to forget her ex’s lousy behaviour, her mother’s emotional negligence, to forget that she is fat and to hide the pain when people point out the obvious..

I could identify myself with Dani (but unlike her, I do not like ice creams, chocolates, or cakes..) and I understood her pain at the comments received. Ultimately, Dani has had enough with the direction where her life and her size are heading, so she decides to take charge. And there enters Prince Charming a.k.a personal trainer, Chris who helps her with her weight loss mission. Her ex Jude also would like to know her better now. And all of a sudden, a fitter Dani has a lot of options to choose from…

The author, Sue Watson, has done a brilliant job with this piece of writing. The second half of the book is exemptuous. The way Dani grows into her confident, beautiful self is a sight to behold, and I just read the entire book at a go, all the while rooting for Dani, cheering her on from the sidelines. The other characters, her friends at work and her best friend, Karla are supportive and quirky. All of them together take the book from ordinary to extraordinary.

When Dani reaches the finish line, no one was more happy than I (girls with curves unite!!). This is the beauty of Ms. Watson’s writing. Her words go beyond the plot line to touch the inner woman, they resonate with her genuineness, and there is something so encouraging with the way she writes that the words fills our inner core with confidence. I believe, no woman who reads this book, would come away unaffected.

The emotions felt have a wide array, I found myself getting frustrated with Dani when she doesn’t take charge, angry with her when she gives excuses in the first half of the book. But in the second half, when Dani blossoms and there is happiness, sheer bliss and I laughed with her. The emotions felt are so exhilarating that I found myself running along with her, ready to face the world.

The only point that jarred me and almost made me lose interest is when the main character Dani ruminates and ponders on and on and on. That goes on for pages, the same matter explained in different ways, but then the story picks up and goes back on track.

I kept this book on hold as I wanted to read it when life was dark and gloomy. I knew Ms. Sue Watson brilliance with her words would definitely bring a ray of hope to the heavy heart. Her words light a fire in the heart and make us bolder and confident. My first book by her, but definitely not my last.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Bookouture and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Icecream

Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Icecream is book two in Sue Watson’s series, but it can be read fine as a standalone.

This is what I would call the perfect holiday read, it’s sassy, relatable and so very funny you’ll be getting strange looks from those around you from laughing out loud! I actually can’t see anyone not liking this book, highly recommended. Four big shiny stars from purplebookstand.

Dani is not your usual protagonist. She is plus-sized and has a heart of gold which makes her all the more lovable to readers. Trying to make a change for the better isn't always easy. All the talk of food did make me hungry. We are gifted with a beautiful story with a light romance that blossoms in the unlikeliest of places. Truly a wonderful plot that goes by all too quickly. I hope you'll give this author a chance. Her books are contemporary and perfect to fit in some reading during the hectic holidays.

What a lovely book from Sue Watson. This second book from the series "The Ice Cream Café" is even better than the first one, I could even say, a lot better! This time, it' about a woman who is overweight and who struggles since forever to lose weight and who will start an emotional journey into a new way of living, eating and moving with the help of her wonderful friends. I loved this book so much! I really recommend it to anyone!

Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice-Cream by Sue Watson
Series: The Ice-Cream Cafe Book #2
Publisher: Bookouture

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Bookouture for the ebook ARC of Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice-Cream by Sue Watson in exchange for an honest review.

Dani decides to move back to her home town, Appledore after moving away due to a broken heart and shattered dreams.
She is planning to get her life back on track by the end of summer. She has tried many diets over the years but nothing has worked. She just needs some motivation to work towards. And what can be better, than at her 40th birthday party.
With Dani working at Caprioni’s ice-cream cafe, and living above the shop, and loving food, she knows that she will have a challenge. Luckily she has her best friend Karla, and ladies at the cafe to help her work towards her goal. She joins the gym in town, and Chris, who is gorgeous, becomes her personal trainer.
The urge to break her diet is all around, will Dani be able to overcome and work through the obstacles and try to stay on track?

This is the second book in the series, and I enjoyed it as much as I did the first novel! This book is all about personal struggles, friendship and new beginnings. It is a feel good book and there were lots of laughs. It was hard to put down. Sue really creates the characters, and makes them come to life. I would definitely recommend this novel, and I give it a rating of 5 stars! I can’t wait to see if there is going to be another book in this series.

I feel like I have to start this review by telling you that I finished this book in three days and the night I finished it, I wasn't actually intending to. I had, had the luxury of of an evening with just myself and my book and I just couldn't stop - I'm not even kidding - I actually could not stop! The minutes kept ticking by, it was creeping further and further past my bedtime but I HAD to find out what happened. How would I find sleep if I didn't know if Dani and Chris got together? The answer is, I wouldn't, so, I just kept reading.
'Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice Cream' is the second book in The Ice Cream Cafe series and after devouring the first book, I couldn't wait to tuck into book two. Dani Sheridan works at Caprioni's Ice Cream cafe. It used to be her Saturday job while she was at school and after twenty years away in London, she's back. She loves helping Ella and her family create delicious Ice Cream combinations and being back in her hometown by the beach. There's just a few things Dani needs to come to terms with and to do something about; her weight and the ghosts of her past. Her fortieth birthday is approaching and she promises herself and accidentally the whole of Appledore that she is going to lose weight and be "Flabulous" by her birthday party. After this declaration Dani does something she never thought she would do again - she joins a gym!

Thus ensues a tale of 'can't take a joke' personal trainers, healthy Ice Cream (What is this sorcery?) and murderous treadmills!

And ladies and gentlemen, it's a chocolate fudge sundae, with whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on top - yes it's that good! Here's a few thoughts I had while reading 'Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice Cream.'

I really need to make some of these Ice Cream flavours.
I should probably get back back to the gym soon.
I should make more of an effort to have my coffee on the beach in the mornings. It's not far and Appledore is making it sound so lovely.
I really want to try all of Ella's Ice Cream.
I would really like to meet Chris, he seems so cute.
Pretty please can I have a breakfast brioche?
Chris and Dani's friendship is so sweet and fun.
Seriously, I really need some Caprioni's Ice Cream.
Goodness is that the time? I need to go to bed!
Did someone just mention that Ella and Ben aren't together...but why?? Noooo!!
I love how Dani, even with her insecurities is always herself.
Are Chris and Dani going to get together?
I probably do need to get to bed.
But I need to find out if they have a happy ending.
If they don't get together, I may just cry.
The beautiful party is over - WHERE IS CHRIS??
oh Karla I love you!!!!
Okay now I can sleep!
So many thoughts and emotions! I couldn't resist writing a little list like this, in the hopes that you will see what an enjoyable read this book was. As well as, humour and romance, it also had some very heart-wrenching moments stemming from Dani's past and her relationship with her Mum. They were very touching and quite heartbreaking and I'm glad that Dani found a little peace with her past at the end.

In conclusion, 'Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice Cream,' is a delicious, refreshing, summery treat that will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth!

After a broken romance, Dani was trying to get her life back on track again. The only difficult part was that she was working at her dream job in an ice cream parlor, but her favorite part of that job was taste testing all the flavors the parlor had to sell. In fact, food in general was Dani's favorite thing! How could she lose all the pounds yet keep her dream job, too?

When Dani's best friend, Rhonda, suggests she go to the local gym and begin an exercise program to lose weight, Dani's skeptical. When her co-workers add their encouragement to Rhonda's Dani decides she's going to do it and get in shape in time to wear a gorgeous new dress to her birthday party.

Chris is the owner of the local gym. The day Dani walks through his door, Chris finds her intriguing and delightfully funny. He decides to be her personal trainer and help her reach her birthday goal no matter what.

From drill sergeant to confidant to beach-running partner, Chris is becoming less a personal trainer and more like the man Dani's always dreamed of finding. But does Chris feel the same way? Or is he only doing this to get more publicity for his gym? Dani wants so badly to know the truth, but doesn't want to get hurt by doing so.

Uplifting & funny - a perfect summer read!

Recommended to anyone in need of a good chick-lit.

Thanks to Bookouture for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. How I really enjoyed this great book, it has everything that you need for a great read

I really enjoy Sue Watson's writing but I failed to finish this book, it just didn't work for me.

I loved visiting in Appledore with Ella as she found a new purpose and direction and breathed new life into her aunt’s café on the seashore. Now the call to come home has reached Dani, and as the new manager of the café, she’s searching for somewhere familiar and comfortable while she decides on her next moves. For me, Dani was a bit of a difficult character at first: she’s guarded and appears to be easy-going, not taking anything too seriously except food. But that approach hides some very deep-rooted issues: issues that she pushes away with humor and then uses to beat herself up. Not only is she presenting a face that isn’t honest to the world, she’s incorporated that dishonesty to her own self: preferring to ignore emotions or stuff them down with food, rather than allow herself to feel anything past the textures and endorphin rush of the next mouthful.

But Watson has other ideas for the heroine: giving her a safe space with supportive characters around her (yes, all of the people from the first book are very well represented here) and a best friend who alternates between supportive and take no prisoners. Dani needs to make changes in her life: deal with her own lingering issues from childhood and her weight: and with a crush on the handsome man who runs the gym, she has that option. Throughout her ups and downs, her discovering just how much better she feels after exercising and getting fitter, and a dream of a dress for her 40th birthday, Dani struggles through the process and slowly (perhaps a bit too slowly for her own good) starts to wrestle down the demons from her past.

It isn’t until Dani starts to mesh (to me) that I couldn’t help but enjoy her. Blessed with a marvelous sense of humor, the early self-deprecating comments were a “say it first to save everyone else the trouble” defense: as she learns and finds little successes in fitness, those comments start to feel less defensive, and her actual embracing of emotions, finding the strength to stand up for herself as a viable and lovely being, and her finding a place that feels like the home she longed for as a child, she’s making huge progress. What emerges is a story that is hard to put down, even with the moments I had with her: insets from Gina and Elle, Elle’s mum and her social media immersion, Sue and her malapropisms and even the fashionista dog and a surly, if protective baker, all form a support system for her, full of laughs, emotions and missteps. Watson had me feeling every one of Dani’s issues:: a true highlight of this book.

If you read and loved the first – you’ll enjoy this one. And if you haven’t – I suggest you give this series a try: easy to read in any order, Sue Watson is an author you’ll want to experience.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.