Her Shadows, His Secrets Book Review
As a plus size woman, I wanted a romance with somebody that looked like me, so when I heard about this book having a plus size FMC, I was excited to read it (or listen to it, in this case). This turned out to be the worst possible book to read for any good plus size representation. Hanna was self-loathing, pathetically self-conscious the entire way through, woe-is-me , and whiney. There were no redeeming qualities about her. She relied on a man to make her feel an ounce of confidence by the time the book ended, it was like she was a sad high schooler and not a 23 year old. I typically like reading books with a main character being at least 25+ now that I am 28, and this book proved exactly why. I'm not saying everybody her age is immature and whiney, however the older I get as a plus size woman, the more confident I have gotten in my body and hardly ever do any negative self-talk. And now, onto the MMC, Theo. Terrible. I'm all for a Dominant male lead, however he was downright entitled and arrogant and there was no chemistry. Every time Hanna opened up in the slightest he was all "are you falling in love with me?" He was bossy, crude, and exhausting to listen to. I love me a good bossy Dom in a book, however he was just obnoxious and there wasn't anything enriching about him showing Hanna what a Dom/Sub relationship can be. Neither character was likeable in the slightest to me. Also, the pet names he gave Hanna were absolutely cringe-worthy 🤮 Narrators were terrible as well, which really is just the cherry on top. Hanna's voice was whiney, and Theo's was monotonous and desperately trying to sound dark and broody.
1/5 -Overall rating
🌶️ - Spice Rating
#plussizebooks #plussizeromancebooks #romancebookrecommendations #lemon8bookclub #bookreview
After my truly disheartening experience with 'Her Shadows, His Secrets' by C.C. Monroe, where the portrayal of plus-size Hanna and her supposed 'dangerous allure' fell completely flat, earning a disappointing 1-star rating from me, I found myself thinking deeply about what readers like us are really looking for in plus-size romance. We crave stories where a 'bold, overwhelming curvy presence' isn't just a physical descriptor, but a core part of a character's confidence, strength, and genuine magnetism. The very phrase 'dangerous allure' conjures images of a heroine who is self-possessed, powerful, and captivating, someone who challenges societal norms and embraces her unique beauty unapologetically. Unfortunately, in my opinion, Hanna's character in C.C. Monroe's book missed the mark on so many levels. Instead of embodying that bold presence, she came across as perpetually self-conscious, whiny, and seemingly incapable of finding confidence without external validation from the male lead. This completely undermined any potential for a truly alluring and empowering plus-size character. If you, like me, were hoping for a confident, inspiring plus-size lead who truly owns her power and captivates readers with her 'dangerous allure,' this particular book simply didn't deliver on that promise. It's a prime example of what not to do when trying to write an impactful plus-size lead. But don't despair! The quest for genuinely empowering and alluring plus-size FMCs in romance is a rewarding one, and there are many authors who truly get it right. When I think of a character with a 'bold, overwhelming curvy presence,' I imagine someone who is not only beautiful but also intelligent, witty, and fiercely independent. They don't apologize for their size; they own it as an integral and celebrated part of their identity. This deep-seated self-acceptance and inner strength are precisely what create that 'dangerous allure' – it's magnetic, admirable, and utterly captivating. For those seeking books where the heroine's curves are celebrated as part of her strength and beauty, and her personality shines just as brightly, look for stories where the FMC's journey involves genuine self-discovery and internal empowerment, rather than solely seeking validation from a partner. Seek out narratives where the heroine drives her own destiny, makes her own choices, and her confidence radiates from within. Tropes like 'enemies to lovers,' 'grumpy/sunshine,' or even 'fated mates' can often feature strong, confident plus-size women who command respect and affection on their own terms. I've personally enjoyed books that feature heroines who are leaders, creatives, or simply strong-willed individuals navigating their world with grace and power, often using their unique perspectives to overcome challenges. These are the narratives that truly deliver a 'dangerous allure' in the most authentic and fulfilling way. When you're searching for your next read, don't just stop at 'plus-size' in the description. Dig deeper into reviews that highlight the heroine's personality, her agency, and how her body is portrayed – is it a source of insecurity, or is it unequivocally celebrated as a source of power and beauty? That's where you'll find the true 'overwhelming curvy presence' and authentic 'dangerous allure' we're all searching for in our romance novels. It's about finding characters who reflect our own desires for strength and self-love, making the reading experience truly enriching.
