63 Responses to “Susan Lyons & the Plus-Size Heroine”

1. Kaitlin Posted: Mar 18th, 2008 at 11:25 pm

   1 Word press just ate my comment. Boo! I’m with you though, plus-sized heroines are interesting. I don’t like heroes that don’t fit the fit, studmuffiny mode though. Maybe it’s because I want my own hero to come whisk me away. LOL! I’d love to win a copy of your book! It sounds interesting. And though the cover doesn’t fit your story at all (as you said), it’s still hot and appealing to the eye. I’d pick it up if I saw it in the store.

2. bettie Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 1:17 am

   2 a heroine…who has serious body image issues or…[a] heroine whose idea of physical imperfection is a chip on her French-tipped fingernail? Given the choice between two such extremes as “serious body image issues” and “the more fantasy-type heroine” I’d have to say, neither. I’m no fan of heroines with raven tresses, violet eyes, and full-bosomed-yet-willowy builds, but I also don’t want to read a book in which 80% of the plot hangs on the heroine’s neuroses. Though, come to think of it, a more fantasy-type heroine could also have serious body-image issues because body image issues have little to do with a woman’s actual looks, and everything to do with her outlook on life. Body image issues are a mind-fuck that traps women of all shapes and sizes.

3. Marg Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 1:40 am

   3 I don’t mind reading about less than perfect heroines, because I know that I am FAR from perfect and yet it would be nice to have just a touch of hope that it might be possible to meet someone.

4. azteclady Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 3:52 am

   4 Generally speaking, I find it hard to believe that such a neurotic heroine can overcome her self image issues over the course of the book–even with the help of the magical manlurrrrrrve. Then again, as with plenty other tropes, it’s all in the writing, and there’s always an author somewhere who’ll make me eat my words and like it. :p

5. Mechele Armstrong Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 3:58 am

   5 I’m intrigued by plus sized heroines. It wouldn’t turn me off at all to read a story about one. I don’t like it when the heroine is too neurotic though. I loved Sherrilyn Kenyon’s book about Bride and Vane. Bride was a plus sized heroine and Kenyon really made the story work for me.

6. melissa Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 4:55 am

   6 What I really enjoy is a heroine that is comfortable in her skin. I will identify more with an average to plus size woman, but I have no issue with reading about a toothpick.

7. Moira Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 5:01 am

   7 I like personal and multifaceted characters. Whatever she looks like, if that’s the main point about her, it’s a certain turnoff for me. Nobody likes a magazine cutout or a pathetic whiner. As a rule I prefer the heroines with flaws that make them individual, credible and sympathetic. This said, I’d love to have more books with fat heroines (ha, reclaiming the f-word!). Or you know, even normalweight would do. I think I’d prefer it if they weren’t overly neurotic about their figure but I’m certain that body image problems can be treated in an interesting and un-cliched way. It sucks that a voluptous gal can’t be portrayed in a novel cover even when she’s the main charcter! If it’s unthinkable to show her (gorgeous, curvy) body, then let it be suitably clothed and/or disguised, or a face portrait. That cover makes me feel cheated. I also find it difficult to believe that there wouldn’t be other women out there who would pick up a book if they thought it handles a pretty, charming and witty big girl (just to give an example) with love and respect. I suppose it’s a nice thing if a person picks up the book without knowing what to expect and then likes it, not having been turned off by the cover or the back text, but it annoys me that I might miss out on this experience because I’d expect a generic, boring romance novel and wouldn’t bother past the back text. Good on you for writing a novel with a plus-size heroine! Perhaps a copy could be mine…

8. Jambrea Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 5:10 am

   8 I really don’t think about size when I read a book. As long as the author tells the story and tells it well I will enjoy it. The cover would give me pause as I was reading. It would have been nice if they would have used a bigger model to help portray the character correctly. Plus with her having body issues I really don’t think she should be on top on the cover. If the model was on the bottom I don’t think her size would have been a big deal and it would have made it look more in tune with the book. Just my .02.

9. Susan Lyons Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 5:27 am

   9 Good morning everyone! Some people have sure been up for awhile - but then, I’m on the west coast and it’s just after 6:00 here… Thanks for commenting on my post. So far, I see general agreement that people don’t like a heroine who’s too neurotic. I’m with you there! I actually didn’t like (ok, don’t shoot me for this [g]) Bridget Jones’s Diary (the book). She struck me as so neurotic and whiny, always obsessing over the same issues (including her weight!). The other thing that bothered me was, I didn’t see much character growth. So I got bored. (And yes, I liked the movie better, probably because Renee Zellweger made Bridget seem more multi-faceted and sympathetic to me.) If I’m reading women’s fiction, chick lit or romance, I like a protagonist (both heroine and hero, in romance) who has some flaws and/or issues, and does some growing. In romance, I see the “love interest” as a catalyst, in that falling in love with that particular person makes the heroine/hero face up to their issues. If they’re going to win/earn love, they have to face some challenges and become a stronger, better person.

10. MaryKate Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 5:48 am

    10 I love a plus sized heroine, assuming that her weight isn’t an obsessive issue for her. I will say, what I hate more than anything though is the overweight at the beginning heroine who begins not eating when she meets the hero and is a size 2 when they fall in love. Makes me nuts. But I do love a hero who loves a lush woman.

11. Crystal B. Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 6:28 am

    11 Since I am definitely no where near a size 2, I would like to read some books with heroines who are not stick thin.

12. Meredith Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 6:42 am

    12 I actually prefer books with “normal sized” or larger heroines. It’s one of the things I’ve liked about Jennifer Cruisie, that her women are generally on the plus size end of things.

13. Yasmine Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 6:44 am

    13 I *am* a large woman, and am in a happy marriage to a sexy man. Do I have body issues? What woman doesn’t? However, it doesn’t interfere with the fact that I’m in love, am loved, and have a successful life. It’s nice to see variation on heroines–but not all large women are unhappy all the time, and not all of us are shy. *grins* It would be nice to read about a well-adjusted large woman dealing with the ins-and-outs of a relationship where the conflict doesn’t hinge on her self-image. Yasmine

14. Jill Sorenson Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 7:13 am

    14 I like my heroines in all shapes and sizes, and I can definitely relate to a girl who isn’t perfect.

15. katiebabs Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 7:45 am

    15 I definitely want more heroines who are curvy and luscious. I am sick of the size 2, no hips and boobs girls. Why would a hero want a stick when he can have some curves to hold onto?

16. azteclady Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 7:47 am

    16 Yasmine said, It would be nice to read about a well-adjusted large woman dealing with the ins-and-outs of a relationship where the conflict doesn’t hinge on her self-image. Yes, yes, and a thousand times, yes! Not that I have any strong opinions on this or anything *ahem*

17. Kate Douglas Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 8:09 am

    17 One of my all-time favorite books is a romance by Lori Foster called TOO MUCH TEMPTATION, with a plus-sized heroine who is perfectly happy with her body–what she lacks in self-confidence, she makes up for in bravery when she stands up to various characters and situations in the story. I loved this book because the heroine is about as real as she can be…and that’s another reason why I love books with heroines who are less than perfect. They allow us as readers to identify better with the issues that face them. My heroes, of course, can be wounded, vulnerable, and filled with faults but they’d better be tall and gorgeous…and all those faults redeemable!

18. Kim Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 8:25 am

    18 I am in the camp with the others that say it doesn’t matter what size the heroine is as long as the author doesn’t harp on her size over and over and over. Say it once and then move on for gods sake! Neurosis is never pretty, but even if the heroine is well-adjusted, I still don’t want to hear about it over and over and over…you get my drift. Oh and I really like the cover. The color and the font grab my attention.

19. Nonny Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 8:34 am

    19 I’m not a fan of books where the heroine is uber-neurotic about her weight, nor do I particularly care for ones where she is physically perfect without trying. (A heroine who works in a physically taxing job or works out for her own reasons, I have less of an issue with.) As somebody who is overweight (thank you, medications *grr*), it drives me nuts when a size 8 heroine in a book complains about being fat. I’d love to be that slim again! I really like books, though, where the heroine is comfortable with her weight… regardless of how slim or heavy she is. Society and media has bludgeoned women into believing that no matter their weight, they’re “fat” and “unattractive,” and it’s refreshing to see characters that don’t fall into that trap.

20. Susan Lyons Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 8:36 am

    20 Katiebabs, that’s exactly what Giancarlo thinks. He definitely likes a woman who’s a handful! Yasmine, I love this comment: “I *am* a large woman, and am in a happy marriage to a sexy man. Do I have body issues? What woman doesn’t? However, it doesn’t interfere with the fact that I’m in love, am loved, and have a successful life. It’s nice to see variation on heroines–but not all large women are unhappy all the time, and not all of us are shy. *grins*” Hurray! That’s exactly the point I wanted my heroine Rina to arrive at. The messages she got when she was growing up told her it was bad to be anything other than skinny, and it can be hard to overcome childhood messages. It would be nice if all kids had parents who helped them believe there’s a whole range of “normal” and “beautiful” (not to mention that beauty really is more about the person you are, not how you look!). And it would be nice if society more often gave that message. Though I do think we’re making some steps in the right direction.

21. Vanessa Hart Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 9:03 am

    21 I had a plus-size heroine in my story “Losing Proposition” in 2004. That was part of the RESOLUTIONS anthology (which included stories from talented authors Jasmine Haynes, Dee S. Knight, and Leigh Wyndfield) that earned a 4½ Stars Top Pick from Romantic Times and a lot of fan mail, some of which mentioned how refreshing it was to read about an overweight heroine. Considering much of our society struggles with a weight problem, overweight heroines are more realistic. Personally, I identify with them! Chubby Vanessa

22. Katie Ann Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 9:18 am

    22 I hate reading descriptions of the heroine where the hero muses over her lithe build and slim hips, and then all of a sudden when it gets to the nekkidness and sexing she’s OMG curvy and possessing an hourglass figure all of a sudden. No, I’m sorry, you can’t just claim all the ideals at once. I haven’t read too many books with bigger gals (or guys, which would also be interesting), but I’m now looking into some of the ones mentioned here in the comments.

23. Anita Birt Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 10:25 am

    23 Love the cover, Sue, but your girl is rather thin. I have problems with the words “voluptuous” and “lush” because they mean different things to different people. Wafer thin heroines do not appeal to me nor would a hero with a bulging waistline. My heroines are all tall. Don’t ask! In my romantic suspense, Too Young To Die (release date June 18) my heroine is 5ft 11. I come from a family of tall men so I like tall men in my books and I like my heroine to fit nicely into his arms. If she were five feet tall how would they make love comfortably? But to return to your question. As long as the heroine is comfortable in her skin and isn’t always moaning about her weight, she can be size 16 or 18. I think the hero has to have a solid, not fat, body. If I said “chunky” what would that convey? Hey, if the marketing gurus like thinnish heroines we’d better not stray too far.

24. Liz Fielding Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 10:43 am

    24 My own chocolate-scoffing, burger-fixated plus size heroine in The Bridemaid’s Rewad was an all time favourite with my readers and short listed for an award here in the UK. She was so popular, in fact, that I’m writing another one at the moment.

25. Liz Fielding Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 10:44 am

    25 PS -She was Kate Moss sized skinny on the cover, though

26. Kimberly B. Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 10:47 am

    26 I would have no problem reading about a heroine who was plus-sized. It would be especially cool if she had a great attitude about it and size was a non-issue, although I might also find that hard to relate to (like everyone, I have my body issues). Easy to aspire to, hard to identify with. Or even if the heroine had body issues, but overcame them, and not just because of her new love. Experience has shown me that overcoming low self-esteem brings new relationships more often than new relationships bring more self-esteem.

27. Teddypig Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 11:01 am

    27 So is this the place I come to complain of all the long hair perfectly hairless below the neck and above the belt heroes?

28. azteclady Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 11:07 am

    28 Kimberly said, Experience has shown me that overcoming low self-esteem brings new relationships more often than new relationships bring more self-esteem. *bowing to wisdom* bam, your blog is full of the awesome today! (and other days, I’m sure, but today specially)

29. Karen B Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 11:16 am

    29 I’ve read some of the authors and stories mentioned above that have plus sized heroines, along with a few others. There is also a book by Suzanne Brockmann where Joe (the hero) is beginning to go bald. I still found him sexy as hell. Being a large women myself, it is always interesting to me to read a story with a big woman. That is as long as she is not whiny and constantly focusing on her weight. I feel more able to identify with them. As for heros who are not perfect, I like them too.

30. Susan Lyons Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 11:28 am

    30 What a great bunch of comments! And, by the way, if you’re experiencing any technical problems (I have been - e.g., the comments keep disappearing on me - argh!), Dionne says there are some network glitches happening. I’m sure it has nothing to do with our discussion, right? Anita, LOL re your comment about the short heroine and how would they make love. Well, as a 5′2″ woman who once lived with a man a foot taller than her, I can tell you it’s definely possible. And even quite nice [g]. One of my four Awesome Foursome heroines (in “Hot in Here”) is barely 5′ tall (Chinese, petite in all dimensions) and, though I don’t think I ever said how tall her guy is, the reader knows he can’t exactly be small because he’s a firefighter(has to lug around a couple hundred pounds, right?). Somehow they manage to make it work. But then, what Jenny may lack in size she makes up for in attitude - she’s not a girl who’s going to let much of anything stand in her way. I also laughed about the comment re how the very slim heroine somehow morphs into Ms. Super-Curvy when she’s in bed with the guy. Yeah, you really can’t have it both ways! And yes, people have been sharing some really thoughtful comments about body image, self-confidence, and so on. Thanks so much!

31. Teresa W. Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 11:34 am

    31 I don’t really care about the size or looks of a heroine in a book as long as she has a great personality and is fun loving. This coming from someone who is not a size 2.

32. bam Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 11:47 am

    32 Author Comment So is this the place I come to complain of all the long hair perfectly hairless below the neck and above the belt heroes? Sure, Teddy. Seriously, what’s with that? They can’t all look like an Abercrombie & Fitch model… and this is from a woman who is dating a guy who looks like an Abercrombie & Fitch model and is totally hairless in the chest area (that makes it sound like I’m totally hairless in the chest area, which I am. Go me!) bam, your blog is full of the awesome today! (and other days, I’m sure, but today specially) I’m just happy I can provide a forum for women who can proclaim proudly that they are proud of their not-quite-size-2 bodies. YOU GO, SISTERS!

33. Ann Aguirre Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 11:54 am

    33 I don’t care for tons of neuroses. It reminds me too much of Seinfeld, which was funny, but not romantic. Every character should have some flaws, but as a reader, it’s not up to me to decide what those are. They just need to ring true, not conflict invented to artificially fuel the story. Really, I don’t care what the hero and heroine look like. I do think it reflects a greater gift if the author can sell me the love between two people when one who might be ugly by societal standards. I mean, I don’t have to think the hero or heroine is gorgeous; I just have to be convinced his or her lover does.

34. limecello Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 11:55 am

    34 I would LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE to win a copy of this book. Did I mention LOVE? I think all females have body issues - and it’s nice to read about a heroine who has some - rather than one who is 105 lbs, has a D cup size, is 5′8″, and every man who sees her falls to the floor in a dizzy spell of lust. However, it is tricky to write about heroines with body image issues. People are often touchy about issues they themselves have. Also, it’s hard to get it just right, without the heroine whining. [I’m sure you did a fabulous job with this, Susan!] I like how real body image issues makes a heroine - but the resolution has to be realistic, just like a lot of the other comments said. - Sorry losing my train of thought. Too much going on the airport making me BATTY.

35. Bella Andre Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 12:09 pm

    35 The heroine of my first book (TAKE ME) is a lush, full-figured woman. It was really important to me to portray her realistically: she stays the same size even after she falls in love with the hero and he falls in love with her–rather than becoming a size 2 all of a sudden. Of all my books, I get the most reader mail for TAKE ME. Women have told me again and again how wonderful it is to finally read about a woman they can relate to. In fact, when Pocket was sending me the initial cover art to review, one of the biggest things I asked them to change was to make her less of a stick. They were wonderful about it and re-filled in the thighs and arms and stomach that had been airbrushed out. She still looks pretty thin (not the size 16 that Lily is, certainly), but not nearly as thin as the original image. Great topic, Susan! Can’t wait to read your book. best, Bella Andre

36. Susan Lyons Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 12:41 pm

    36 Liz and Bella, I’m so glad your plus-size heroines proved to be popular with readers. Bella, hurray for you and Pocket for un-airbrushing the woman on the cover! I’ve had some great feedback from reviewers. It seems a number of readers who’ve been following the series have been holding their breath for Rina’s book, because she’s the one of the Foursome they most identify with. So far, the reviewers have been happy with Rina’s book - I just hope readers are too, when it hits the shelves later this month. It’s also great to hear all the recommendations of books with, hmm — let’s say “realistic-sized” heroines. Someone should be making a list! Hmm, having said that, I’m guessing there must be a list somewhere out there in cyber-space… If anyone tracks it down, let us know.

37. SweetNSourGirl Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 1:05 pm

    37 It’s hard to believe that all heroines in romances are these beautiful, skinny women who are essentially, perfect, bodily speaking. It’s entirely more believable if she’s say, 5′6 150 instead of 5′2 90. Give me a curvy girl any day! Is it so much to ask for a extremely hot guy falling for a girl who doesn’t look like a lollipop?

38. Amie Stuart Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 1:52 pm

    38 LOL Aztec! I LURVE me some plus sized heroines because, well, I am *ggg* I’ve done plus sized w/issues and w/out–am currently writing one w/out. It is what it is, her description, and doesn’t play into the story though the hero thinks she’s gorgeous

39. Jackie Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 2:09 pm

    39 Thank GOD, a real woman. Give me a heroine I can relate to (down to the body image), and I’m yours for life.

40. Susan Lyons Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 2:37 pm

    40 Being able to relate to the heroine is really important, I think. That doesn’t mean I have to have exactly the same issues as her - but she does need to have issues! We all have them, don’t we? For some, body size is an issue. For some it isn’t - but I bet those women have some other issues they obsess about. LOL. We wouldn’t be women if we didn’t obsess about s**t. Right? I don’t mind what the heroine’s issues are so long as she starts to deal with them over the course of the book. In the Foursome books: - “Champagne Rules”: Suzanne’s big issue is that she sees herself as a practical girl who kind of has a sexy side, but she hasn’t figured out how to view herself as a sexy woman. - “Hot in Here”: Jenny’s issue is figuring out how to respect her parents and at the same time follow her heart. - “Touch Me”: Ann’s issue is how to pursue a high-powered career but still have room for a personal life. - “She’s on Top”: Rina’s issue is how to come to respect and love a body that she grew up believing was fat. You know what? Those are all issues I can totally relate to! (Oh man, do I ever have ISSUES!!)

41. Sugarshock Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 2:37 pm

    41 How hard is it for a hero to fall in love with a funny, caring, perfect playboy centerfold? Give me a plus size herione any day. In fact, give me a plus size heroine with an amazing hottie hero and I’ll be in romance novel heaven. I know thats not fair, but hey, look at Homer and Marge.

42. Tumperkin Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 3:09 pm

    42 What I don’t like - sorry! - is heroines with ‘body issues’. I like them curvy but not if they spend half the book stressing about it. I love the way Jilly Cooper writes her curvier heroines. They do think about their weight but not in a boring way. I must admit to not being keen on skinny/boyish heroines.

43. Teresa Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 5:58 pm

    43 The book that comes to mind for me is by Rachel Bo from Elloras Cave. She is a healthy, fit plus size women. She wants to be slimmer for her health, but she doesn’t kill herself to lose weight, she exercises to keep healthy. The issues in the book revolve around her age, she is older than the hero, and that causes some soul searching. I really liked how the author handled the whole issue, it was just part of who the heroine was, nothing more or less.

44. Jaime Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 7:02 pm

    44 I will be honest - I don’t care what the hero and heroine look like as long as the author sells it to me. There is nothing worse than a person of any size whining about their shape. Little miss skinny “I can’t eat enough.” Little miss full size “oh jeez I can’t eat that.” I can say both because I have been both, but beside the point. If an author writes a wonderful story with a well round character (no, they don’t have to be perfect characters) that are interesting and the story flows - he could be bald, but with mysterious smokey eyes and she could be curvy and sexy, but a total clutz - what ever works to make the story full. That is what I care about. For me the bottom line is this: give me good people of any shape well written and I am yours for life (eh um, as a reader). I liked this post a lot… peace.

45. kim h Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 7:49 pm

    45 i like reading all different shapes of people, i am gald u wrote about her insercuites . there should be more of that.

46. Susan Lyons Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 8:02 pm

    46 The day is winding down and I just wanted to say thanks to Dionne for inviting me today, and thanks to everyone who left a comment. Lots of different opinions - and that’s a good thing. But I think we all pretty much agree that we’re looking for a heroine we can relate to. She shouldn’t be perfect but she shouldn’t be a whiner [g]. And we all like well-written books! So hurray for writers and readers, and gutsy heroines of all shapes and sizes.

47. JSL Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 9:29 pm

    47 Hi Susan, Looks like I missed out on a day of fun - but I had a great time reading all the comments. I just started on your Awesome Foursome books - I have Champagne Rules, and Hot in Here is on order -I’m just waiting for the bookstore to call me. Once I finish it, I’m sure to hunt down the other two! Thanks for sharing - I’ll definitely agree with your final assessment. And I didn’t particularly like Bridget Jones the book either -or how different the movie was, really. Bridget obsessed over being 129 lbs, or so - and called herself a whale. - Makes me wonder what they had Renee Zellweger go up to - because I think it was a lot over 130. Ah well. I’m definitely looking forward to reading Jenny, Ann and Rina’s books. Thanks for visiting today!

48. Cait London Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 10:34 pm

    48 I’m all for Rubinesque/curves/full-figured women in stories. Tall ones, too. Good going.

49. Denni Posted: Mar 19th, 2008 at 11:20 pm

    49 Love your books Susan, sorry to miss you. Ya know, I must have picked up Champagne Rules half a dozen times and researched reader comments almost that much before I actually bought that book. Now you’re probably my most recommended author. Tomorrow I’m checking to see if my local bookstores have SOT out early. Otherwise, I’m so there on Tuesday. IMO it’s more about being well written, that wins for me every time. I feel no obligation to finish a poorly written book…d@*n wallbangers. Plus size, imperfect, it’s all good, just don’t get stuck on one because variety is nice. But put the heroine in sweats…ick, drops me out of the story every time. Sweats and romance do not belong in the same book. On the other hand, I’m getting sorta fed up with fit, muscular heros that never work out or watch what they eat…a small dose of reality here please.

50. Crystal Posted: Mar 20th, 2008 at 12:49 am

    50 To be perfectly honest with you, my latest desires find me reaching for the fantasy/romance books where the heroine is a butt kickin’ chick with a serious bite (both verbally or literally). I think it would be a little weird to read about self-conscious 5′5″ two hundred pounder who is moping about her image all the time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not where near perfect (as you can plainly see if you check out my MySpace), but I went through the phase of reading the books about size 12’s who spend an entire five hundred pages trying to loose the weight to impress the gorgeous guy who’s either never met her in person or hasn’t seen her in years. And I have to admit that it would be nice to read a book about a less than perfect chicka who is comfortable in her own skin (actually, “Happy Hour at Casa Dracula” kinda was and I enjoyed it!!). But there is the whole issue of sex appeal and all that I can totally understand the painting on a size 2 blonde on the cover of a book called “She’s On Top”. And I can’t wait to check out your series, glad you posted the link!! =))

51. Eilonwy Posted: Mar 20th, 2008 at 12:53 am

    51 What bothers me most is when a heroine is a size 2 (or less) and she’s insecure about being tiny, or too thin. (This is probably more common in historicals, but still still.) Good grief, woman, eat some cake! If the author doesn’t make a big deal about the heroine’s size, I imagine her as average, normalweight. If she’s curvy, (and confident OR self-conscious), I think that’s great. For me, reading romance (especially the books I return to), is about fantasy, escape from my too-busy, very much single life-as-a-grad-student. I prefer to be able to put myself in the heroine’s shoes– and dresses!– and have hope that I’ll someday find a sexy hero to love me (as I am), too. As for how much the heroine whines about size, is neurotic, etc., that depends on the story for me, and on the writing. If it’s dropped in there because otherwise the heroine has no personality whatsoever, then, yuck. But if it’s part of the plot, (and is well done), then I think it’s fabulous. But I have to agree with one of the comments above– the stories where the plus-sized, curvy woman slims down to a size 2 over the course of the book and finds her twoo wuv? Yuck. Yuck, yuck, yuck.

52. Lleeo Posted: Mar 20th, 2008 at 4:06 am

    52 I’d also like to add a little note on perfect, stud-muffin heroes. They get boring and cookie-cutter after a while too. How about some short heroes? Or guys that aren’t perfectly buffed up? For me, it’s all about the personality and how they carry themself. I keep holding out for some sweet, interesting, confident beta heroes to show up in the genre more. *sob* I’m the only one, aren’t I? Plus, I love me some curvy women! I am one myself and besides trying to lose a bit of weight, I’m happy with my body shape and don’t obsess over an extra 50 pounds. I’d like to lose it faster but it’s not going to stop me from dating. I think I’m just bored with the skinny body shape right now because it’s been everywhere forever. I see pictures of America Ferrera on the red carpet and practically weep with gratitude for seeing a curvy, beautiful woman for a change. ;D

53. darragha Posted: Mar 20th, 2008 at 4:44 am

    53 A 5′2″ hero with a bald spot? Why not? Those frogs spend more time looking at you than themselves in the mirror! All of my heroines are curvaceous, Rubensesque and would eat a size 2 for dinner. And the heroes, who have not yet been 5′2″ with a bald spot, love them. My heroes have been blind, forgetful, passionate and one…in need of a good spanking. Flawed is fun.

54. Irene Peterson Posted: Mar 20th, 2008 at 4:53 am

    54 Surely, we’re allowed to have adventures. And just as surely, we’re allowed to fall in love and have someone fall in love with us. Speaking for plus sized women everywhere, if I may, let me point out that there is no law saying you have to be thin to find love. No matter what some people may think….

55. Susan Lyons Posted: Mar 20th, 2008 at 5:34 am

    55 Denni, thank you SO MUCH! I love it when a reader loves my books so much she recommends them. JSL, I’m so glad you’ve started the series, and hope you enjoy them too. Lleeo, it’s interesting you mention America Ferrera. I did an interview where I was asked who I’d like to see play Rina if “She’s on Top” was made into a movie and America is who I named. (And Josh Groban for Giancarlo. Not a super-muscular guy, but I think he’s gorgeous.) LOL re heroines in sweats, Denni. Personally, I agree with you – but I’m guessing there are a lot of readers who like it when the heroine sometimes wears sweats. I do like it when they sometimes wear glasses rather than contacts (or rather than having the perfect vision heroines always used to have!), and don’t pile on the make-up. Re Renee and Bridget: I heard she gained 20 pounds, but I don’t know what weight she ended up with. Sure looked different than in Chicago, though! BTW, did you know Robert DeNiro (one of my fave actors) gained 60 pounds for Raging Bull? Yikes! As for heroes, Lleeo, I’m with you in liking a more beta hero. I can’t write what some readers think of as a pure alpha because I find them overbearing. Personally, my idea of a great hero is Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. A leader, a guy who fought for his principles, a person people turned to when there was a problem – but all in a very understated way. Quiet confidence. That’s the “alphaness” I like. But I know some readers don’t find those heroes super-masculine. I guess the same goes for the hero who’s balding or not perfectly buffed. I think some readers want a hero who’s, mmm, how to phrase this? Who’s like a fantasy super-hero and would never really be attainable (like the paranormal heroes – vampires, shapeshifters, guys with super-powers). Whereas other women, me included, prefer a guy who’s a really good version of the men we meet, or hope to meet, in real life. The kind of man we might actually find and fall in love with. Irene, re “there is no law saying you have to be thin to find love” – thank heavens! I’m so glad that in real life we get to be pretty much any shape and size and still be loveable!

56. Rachel Posted: Mar 20th, 2008 at 7:18 am

    56 Susan, Rina sounds like a real woman and that’s what I want to read about, whatever her issues, size, eye colour…. Body image issues, can’t see what’s reflected in the mirror, doesn’t believe her best friends…sounds like so many women I know. It always bugs me that characters in novels will believe men when they won’t believe their female friends, but that too is often a dose of reality. Sigh. That said, I can’t wait to get a copy of She’s on Top! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the publisher did two covers – one that they think will sell the book (the size 2 girl) and one that reflects the actual book? I’d love to know which one sold more copies!

57. rebyj Posted: Mar 20th, 2008 at 7:54 am

    57 Oh this issue is near and dear to my heart. I don’t mind at all if the heroine is overweight or otherwise ” flawed” it makes her HUMAN. My favorite Kenyon novel is the one with Bride and Vane. Bride is a big girl. Her beauty shines thru in the eyes of the hero and in the eyes of her friends. I love it when an author can take the fears, angst, issues of real women and have the heroine dealing with the things a big percentage of the readers deal with every day. we’re not all skinny sassy butt kickers with acres of lush full hair. I want to read She’s On Top! the size two cover? puhleeze. it may appeal to 17 year olds but I think most readers could handle a size 12 (ha) on the cover. In fact , most would be more apt to pick it up to see what the heck is this book about? I think more hero’s need to be flawed. A paunch, a bald spot,big nose, butt pimples, ya know.. HUMAN. Regardless, a well written book is appreciated and I look forward to reading She’s on Top soon!

58. katiebabs Posted: Mar 20th, 2008 at 8:08 am

    58 I also get sick with the hero hacing 6 pack abs and face that could stop traffic. Not sure if I would want him to have a beer belly, but maybe a bit more normal. Maybe one ab instead of 8? How about a guy with glasses or bald? Yum.

59. Jill Sorenson Posted: Mar 20th, 2008 at 8:09 am

    59 Just wanted to add that I also wish the covers matched the woman inside. I don’t want to look at waifs all the time. Renee Zelwegger looks better with a little meat on her bones, IMO. I think if I were a man I would rather touch something soft. As for heroes, I’m shallow. I like tall, dark and handsome. But six pack abs and overdeveloped pecs freak me out. I don’t want to fantasize about a guy who would rather kiss the mirror than me.

60. azteclady Posted: Mar 20th, 2008 at 8:21 am

    60 Woo hoo, limecello, you go! Enjoy it, woman.

61. deemer Posted: Mar 20th, 2008 at 8:49 am

    61 I know I missed the day yesterday. . .but I kinda have the opposite wish. Being a small girl myself, I’m sick of reading about tiny waifs that are curvy as well. I’m small, and not curvy. Well, except for my J. Lo butt, but that’s another story. I think one of my favorite books is from Lynne Graham, where the heroine is flat-chested, but the hero doesn’t even seem to notice.

62. Susan Lyons Posted: Mar 20th, 2008 at 1:57 pm

    62 This is so cool that people are still here leaving comment, though the contest ended yesterday [g]. Obviously this topic is one lots of us have opinions on! Limecello, congrats on your win. Your book will be in the mail tomorrow - and I hope you enjoy it. BTW, if anyone else would like an autographed excerpt book (with that gorgeous turquoise cover with the mini-blonde on it [g]), I’d be happy to send you one. Just drop me an email at susan@susanlyons.ca. And if you’re interested in keeping up with what’s happening with me and my books, you can sign up for my monthly e-newsletter. Just go to my website at www.susanlyons.ca and go to the Contact page - enter my contest (to win more great prizes!) and that’ll sign you up for the newsletter as well.

63. heather (errantdreams) Posted: Mar 21st, 2008 at 7:28 am

    63 If you pick up a sexy romance, do you want to read about a heroine like Rina who has serious body image issues or do you want to read about the more fantasy-type heroine Both. Either. Sometimes I just want the full-bore fantasy, while at other times a dose of reality makes the whole thing that much sexier and believable (and frankly, believable is where the emotions come in, which means I enjoy the book that much more). Mostly I just like variety—if all the fantasies were the same, they’d get boring!