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The Model: A Later in Life, Curvy Woman, Workplace Steamy Romance
Some people are worth seeing clearly—even when it scares you both.
Victoria "Vic" James has spent years perfecting the art of armor. As a plus-size model in an industry that treats women like her as either fetishes or inspiration stories, she's learned to smile through the whispers and pose around the pain. But when she's paired with renowned photographer Nathan Sinclair for Isabella's Curves' biggest campaign yet, her carefully constructed walls start to crack.
Nathan sees people—really sees them. Behind his lens, models drop their masks and show him their souls. But Vic is different. She's magnetic, guarded, and utterly real in a world built on illusions. When he captures her unretouched and unafraid, he doesn't just photograph a beautiful woman—he falls for one.
Their professional relationship ignites into something deeper, but loving someone in the spotlight means risking everything. When Vic's intimate photos are leaked by a vengeful ex, she faces a retreat into hiding or step forward into the light, unedited and unashamed. With Nathan's unwavering support, she launches a revolutionary campaign that challenges every beauty standard the industry holds sacred.
But going public with both her body and her heart means opening herself up to the world's judgment. As trolls attack and critics circle, Vic must decide if being truly seen—flaws, curves, and all—is worth the risk of being torn apart.
Set against the moody backdrop of fashion week and Brooklyn lofts, *The Model* is a story about the courage it takes to love yourself loudly, the power of being photographed without apology, and finding someone brave enough to see you clearly—even when you're afraid to look.
Because sometimes the most revolutionary thing you can do is refuse to make yourself smaller.
Victoria "Vic" James has spent years perfecting the art of armor. As a plus-size model in an industry that treats women like her as either fetishes or inspiration stories, she's learned to smile through the whispers and pose around the pain. But when she's paired with renowned photographer Nathan Sinclair for Isabella's Curves' biggest campaign yet, her carefully constructed walls start to crack.
Nathan sees people—really sees them. Behind his lens, models drop their masks and show him their souls. But Vic is different. She's magnetic, guarded, and utterly real in a world built on illusions. When he captures her unretouched and unafraid, he doesn't just photograph a beautiful woman—he falls for one.
Their professional relationship ignites into something deeper, but loving someone in the spotlight means risking everything. When Vic's intimate photos are leaked by a vengeful ex, she faces a retreat into hiding or step forward into the light, unedited and unashamed. With Nathan's unwavering support, she launches a revolutionary campaign that challenges every beauty standard the industry holds sacred.
But going public with both her body and her heart means opening herself up to the world's judgment. As trolls attack and critics circle, Vic must decide if being truly seen—flaws, curves, and all—is worth the risk of being torn apart.
Set against the moody backdrop of fashion week and Brooklyn lofts, *The Model* is a story about the courage it takes to love yourself loudly, the power of being photographed without apology, and finding someone brave enough to see you clearly—even when you're afraid to look.
Because sometimes the most revolutionary thing you can do is refuse to make yourself smaller.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2025
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September 23, 2025
Victoria (Vic) James is forty-five and has been doing this dance of modeling, for over two decades. During the majority of the last decade, it's been for Isabella’s Curves’ with collections that were made for plus-size bodies like Vic's. Real bodies with real curves that don’t apologize for taking up space. On this night she is the featured model for Isabella’s Curves’ Spring Collection. This is her world, she thinks as she turns to strut back up the catwalk. This is where she belongs. Then she hears it... “How brave of her,” a voice murmurs from somewhere in the front row.
“Modeling at her size, and at her age. Really inspiring.” The word ‘brave’ hits her like ice water. She keeps walking, keeps smiling, because that’s what professionals do. But inside, something familiar and unwelcome twists in her chest. Brave. As if stepping onto the runway in her body is some kind of heroic act. As if she’s not here because she’s excellent at what she does she book campaigns that sell clothes, and make women feel beautiful. As if she were picked to walk out of charity instead of talent.
When she gets off the stage Bella already knows something is wrong with Vic’s energy level. “Someone called me brave for existing in public. You know how it goes.” “Screw them. Did you see how everyone reacted when you walked out there? You commanded that room.” “Trust me, I know. It’s just funny how ‘brave’ is the go-to compliment when people don’t know what else to say about a fat girl on a runway.” “You’re not—” “Bella.” She holds up a hand. “I’m fat. It’s not a bad word. I’m also gorgeous, talented, and really good at my job.
But I’m tired of people acting like I deserve a medal for having the audacity to exist in public while fat.” If she can own that runway, maybe Vic can own whatever she’s afraid of too. But sometimes one little word can slip right through all that armor and find the soft spots she thought she’d healed over. “Want some good news that might make you forget all about random idiots with opinions?” “Always.” “Bella just got confirmation. Nathan Sinclair wants to shoot the next campaign. With you. As the sole model.”
Her hands were still on her sweater. “Nathan Sinclair? The Nathan Sinclair?” “The very one. Moody, artistic, makes everyone look like they have secrets worth keeping. His people called this morning.” I’ve heard of Nathan Sinclair, obviously. Everyone in fashion has. He’s that photographer who somehow makes every shot look like fine art, the one who gets models to drop their guards and show something real. His work is beautiful in a way that makes your chest tight. He’s also someone she’s never worked with, in her industry usually means one of two things: they haven’t crossed paths yet, or he’s never shown interest in working with someone who looks like her.
“Did he specifically request me?” She asks, trying to keep her voice casual. “According to his agent, yes. Apparently, he’s been following Isabella’s Curves for a while and thinks you’d be perfect for the vision he has in mind.” Something warm spreads through her chest—not the artificial heat of the runway lights, but something genuine. “When do we start?” She asks. “Next week. His studio in Brooklyn.” Olivia grins. “I have a good feeling about this one, Vic. Really good.” “Nathan, right?” “I’m Sarah, Bella’s assistant.
She wanted me to point out Victoria James—she’s your lead model for the campaign.” I nod, adjusting my lens settings. “Which one is she?” “You’ll know when you see her.” Then she appears. Sarah was right. I know immediately. Victoria James commands attention without trying. It’s the split second of vulnerability I catch right before she steps into the spotlight. Then she’s moving, and the woman on the runway is pure fire and confidence. “Stunning, isn’t she?” Bella appears beside me, beaming with pride.
“She’s got incredible presence,” “Vic’s been my best friend since college. She’s also one of the most talented models I’ve ever worked with.” “And one of the most guarded people I know.” “Victoria James, meet Nathan Sinclair.” Welcome to their meet-cute. Very good book.
“Modeling at her size, and at her age. Really inspiring.” The word ‘brave’ hits her like ice water. She keeps walking, keeps smiling, because that’s what professionals do. But inside, something familiar and unwelcome twists in her chest. Brave. As if stepping onto the runway in her body is some kind of heroic act. As if she’s not here because she’s excellent at what she does she book campaigns that sell clothes, and make women feel beautiful. As if she were picked to walk out of charity instead of talent.
When she gets off the stage Bella already knows something is wrong with Vic’s energy level. “Someone called me brave for existing in public. You know how it goes.” “Screw them. Did you see how everyone reacted when you walked out there? You commanded that room.” “Trust me, I know. It’s just funny how ‘brave’ is the go-to compliment when people don’t know what else to say about a fat girl on a runway.” “You’re not—” “Bella.” She holds up a hand. “I’m fat. It’s not a bad word. I’m also gorgeous, talented, and really good at my job.
But I’m tired of people acting like I deserve a medal for having the audacity to exist in public while fat.” If she can own that runway, maybe Vic can own whatever she’s afraid of too. But sometimes one little word can slip right through all that armor and find the soft spots she thought she’d healed over. “Want some good news that might make you forget all about random idiots with opinions?” “Always.” “Bella just got confirmation. Nathan Sinclair wants to shoot the next campaign. With you. As the sole model.”
Her hands were still on her sweater. “Nathan Sinclair? The Nathan Sinclair?” “The very one. Moody, artistic, makes everyone look like they have secrets worth keeping. His people called this morning.” I’ve heard of Nathan Sinclair, obviously. Everyone in fashion has. He’s that photographer who somehow makes every shot look like fine art, the one who gets models to drop their guards and show something real. His work is beautiful in a way that makes your chest tight. He’s also someone she’s never worked with, in her industry usually means one of two things: they haven’t crossed paths yet, or he’s never shown interest in working with someone who looks like her.
“Did he specifically request me?” She asks, trying to keep her voice casual. “According to his agent, yes. Apparently, he’s been following Isabella’s Curves for a while and thinks you’d be perfect for the vision he has in mind.” Something warm spreads through her chest—not the artificial heat of the runway lights, but something genuine. “When do we start?” She asks. “Next week. His studio in Brooklyn.” Olivia grins. “I have a good feeling about this one, Vic. Really good.” “Nathan, right?” “I’m Sarah, Bella’s assistant.
She wanted me to point out Victoria James—she’s your lead model for the campaign.” I nod, adjusting my lens settings. “Which one is she?” “You’ll know when you see her.” Then she appears. Sarah was right. I know immediately. Victoria James commands attention without trying. It’s the split second of vulnerability I catch right before she steps into the spotlight. Then she’s moving, and the woman on the runway is pure fire and confidence. “Stunning, isn’t she?” Bella appears beside me, beaming with pride.
“She’s got incredible presence,” “Vic’s been my best friend since college. She’s also one of the most talented models I’ve ever worked with.” “And one of the most guarded people I know.” “Victoria James, meet Nathan Sinclair.” Welcome to their meet-cute. Very good book.
Displaying 1 of 1 review