Chubby, geeky, shy, and plain heroines

[Bara]

I'm looking for romance books with a chubby, shy, geeky, or plain heroine. :)
I've been craving books like these for a while and I just can't seem to find any. :(
I've already read Big Bad Wolf by Christine warren and a lot of Sherrilyn Kenyon's works, more books like these would be great! :)
I'd prefer no contemporary please :3

[Ezi]

I don't know if you like slightly erotic romance novels (NOT PNR). If you do like them, by Cherise sinclair.

by Meg Cabot

[Sandra J]

Many of Dana Marie Bell's heroines are on the plain, geeky, and/or chubby side though I wouldn't characterize any of them as shrinking violets. They're PNR and on the hot side. You might like or .

[Ann aka Iftcan]

The Dark Ones by Katie MacAlister also usually feature heroines who aren't exactly 10's. But they don't tend to be shrinking violets either. Also her Dragons books (set in much the same universe as the Dark Ones) also feature heroines who aren't run-way ready.

Some of the human females in the Argeneau series by Lynsay Sands also start out as kind of geeky. Not all are over-weight (in fact one is too thin, and her doctor's can't figure out why) but they do tend to have body issues.

[Kristin]

Jane True is plane, geeky and sort of shy. Jane True Series by Nicole Peeler.

[namericanwordcat]

Here are some shy ones...

[Kristin]

I just finished last night. It's the last book in a 4 book series, but I just loved the heroine. I don't want to say too much but Lily would fit in with what you are looking for.

[Ninab (Honesty is the Best Policy)]

and check out the lists associated with this book - there are several for less-than-perfect heroines.

Also, a PNR/UF group I'm in has a reading challenge this month with one category for such leading ladies - it can be found here

[Urbanista]

Lol, I'm chubby, geeky, shy and plain. (I buy electronics instead of clothes, and have only one follower on twitter by accident). Geeks are fascinating , at least to our selves. I prefer an over the top, fake heroine who is improbable in every way. More fun for me.

[Julie]

I haven't seen many historical bbw romances, but I love them too. I'm a huge fan of paranormal romance though. The last one I read was called Rubenesque Rapture by Rose Wynters.

[K.]

This would be definitely refreshing! I'll stay tuned to this thread. :)

[Alisa]

This is a vamp book. The heroine is 40, chubby & really not happy to be w/the vamp at first. It's good.

[~Thena~]

All of Rosanna Leo's books. :)

[Amy]

Real Vampires have curves by Gerry Bartlett. Glory is a size 12 vampire. ;) Really fun books. Older books I would suggest: Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner, Jemima J. by Jane Green and How To Be Cool by Johanna Edwards (The Next Big Thing was cute too).

[Ann aka Iftcan]

You know--the thing I really have problems with about books like the series by Gerry Bartlett is--depending on WHEN the female was turned determines what was considered "sexy" and "appealing." And yes, there were times when a 16 inch waist was considered sexy--but they were usually achieved by some really horrendous corsetry. And usually a woman with a SHAPE was what was wanted. So someone that was a size 12 would be what was wanted. And I've seen women that were size 12 be chased by a LOT of guys--it's all down to their attitude. However, what the MALE vamps would consider sexy is down to what their culture at the time they lived considered sexy. My hubby (we are late 50's early 60's) still considers a woman with a shape desirable, despite Hollywood's efforts to brainwash everyone that a size 0 with no hips, boobs or waist is what is sexy. (Ya know--I sometimes wonder if the Powers That Be in Hollywood are closeted gay males, and that's why they want the women in the movies to look like pre-teen boys.)

[Geli]

Great post! definitely going to look up these books!

[Brittany]

I found Bride's story, one of Sherrilyn Kenyon, to be very touching. I was so happy that a woman was my size in a book where the hero is totally smitten with her. I hate that the average size in America is a 14 and people act as if being a little round is a horror show. I rock a 16 and my husband, a 150 pound hotty, loves my curves. Anyone who says its ugly to be larger than a 5 check out Queen Latifah. sorry if I spelled that wrong. Some people were not meant to be tiny.

[texxie-PRUFreads.blogspot.com]

I dont think it's the number that counts. i mean there is nothing wrong with say...a 12 but stand a fit 12 beside a 'chubby' 12 and there's a noticable difference. just like there is such a thing as 'skinny fat', size 2 but in horrible shape. i like a variety in both heroines amd heroes as well, wether it be shape, size, race etc but...I have to say, i dont like it when it becomes a character in itself. i cant even remember the title now but i read a book with such a heroine and it became too much. constantly reminded of her 'round belly', how she never goea to the gym and she eats a mixing bowl size of 'brightly colored cereal' for breakfast. it became exhausting. i would love, love,LOVE to read a book where she isnt a size 2 but to have a healthier outlook towards her curves and to own it. a size 12 can still be in bitchin' shape! ;-)

[Megan]

There's only a few books with nerdy, chubby, or shy heroines that I've read. One that stands out is Darkhouse by Karina Halle. It has ghosts and such. There's not a outward connection with the lead couple, but mainly because she doubts herself. I haven't gotten to the next book, yet, but I have it in my TBR.

I like Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine, but its young adult, and a very long series. Most who haven't already started it never do. Its totally worth it, though! I love Claire Bear and her nerdy self :)

The only other book I can think of with an awkward heroine is The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong. Chloe is tiny and possibly cute, but is often overlooked.

I do love the more "realistic" type of characters. It makes it relatable. I'll have to check some of these other books out..

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer)]

I haven't read this series yet but I have heard it is hilarious!

I agree with the Morganville Vamps, I really love that series. Claire is small but she is all geek!

[Sandra J]

As far as geeky goes, it's hard to beat Miki in .

[Sharmane]

Definitely give the morganville series a look if your into the less conventional heroins and main characters. I absolutely adore that series. Don't let the 13 books scare u off - the last one that was released I read start to finish in only a couple of days they are just that addictive - so won't take you long at all :)

[namericanwordcat]

Are there cliffhangers? Different couples?

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer)]

namericanwordcat wrote: "Are there cliffhangers? Different couples?" There are in the Morganville books, I think ALL of them have cliffhangers. They are sometimes told in different POVs (by chapter) but all the characters are always the same bunch (the friends and then some of the residents of the town).
Even with the cliffhangers they are worth the read. It really is a fun series, plus there are enough of them out that by the time you caught up a new one will be out (like every 6 months or so one releases).

[Danielle Book Boss]

Seth in is shy, geeky, and socially awkward.

[Bara]

Hello, it's been a while so I thought I'd post my finds!

Christin Lovell's books all have chubby heroines.

Acheron by Sherrilyn kenyon has a geeky heroine who is a virgin and a plain Jane. ( This is hands down one of the best books I have ever read.)

Go Fetch!, The Beast in Him, and Miss Congeniality by Shelley Laurenston all have really smart and geeky heroines. They're also really well written and wickedly funny. They're also some of my favorites. ( I know someone already mentioned Go Fetch!, But I absolutely LOVE that book. I read it ages ago, and many times since ;)

Uuuum, that's all I can think of for now. Anyone have any more suggestions? I'm really itching for something to read. ;)

[Alesha]

Sorry, gotta laugh - a size 12 is curvy? Barely. And certainly does not reflect reality - at least not in this country.

[Ann aka Iftcan]

Well, while we are on the Shelly Laurenston thing. . . The Mane Event is actually 2 short novels in one book. The first story Christmas Pride has a human cop who is "curvy." Her hea is a lion shifter.

[☔️ Stormy Day Reader]

I just read from Puma Nights and from Vampires in America. Both have geeky girls.
from Brides of the Kindred has one of my favorite characters out of any book I've read and her men love her curves.

On the same topic I agree with Alesha, size 12 as being curvy seems a bit silly to me. Also I hate when half the book is self-deprecating and insecurity. Sometimes it goes too far and ruins the book.

[Ann aka Iftcan]

You all do realize that the current "sizing" for people buying clothing is vanity sizing, right? That's why it is impossible to just into a store and say "I want a size XX" and have it fit. Look at a pattern. THAT is what the government sat as "correct" sizing charts. So, while people say "Marilyn was a size 12" that was using a "real" size 12. If she were in Hollywood now, she'd be a size 2/4. I really wish that the stupid clothing industry would just say to he** with vanity sizes, lets all make the clothes the same size, like they do with men's.


Ok, I promise to get off my soapbox now, sorry about that. I just hate, hate, HATE shopping for clothes, since you have to take an armful of clothes into the changing room with you, in all different sizes, just to hope that you find one that fits.

[Christi]

Breathe by Kristen Ashley- Faye is a geek, shy, curvey librarian with alpha male Chase. Shes 29 and this is her first boyfriend. Great book.

[Laura]

Great thread, thanks for starting it. I love heroines a bit off the "Disney princess" beaten path. Can't wait to check these recommendations out, and I wish I had my own to share!

[Toria]

Not all vamps are skinny and hot like they want you to think and I'm a total geek and I'm definitely a little chubby

[namericanwordcat]

Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) wrote: "namericanwordcat wrote: "Are there cliffhangers? Different couples?" There are in the Morganville books, I think ALL of them have cliffhangers. They are sometimes told in different POVs (by chapter..."


Thanks!

[Toria]

I love the Morgan Ville vampires

[Delta]

Bara said, I'm looking for romance books with a chubby, shy, geeky, or plain heroine. :)

I'm not sure who the publisher is, but I've read a number of books with the imprint BBW (Big, Beautiful Woman) in both erotica and paranormal romance genre's in which the heroine is a plus sized gal with body image insecurities that often go along with that. The heroines are vulnerable and likable (not Barbie-doll heiresses).

A search on Goodreads of the term "BBW" brought up 180 results. Many of those are erotica...not sure how many are paranormal romance... :-)

[namericanwordcat]

Looking of BBW Paranormal Heroines. I have a list going!

Paranormal Curves: Curvy Heroines in PNR

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/7...

I will check out those already listed here!

[namericanwordcat]

Fire and Ice Book Tours wrote: "Rose Wynters

If you like paranormal romance, Rose Wynters writes romance with BBW heroines. In Rubenesque Rapture the heroine is a size 24. In My Wolf King, the heroine was a size..."

is on sale for 99 cents right now!

[Bara]

It's been forever so I thought I'd post some new finds My Commander (Heroine is small, a tomboy, and very well versed with technology.)
A Pride Christmas in Brooklyn(Heroine is a cop who's got a little chub to her)
What a Dragon Should Know(Heroine is very intelligent, but is seen by many as rather plain)
Wild Invitation(In 'A Stroke Of Enticement' the heroine is a school teacher who's got a limp due to a child hood accident.)

That's all I can think of for now!

[Sharon]

Bara wrote: "I'm looking for romance books with a chubby, shy, geeky, or plain heroine. :)
I've been craving books like these for a while and I just can't seem to find any. :(
I've already read Big Bad Wolf by ..."

OH -- You need to read Beauty and the Bridesmaid by Lisa Souza! Fabulous contemporary women's lit... not sure if it's "romance" per se (15 sexual interactions by chapter 4...) but it's smart and funny and about an average girl who just wants...more. I hope you'll like it! =)

[Nicola]

Ana aka Iftcan wrote: And yes, there were times when a 16 inch waist was considered sexy--but they were usually achieved by some really horrendous corsetry.

Off-topic, but very often when I'm reading or watching sci fi/paranormal, I end up thinking too much about the actual science behind things. For example, your comment about corsets got me thinking about how after waist-training to a certain point, women had to wear a corset to be comfortable and/or avoid injury from weak muscles. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong about that!). So after the historical corset-wearing woman becomes a vampire, does she still have to wear the corset, or are her muscles supernaturally strengthened? And if that's the case, why doesn't her shape change as her muscles and bones regain a more natural size as a result?

Sorry if this was too much of a thread steal! Feel free to delete/move me, mods.