Curvy Girl and the Military Guy Next Door

Curvy Girls Date #5

by Jessa Joy

He was the love of my life. But he left to join the military. Now he's back and living right next door...

Grace
I'm known as a matchmaker in Snowflake Falls. But the truth is I'm interested in everyone else's love life so they don't talk about mine. There's only ever been one guy for me and that's Apollo. He was named after a god and he was like one at high school. But he left our small town and I thought he'd forgotten me. Now he's back and he's my next door neighbor. We're friendly but I want so much more...

Part of the Curvy Girls Date series featuring curvy women and the men who fall head over heels for them. Short, steamy reads with no cheating and always a HEA!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

50 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2023

About the author

I'm Jessa Joy and I write about curvy women and the alpha men who can't resist them. Short, steamy and upbeat is the name of the game. I hope you (like me) enjoy a guaranteed Happy Ever After! Whether you're into office, holiday or second chance romance, hot billionaires, small town shenanigans or enemies to lovers intrigue, I'm here to fulfil your reading desires!

Reviews

[Natasha Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh dear lord!! See now I wouldn’t even have an issue with how crazy fast paced and unrealistic all of it was. What I did have an issue with was the reason why the FMC had a grudge! Like seriously! Your meant to be the mature one! 🙈 if you want a super quick and easy (albeit at times frustrating read) then give this a go!

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace (h) is surprised when Apollo (H) walks into the library where she works and even more so when he moves into the apartment next to hers. She thought they had a connection in high school but he left after graduation to join the military and she’s never felt the same way about anyone since. Apollo finds himself drawn to curvy Grace and just has o convince her to give him another chance, and another when things hit a snag. Sweet romantic quickie with a side of heat, a little bit of angst, and a saucy parrot.

[Jo Reads Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t hit the mark for me
3 stars

Who doesn’t love an insta-love type story that’s light on pages but heavy on heat? You know pretty much what you’re getting with this type of book and that’s exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately, this book really didn’t give me what I want from this type of story.

Our heroine, Grace, is a librarian in the small town of Snowflake Falls and is a failed matchmaker - if you can even call it that. She obnoxiously attempts to throw people together and genuinely, it gave me second-hand embarrassment. Then that aspect of her character never gets mentioned again which I was both grateful for and left me wondering why it was ever broached to begin with.

Apollo left to join the army the day after prom and now he’s back in the small town he grew up in. He’s got some family drama about whether his Dad thinks his top-secret role in the army is worthwhile but that’s quickly sorted due to a video game. Again, it felt like something that really didn’t need mentioned. Apollo’s a a decent enough guy but there’s not much substance to him.

If I’m honest, the chemistry between Grace and Apollo was virtually non-existent. With the anger that Grace has for Apollo, I at least expected that they had a teenage hookup. But nope. They went to prom as part of a group, they had never even kissed and Apollo hadn’t even realised Grace was into him. Red flag, Apollo, red flag. They sleep together - both virgins - and then he has to leave for, you know, top secret stuff and can’t even tell Grace a lie to appease her of his leaving. So she’s mad again and gives him an ultimatum about third chances, blah, blah, blah. Lock up your bunnies around this woman.

I know not to expect a great level of characterisation, back-story or detail with a short insta-love story but this one just didn’t give me enough of anything to really enjoy it. There were lots of elements loosely taped together, and detail of things that didn’t need detailing where we could have had detail in things that actually mattered - like a deeper understanding of Grace and Apollo.

The only reason that I gave this story 3 stars instead of something lower was because I do like Jessa Joy's writing style and she does write in an engaging and likeable way. It’s certainly no chore to read one of her books and pick it up to read just a bit more - even if the story itself doesn’t capture my interest like in this case. A little bit of honing in this story could have made it so much more than it was, but it’s just 3 stars from me.

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.


Grace loves her life in snowflake falls but there is something missing in her life and that is love, she wants a love as epic as Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, there has only ever been one man that has ever made her feel like that and he vanished on her the night after Senior prom, Apollo was all that she had ever wanted but the day he left her heart was crushed and there is no one that she has wanted to share it with since then. She indulges in the greatest love stories of all time doing her job as a librarian and playing matchmaker to the people she loves only she isn’t very good at it and to call her attempts a disaster would be an understatement. But her world is tipped on its axis when Apollo is home from his service and set to return to Snowflake falls for good. Is Grace willing to risk her heart again for love or is this set to be her biggest disaster to date?

Apollo always knew what was expected of him in a family that had all had successful military careers that was always the way that he had wanted to go, it has been seven years since he had returned to Snowflake falls and being home reminds him of his last night when he took Grace to the Prom, he has wondered about her over the years and deciding to return the book that she had lent him all those years ago. One look and he knows that there is something there between them, something that he hadn’t even recognized in their past, but unbeknownst to him he has broken her heart and he has no idea how to get back what they once had. Can he convince Grace to give him another chance or will he mess it all up all over again and this time not only break her heart but his own?

I am a massive fan of this author and I make no bones about it this was a great read with a sweet story of second chances and believing that love can conquer all. 4.2* Read

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the Curvy Girls Date series featuring the steamy fast-paced second chance romance between Apollo and Grace. When they were in HS Apollo and Grace were a couple they went to the prom together and then the next day he was gone without a word he just ghosted her. Grace has never forgiven him for breaking her heart which is what he did when he left without saying goodbye or talking to her. Fast forward several years and Apollo is on leave from the military and he returns to Snowflake Falls where he moves in right next door to Grace. Will they get a second chance or will Grace decide that she can't forgive Apollo for breaking her heart? You have to read this steamy fast-paced second chance romance to find out what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet shorter story. Grace lost her heart to her date at the high-school prom but he was totally unaware of it. She has never quite managed to get over it so instead she tries to couple up pretty much everyone else that she knows. She is only trying to make sure that they find happines however her couple-dar needs quite a bit of work. Apollo was laser-focused on his career in the military to the exclusion of most everything else as he left high-school but 7 years later he has the option of working out of the base close to home so he takes the chance it offers. Maybe returning the book his prom date lent him would be a good first step...

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace thought her skills at matchmaker would really take off, but she was really bad at it. Grace wants everybody to find love even though she is still single. Grace’s one love was Apollo. Apollo left to join the military. Now he is back. Grace wants nothing to do with because he left without telling her. Surprisingly Apollo didn’t realize his mistake. Grace is now living across the hall from him. Will she give him a second chance? Will she give him a third chance? This is a sweet, funny, sexy, romantic, tender hearted love story. Really a sweet read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aliama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace and Apollo were destined to be together from the start. There was miscommunication and hard feelings but after some real communication they’re finally on the same page. Grace thought Apollo left without a backwards glance and even though he returned to Snowflake Falls for her, she had to learn to trust him and how she felt. Apollo always knew he’d go into the military and follow in his family’s footsteps. He just didn’t understand how Grace perceived it but after opening up and telling her how he really felt, they get their HEA. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Curvy Girl and the Military Guy Next Door Book 5 of Curvy Girls Date. Grace is still thinking of Apollo seven years after he left. He broker her heart even though he didn’t know it. Now he’s back and he would love a second chance but when his career interferes will Gracie give him another chance? Or will she protect her heart? Sweet second chance storyline and I loved the characters. A quick and easy read. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest installment of Jessa Joy's charming Curvy Girls Date series, Curvy Girl and the Military Guy Next Door, is a sweet and steamy second chance romance. Grace had feelings for Apollo back in high school until he left Snowflake Falls to enlist in the military. Now seven years later, he's back, stationed at the base outside of town, and when he lays eyes on Gracie, he cannot ignore his own feelings. But first he'll have to get back into her good...graces. A quick, fun, steamy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great quick read that I enjoyed! Grace is a curvy librarian. Apollo is a military man back home after his tour. Grace has liked Apollo since high school. When high school finished, Apollo joined the military and left without a word and that hurt Grace. Now that Apollo is back, he wants to pursue a relationship with Grace. She has a lot of thinking to do!
I love Jess’s book! I am always anxious to read them because I know that I will love them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace tries to be the town matchmaker in Snowflake Falls instead of concentrating on how awful her love life is. There has only been one guy for her and he ghosted her after the prom. When he shows up seven years later she blows him off as she does not want to be hurt by him.

Apollo did not realize Grace was hurt by what transpired years ago. Now he is staying next her, he is going to make sure the lovely lady gives him another shot.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace has always had a huge crush on Apollo. So when he comes home after the military Grace tries ignoring him but its no use. She sees him everywhere. Until one day her coworker asks Apollo to fill in as a leading man of a production the library is putting on. Grace is shocked when he sees him. Apollo lets Grace know he has thought of her often while deployed. She lets him know she's always liked him.
Finally after all the years apart Grace gets her HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace had loved Apollo in high school, he had disappeared, joining the military straight after prom taking her heart with him. Years later Apollo is back in Snow Flake Falls and feels drawn to Grace. He didn’t realise that he’d hurt Grace and was determined to win her life be back. Sweet, steamy and romantic with amazing chemistry, two people who were perfect together and had never wanted or been with anyone else and a fantastic HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very fast paced less than an hour read. Grace and Apollo went to the prom together in high school and he left the next day for the military without a goodbye. Grace has yet to forgive him but since he’s returned and is her next door neighbor he’s finally asking for that forgiveness. Great couple, fun characters, throw in a wild parrot and a great happy ever after and it’s a fun fast steamy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lexi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Possibly the least compelling book I've ever read. She's pissed that he left, but he barely registered her existence -- he was literally just taking her to prom, there are no other details about a past they shared. And she holds on to this so hard her boss years later knows the story?? She tries to set up her sister (who has a handle on her own love life) with a married, gay man her sister already knows who she just met, then cries that she'll never be a good matchmaker?? Then sex, abandonment, barely another apology and sex again? Huh??

[T Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA
Standalone
Second Chance, Friends to Lovers
Curvy Girls Date, book 5
Snowflake Falls

*over 18 readers only *

Trigger/ Content warnings
Parental disappointment
Crazy bird
Gay preacher


Grace (mmf)
Apollo (mmc)


He left years ago without warning, but now he's back. He didn't even realize he broke her heart back then. He knows now what, or who, it is he really wants. Will she give him another chance? Will he get a third chance?

Quick read, light hearted.

[AlexandraLeigh91 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this quick read. Apollo returns back from the military to his hometown and pays a visit to the library where Gracie is working. Apollo really needs to pull out all the stops to convince Gracie to to give him a second and a third chance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Grace and Apollo wanted each other in high school but Apollo's need to honor his family's commitment to the service stops that. The second chance they have due to head librarian works out much better for them. I liked the events that led to their happiness.

[Michelle Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately back in Snowflake Falls and never want to leave. Grace and Apollo will make you laugh and sympathize with them about not talking about their feelings when younger. You can definitely see yourself as Grace in this story because a lot of us never get over our first crush. Apollo does not realize what high standards he has to live up to until he comes back and sees Grace again. The two of them together will make you fell all the feels and fall in love with reading and love all over again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great quick read. I really loved the characters in this story. The chemistry was awesome. There was some drama, misunderstandings, and surprises along the way. So enjoyable. There are some good laughs too. You're going to love this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misunderstandings. 7 years of being away. There is funny matchmaking. Gracie doesn't have all the info it seems the whole town is upset of her "matches". Funny. A exotic bird on the loose singing show tunes and a Mr. Darcy in the mix. good short read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace has had a thing for Apollo since high school but when he left and joined the military Grace was crushed. Now he's back and wants a second chance. This is a quick read with believable characters, drama, angst, and a sweet second chance at love story. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the curvy girls date series. This story is an small town second chance friends lovers steamy hot alpha male and curvy female short story romance. This book is definitely a page turner and a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace was in love with Apollo in high school, but he left after graduation and joined the military. She never felt this way about another man. Apollo moves back to his hometown and is now her neighbor. He feels himself drawn to Grace and now he has to fight for a second chance with her. Sweet, short, steamy and romantic, a bit angst and with a sweet HEA😍😍😍

[Carmen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wasn't for me!!!!

I couldn't really get into this one.... I felt no chemistry between the characters.... Grace and Apollo knew each other from high school.... Grace was an entitlement that was mad at Apollo for leaving for the military when he owed her nothing, he didn't have to tell her anything because they were never dating.... It was ridiculous how immature she was, my least favorite out of the series....

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute story

Good palette cleanser from reading heavy dark romances. Cute couple. Missed opportunity and misunderstandings keep them from being a couple. HEA does happen.

Just wish the book had a bit more. There could have been more fun hijinx situations, use the bird from humor situations, and more connections activities to make the book feel complete.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Grace and Apollo. The story keeps us turning the pages with crushes, apologies, second chances and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lizette Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible read in the Curvy Girls Date series. Grace is the town match maker, and you will love it when this curvy beauty finally gets her man in Apollo. I loved their chemistry and perfect ending. It's always an incredible read from this author.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This was a cute second chance romance. It was a short story with a fairly fast pace and a sweet storyline. I liked Grace and Apollo, they were a cute couple. I really enjoyed Grace’s attempts at matchmaking it was funny. I liked this story.