Small waist, pretty face, with a big behind is a typical description for the leading ladies in today’s Black literature. Those that are often perceived as “dimes” by the majority of society, who accept biased standards of beauty, are the ones that are included the most. Even though this is the majority, there are some authors who deviate from the norm and craft stories about beautiful people, who don’t fit in with the standard, being loved by others. This type of representation is important! I personally applaud these authors and urge others to do the same. Whether it’s regarding body type, disabilities, or unique physical features, dare to be different and inclusive in your writing!
Below I have created a list of some titles that follow the story of plus sized Black women finding love. Enjoy!
Work Song (2015) by Danielle Allen
The main character in this book, Tatiana Green, is a goal oriented, fashion-loving, football-fanatic, who is doing all that she can to climb the ladder in her field of work. She falls in love with a forbidden fruit and she is forced to choose between her job and her lover. In the book, Tati has some encounters where she is disrespected because of her size, but that doesn’t stop her from loving herself and being confident. Tati is comfortable in the skin that she is in, and that is something I love about this story. If you are interested and reading a steamy workplace romance, then this book right here has you covered!
Next Lifetime (2020) by Monica Walters
Next Lifetime tells the story of Nelsondra Allison, a plus sized mother who lives with PCOS, diabetes, and neuropathy in her feet. While her illnesses are tearing her body down physically, her husband tears her down emotionally, which causes her to feel insecure. In the story Nelsondra reconnects with an old friend and gains more than just love. If you like emotional stories, then this may be the one for you. Although this book has a lot of emotional moments, there are a lot of happy moments that are just refreshing. Honestly, I loved it. It’s well written and has a unique main character. Ms. Walters put her whole foot in this!
Trigger Warnings ⚠️:
Severe Illness
Diabetes
Stalking
Deeply in Love With the Illest (2020) by Shvonne Latrice
This title actually contains two plus sized characters. First we have Halo Stevenson, who enters a physically, verbally, and sexually abusive relationship with an older drug distributor. Halo is a prisoner in her relationship until she is freed when her abuser is sentenced to jail time. She spreads her wings and finds a career that she loves, so when she meets Illias sparks begin to fly. Then we have Halo’s best friend Persia, who feels obligated to stay in a relationship that is no longer serving her, but when she reconnects with an old classmate things start to get very messy. The relationships in this book are definitely a rollercoaster ride. There is a lot of drama, secrets, and toxicity, but everything that is done in the dark comes to light! I recommend this book simply because I love all of Shvonne Latrice’s work that I’ve read thus far.
Trigger Warnings ⚠️:
Domestic Violence
Inappropriate Age Gap
Sexual Assault
Feticide
Violence
The Marriage Contract (2021) by Shay Davis
Alexa Livingston is a 25 year old accountant who is not living her life to its full potential. She is a plus sized girl who is bored and wants to spice up her life, so she takes a solo birthday trip to Las Vegas. One night while she is out on the town a handsome stranger turns her life upside down. From the title I know you can already guess that the two of them enter into a marriage contract, but they both end up with more than they bargained for. If you are looking for something short (this is only 95 pages), but still interesting, with likable characters, then this is definitely a book for you! The story is cute, sexy, and well-written. Thank you Shay Davis cause you snapped!
Crush 1-3 by Ivy Symone
Jazmine is a plus sized girl with self esteem issues that cause her to settle for less than what she is truly worth. She plays the side chick for a man while betraying people in her inner circle. When Jaz gives birth to her daughter the man that she loves fails to handle his business as a father, which leaves room for an old acquaintance (who always had a crush on her) to step up to the plate. This was all fate (read it and you’ll know what I mean lol). Now this right here is one of my all time favorite series! Ivy Symone is a superb author! She knows wtf she is doing! If you like drama and explosive secrets being revealed, then I promise you you will love this series.
Trigger Warnings ⚠️:
Feticide
STDs
Cancer
The next thing companies need to work on is being inclusive and accurate with the cover art. If Aisha is a dark skinned BBW in the book, then who is this size six lightskin (or white) stranger on the cover? I mean really, it’s 2021. Representation is necessary! Shoot, where can I sign up to be a book cover model?! Let me get this untapped coin! But anyways, rant over (lol)
I hope you guys enjoy the books on this list (let me know what you think)! I’ll probably do a part 2 in the future. Happy Readinggg❤️
Ciao 💋
-J. Lynae
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