Curvy Valentine Match

Curvy Girl Dating Agency #6

by Piper Sullivan

What do you do when the love of your life strolls into your bakery like you hadn’t sacrificed your future for his?

You pretend as if you hate his guts, that’s what.
Then you stop pretending, because you do hate his guts.
Even though he’s bigger and stronger and more handsome than you remember.
History can’t repeat itself where Xander is concerned.
I won’t let it.
So I’ll just scowl and growl at him, while he smiles.
I’ll just use my sharp tongue to keep him at a distance.
Until he makes it impossible to ignore him and impossible to forget the past.



♥ Welcome to the Small Town of Pilgrim, Texas… home of women with curves and the men who can’t get enough of them!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 22, 2021

About the author

Piper Sullivan is an old school romantic who enjoys reading romantic stories as much as she enjoys writing them.
She spends her time day-dreaming of dashing heroes and the feisty women they love.

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book six in Curvy Girl Dating Agency Series and we finally get the past on Mara and Xander from when they were high school sweethearts. Mara has been living with the consequences of her past with Xander and how his wealthy parents made sure he walked away with none and how Mara a foster child was left to serve time in juvie with a record for the seriousness of it all. Some how these two both end up in Pilgrim, Texas and Mara avoids Xander at all cost. Over the years Mara has keep herself closed off running the local bakery with amazing treats and as the other woman from the other stories slowly become her friend they get to see how Xander flirts with her non stop. Mara is one sassy woman who tells you like it is and for most they don’t see it’s a shield to protect her but Xander remembers how much he loved her and can not understand why Mara is so mad at him. His goal it to break down her walls so he joins Time For Love dating agency. These two have a past that Xander was never aware of and once he discovers it he tries to make things right only to take several steps backwards when their past is repeating with another young couple just like them. Xander gets different members of their friends to help him win over Mara and they so enjoy it...haha! Once it becomes clear things are not just right Xander is at a lose. When Mara finally understands her situation in a new light does she do what is necessary to have Xander see her, as the woman he’s always know her to be. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mara is now living and working in Pilgrim and has made some really good friends, but all that ends right? Nothing lasts forever or does it? Growing up Mara went from home to home until she met Helen and knew Helen was the mother she needed. So when she met Xander and he saw her and only her, that is all that mattered, young love!!! But what happens when a mistake turns into someone taking the fall and Xander's parents made sure he never got in trouble. With that mistake haunting Mara, she made sure to take care of herself by herself. So when she realizes Xander is the sheriff in Pilgrim, she knows she can't escape her past again!!

Xander was a boy in love, but when Mara leaves without a trace, he makes different life choices, but ends up loving Mara all these years and needs to win her back. How long will it take? Or can he win over the girl he knew and woman he wants to know?

This story is such a good second chance romance that includes everything from anger,, betrayal, drama, heartache, heartbreak, misunderstandings, love, lust and romance. I received an ARC of this book from the author.

[Margaret Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I never stopped believing we’d get that dance, Mara. Or the life we planned together.”

Piper Sullivan delivers another winner in her Curvy Girl Dating Agency series, with "Curvy Valentine Match." We met and eagerly awaited Xander and Mara's story through the Curvy Girl series, and it's a heartbreaking, second chance romance. A pair of meddling parents, who believe they are doing right by their son, deliver almost irreparable damage to Mara, and untold pain to their son, who was mostly oblivious to their efforts. Though years have passed, Mara has kept a cage around her heart and no matter Xander's efforts, she rebuffs his every attempt. Until he enlists some help. Sullivan brings these characters to life, their pain is very palpable, with a common misstep that even well-intentioned parents make. With "Curvy Valentine Match," you can expect drama, angst, heartache, heartbreak, misunderstandings, miscommunication, humorous situations, witty banter, realistic dialog, meddling, amusing secondary characters, sexual situations, and romance. Another match for the dating agency, and another successful addition to the Curvy Girl series for Sullivan. LOVED it! I received this book as an ARC from the author, and I volunteered this review.

[Jenn Barnette · Rating 1 out of 5]

Potential Unfulfilled

I found Piper Sullivan through my Kindle Unlimited subscription. I have read several of her different small-town romance books. I have read every book in this series. I was excited for Mara and Xander's story. After reading it; I am dissatisfied. I feel like this book was "phoned in". These characters had dialogue in the other books in this series. Their was an established relationship. This book explains the animosity Mara has for Xander and Xander's clueless attitude as to why she is so very angry. What it does not do; is explain why Mara gives him another chance. The hurt she survived was not a small one. His people that dealt the hurt are never properly handled. I just finished the book and it is a disappointing HEA.
P.S. I loathe leaving negative reviews. I usually only review books I want people to read and to promote authors I love. I read on to the next page hoping Piper Sullivan would turn this book around. That did not happen.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed every minute of this incredible second chance romance in the small town of Pilgrim, Texas - home of curvy women and men who can't get enough of them. I loved the attraction and undeniable chemistry between Sheriff Xander Willowby and sassy baker Mara Landon. Ms. Sullivan never disappoints whatsoever and I look forward to book seven in her must-read Curvy Girl Dating Agency series. If you love realistic contemporary romance with lots of heart and emotion, don't miss "Curvy Valentine Match" I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review. I liked it so much, I purchased a copy.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xander and Mara finally share their secrets. We have met these two in earlier stories in this series and it was obvious that there was history between them but now we know just what happened. Their story is sad but it does have a HEA. Two love struck teenagers, a set of wealthy parents who think they know best and a few lies and secrets are the recipe for disaster where Mara and Xander were concerned now years later they finally discover the truth and get their second chance at happiness. The small town of Pilgrim is full of great characters and the Time for Love agency gets another success story.

[Diane W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curvy Valentine Match: A Second Chance Romance(Curvy Girl Dating Agency Book 6) by Piper Sullivan

The emotional story by Piper Sullivan has all the earmarks of a great second chance at love. Teenagers Mara and Xander spent a year together in love and had their future all planned out together. A dramatic event tore them from each other and Xander had no idea why Mara had gone from him. Ten years later they meet again. Xander sees his one true love- the only woman he loves. Mara has the complete opposite feeling - she stubbornly hates Xander. It is a great read and fun for the reader to be the fly on the wall and watch the event unfold.

Diane W.

[Susanne M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐✨ Thank You Mom

I was blessed with the best mom in the world, only to have lost her too soon. To the Helen's out there, thank you for stepping up when our moms couldn't! To the Xander's out there who put their lives on the line in the military and or police, thank you for your service. Patience, forgiveness, and perseverance are the lessons Xander and Mara learned on their journey to a second chance. Great story, characters and storyline. Proofreading glitches addressed would make this a 5 star read. No cheating or cliffhanger and you get some steamy intimacy scenes and a happy ever after. Enjoy 🤓

[Lonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So freaking good

Each book is a stand alone within the series amd each one is freaking amazing.
1st I found my name in a book!!! Like that never freaking happens especially aimed to a female character soni no lie happy danced around the house! Mara has a chip on her shoulder the size of texas. A foster child passed around and sent to juvie because Xanders parents pulled strings. Xander however didn't know about the strings and had spent years wondering where she went...she moved to his town 3 years ago successfully ignoring him in the process until he had enough. He wants the girl he's always loved back...he just has to prove to her that love is worth the risk.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mara and Xander were an item in high school. They got into trouble one night, and his parents bought his way out and she went to juvie for two years. When she got out with a record, she started working at a bakery on one town over. She is a huge success and people love her baked goods. Xander has been the Sheriff in the same town for three years and has never gotten over her and never knew what happened after they got into trouble. He wants her back and she hates him. He starts wooing her and they seem to be doing fine. Then history repeats itself with a young girl Mara cares about and it ruins things! Can the two of them patch up what happened in the past, or will they forever be enemies?

[Am Goff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mara is the town's baker who grew up in foster care. Xander and she were high school sweethearts, until they got in trouble with the law. She took the fall and did time in juvie thanks to his rich parents, and he never knew why she left. Years later and after the military, he is the sheriff and they meet again. These two with broken hearts reconnect and find out what happened to each other, and fall in love over again on Valentine's Day. A hot and sweet story. I am voluntarily leaving my review of this ARC.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

What a story! This second chance romance shows there is more than one side to a story. My heart broke for both Mara and Xander and I loved that he wouldn't give up on them and listened to some home truths. I liked the support they recieved from family and friends and the way the community celebrated valentine's day. Strong characters with strengths and weaknesses, romantic, heartfelt and full of love. A read that has had me smiling and shedding a few tears. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute, and heartwarming second chance romance with a lot of steam! Mara and Xander got a raw deal when they were kids and now many years later they meet again. Their second chance takes place in Pilgrim. Lets be honest who doesn't love this town and all the towns people! Mara is not so sure of this second chance but Xander is all in and will do whatever it takes to convince her that he is worth another shot. Really great read from start to finish. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diary of a stubborn woman
4.5
Very good romance, simple but addicting, between Mara who hates Xander for something he hadn't done years ago when they were dating but that he himself is not aware of.
The two characters are very touching both whether it be in Mara's distress at the face of her past that haunts her or in the strength of character of Xander who doesn't want to let go of Mara once he has found her. That's the annoyance too: Mara's unwillingness to listen or to leave a door open to her heart.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Terry Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sassy baker & the persistent sheriff...
Apart from all the typos which I hope were addressed before release, I really enjoyed this second chance romance. Lots of interesting & quirky characters, the main characters had been in love when very young. Neither of them knew what happened to each other when they got arrested & each had assumptions but hers came with baggage & hatred so his attempts to reconnect were consistently rebuffed. A patient man he persevered but would it be enough for her to forgive him & let him back into her life? I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.

[Melanie Milburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper Sullivan
The TFL team has targeted Mara, the beautiful, curvy, and curmudgeonly baker for their next client. They have their work cut out for them as she solidly resists their “persuasion”. Mara’s been there and done time for that. Love is not for her, especially not from Sheriff Xander, her high school love.
Xander doesn’t know what he did to make Mara disappear 10 years ago or hate him now, but he does know that she’s it for him, always has been. So he goes knocking on the TFL door.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mara and Xander finally get their happy ending. Xander is the sexy Sheriff that all the women of Tulip with the exception of Mara have been swooning over. Mara is a tough nut to crack. They have history that goes back to when they were teenagers in high school. Mara is super feisty and it takes Xander being very persistent to get her talk to him. In the end they get a very sweet and happy valentines ending.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to go back to Pilgrim for Mara and Xander’s story. Having had history between them 10 years ago, Mara served time for a misdemeanour that her and Xander were involved in together. Xander’s parents got him out of trouble and he enlisted in the army. Mara didn’t know this and felt abandoned. But the chemistry between them is still hot and Xander, now a lawman, works hard to win Mara back. A really endearing, hot and steamy story. Read an ARC for an honest review.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish Xander has been a better lead.
Mara is prickly and gruff. She’s had to be, as a foster kid who took the fall and did time in juvie for rich kid Xander. He was just a couple shades too shallow. He put her out of his mind and moved on, even though they both ended up in Pilgrim years later as the baker and the sheriff (oh, the irony of him being the sheriff is not lost on me). He never makes an atonement for the sacrifice Mara made for him.




Borrowed on KU.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sixth book in the Curvy Girl Dating Agency, Curvy Valentine Match is a second chance, small-town romance featuring the sexy sheriff, Xander and the sassy baker, Mara. There's heartbreak, sacrifices, sizzling chemistry, forgiveness, love, and a happily ever after.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t like the people of Pilgrim?? Here we have another book with these great characters and this time Mara and Xander are up to bat. We finally get to see why Mara has always given Xander the cold shoulder and treated him so differently. I’ve liked these two throughout the series and I’m glad they had a book focused on them. It’s been a very enjoyable series to read.

[Misty Goan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent well written small town romance.  This engaging second chance storyline has these two working they way to a HEA with sacrifices, forgiveness,  heartbreak, miscommunication and love through trial and error.  The characters are likeable, well developed and have hot chemistry.  I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC .

[Guy's Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentine Sweethearts

This is the story I’ve been waiting for and it did not disappoint! The tension has been thick and building between Mara and Xander though the entire Curvy series. I loved it from start to finish! This is a definite must read!! I received an advanced copy for my honest and voluntary review.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All throughout the story I felt like someone is pinching my heart. Xander and Mara had the right love at the wrong time, as the song goes, and both got hurt in the process making them the person that they are now. But the love remains and Xander never gave up on wooing and winning her back.

I loved the story. Though there may be some heartbreaking scenes, the end made up for it.

[Vivian Chrisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second-chance love story. Sometimes those are hard to read. That's not the case with this story. Mara and Xander have a troubled past. We find out what actually happened in this visit to Pilgrim, Texas. Mara is determined that she will never forgive or forget. Xander has other ideas. I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Patricia Anne Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

High School lovers and Now Adults Who Rediscover Each Other!!

Mara and Xander discover each other as adults, one thinking he did her an injustice and him believing she ran away! It's a great story and full of wonderful characters. If you like cute sexy steamy romance books then you need to read this book!! I recommend this book with a 5 Star review

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is a wonderful well-written second chance/small town romance. The storyline is emotional and the connection between Xander and Mara is definitely still there after all the drama and distance from their separation. My only disappointment is that we never confronted Xander's parents over the part they had in all the heartache.

[Sandra Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be My Valentine

Xander and Mara loved each other as teenagers. He was from a well to do family and she was a foster child. One reckless mistake ripped the young lovers apart, leaving them both in anguish, and Mara with a stone cold heart. Then years later, fate saw fit to bring them back together...

[Treynibblins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mara and Xander

Absolutely loved this book! This author is new to me, and I was a little unsure about this one, but it grabbed me from the very start and refused to let go. Mara was the perfect FMC, strong, sarcastic, and accomplished on her own right. Xander was smokin hot, determined to get his girl, and willing to admit when he was in the wrong (even unintentionally).

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mara is a person that is as hard as they come. She’s been through so much she holds herself in. But there was one thing she didn’t count on, and that was how much Xander still loved her, and his termination to get her back!