BBW Erotic Romance Boxed Set (An Insatiable Reads Collection of Bestselling Novels \u0026 Novellas) by Marina Maddix

BBW Erotic Romance Boxed Set (An Insatiable Reads Collection of Bestselling Novels \u0026 Novellas) Reviews

• 
  Ivy Deluca

  
  
  
  
  This is a collection of stories that was published in 2013 and there is no part of this that has aged well.
  
  It is the epitome of stereotypical representations of BBW heroines that are so focused on their size that they accept every other character telling them that they are less than. There's no body positivity that isn't tied to a man's acceptance of their curves and alot of negative reinforcement. It really wasn't pleasant to read and I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
  
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• 
  Katrina

  These books made me very angry. They are not about BBW but about SDI (Self -Depreciating Idiots) who check-out their brains and are so starved for affection that they turn in to walking vaginas for anything in pants. And then we go in to " Oh, I am not worthy because I am not size 0, Oh, you can not be interested in a girl like me, Oh, you are hot, and I am not, and you just had pity sex with fat chick". One of the female characters even talks about her "Disgusting flesh" and it appears that as soon as your dress size climbs in to double digits your IQ hits the same level. Is that how writers of this set see plus size women? Shame on them for perpetuating these demeaning, derogatory stereotypes. To call it BBW ROMANCE is a total misrepresentation - "Fat chicks with no self esteem erotica" would be less politically correct but more honest. As a BBW myself I did found them unworthy - unworthy of MY respect and approval.
• 
  Reader

  GREAT COLLECTION
  
  This boxed set contains ten different stories. All starring plus sized heroines, there are rather too many to go into individually. I liked some more than others but overall this is a decent set of hot stories. There are contemporary romances including a ménage story. There is also a wolf shifter tale in here as well. Something for every taste.
  ARC courtesy of NetGalley
  
• 
  Krista Lakes

  I love great deals like this. 10 books for less than the price of 1? How could a girl turn down an offer like that?!
  Amazing!
• 
  Kimberly

  Review featured on
  www.books-n-kisses.com
  
  VEGAS KNIGHTS by Marina Maddix (Page 9)
  2 Hearts This story just didn’t do anything for me. It was very cliche’ and there was no chemistry between the characters. Anyone could see what was going on but Kelly seemed naive about it. The sex scenes were tame really and with no imagination for a story that is in an erotic romance set. This should not have been the first book in the boxed set. I hope they get better from here.
  
  HUNTING FOR CURVES by Julianne Reyer (Page 191)
  3 Hearts The name does not fit the story if you ask me. This is m/m/f and there is an erotic feel about it. The problem is that the story is just sad. Not bad, just sad. There is a lot of feelings of loss in the story. The two males are trying to reconnect. The female is going through bad times and even the connection between the three of them has a sadness to it. Don’t get me wrong the story is good and it is a quick read but it really doesn’t have that HAPPILY ever after feel.
  
  BLIND WOLF by Aubrey Rose (Page 287)
  3 Hearts Well this one is certainly the best written of the books so far in this boxed set. And I enjoyed the storyline. What I didn’t like was Damien is a liar and a cheat. I get the whole he was going to take another wolf because he hadn’t found his mate thing but he kept lying to Julia at every turn. And I have never been one who enjoys when one of the characters is involved with someone else first. And this should not be describe as erotica. There was barely any sex at all.
  
  FOR KEEPS by Adriana Hunter (Page 387)
  3.75 Hearts Ok I know I said this on the last one but this was most certainly the best story so far. This has a complete feel to it even though it is only 75 or so pages. The story is sweet in it’s simplicity. I enjoyed that the expected is not necessarily what happens. Very sweet story.
  
  MAKE YOU MINE by Tawny Taylor (Page 450)
  3 Hearts This was sweet in a cute kind of way. Mostly obvious except a part or two and yet still sweet. Not my favorite of the 10 book set but certainly not one that I didn’t like. The characters have a good connection.
  
  CURVES OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA by Krista Lakes (Page 558)
  2.5 Hearts This was just ok for me. It was pretty much sex with a bit of a story. The problem was it was repetitive sex. It was not very interesting really. There was some parts that were entertaining but unfortunately not enough to make this story good.
  
  OPEN YOUR CURVY LEGS FOR ME by Aphrodite Hunt (Page 660)
  3 Hearts Ok so here is the thing with this one. I liked it… Mostly… The storyline was ok and the sex scenes were interesting… the problem? It leans to the stereotype of the big girl being used for sex because the guy is too embarrassed to date her. Ok maybe it works out in the end but why this woman is so willing to be used by this guy over and over is beyond me. Maybe if it showed more of a secret romance than just secret sex it would have played different but it didn’t. I read it feeling like it gives credence to the way big girls feel and they should just accept what a handsome man is willing to give no matter what.
  
  THE BIG, NOT-SO-SMALL, CURVY GIRLS, BBW ROMANCE, DATING AGENCY by Ava Catori (Page 727) ** I received this book as a stand alone prior to receiving this boxed set. **
  3.5 Hearts Big title, short story, big wallop of feelings. I have to say the first thing I did was go to the authors information to see if she was a bigger girl and the reason I did is because the author really has the feelings of a bigger girl in her story. Every big girl (and I am one) has that feeling that they are not good enough, that someone else is better because she is skinnier, and that a gorgeous guy will never be attracted to them and Catori expresses those feelings perfectly. This is a story with a happy ending (aren’t most romances?) but I am not sure it is a realistic ending in most cases. However the story really hits on the feelings perfectly. And I have to say the writing is done very well. The conversations between characters is realistic, funny and moving. The story is short but it is complete and enjoyable. Every big girl should pick this story up to remember that IT can happen. And every skinny girl should read it to get an idea of what us big girls feel on a daily basis.
  
  THE POWER BILLIONAIRE by Angelina Spears (Page 866)
  3 Hearts Another one that was just ok for me. In the beginning I was thinking it was going to be my favorite of the set but I have to say the mood of the story changed. It was light and humorous and just sweet but then it turned. It lost its lightness. I don’t want to say too much because it would give parts away but I really didn’t like who the characters became.
  
  RIDING CURVES by Christa Wick (Page 976)
  4 Hearts This was definitely the best of the set. It was a complete story with all the romance and sex. There were a few parts that I am not thrilled with but it was still a very good and interesting story. I enjoyed the connection of the characters which was immediate and not forced.
  
  *Page #’s are based on the version I received from NetGalley
  Disclaimer:
  I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
  
• 
  Mariel Hoss

  *ARC from NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
  
  I am going to review this as a whole rather than do it the set one by one. I like that the heroines are plus-sized and empowered…to a degree. A lot of them still had hang-ups about their size and their “appropriateness”. It was kind of disconcerting that all the heroes were rich and/or powerful and/or handsome men – yeah, I get it - its fantasy so might as well shoot for the stars. Still. Also, while I advocate for BBW getting some, getting it all day every day (even multiple times a day) is really not the norm, at least please tell me that’s not the norm!?! Some encounters depicted (back of a gas station with a stranger, BDSM one night stand, stranger on a plane) are downright dangerous and some were a little creepy (with a gay couple, as a way to get information). One or two explored a more in-depth relationship (For Keeps and Riding Curves) beyond just getting it on (repeatedly). It was an enjoyable (hot!) read but it didn’t fully satisfy my craving for romance.
  
• 
  Michelle

  #1 Vegas Knights by Marina Maddix - *4 stars*
  The main reason I bought this set was the fact that it was all BBW stories; haven't read many BBW heroine books yet but it's definitely nice to know they are out there.
  
  Vegas Knights was the first of 10 stories in the set. I really like Rick and Kelly, the Hero/heroine. Vegas Knight was a good story, a nice, light romance with the HEA. Now I discover there is a prequel novella, Knight Fall, about how Kelly met Rick (which is only referenced in VK.) May have to buy that one; it's really short but I have a feeling it will be worth it!
  
  #2 Hunting for Curves by Julianne Reyer - *4 stars*
  This story included a couple of MMF scenes. I don't usually read those, especially when it's the main plot of the story, but since it's part of this boxed set, I decided to give it a chance. I enjoyed all of the characters; Jasmine, the curvy heroine was a bit insecure in the beginning but blossomed and actually became more comfortable as the story went along. The Heroes were unique and both good (and troubled) in their own way; loved both Evan and Luke. The story was very well written, easy to read and kept my interest. There is a sequel, Secrets and Curves. I may have to check it out so I can find out what happens with these three.
  
  #3 Blind Wolf by Aubrey Rose - *3 stars*
  For a novella, I thought it was a pretty good story, at least a good start. It was well written, with good character development, especially considering the length of the story. This was my first shifter story (aside from Twilight) so I can't really compare yet. I understand there is a sequel to this novella, which I will consider reading. I just hope there is more discussion about how Damien and Julia can have a "normal" relationship, or maybe Julia isn't human after all...
  
  Book #4: For Keeps by Adriana Hunter - *3 stars*
  This was a decent story. Starting out, the H/h got together very quickly, more of the one night stand variety, but immediately turned into a relationship. While I realize this is not completely impossible, just seemed rather unlikely, especially given their diverse backgrounds. But, Tyler didn't seem to be the typical guy after all. Although raised with a silver spoon, he detested his father's kind and refused to give in to his threats over his trust fund. Valerie was a good BBW heroine but maybe a little on the insecure/low self esteem side. Sure that's understandable in the begin, given Tyler's "status" but seems she would have figured out soon enough that Tyler was different and wouldn't lead her on, that he had feelings for her and that she deserved to be loved, by him or anyone else. I was also uncertain of the status of his job, trust fund, etc. He went back to his father's law firm. Took and passed the bar exam and got a promotion to a court attorney -- which he originally said he hated the thought. So did he change his mind and get the trust from his dad to support himself and Valerie? Did he not get the trust because he was going to marry Valerie? The main reason for the lower rating, for me, is the story seemed choppy. So much was missing, skipped over and it had a rather abrupt ending, leaving me with lots of questions, the negatives that often happen with a novella of this length. The H/h were headed for their HEA but the reader didn't get to be part of any of it, the wedding/honeymoon, the baby or anything beyond their engagement.
• 
  Samantha

  VEGAS KNIGHTS by Marina Maddix, This story I wasn't so sure about. You start out with Kelly in bed waking up and waiting for Rick to come back from his job. They had wild one night sex that I felt should have been part of the story, I mean hello that inspired the trip to Vegas to begin with right.
  Kelly is an artist who can't make in with the galleries due to her size. Depressed, she is now working a desk job that is sucking the life out of her. After meeting Rick Knight on his bad boy motorcycle. She joins him as he travels to Vegas for business. She finds a new home in Vegas and although there really isn't much to do with Rick there is drama, finding a place she belongs, betrayal, lies and some sex scenes.
  
  HUNTING FOR CURVES by Julianne Reyer, What do you do when the guy you thought were dating turns out to be lying, cheating jerk? Jasmine catches him in a lie and is forced to realize that she may not have been so happy with him after all. They never went out, he came over at night, and that was it. Making her way to a bar in a hotel, she sits in the back hoping to hide from everyone.
  Evan and Luke have been dating for awhile. What happens when things are not where you thought they should be and the relationship is no longer that great? Luke comes up with the plan to add a woman to their mix for playtime. Evan agrees and hence they are in the bar and spot Jasmine.
  The three share fun times, hot sexy scenes, break ups, being fired, and finding that rightful place. A seriously good read.
  
  BLIND WOLF by Aubrey Rose: For some reason I seriously liked this story. A pack of "disabled" and outcast shifters are searching for a new place to settle and start their pack the way it should be. Damien is their leader and with a pack of four, and one female, as Alpha it's his duty to mate with the lone female and start the pack.
  While researching his new area, he goes to the library and experiences something he never expected, his calling. The finding of his true mate.
  
  Julia is constantly being teased, made fun of, and is constantly struggling with her weight, her job, and the losing of her grandmother's house. At work she comes into contact with a blind man that just blows her away. Instantly there is lust at first sight.
  Damien is blind but that doesn't mean he can't feel everything Julia is feeling, see how feels her emotions. However a problem arises when he realizes she's human, not wolf. He works to avoid her but simply can't stay away. She finds out what he truly is and after some time, working with the pack, and other forces they come together and realize they are made for each other.
  
  FOR KEEPS by Adriana Hunter, This book was short but oh so good. Valerie was first in her class and now works at a huge law firm. The partner she works for is bringing in his nephews and son to get them part of the working society.
  
  What she doesn't expect is to be put in "charge" and work as their assistant until they are settled in. What happens next really was beyond her scope. Tyler, the son that is always complained about, falling for her and trying to woo her right off the bat.
  
  Together they discover what they both want wasn't what they needed and working to be together they can get through anything.
  
• 
  Debi

  ARC from Netgallery and the Publisher for an honest review
  
  Big, Beautiful Woman's Romance...10 books...really...my count was 1,000 pages. It's a mix of romance and erotica. I think there is something here for most romance readers. I understand why some readers might be a bit put off by the angst of the curvy gal making her way in the world. I think it cannot be that hard to get a date if your a larger gal, but then I hear a pro football coach admit they judge recruits on how hot their girlfriends/wives are...they think it shows his confidence! Of course, a favorite movie of mine is SHALLOW HAL. I think it's nice to read about a different protagonist...not the svelte red, raven, or blonde haired bombshell.
  
  I read them all. I think I like the last 3 best since they were a bit lighter...I even had a few laughs. Christa Wick's Riding Curves was maybe my favorite. I will be looking for more of these authors work!
  
  
• 
  Janet

  10 stories in a boxed set, what a great idea. These 10 stories are easy to read in a format that allows you to read as many as you want, or stretch the experience out. I was hesitant at first to read about zaftig women. I hoped that the stories would be written with sensitivity and without stereotypes. I can honestly say yes. What I really liked was the chance to meet the 10 authors through their work. I found several that made me want to explore their back catalogs. Did I like every story? No, but that's what collections are all about. They are light, well written for the most part, romantic stories involving big beautiful women....great premise, great collection. Great bargain.
  *I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review
• 
  Erica

  This is one of those box sets thats good for the beach or if your in the mood for a really quick read with not a lot of storyline.
  
  The characters and the stories were quite average and I found that the "Big Girl" part of each story was just another way to make the character more interesting and just had the prerequisite “How could you want me because I'm fat” but no real substance to the issue.
  
  The romance side was quite minimal and not explored enough to make it interesting.
  
  I did find a few stories hard to follow like there were parts missing.
  
• 
  Terry Towers

  An amazing boxed set with a great variety of stories to choose from. There's a little something for everyone, ranging from simmering to smoking hot.
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  Lora J.

  Very good most of them but a good read thx
  
• 
  Xhex87

  This was a great steamy read. The last two books were my favorite.
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  Tammie

  Sorry, none of these books were very good. Two stars is the best I could do.
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  Jeana

  Pretty good, I laughed, cried, was on the edge of my seat. All good books.
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  Julianna

  There were some good ones, and some ones that were just ok. but for $0.99 it was a good buy. Probably wouldn't read it again though.
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  Kelly

  A great way to try out new authors at a fantastic price. I have a better idea of which authors I will continue to ready and which one's to skip over when looking for something new to read.
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  Jeannine Sharp-lee

  I hated them. I didn't finish the set. They were too sex oriented and not enough personality!
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  Kim

  Great books...finished them all!!!
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  MargoR

  An enjoyable collection... Peaked my interest in several authors.