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When I was growing up in the 90s and 2000s, I almost never read books about people who looked like me: plus-size, curvy. There just weren’t very many of them, and if there was a character who was obviously plus-size, they were the butt of a joke or their desire to lose weight was their only defining character trait. I remember carefully reading character descriptions, searching for some clue that I was worthy of falling in love and going on adventures, too, but coming up empty.
Fortunately, today, it’s a little bit easier to find amazing novels with plus-size main characters, especially in romance and romantasy. In my debut novel, a contemporary romantasy, Maggie and Arthur’s Magic Moment by Leslie René, Maggie is plus-size and tall, but it’s definitely the least interesting thing about her. She’s also a talented professor and translator who has to share an office with her aggravating colleague.
Whether you prefer romantasy, contemporary romance, or historical romance, there is a story about a plus-size heroine (or hero!) out there for you. But these 12? These are the ones I love to recommend. They’re sweet, steamy, and full of partners who are absolutely obsessed with every curve. Read on for my favorite books featuring plus-sized characters.
I could have chosen any Olivia Dade book for this list—Zomromcom or Spoiler Alert or At First Spite—because they all feature amazing plus-size main characters, but Ship Wrecked might be my favorite. Both main characters are plus-size actors, navigating Hollywood and all the challenges and expectations put upon them as they try to find connection with each other. The chemistry is off the charts between Peter and Maria.
I like to describe this book as delightfully weird, in the very best way. It plops you down in a unique fantasy world but with a You’ve Got Mail plot that we’re all familiar with: anonymous pen pals who don’t know they are writing to their nemesis. Watching two characters’ hate turn to love never gets old, and The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy doesn’t disappoint.
The third in the Las Leonas series, A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke is one of my favorite historical romances. Aurora is a doctor running an illegal women’s clinic and Apollo is a reluctant duke who took the title from his terrible father. Together, they have incredible chemistry, but Aurora isn’t interested in the hotheaded duke for anything other than a fling. Apollo, on the other hand, would like to make Aurora his duchess. Herrera expertly weaves together their storylines in this explosive romance: Aurora’s clinic and timely discussions of the struggle for women’s rights and bodily autonomy alongside Apollo’s discomfort and anger with the peerage system he finds himself in.
I would read T. Kingfisher’s grocery list, but the Saint of Steel series has a blend of cozy fantasy, high stakes, and delightful romance that is just catnip to me. Plus the characters are all in their 30s. In Paladin’s Strength, Clara is a tall, broad, and strong woman who is hiding something from the paladin she has teamed up with.
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In this Beauty and the Beast retelling, Bellamy is a contractor hired to renovate the mansion of Oliver Killington, a reclusive heir to his family’s fortune. I love the way Bennett writes about Bellamy’s curves, and the way Oliver is obsessed with her when he finally admits his feelings. With a delicious grumpy x sunshine dynamic and nods to the classic story, Barely Even Friends is a fun contemporary romance.
Muscles and Monsters is a cozy monster romance. After werewolf Atlas helps human cake decorator Tegan with a cupcake mishap, Tegan decides she wants to go to the local gym to get stronger. Of course that gym is run by none other than Atlas himself. This slice-of-life steamy romance is equal parts sweet and would be a perfect introduction to paranormal or monster romance.
This book starts off with a steamy scene that had me blushing! Aaliyah is desperate to have a boyfriend on her 30th birthday, so she goes on a series of bad online dates. The local bartender, Ahmad, has a front-row seat to every one of those dates. But what if the person Aaliyah seeks is closer than she thinks? The main characters in Curvy Girl Summer have chemistry for days, and the entire Curve series is well worth your time.
This cozy romantasy about a curvy princess-to-be and her bodyguard has it all: a sentient castle, a forbidden romance, a classic grumpy/sunshine pair, and characters in their mid-30s. Niamh and Rafe are caught up in a prophecy where she seems destined to marry the prince Rafe works for, but they just can’t resist each other.
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D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding provides reality show hijinks, a loveable cast of side characters, and a swoony fake dating romance between D’Vaughn and Kris, who have to convince their families that they are marrying someone they just met in order to take home the reality show prize.
Saoirse is cursed with dangerous magic and betrothed to marry a ruthless man known as the Stone King. To gain her freedom, Saoirse seeks the protection of Faolan, a dangerous pirate. This is the first in a slow-burn duology based on celtic mythology with a marriage of convenience between Saoirse and Faolan.
I can always count on Nisha Sharma to write contemporary romances that make me laugh out loud, and Tastes Like Shakkar is no exception. In this retelling of Much Ado About Nothing, Bobbi is helping her best friend plan her wedding, but the groom’s best friend and chef Bunty isn’t helping. When someone starts trying to sabotage the wedding, Bobbi and Bunty team up. Sharma writes hilarious, steamy romcoms that have me laughing at hijinks on one page and giggling and kicking my feet on the next.
This Music Man-inspired contemporary romance is about a conwoman named Harmony who ends up in a small town and falls for the nerdy librarian. My Kind of Trouble is funny and sweet, and Schwartz balances storylines about class and corruption with the romance between Harmony and Preston.
Looking for more top book recommendations? READ: Goodreads Just Released Their Top Books of the Year So Far, Here’s What Made the List
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Leslie René, Author
Leslie René (she/her) is a writer from Virginia. Her debut novel, Maggie and Arthur’s Magic Moment will be published by ACE Books on July 28, 2026. During the day, Leslie is a science writer and editor. At night, she writes fantasy novels with a bit of romance and romance novels with a generous helping of magic. Leslie loves to get lost in a good book, go to concerts, and turn yarn and thread into something pretty. Her happy place is playing in the garden with her family.
Feature graphic images credited to: Cassie Kollmeyer | Dupe. Products included in graphics linked within the article.
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The post 12 Best Romance and Romantasy Books With Plus-Size Characters, According to Author Leslie René appeared first on The Everygirl.
