Now, I have heard two points of view on this. Some say romantic fiction is all about creating a fantasy, and that includes creating ideal characters. I could take issue with that. After all, who can say what ideal is, and there are all types of beauty, yet I often create characters that I view as super hot, with, say, perfect abs, butt, breasts, eyes, hair (you get the point). I create what I view as ideal for my story, which is entirely fantasy and not at all what I'd expect out of real life. I have also enjoyed books with characters that were more realistic. Some of my favorites have a main character describing how a love interest's mouth is too generous or the hero's nose is slightly crooked, and then going on to describe how the perceived imperfection made the person that much hotter. Likewise, I read one book in which the heroine was self-conscious about her less firm breasts (after lactating) and the extra weight she was carrying post baby. Her two lovers couldn't wait to touch her--over and over again.
There's no doubt about it. There are people who love, and get all hot and bothered for, all shapes and sizes. But when you're reading a romantic/erotic book, which do you prefer: fantasy perfection or relatable reality?
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