Thank you for introducing me to some I haven't read. Others to add to your list: Olivia Dade, Crystal Maldonado (YA, but this middle aged person loved them), Jenny L. Howe, and Jasmine Guillory.
I started reading queer romance in 2022 and Hibbert’s bi Brown sister is the 2nd book I read. I wish there were better fat politics in queer romance especially in MM romance. That doesn’t just mean more fat queer representation (but yes, definitely that) but also I don’t want to “have to accept”* a certain level of diet culture and expectations that everyone is thin and conventionally attractive in order to avoid patriarchal gender and relationship expectations in romance novels.
*putting the concept of having to accept this in quotes because obviously I don’t have to accept it but I have found it a trade off that I have made and one that I would like to not have to make.
Even in my retirement, I have the hardest time getting myself to read. Right now I have two or three books that I’ve started lying around but most of the time I can’t get myself to pick them up. I really don’t know what that’s about. But I’m going to keep your list handy for when I do feel inspired.
Love this list Amanda! Have you read Jennifer Weiner? I don’t think they’re categorized as “romance” but it’s definitely a huge element on most of her books.
Thank you for introducing me to some I haven't read. Others to add to your list: Olivia Dade, Crystal Maldonado (YA, but this middle aged person loved them), Jenny L. Howe, and Jasmine Guillory.
I forgot to include Olivia Dade! She’s written some I enjoyed. Thanks for the other recs!
I love Crystal Maldonado! Read all of her books in my late 30s.
Thanks for the rec!
I started reading queer romance in 2022 and Hibbert’s bi Brown sister is the 2nd book I read. I wish there were better fat politics in queer romance especially in MM romance. That doesn’t just mean more fat queer representation (but yes, definitely that) but also I don’t want to “have to accept”* a certain level of diet culture and expectations that everyone is thin and conventionally attractive in order to avoid patriarchal gender and relationship expectations in romance novels.
*putting the concept of having to accept this in quotes because obviously I don’t have to accept it but I have found it a trade off that I have made and one that I would like to not have to make.
You’re definitely speaking truth here.
Even in my retirement, I have the hardest time getting myself to read. Right now I have two or three books that I’ve started lying around but most of the time I can’t get myself to pick them up. I really don’t know what that’s about. But I’m going to keep your list handy for when I do feel inspired.
I had a block for years! But having recommendations from someone I trust really changed the game for me.
I loved the Brown Sisters trio!
Thanks for the recs! I'll have to check these out. My virtual body positive book club is reading Because Fat Girl by Lauren Marie Fleming this month!
Awesome!
I second Jenny L. Howe and Jasmine Guillory!
Awesome!
Love this list Amanda! Have you read Jennifer Weiner? I don’t think they’re categorized as “romance” but it’s definitely a huge element on most of her books.
I haven’t! Thanks for the rec!
I’m an author, and I like learning from: Ines Johnson is Having a Breakdown @inesjohnson
Thank you!