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Thick Girls Pole
Big. Curvy. Thick. Whatever term you use for not skinny, that’s what I’ve always been.
Pole dancing helped me learn to appreciate my curvy body and even feel sexy. And while my self-esteem has improved over the years, my taste in men has always been stuck in the tall, dark, and toxic category.
After breaking it off with my latest mistake, I’ll admit I went a little wild. But those random hookups got old real fast and that’s not how I want to live my life going forward. So I decided to take a self-imposed man break.
When Simon Parker asked me on a date, I had no intention of accepting his offer. We worked together for almost a decade and I never thought of him as anything more than a good friend. But my pole ladies convinced me to give him a chance.
So I said yes, never expecting my stomach to flutter when he picked me up. Or that his lips against mine would feel oh-so-right.
But I’d be lying if I said the thought of diving into another relationship doesn’t freak me out a little. Or a lot. I’ve been doing well on my own. I don’t know if I’m ready to risk my hard-won confidence. Plus, Simon’s definitely not my usual type.
But that’s probably a good thing, right?
Pole dancing helped me learn to appreciate my curvy body and even feel sexy. And while my self-esteem has improved over the years, my taste in men has always been stuck in the tall, dark, and toxic category.
After breaking it off with my latest mistake, I’ll admit I went a little wild. But those random hookups got old real fast and that’s not how I want to live my life going forward. So I decided to take a self-imposed man break.
When Simon Parker asked me on a date, I had no intention of accepting his offer. We worked together for almost a decade and I never thought of him as anything more than a good friend. But my pole ladies convinced me to give him a chance.
So I said yes, never expecting my stomach to flutter when he picked me up. Or that his lips against mine would feel oh-so-right.
But I’d be lying if I said the thought of diving into another relationship doesn’t freak me out a little. Or a lot. I’ve been doing well on my own. I don’t know if I’m ready to risk my hard-won confidence. Plus, Simon’s definitely not my usual type.
But that’s probably a good thing, right?
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2023
215 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Tina Gallagher
58 books92 followersAs a tween, Tina Gallagher and her best friend would create happily ever afters for their favorite soap opera couples. Eventually, the soap operas lost their appeal, but the writing never did.
Before living her dream as a full-time author, she worked a spectrum of jobs ranging from baking and cake decorating to marketing and project management.
In between creating memorable characters, traveling, and taking pole dance lessons, Tina enjoys spending time with her handyman husband and two grown children.
Before living her dream as a full-time author, she worked a spectrum of jobs ranging from baking and cake decorating to marketing and project management.
In between creating memorable characters, traveling, and taking pole dance lessons, Tina enjoys spending time with her handyman husband and two grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 9, 2025
Keera and Simon!!! too cute
Keera struggles with self doubt. Her ex's weren't good to her. Now Simon shows up and makes her realize she's worth it. He's everything that she needs and wants!!! Can they work together and make this work or will Keera's insecurities break them up?
Simon has liked Keera from afar for years. Now he has a chance to date her. But is she interested in him? Simon takes his time with her. He woos her and shows her that not all men are bad!!
This is a cute read, definitely beach worthy!!!!! I enjoyed it very much and knew all the local haunts!!
Keera struggles with self doubt. Her ex's weren't good to her. Now Simon shows up and makes her realize she's worth it. He's everything that she needs and wants!!! Can they work together and make this work or will Keera's insecurities break them up?
Simon has liked Keera from afar for years. Now he has a chance to date her. But is she interested in him? Simon takes his time with her. He woos her and shows her that not all men are bad!!
This is a cute read, definitely beach worthy!!!!! I enjoyed it very much and knew all the local haunts!!
February 3, 2023
Great read.
I loved this story, Keera had a lot of issues, mostly thanks to ex boyfriends! But Simon was the perfect guy to help her realise her self worth and show her that she was lovable.
I loved this story, Keera had a lot of issues, mostly thanks to ex boyfriends! But Simon was the perfect guy to help her realise her self worth and show her that she was lovable.
September 25, 2025
“Keera Jordan, was on a sabbatical from men because her picker was bad. Being a big girl comes with its own set of issues, and having an added appendage of the male persuasion, that can weigh one hundred eighty plus pounds, and be anywhere from five-ten to six-four can be daunting. The thing is they can be so insecure in their masculinity that they would have to tear her down. It never failed, that just when she was feeling good about herself, the next guy would come along to knock her down. But her last boyfriend was not only verbally abusive, he was a cheater.
But after five and a half months, she is missing having sex. She talks it over with her best friend and business partner, Anjannette. She told her there was no reason she couldn’t date, to swipe right. Or is it swipe left? The ladies will be having an open house at the pole studio on Saturday for newcomers to see if they are interested. Boy, was it a successful event. It was jam-packed. In fact, she couldn't believe her eyes someone from her old job, and he brought a lady friend. Simon Parker, was still working at the Wilders’, it's something to do with computers.
Keera and Simon worked together for ten years. To hear him talk he fell in love with her the day he saw her. But she was dating someone then she broke up with him, and then started dating another, guy whom she got engaged to. By then he was living with, Zoe, his girlfriend. However, now he has his twin sister pushing him to let her fix him up. He told her he already had someone, he was already interested in. He told Shannon about the open house and how he wanted to go and see her and support her.
Shannon said he needed to come up with a game plan, and when she came into town they would come up with one. They talked over some avenues, but when push came to shove on Saturday because she was so busy, he almost chickened out. But then he finally asked, and she said if she could get back to him. “I want to check with Granny Vi. Now that I’m living with her, sometimes she makes plans for us without telling me.” “Yeah, sure.” Anjannette approached before I could say anything else. “Sorry to interrupt, but it’s time for the next routine.” “I’ll let you know.
If not later today, then definitely tomorrow.” That’s not the response I’d been hoping for, but it’s better than a no. So at least there’s hope. Anjannette said, “I couldn’t have done it without you.” “It’s been my pleasure.” I blinked back tears. “After all, you saved me from having to find another soul-sucking corporate job.” “Speaking of your corporate job.” She shifted sideways and rested her elbow against the armrest. “Let’s talk about Simon.” “What about him?” “It was obvious I interrupted something between the two of you earlier.
Did you think I wasn’t going to ask?” “I’d kind of hoped you wouldn’t.” “Why? What happened?” “He asked me to go out to dinner,” I said. “Just the two of us,” I added just in case that wasn’t clear. “I told you he’s into you. What did you say?” “After the initial shock wore off, I told him I needed to check with Granny Vi, and I’d let him know.” “Why didn’t you just say ‘yes’?” “I don’t know if I’m going to.” “Why not?” “Because he’s…” I gestured helplessly. “Simon.” “What does that even mean?”
“I’ve never thought of him that way and don’t know if I want to start.” “From what you’ve always said, he’s a great guy.” “He definitely is,” I said. “Simon is super smart and really sweet. He’s just not my type.” “Isn’t that a good thing?” “What do you mean?” “You definitely have a type, just like I did. And you’ve been working with Dr. Green long enough to have established the fact that your type isn’t healthy for you.” “The guys you dated were all tall and good-looking, but they were dicks and treated you like shit. Of course, I didn’t realize it at the time because the guys I dated treated me just as badly.”
“But now you have Leo, and he treats you like a princess,” I said, hoping to deflect the conversation from me. “Exactly! And he’s different from anyone else I ever dated.” “You two are truly made for each other.” “And what if I didn’t give him a chance because he ‘wasn’t my type?’” “Don’t act like you met Leo, and it was smooth sailing. It took a little nudging to get you to go out with him.” “That’s because I was scared to death of dating again,” she said. “Plus, I figured there was no way Leo was as perfect as he seemed.” “And yet, he is.” Loved this book.
But after five and a half months, she is missing having sex. She talks it over with her best friend and business partner, Anjannette. She told her there was no reason she couldn’t date, to swipe right. Or is it swipe left? The ladies will be having an open house at the pole studio on Saturday for newcomers to see if they are interested. Boy, was it a successful event. It was jam-packed. In fact, she couldn't believe her eyes someone from her old job, and he brought a lady friend. Simon Parker, was still working at the Wilders’, it's something to do with computers.
Keera and Simon worked together for ten years. To hear him talk he fell in love with her the day he saw her. But she was dating someone then she broke up with him, and then started dating another, guy whom she got engaged to. By then he was living with, Zoe, his girlfriend. However, now he has his twin sister pushing him to let her fix him up. He told her he already had someone, he was already interested in. He told Shannon about the open house and how he wanted to go and see her and support her.
Shannon said he needed to come up with a game plan, and when she came into town they would come up with one. They talked over some avenues, but when push came to shove on Saturday because she was so busy, he almost chickened out. But then he finally asked, and she said if she could get back to him. “I want to check with Granny Vi. Now that I’m living with her, sometimes she makes plans for us without telling me.” “Yeah, sure.” Anjannette approached before I could say anything else. “Sorry to interrupt, but it’s time for the next routine.” “I’ll let you know.
If not later today, then definitely tomorrow.” That’s not the response I’d been hoping for, but it’s better than a no. So at least there’s hope. Anjannette said, “I couldn’t have done it without you.” “It’s been my pleasure.” I blinked back tears. “After all, you saved me from having to find another soul-sucking corporate job.” “Speaking of your corporate job.” She shifted sideways and rested her elbow against the armrest. “Let’s talk about Simon.” “What about him?” “It was obvious I interrupted something between the two of you earlier.
Did you think I wasn’t going to ask?” “I’d kind of hoped you wouldn’t.” “Why? What happened?” “He asked me to go out to dinner,” I said. “Just the two of us,” I added just in case that wasn’t clear. “I told you he’s into you. What did you say?” “After the initial shock wore off, I told him I needed to check with Granny Vi, and I’d let him know.” “Why didn’t you just say ‘yes’?” “I don’t know if I’m going to.” “Why not?” “Because he’s…” I gestured helplessly. “Simon.” “What does that even mean?”
“I’ve never thought of him that way and don’t know if I want to start.” “From what you’ve always said, he’s a great guy.” “He definitely is,” I said. “Simon is super smart and really sweet. He’s just not my type.” “Isn’t that a good thing?” “What do you mean?” “You definitely have a type, just like I did. And you’ve been working with Dr. Green long enough to have established the fact that your type isn’t healthy for you.” “The guys you dated were all tall and good-looking, but they were dicks and treated you like shit. Of course, I didn’t realize it at the time because the guys I dated treated me just as badly.”
“But now you have Leo, and he treats you like a princess,” I said, hoping to deflect the conversation from me. “Exactly! And he’s different from anyone else I ever dated.” “You two are truly made for each other.” “And what if I didn’t give him a chance because he ‘wasn’t my type?’” “Don’t act like you met Leo, and it was smooth sailing. It took a little nudging to get you to go out with him.” “That’s because I was scared to death of dating again,” she said. “Plus, I figured there was no way Leo was as perfect as he seemed.” “And yet, he is.” Loved this book.
August 13, 2024
Keera and Simon worked together for years before she was laid off in a round of downsizing. Simon has always held a torch for Keera and the two stayed in touch off and on though they were in each in different relationships through the years. After realizing he might be lonely, Simon decides to ask Keera out now that they're both single and no longer work together. Keera, deciding to break the toxic mold of men she typically dates agrees and is surprised to find the chemistry and connection with her longtime friend.
This book follows the progress of Keera and Simon's relationship as Keera deals with her own issues of mistrust and self doubt. Simon was a definite golden retriever who worshipped Keera and her curves. I would have liked to see more depth to their relationship. I felt like most of the emotional depth existed between Keera and her friends, rather than between her and Simon.
This book can be read as a standalone. This was how I read it though and since I've never pole danced and haven't read another work by this author, I did feel in the weeds a bit. So many characters from other works were introduced and it was difficult to keep them straight. There were also lengthy descriptions of pole dancing terms and routines, which were interesting, but having no familiarity with the sport, I felt a bit lost and found myself skimming these sections.
There was some solid mental health rep in this book, with Keera regularly attending therapy and working to implement her therapist's suggestions in her daily life. We also saw some period rep as well, which was nice. Although the text hinted at some possible health problems for Keera's reproductive system, but it wasn't ever addressed again.
On a side note, My 'Office' loving heart loved that this group regularly visited Poor Richard's in Scranton.
This book follows the progress of Keera and Simon's relationship as Keera deals with her own issues of mistrust and self doubt. Simon was a definite golden retriever who worshipped Keera and her curves. I would have liked to see more depth to their relationship. I felt like most of the emotional depth existed between Keera and her friends, rather than between her and Simon.
This book can be read as a standalone. This was how I read it though and since I've never pole danced and haven't read another work by this author, I did feel in the weeds a bit. So many characters from other works were introduced and it was difficult to keep them straight. There were also lengthy descriptions of pole dancing terms and routines, which were interesting, but having no familiarity with the sport, I felt a bit lost and found myself skimming these sections.
There was some solid mental health rep in this book, with Keera regularly attending therapy and working to implement her therapist's suggestions in her daily life. We also saw some period rep as well, which was nice. Although the text hinted at some possible health problems for Keera's reproductive system, but it wasn't ever addressed again.
On a side note, My 'Office' loving heart loved that this group regularly visited Poor Richard's in Scranton.
May 12, 2024
Thick Girls Pole by Tina Gallagher is a great story of a woman who learns to overcome her insecurities. This is the second book in the Peaches and Poles series and can be read as a standalone.
Keera has known Simon for ten years but never had feelings for him. When they reconnect, it's the beginning of the healthiest relationship Keera has ever had. But, her old insecurities might just keep them apart.
When Keera realizes that her insecurities are really unfounded, her life can truly begin again.
Tina Gallagher always writes with meaning and purpose. Her stories seem to address what everyone has gone through at one time or another. This is a great feel good story!
Keera has known Simon for ten years but never had feelings for him. When they reconnect, it's the beginning of the healthiest relationship Keera has ever had. But, her old insecurities might just keep them apart.
When Keera realizes that her insecurities are really unfounded, her life can truly begin again.
Tina Gallagher always writes with meaning and purpose. Her stories seem to address what everyone has gone through at one time or another. This is a great feel good story!
February 28, 2024
Thick thighs save lives
I love a good curvy girl story and this one was done right. This is the first book I've read by Tina Gallagher and if her other books are just as good then it won't be my last. Keera and Simon's story was sweet and sexy with just a little bit of spice. I loved that most of the time Keera was confident in her own skin, but she had times when her insecurities would rear their head like an old nemesis. I really loved Simon and how he fought for what he wanted. This book just really ticked all the boxes for me. A well written five-star book.
I love a good curvy girl story and this one was done right. This is the first book I've read by Tina Gallagher and if her other books are just as good then it won't be my last. Keera and Simon's story was sweet and sexy with just a little bit of spice. I loved that most of the time Keera was confident in her own skin, but she had times when her insecurities would rear their head like an old nemesis. I really loved Simon and how he fought for what he wanted. This book just really ticked all the boxes for me. A well written five-star book.
June 7, 2025
Not much to say about the book. The main female character has issues with her weight because of how boyfriends in the past treated her. She’s seeing a therapist but still has a hard time with the self doubt and her weight.
She’s dealing with things in a healthy and responsible way, but still it kind of sucked that the book wasn’t more body positive
The story didn’t have any major drama or intrigue.
I am not interested enough in any of the other characters so I won’t be continuing the series.
She’s dealing with things in a healthy and responsible way, but still it kind of sucked that the book wasn’t more body positive
The story didn’t have any major drama or intrigue.
I am not interested enough in any of the other characters so I won’t be continuing the series.
March 5, 2025
I really loved this book! It was so sweet and the pole dancing was great. The third act breakup was a little forced, but resolved quickly. It also said it was the first in the series but I feel pretty sure that there’s a Leo and Anjanette book beforehand from the way the characters talked. Highly recommend!
May 30, 2025
DNF
I made it over 40%
I just couldn't get into it.
I think I might not like books about dance? I have read some I like but for the most part, it doesn't do it for me.
The writing style wasn't engaging for me as well.
I tried i failed, perhaps you will have better luck. It wasn't horrible just not my cup of tea.
I made it over 40%
I just couldn't get into it.
I think I might not like books about dance? I have read some I like but for the most part, it doesn't do it for me.
The writing style wasn't engaging for me as well.
I tried i failed, perhaps you will have better luck. It wasn't horrible just not my cup of tea.
January 21, 2023
Thick Girls Pole
This was a slow and sweet story with real life emotions. I really liked it up until the ending. It seemed the conflict was non existent and it made the resolution just feel to rushed.
This was a slow and sweet story with real life emotions. I really liked it up until the ending. It seemed the conflict was non existent and it made the resolution just feel to rushed.
January 25, 2024
I’m at the highest weight I’ve ever been and reading this book helped me feel better in my body. Keera has her own insecurities but is not letting them stop her from her passion, which I feel is a good reminder for everyone who struggles with body image.
June 6, 2024
It is refreshing to find a plus size heroine featured in a romance. Tina Gallagher's writing is smooth and Keera proves worthy of the good-hearted hero. The tone of the story is sweet, although there are plenty of hot scenes! It's an enjoyable, fast-reading romance!
December 27, 2024
fun quick read.
Thick girls and pole dancing? What’s not to love? This is a quick read with an interesting story. It’s not citizen Kane, it’s hallmark with spicy scenes. Give it a whirl.
Thick girls and pole dancing? What’s not to love? This is a quick read with an interesting story. It’s not citizen Kane, it’s hallmark with spicy scenes. Give it a whirl.
December 27, 2023
Keera and Simon's friends-to-lovers relationship was very cute. The HEA was adorable.
August 10, 2024
I love me a good Curvy Girl Romance with a Nerd! Tina Gallagher is a new to me author and she did not disappoint. This book is such a cute, guy falls first book and a curvy pole dancer is such an inspiration. Definitely worth the read.
July 6, 2025
Story 4.25⭐️ Spice 3🌶️
August 11, 2024
Better than I anticipated
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews