I’ve been writing historical romance since 2014—long before I published my first book in 2017. I’ve been reading romance since I was twelve, taking mental notes about longing and restraint, playing stories in my head, and learning how to build a quiet ache in my characters until they are brave enough to claim what they really want.
And yet, for a long time, there was one kind of heroine I circled carefully instead of embracing fully.
Curvy women.
Not because I didn’t love them. But because I am one. I have been… For as long as I can remember.
I’ve struggled with my weight my entire life, and if I’m being honest, that made writing full-on, unapologetically curvy heroines feel personal in a way I wasn’t sure I was ready for. It felt safer to write around it. Why would I write about one if I didn’t want to BE one?
The first time I ventured there was in the third book in my Lord Love a Lady Series: SAVING THE DUKE. Abigail Wright had silver lines. A soft belly. A body that had lived. I loved her—but I only dipped my toe in the water.
But the Busty Bodice Club… it caught my attention.
This series doesn’t just elude to curves. It doesn’t whisper. And it certainly doesn’t apologize.
These heroines are intentional. On the covers. On the page. In the way they take up space in their own stories.
Are they self-conscious sometimes? Of course.
Do they have doubts? Naturally.
But they are lovable. Just as they are.
And that—right there—is what made me say yes.
And what did I say “yes” to?
Historical romance has always been about constraint—corsets, rules, reputation, rigid expectations. That tension is part of what makes the genre so delicious. But what excites me about the Busty Bodice Club is how it pushes back against the idea that only one kind of body gets to be the center of desire.
These stories aren’t about fixing our heroines. They’re about seeing them.
You’re going to see their curves. Feel their confidence. Celebrate their joy.
Unapologetically.
For me, that freedom allowed me to write CURVES FOR THE BEASTLY DUKE not as a “statement book,” but as what I do best: a slow-burn romance with tenderness at its core.
My duke is wounded—not dark, not cruel, not dangerous for danger’s sake. He wants to believe that who he is beneath the scars is enough.
Rose, my heroine… She wants to matter. She wants to make a difference.
Yes, the story is inspired by Beauty and the Beast, but it has its own heartbeat. Its own warmth. Its own sense of hope. This is not a dark romance. There’s only a hint of danger—just enough to make the emotional stakes matter.
Because at the end of the day, I don’t write despair. I write connection. And of course. Happily-ever-afters.
Who’s with me?
I’m so excited to work with six other incredible authors. People I’ve fangirled more than once. And we each have our own, distinct voice.
And the first place you’ll read them together is in our prologue story. Each chapter written by a different author… Tricky? Definitely. But… Special. Coming soon to you!
Then, seven different books.
• Eliana Piers, launches the series Curves for the Grumpy Duke, brings fast pacing and sharp banter.
• Cathy Maxwell, with Curves for the Rakish Duke, steps boldly into indie publishing for the first time. And I, personally, can’t wait!
• Tracy Sumner delivers her signature strong heroines and big-hearted alpha heroes in Curves for the Silver Fox Duke.
• I follow with Curves for the Beastly Duke, leaning into wounded heroes, emotional intimacy, and love that heals rather than conquers.
• Robyn DeHart brings her flair for curvy heroines, and so much emotional depth to Curves for the Betrothed Duke.
• Kathleen Ayers promises sparks, sass, and delicious scandal in Curves for the Scandalous Duke.
• And Janna MacGregor closes the circle with Curves for the Secret Duke, a story I already know will brim heart, because if you’ve met Janna, you just know…
Together, these books bring the spirit of the Busty Bodice Club to life. Each one stands alone. Each one unique.
What I’m up to this Year.
If you follow me at all, you know I’m working on a contemporary women’s fiction/romantic comedy series. The Love Bus, the Love Ship…
But…
Writing CURVES FOR THE BEASTLY DUKE reminded me why I fell in love with this genre in the first place—and, Woo Boy! I’m so excited about what’s coming next. I have a new historical series launching this summer, and while I won’t say much yet, I will say this: the heart, warmth, and intentionality you’ll find here are only growing stronger. I’m done shying away.
But first… Busty Bodices Burst in April!
If you love historical romance that takes its time…
If you believe desire and tenderness can coexist…
If you want heroines who are allowed to be soft and strong, uncertain and adored…
Then I hope you’ll explore the Busty Bodice Club.
The full series can be found on Amazon, and each book is a celebration—not just of curves, but of courage, connection, and the kind of love that sees you exactly as you are.
And trusts that you are enough.
Get more info, and reserve your preorder here: Busty Bodice Club (7 book series) Kindle Edition
Annabelle Anders began publishing in 2017 and left her day job a year later. Since then, she’s published over forty full-length Regency Romance novels, with one of them receiving the distinguished RITA nomination in 2019. She writes at her home in the small town of Grand Junction, Colorado with the “help" of her two miniature dachshunds and husband of thirty years. She is happy to have finally found her place in life.
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