**Danielle Allen Concludes Her Beloved Curve Trilogy with ‘Big Girl Blitz’**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/big-girl-blitz-danielle-allen-041426-1be2e6d22c564e1593f66a6984b11a58.jpg)
Bestselling author Danielle Allen is preparing to release *Big Girl Blitz* on 14 April 2023, the final installment in her acclaimed Curve trilogy. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, Allen discussed the significance of centring fat Black women in romance, the process that led to the conclusion of her trilogy, and her upcoming projects.
*Big Girl Blitz* follows the journey of Jazmyn Payne, a character who returns to her hometown to care for her ill aunt, Addison. In a quest for structure and purpose, Jazmyn creates a summer bucket list that unexpectedly introduces her to Lamar, a football player who adds excitement to her life. Through this narrative, Allen crafts a relatable backdrop that explores both love and personal growth.
This new release marks the culmination of Allen’s trilogy about friendship and romance, showcasing the lives of three best friends over a transformative summer. Her previous books, *Curvy Girl Summer* and *Plus Size Player*, followed Aaliya James and Nina Ford respectively, as they navigated their own romantic dilemmas.
Danielle Allen’s venture into traditional publishing with the Curve series represents an important milestone in her career. Previously, she self-published works such as the *One Series* duet. The author explained that she was intentional about showcasing characters who resembled her experiences, stating, “I knew I wanted my first traditional release to be about fat Black women with natural hair.” This focus gave visibility to women who are often relegated to the role of the supporting character in mainstream media.
Writing *Big Girl Blitz* proved to be a poignant experience for Allen. The character of Jazz echoed her personal experiences in ways that made the storytelling process particularly meaningful. She noted that several events in Jazz’s life mirrored her own, especially the challenges surrounding family illness—details that added depth to the narrative and allowed for moments of catharsis during the writing process.
Romance, as Allen describes, offers a platform to tackle more difficult topics, blending joy with the complexities of real life. In particular, Jazmyn faces family conflicts and personal insecurities, challenges that resonate widely among readers. Allen is inspired by authors like Kennedy Ryan, whose work has shaped her own approach to writing.
“I believe that romance can provide hope,” Allen remarked. “Through a happily-ever-after, we can acknowledge the struggles while celebrating the joy that accompanies them.” This philosophy underpins her writing style, where she weaves together themes of resilience and self-acceptance, allowing readers to draw strength from the stories.
The reception of her Curve trilogy has had a profound impact on Allen, with many readers expressing how her characters have enabled them to perceive themselves in a new light. “For so many who previously saw themselves as unworthy or invisible, recognising the beauty in themselves through my stories has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. Her goal has always been to affirm her readers’ worth and identity.
Looking ahead, fans can expect some familiar faces in Allen’s future works. Teasing a potential wedding, she hinted, “Someone from the Curve series will make a return, and I’m very excited for that development.” This revelation has certainly piqued the interest of her audience, eager to see what unfolds next.
As Allen wraps up her Curve trilogy, she hopes readers will find inspiration in Jazmyn’s journey and embrace their own unique narratives. “I want people to see not only Jazmyn but also her love interest, Lamar, as well as Aaliyah and Nina,” she expressed. “It’s about reminding ourselves that we are beautiful, smart, and worthy, right now. If change is desired, that’s fine too, but step forward with confidence throughout that journey.”
*Big Girl Blitz* is set to be available in bookstores and online this April, and it promises to deliver not only romance but also a powerful message about self-love and acceptance. Readers are encouraged to delve into the entire trilogy for a richly woven experience that champions diversity and representation in a genre that continues to evolve.