In the ever-expanding universe of romance novels, where every heartbeat and whispered confession weaves the tapestry of love’s endless possibilities, a delightful and empowering trend has emerged. Plus-size romance novels celebrate love in all forms, breaking the conventional molds and embracing the beauty of diversity. These stories champion body positivity and self-love, offering readers characters as rich in spirit and personality as they are relatable in their journeys of self-acceptance and finding love.
Here, the heroines and heroes come in all shapes and sizes, proving that love is not one-size-fits-all but as diverse and beautiful as the human experience itself. As we turn the pages of these inspiring tales, we’re reminded of the importance of seeing ourselves in the stories we read—of recognizing that everybody is a worthy vessel of love’s profound and transformative power. So, let us dive into the heartwarming world of plus-size romance stories, where love knows no boundaries, and every curve and contour is celebrated as part of the grand adventure of falling in love.
10 Plus Size Romance Novels (Fat/Curvy Couple’s Love)
Plus size romance novels promote body positivity and self-acceptance. They challenge societal beauty standards and showcase that love and attraction are not limited to specific body sizes. The romantic relationships in plus size romance novels emphasize emotional connections, communication, and genuine love rather than superficial appearances. This portrayal of authentic relationships resonates with many readers.
Here are ten plus-size romance novels with curvy heroines. These novels frequently focus on the journey of self-acceptance and building confidence. You can relate to characters who learn to love themselves and recognize their self-worth, which is inspiring and empowering. Let’s go!
| Name | Key Focus | Tropes |
|---|---|---|
| The Brown Sisters Series by Talia Hibbert | A collection of contemporary romance novels, each focusing on one of the three Brown sisters – Chloe, Dani, and Eve – as they face their unique paths to love, self-discovery, and happiness. | Fake relationships, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, forced proximity, grumpy one loves the sunshine one, opposites attract, mental health representation, diversity in romance, strong family dynamics, personal growth and self-discovery, humor and banter in relationships, and the exploration of serious themes with warmth and sensitivity. |
| Who’s That Earl by Susanna Craig | A historical romance that weaves together mystery and passion, following Jane Quayle, a woman hiding under a pseudonym in Scotland, and Thomas Sutherland, a returned war hero and the new Earl of Magnus, as they face secrets, societal expectations, and their undeniable attraction. | Regency romance, hidden identities, the mysterious stranger, returning war hero, societal expectations vs. personal desires, the transformation of the rake, the allure of the Scottish Highlands, slow-burn romance, the clash between duty and passion, secret pasts and redemption, strong-willed heroine and brooding hero, community and belonging, and the journey from intrigue to love amidst the challenges of inheritance and social standing. |
| Wrapped by Rebekah Weatherspoon | A festive and steamy romance that unfolds between Shae Kenny, a professional gift wrapper, and Aidan Rooney, who needs a last-minute Christmas miracle, leading to an unexpected and heartwarming connection during the holiday season. | Holiday romance, chance meetings, instant attraction, the magic of the holiday season, workplace romance, opposites attract, the warmth of community and family gatherings, festive traditions, the journey from casual to serious relationships, personal growth through love, the importance of giving and receiving, and the celebration of new beginnings in the spirit of Christmas. |
| Misadventures of a Curvy Girl by Sierra Simone | An empowering and steamy romance that celebrates body positivity, as Ireland Mills discovers love and acceptance with two men, Caleb and Ben, in rural Kansas, challenging societal norms and her own insecurities. | Polyamorous relationship, body positivity, small-town romance, menage a trois, overcoming personal insecurities, the beauty of diversity and acceptance, strong female protagonist, the challenge of societal expectations, the dynamics of a non-traditional relationship, emotional healing through love, the power of self-acceptance, rural setting as a backdrop for personal growth, and the exploration of love beyond conventional boundaries. |
| Well Played by Jen DeLuca | A heartwarming and humorous romance set in the enchanting world of a Renaissance Faire, where Stacey, longing for something more in life, finds unexpected love and self-discovery through a mistaken identity email exchange with Dex MacLean. | Renaissance Faire setting, mistaken identity, email/letter romance, friends to lovers, the journey of self-discovery, the search for personal fulfillment, the charm of small-town communities, the blending of modern life with historical play-acting, second-chance romance, the importance of honesty and communication in relationships, quirky side characters, and the celebration of friendship and community support in the pursuit of happiness. |
| The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory | A delightful and engaging romance that begins with a chance elevator encounter, leading Alexa and Drew to fake a relationship at a wedding, sparking a whirlwind of genuine feelings, long-distance challenges, and the exploration of interracial relationships. | Fake dating, chance meeting, long-distance relationship, interracial couple, wedding setting, commitment issues, high-powered professions, strong female lead, communication hurdles, the blend of romance and contemporary societal themes, supportive friendships, the dynamics of family expectations, and the journey from casual to serious relationship amidst personal and professional growth. |
| The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan | A historical romance that challenges societal norms of the 19th century, following Jane Fairfield, an heiress with a penchant for making herself unmarriageable to protect her sister, and Oliver Marshall, who must choose between his political ambitions and his growing love for Jane. | Social outcast heroine, political intrigue, marriage of convenience, hidden agendas, the clash of personal desires and societal expectations, feminist themes, protector sibling, the complexity of family dynamics, the struggle for power and influence, the balancing act between love and ambition, unconventional romance, the critique of social norms and class discrimination, and the transformative power of love to challenge and change personal and political ambitions. |
| Brazen and the Beast by Sarah MacLean | A fiery and passionate historical romance set in Regency England, featuring Hattie Sedley, a determined heroine on a mission for independence, and Whit, a notorious king of the London underworld, whose paths collide in a battle of wills and hearts. | Strong female lead, underworld king, unconventional beauty, year of Hattie (self-empowerment), enemies to lovers, kidnapping as a meet-cute, personal growth and empowerment, the fight for control and independence, hidden identities, the balance of power in relationships, the integration of business and pleasure, the significance of family legacy and expectations, redemption through love, and the defiance of societal norms and gender roles. |
| Black Witch Magic by Mila Nicks | A paranormal romance that intertwines the legacy of two feuding witch families with the budding romance between Selene Blackstone and Alexi Greer, as they uncover dark secrets and fight to break a centuries-old curse affecting their families. | Witchcraft and magic, family feuds, cursed love, small-town secrets, paranormal elements, enemies to lovers, mystery and suspense, ancestral legacy, dual perspectives, the power of love to break curses, the exploration of dark themes with a romantic undertone, supernatural abilities as a metaphor for personal and familial conflicts, and the quest for understanding and unity amidst longstanding divisions. |
| Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade | A heartwarming and witty romance that explores the complexities of fandom, identity, and love between April, a geologist and fanfiction writer, and Marcus, a star of a popular TV series and secret fanfiction enthusiast, as they navigate their online personas and real-life connection. | Celebrity and fan relationship, secret identities, fandom culture, body positivity, dual life/secret online life, the contrast between public persona and private self, fanfiction as a form of expression and connection, misunderstandings and assumptions, the impact of media and fan scrutiny on personal relationships. |
1. The Brown Sisters Series
The series is about two sisters. Each book follows a different sister finding love. They are both plus-size heroines, and the representation is done well. Also, they are sexy and steamy. The first book, Get A Life, features a heroine who deals with chronic pain. The plus-sized heroine is also autistic. I enjoyed the smut, banter, and love interest, being so unabashedly in love with the protagonist.
The second book is Take a Hint. Here, you’re getting a huskier hero, a former rugby player, which is cool to see. Talia writes fantastic romances with great diversity. It has a fake relationship and reverses some gender stereotypes in exciting ways. If you are a beginner in plus-size romance, you must try it first.
Author: Talia Hibbert
Publisher: Avon
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Tropes: Sisters Fiction, Multicultural, Humor, Disability, Smutty, Enemies-to-lovers
Item Weight: 9.6 ounces
Dimensions: 5.31 x 0.86 x 8 inches
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Library Binding | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
2. Who’s That Earl (Love and Let Spy)
The series is a repeated theme that is frequently used in historical romances. We have a curvy heroine, but the book cover doesn’t reflect it. This book has a full-figured heroine. The author does an excellent job of not having insecure characters about their body, at least so much about their size.
Jane Quayle is insecure about some things related to her disability but not so much about her body in other ways. She secretly writes these scandalous novels under a pen name but a male name. Also, she’s living at a remote estate in the Scottish Highlands. Thomas is super confident. I love it when we get curvy heroines who are not always feeling terrible about themselves.
Jane’s curvy and doesn’t feel bad about it, even if it’s not super fashionable, which you see in historical romances. So it was fun because it has a slight gothic mystery vibe with a plus-size romance theme.
Author: Susanna Craig
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Average Rating: 4.2/5
Tropes: Single Women Fiction, Regency, Spy Thriller
Number Of Pages: 206
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD
3. Wrapped (Fit Trilogy)
Rebekah Weatherspoon has other books as well with curvy heroines. She does a pretty good job of being body-positive and diverse in her writing characters. Our main character is a fat black woman who runs a bakery, makes delicious desserts and runs into a former coworker. So it turns out both of them had secretly had crushes on the other person, but the timing had never been right.
It is a steamy holiday romance novella with a full-figured woman who feels good about her body. Moreover, her partner loves her body and enjoys eating desserts from her bakery. So, the whole book is about interracial romance with the plus-size trope. I recommend you pick it up for your holiday experience.
Author: Rebekah Weatherspoon
Average Rating: 4.2/5
Tropes: Holiday Romance, Interracial-multicultural
Number Of Pages: 119
Available: Paperback | Kindle
4. Misadventures of a Curvy Girl (Misadventures)
The best thing about the book was the fat representation. It follows a plus-size woman who enters into a relationship with two guys who have a relationship but are looking for a woman as a third. So, this is a polyamorous relationship with some BDSM elements to it. There are specific things about many tropes.
I loved the descriptions of the heroine of her body, how she felt about her body, and how the guys in the book felt about her. If you’re looking for that type of kinky romance and body-positive with a plus-sized heroine, this might be one to check out. The plus-size representation was very informative and enjoyable to read.
Author: Sierra Simone
Publisher: Waterhouse Press
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Tropes: Erotica, Angsty, Emotional, Alpha-man
Number Of Pages: 240
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD
5. Well Played (Well Met)
The series is set around a Renaissance Fair, and I loved how the plot was set up, where the book’s first half involved a catfishing thing. Our heroine is a plus-sized woman who feels pretty good about her body. She has a few moments of insecurity. But for the most part, she feels good about herself and finds things that she feels good about and feels confident in.
The hero is super into her. So, that element of this book was done very well. Also, there was a fun rom-com setting, which was a very enjoyable read as a standalone. I highly recommend reading this plus size love series in order. If you will read both books, reading them in order is a must to absorb the theme properly.
Author: Jen DeLuca
Publisher: Berkley
Average Rating: 4.1/5
Tropes: Sports, Women’s Sagas, Humor, Arc, Family-focused
Number Of Pages: 332
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle
6. The Wedding Date
This is an interracial relationship that starts with a fake wedding date. Our heroine is a professional, curvy black woman in her thirties who likes food and feels good about herself. Also, she isn’t ashamed of who she is. The thing about this is the sex scenes in here are not closed doors, but they’re written not super specifically.
So, if you don’t want a romance that gets super specific in describing sex scenes, it might be something to try. It is because it is on the page, but it usually gives more vague descriptions of what’s going on than what you might find in other romances. I like how it handles body positivity and has a full-figured heroine who feels confident about herself. So, it is one of the best plus-size romantic novels I have ever read.
Author: Jasmine Guillory
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Tropes: Multicultural, Women’s Domestic Life Fiction, Contemporary
Number Of Pages: 336
Item Weight: 9.9 ounces
Dimensions: 5.44 x 0.87 x 8.2 inches
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Library Binding | Kindle | Spiral-bound
7. The Heiress Effect (Brothers Sinister)
Courtney Milan writes fantastic, smart historical romances with strong female characters. These strong male characters are not alpha males and get into many vital issues in her books as well. I love that she doesn’t erase people of color and queer from history because they have always existed. That effect has a primary relationship that it follows and then a secondary relationship that it also follows.
Our primary heroine is Miss Jane Fairfield, and she’s what we would call a small fat in fat parlance in many of these cases. But she is plus-sized. She talks about how her body is bigger than fashionable and has mixed feelings about it. The representation here was not necessarily the best I’ve seen, but it was pretty good.
Even if it isn’t a prominent element of the story, you’ll like the fact. Jane doesn’t want to get married for various reasons, but she has to act like she’s trying to get a husband. So, she does these ridiculous things in society. The book cover may not demonstrate it, but it does have a plus-sized heroine and her romance.
Author: Courtney Milan
Publisher: Courtney Milan
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Tropes: Victorian Historical Romance, Beta-male, Comedy
Number Of Pages: 344
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
8. Brazen and the Beast (The Bareknuckle Bastards)
Our main character, Hattie, is taller and curvier than most women. Hattie doesn’t necessarily feel great about herself in many of these and feels like she’s too tall and isn’t fashionable. So, we have a brazen heroine who knows what she wants and will go after it. What is a dangerous hero who has a heart of gold?
I like that we get a heroine who is described as being plain. She doesn’t necessarily have to be super beautiful. Also, you will like this representation of a tall, plus-sized woman in the Regency era. This isn’t necessarily my ideal version, but I still enjoyed it. So, if those tropes appeal to you, this is worth checking out.
Author: Sarah MacLean
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Tropes: British & American Historical Fiction, Anti-hero, Bad-boy-good-girl, Virgin, Enemies-to-lovers, Fairytale
Number Of Pages: 436
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
9. Black Witch Magic (Paranormal Hunters)
This is an indie, published paranormal romance novel set around the holidays as well. Also, it’s set mostly between Christmas and New Year. So, the book was a lot of fun and had a plus-sized heroine. You can tell from the book cover, which is excellent. Our main character is a curvy black woman who lives in a small town and spends her days working as a librarian. But secretly, she’s also a witch with a family curse that keeps her from leaving her small town and ruins any relationship she tries to have.
The hero is in town for the holidays with his business partner’s family and is the skeptic in a paranormal investigation show. While in town, he plans to investigate the main character’s family because she’s supposedly descended from this long line of evil witches. I enjoyed this because it’s very body-positive and sex-positive with a fun story. Also, it’s got a ton of subtext dealing with racism and microaggressions. You’ll love this plus-size romance with a fantasy atmosphere.
Author: Mila Nicks
Average Rating: 4.1/5
Tropes: Paranormal Witches & Wizards, Mystery-thriller, Suspense
Number Of Pages: 364
Available: Paperback | Kindle
10. Spoiler Alert
The heroine, April, is 36, and the hero, Marcus, is about to turn 40. So, it’s got a fandom element to it. They secretly write fan fiction for a show similar to Game of Thrones and have become good friends anonymously through this fanfic site. But Marcus is one of the actors on the show, and he can’t make it known that he writes fanfic for obvious reasons.
So April posts a photo of herself in a cosplay and gets some nasty internet comments that he gets tagged. Marcus doesn’t know it’s her; she’s the person he’d been communicating with, but he offers to date her. So they go on a date, and things happen, and it’s so good. You might want to know that they come from pretty toxic family backgrounds. I loved how it was handled because it felt realistic to me.
What’s excellent about April is that she feels good about herself most of the time, and she feels confident. However, she has moments of insecurity in a way that makes sense. It is often tied to the trauma of having a critical mother growing up who was also obsessed with her weight. So this does a great job of digging into how our parents can sometimes put some of that on us.
Author: Olivia Dade
Publisher: Avon, Unabridged Edition
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Tropes: American Poetry, Friends-to-lovers, Mental-health, Fat-positive
Number Of Pages: 419
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD
5 Plus Size Romance Novels Kindle Unlimited
“Bet Me” by Jennifer Crusie: This contemporary romance novel features Minerva Dobbs, a plus-sized woman who knows that the corporate man her ex-boyfriend bets to date her is not her type. But as Min and Calvin Morrisey start spending time together, they defy expectations and fall in love. Crusie delivers witty dialogue, relatable characters, and a heartwarming story that champions confidence and true love.
“The Minx Who Met Her Match” by Tessa Dare: Part of the “Girl Meets Duke” series, this historical romance introduces readers to Daisy, a spirited and curvy woman who refuses to conform to society’s expectations. Sparks fly when she meets the mysterious and charming Wallflower, leading to a romance filled with humor, passion, and the message that love sees beyond appearances.
“On the Plus Side” by Tabatha Vargo: This novel tells the story of voluptuous Valerie Carmichael, who has always been comfortable in her skin. When she catches the eye of Playboy and gym owner Evan McCarthy, their unexpected connection challenges their preconceptions about love, beauty, and self-worth. Vargo crafts a sexy and empowering story that celebrates body positivity and self-love.
“Size Matters” by Alison Bliss: The first book in the “Perfect Fit” series, this novel follows Leah Martinson, a plus-size woman tired of her mother setting her up on disastrous blind dates. When she lies about having a boyfriend and enlists the help of Sam Cooper, the chemistry between them becomes undeniable. Bliss combines humor, relatable insecurities, and steamy romance to create an engaging and uplifting story.
“Curvy Girls Can’t Date Quarterbacks” by Kelsie Stelting: Part of the “Curvy Girl Club” series, this young adult novel explores the life of high school student Becca, who dreams of dating the quarterback, Jake. Despite societal expectations and school stereotypes, Becca and Jake’s friendship blossoms into something more, challenging norms and celebrating the message that everyone deserves love, regardless of size.
5 Plus Size Spicy Romance Novels
Here are five plus-size spicy romance novels that deliver both sizzling romance and empowering narratives:
“Dangerous Curves Ahead” by Sugar Jamison: This novel introduces Ellie, a plus-size fashion designer who’s confident in her curves and her style. When she meets the charming and persistent Mike, a lawyer with a heart of gold, their instant chemistry leads to a fiery and empowering romance. Jamison’s book celebrates confidence, self-love, and the undeniable spark that occurs when two people are just right for each other, regardless of size.
“Take Me for Granted” by K.A. Linde: Aimee, a plus-sized girl with a big heart, finds herself drawn to Grant, the quintessential bad boy and lead singer of a popular rock band. Their unexpected connection sparks a passionate and tumultuous romance that challenges both their preconceptions about love and relationships. Linde crafts a steamy and emotionally charged story that showcases the beauty of finding someone who loves you for who you are.
“Meant to Be” by Alison Bliss: This novel, part of the “A Perfect Fit” series, centers around Sid, a spitfire plus-size heroine, and Logan, a security expert with a protective streak. Their initial meeting is anything but smooth, but as they’re thrown together in a series of dangerous and steamy situations, the attraction between them becomes impossible to ignore. Bliss delivers a spicy romance filled with humor, action, and a powerful message about body positivity and self-acceptance.
“Big Girl Panties” by Stephanie Evanovich: Holly Brennan, a young widow, struggles with her weight and self-esteem when she meets Logan Montgomery, a personal trainer to the country’s most famous athletes. Their relationship starts with a professional agreement but quickly evolves into a steamy romance that challenges their views on physical and emotional attraction. Evanovich’s novel is a witty, sexy, and heartwarming story about transformation and love in all its forms.
“On the Plus Side” by Tabatha Vargo: Valerie Carmichael has always been comfortable with her plus-size figure but never experienced a steamy romance. That changes when she meets the incredibly sexy and somewhat arrogant playboy, Evan McCarthy. Their fiery relationship challenges societal norms and personal insecurities, leading to a passionate love story that champions self-confidence and true connection.
5 Plus Size Historical Romance Books
“The Duke’s Perfect Wife” by Jennifer Ashley: Part of the “Mackenzies & McBrides” series, this novel features Lady Eleanor Ramsay, a woman of intelligence and curves, who was once the fiancée of Hart Mackenzie, a powerful duke with a dark reputation. When Eleanor returns to Hart’s life with scandalous photographs that could ruin him, their rekindled connection becomes a journey of acceptance, love, and redemption.
“Romancing the Duke” by Tessa Dare: In this first installment of the “Castles Ever After” series, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight is a curvy heroine who inherits a decrepit castle, only to find it occupied by Ransom Vane, Duke of Rothbury. Blind and brooding, Ransom is captivated by Izzy’s vivacity and kindness, leading to a romance that challenges societal norms and personal barriers.
“Unmasked Heart” by Vanessa Riley: Set in Regency England, this novel follows Gaia Telfair, a shy and plus-size heroine, who faces societal pressure to find a husband. Her world changes when she meets the Duke of Cheshire, who sees her for who she truly is. Their budding romance, filled with secrets and societal expectations, explores themes of acceptance, identity, and the transformative power of love.
“To Have and to Hoax” by Martha Waters: In this Regency-era rom-com, Lady Violet Grey and Lord James Audley, estranged spouses, are embroiled in a series of deceptions and misunderstandings. Violet, a woman of substance in more ways than one, faces the challenges of her marriage with wit and resilience, leading to a rediscovery of love and partnership.
“Seducing a Stranger” by Kerrigan Byrne: Part of the “Gothic Historical Romance” series, this novella introduces Lady Miranda, a widow with curves and courage, who seeks the help of Sir Carlton Morley, Scotland Yard’s Chief Inspector. Their alliance to solve a mystery turns into a passionate affair that defies the conventions of their time, highlighting themes of empowerment, mystery, and desire.
Last Words
These novels do more than just tell tales of love; they weave narratives of empowerment, self-discovery, and the celebration of diversity in every form. They remind us that the essence of romance transcends physical appearances, touching the very core of our beings—our hopes, dreams, and the unyielding belief that everyone deserves their happily ever after.
May the characters we’ve met and the journeys we’ve shared inspire you to accept your story with confidence and open-heartedness. In the world of plus-size romance, love is vast, boundless, and beautifully inclusive, inviting us all to find our place within its embrace. Until we meet again in the pages of another love story, carry these novels’ message with you: everybody deserves love, and every heart has a story worth telling.
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