Ames’ review of Dangerous Curves Ahead by Sugar Jamison.

Ellis Garrett is dumping her critical boyfriend, opening a plus-size clothing store, and starting a blog—all to spread the word that fashion shouldn’t require a size-two body, and happiness should allow for the occasional cupcake. Or two. But is indulging fantasies about her sister’s long-ago ex, the still-hunky Michael Edwards, biting off more than she can chew?

Mike must be losing his detective’s touch. He doesn’t recognize Ellis when he bumps into her at Size Me Up, and he certainly doesn’t remember his ex-girlfriend’s outspoken sister being so irresistible. Her curves are indeed dangerous—and so is her wit. Could it be that Ellis is his Perfect Fit? One thing’s for sure: Mike will make it his sworn duty to find out…

Dangerous Curves Ahead started off a light-hearted read but quickly bogged itself down with a few too many breakups and get back togethers.

Ellis has given up the life of a lawyer to open up a clothing store for women who aren’t stick thin. She’s not exactly 100% sure it was a good idea, but after catching her boyfriend at home with another woman, she knew she had to change her life.  And change it up she did.  And things get more interesting when her sister’s ex flirts with her at the local coffee shop, not realizing who she is.  And when she realizes he doesn’t remember her, she teases him about it.  And that intrigues him.

Mike Edwards has returned to the small town of Durant for a change of pace as well.  He was a detective in the city and he was scared how numb he was getting to the crime he was dealing with.  He enjoyed Durant when he lived there 4 years ago so he takes a detective job with their small police force.  He’s intrigued by the woman at the coffee shop, and he runs into her again when investigating a burglary on the same street as her shop.

It isn’t long before Mike remembers why Ellis is so familiar.  And then these two start a relationship once a few things are clarified about Mike’s past with Ellis’ sister.

There is plenty to enjoy about Dangerous Curves Ahead.  Ellis is a fun character, as are her friends.  Same with Mike and his buddy Colin.  Another thing I liked was Ellis’ parents.  Her parents are professors at the local university and her dad has Asperger’s.  I thought his interactions with Ellis were interesting and cute.  He even defends his daughter’s honor at one point.  Awww.  In fact, I liked Ellis’ parents so much, I kind of wish we could get their romance, because that would be very interesting.

I liked the struggles of Ellis’ growing business.  She caters to plus-size women and through happenstance begins a custom wedding dress design/sewing business out of it.

I felt the external conflict, Ellis’ ex and his shenanigans, was adequate enough that it didn’t detract from the romance and it served its purpose and bringing Ellis and Mike closer.

I did not like Ellis’ sister.  She was selfish and cruel.

I did not care for the amount of times Ellis and Mike broke up and got back together in the last half of the book.  And Ellis kind of backtracks on the whole marriage and kids thing, which bugged me.  But I get that characters are allowed to change their minds.  But I would have liked some internal reasoning behind why Ellis changed her mind.

All in all, Dangerous Curves Ahead was an ok read.  There were some good things and some bad things.

3.5 out of 5

This book is available from St. Martin’s.   You can buy it here or here in e-format.