BookTrib is proud to present to our readers the Nerdy Romantics Podcast.
Romance and women’s fiction author Y. M. Nelson discusses the nerdy — superheroes, sci-fi and fantasy, and nerdy pop culture; and the romantic — romance novels, romantic movies, and romance tropes she loves. From reviews of books, TV and movies, to interviews with authors, see who does which romance and nerdy pop culture tropes the best.
“Who Gets an HEA?” is a Nerdy Romantics Podcast miniseries that showcases romances with marginalized heroes and heroines. Much mainstream romance consists of twenty- or thirty-something, physically fit or modelesque white characters finding love. Sometimes there are stereotypical images of people of color, differently-abled or LGBTQIA+ characters. Most of the time, these groups don’t get much representation at all. In this series, Nerdy Romantics features books that get it right (and talk about some that make a good effort).
In this episode, Y. M. Nelson and Nerdy Romantics guests recommend their favorite romance reads featuring body positive plus-sized main characters.
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Y. M. Nelson and Nerdy Romantics guests Marcie, Staci, Pam, Dana, and Mary recommend romance reads with plus-sized main characters as the last installment of the “Who Gets An HEA?” miniseries. The mini-series showcases romances with marginalized heroes and heroines, and in episode 24, we feature romance novels by Amy Lea, Olivia Dade, Denise Williams, Kendra Sumter, and Kat Baxter.Because all of us personally connect to this representation, we also talked about the nomenclature of fat. How do you talk about someone’s weight or body size with positivity and non-judgement? Dana also addressed the frustration with finding books with good fat representation. Do you have recommendations or authors you like who have body positive plus-sized main characters? Contact [email protected] We’d love to feature these books!
In this episode, we recommend:
Set on You (Influencer #1) by Amy Lea | Berkley
Curvy fitness influencer Crystal Chen’s happy place is the gym, until firefighter Scott comes in and smashes that peace. Sparks fly as these enemies turn lovers, and when they recognize each other at their grandparents’ engagement party, they see each other in a different light. After they’ve fallen for each other, a picture of the two of them goes viral in a very bad way, forcing them apart and causing Crystal to rethink her influencer career.
In this episode: Y. M. talks about why this novel is almost “ripped from the headlines.”
The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams | Berkley
Britta is a plus-size editorial assistant at a wellness blog and is on track to be a writer. Her test gig: write a column for a new fitness app, FitMi. Wes is looking to settle his soul and get back to the fundamentals of virtual personal training instead of his CEO duties at FitMi. When Wes decides to train Britta, they make a connection online. But when Wes and Britta decide to workout in person, all of each of their secrets come to light and threaten to break up their careers and their now more-than-friendship.
In this episode: listen to why Staci really enjoyed this one (after I recommended it to her).
Who’s Gonna Love You Better? (Books 1 and 2) by Kendra Sumter
Nykia Wilson is a 30-year old registered nurse. She meets Rontreius Griffin, lawncare business owner, after he’s been hurt. Despite a disfigurement Rontreius has, Nykia is smitten. And despite Nykia feeling her body is not what guys want, Rontreius does. Both of them have to get over what they’ve come to believe about their attractiveness to come together.Book 2: Nykia and Rontreius have found that once in a lifetime love in each other. But, not everyone is happy with their union. They must work through these naysayers to get to true happiness together.
In this episode: Marcie tells us who this duet is perfect for and why she likes this author.
Real Men Love Curves (Curvy Ever After, Book 1) by Kat Baxter
Luke and Erin have been best friends for years, but after she’s broken up with her latest boyfriend, Erin divulges to Luke that she’s never had an orgasm … at all. Luke offers to help teach her how to have one, but he’s in it for more than the sex; he wants Erin’s heart as well.
In this episode: hear Dana’s journey to finding this book (and why reviews are so important).
All the Feels (Spoiler Alert, Book 2) by Olivia Dade | Avon Books
Alex Woodroe is one of the stars of hot fantasy show Gods of the Gates, but he’s recently exhibited some reckless behavior. Because of that, he’s been assigned a minder, Lauren Clegg. As they get to know each other, they fall in love, but when something happens that gets Alex in trouble and costs Lauren her job, Lauren has to decide between getting her job back and being with Alex.
In this episode: Mary educates us with this stellar example on why positive fat representation is so important.
A Highlander for Hannah (Mystic Falls, Book 1) by Mary Warren
Hannah Glen has just broken up with her boyfriend, quit her job, and now she’s back at her family farm. Why’s she here? She doesn’t know, but maybe her friend’s suggestion of buying a love spell will do the trick. When she awakes the next day, Hannah finds a Scottish Highlander in her family’s barn. Go figure. Graham is 200 years and thousands of miles away from his home. The only way he can get back is another spell cast during the spring equinox, so Hannah and Graham have to hang out for a few months. Can they stand each other that long? Or are these anger flares really sparks of love?
In this episode: because Mary wanted more positive representation, she decided to write her own plus-sized romance!
