Romance Books with Amazing FMC Representation
Happy International Women’s Day, and a great reminder that this day is for ALL women. So here are some romance books that give us ladies the diverse representation we deserve!
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall
An amazing story of a strong woman who makes some incredible sacrifices to be her true self, and eventually, finds her way back to her childhood best friend who sees and loves her for who she truly is. This provides amazing trans representation for historical romance, which is so often dismissed, negated, and ignored. And it’s a phenomenal story of love, loss, and connection. A must read.
Brazen and the Beast by Sarah MacLean
This whole series is a dream, but Hattie’s turn is a fabulous, sexy story with a woman who is not only heavy, but also tall, a combination you don’t see a lot. Often, even when you get a curvy or fat heroine (which doesn’t happen enough), she’s short. As a tall, heavy woman myself, it was an absolute dream come true. Pair that with “Beast,” who is literally on his knees for this badass woman, and it makes for a memorable, fantastic adventure you don’t want to miss.
That Could Be Enough by Alyssa Cole
This story has the benefit of showing the stories of two different, opposite, amazing women falling in love with each other. With an American setting and an uptight writer helping Alexander Hamilton’s wife Eliza pen stories of her husband mixing with a vivacious dressmaker with a strong sense of self and impeccable business acumen, the story was a delight. It gives amazing representation to the breadth of female expression and sexuality, and did it with a unique voice and interesting story.
Give Me More by Sara Cate
This one has a strong, awesome woman finding herself at the center of a complex relationship with two childhood best friends. Isabel is a devoted wife and fierce woman, and when her husband gets it in his mind he wants to see her having sex with his best friend, things spiral a bit. What I love about her is that she doesn’t get insecure, doesn’t sabotage or freak out, but she gives both Hunter and Drake the space to figure out what they want and need, as well as is upfront and clear about her own needs and desires. Plus this book is unbelievably steamy and a beautiful love story.
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
I’ve made no secret of my love for this book, and that’s due almost completely to Lily Bloom and her strength and resilience. The story of abuse and the ways we too often excuse the warning signs, and sometimes a lot more than the warning signs, resonated in a powerful and honestly close to home way. I felt like, after reading it, I had a stronger understanding of and empathy for the women and men who have come before me. This is honestly more than a book to me, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Waiting for a Scot Like You by Eva Leigh
An older heroine is another underrepresented category, and this story gives a great chance to jump in with our heroine who has decided to live her life in a big way. Headed to an orgy, she’s accompanied by a sexy Scottish man who steals her heart instead. It’s a sweet, steamy story that highlights that a woman’s story doesn’t end at twenty-five or thirty, but that some of the best times can be had after the gray hairs come in and the kids are raised.
Destiny’s Captive by Beverly Jenkins
My current read, and with one of the most badass heroines I’ve ever had the joy of reading. Pilar is a female pirate and rebel against the Spanish who have colonized her homeland. As a woman of color and a legacy of women who take up the mantle toward freeing themselves from their oppressors, she is an impressive and compelling figure. She steals an entire ship from the gorgeous Noah, and sparks fly. She is a woman who knows what she wants and goes for it, and does it all with a powerful sense of rightness and justice, and an impressive fearless streak.
Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas
A badass buisnesswoman who knows what she wants and goes after it, this is one of my personal favorite stories as Merritt and Kieran come together and make some serious magic. I love how Merritt balances her place as a powerful woman with being caring, nurturing, and kind. She hasn’t let the world get her jaded, but she’s shrewd and clear about her wants and needs. She’s a great person to admire, and her story is one full of love and a beautiful happily ever after.