Real Men Love Curves

Curvy Ever After #1

by Kat Baxter

Luke

Even though Erin and I have been best friends for years, she has no idea how much I want her. No idea that her luscious curves drive me crazy, or that she stars in my every fantasy. No idea that I’m aching to get out of the friend zone. I’m smart enough to keep that shit under wraps.

There’s only one secret I guard more closely: I may want Erin’s body, but I also want her heart and soul. And I want them forever. But it turns out, I’m not the only one who has a secret...

Erin

Everyone has a secret right? Mine is just more embarrassing than most. I must be the only twenty-three-year in the world who’s never had an “O.” I’ve never taken the train to O-ville … not with any of my boyfriends. Not even by myself.

So when Luke, aka my best friend, aka sex-on-a-stick, aka I wanna-climb-him-like-a-koala, offers to teach me how to get there, who am I argue? I’d be a fool to turn him down. I’d be even more of a fool to fall for him.

Dear Reader, Real Men Love Curves is a steamy romantic short with a plus size heroine and her super-hot best friend with a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Novella, M F Romance, Short Stories

69 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2020

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author, Kat Baxter writes fast-paced, sweet & STEAMY romantic comedies. Readers have dubbed her “The Queen of Adorkable.” and her books “laugh-out-loud funny,” and “hot enough to melt your kindle.” She lives in Texas with her family and a menagerie of animals. Kat is the pseudonym for a bestselling historical romance author.

Connect with Kat online.

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Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, best shorter story I’ve read.

Sweet and emotional. I loved it.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/26/2020)! 🎁

[Andrea Wimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super quick read, super sexy and romantic! First time reading this author and loved it!

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, sweet friends to lovers romance. You'll love Erin and Luke's story. They've both been in love with each other for years but each thinks the other only thinks of them as a friend. They get close when Erin's boyfriend kicks you out of their apartment and she needs a place to stay. She stays with Luke and their chemistry is explosive as they realize how much in love they are. The book is well written and an easy read. Can easily be read in one sitting. This is part of a series but is read as a standalone but there are some interconnecting characters. A happy ending, a little surprise and no cliffhanger. I purchased this book last year but just got around to reading it. Wish I'd read it earlier.

[Chalice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The couple: Luke and Erin

Romance genre: friends to lovers
Series: Curvy Ever After
Length: 70 pages

Plot: Luke and Erin have been friends forever, but Luke wants more. Erin doesn't know that, though, and anyway, she's had a boyfriend for a while. But now that she's broken up with her boyfriend, all Luke needs is to convince Erin that he really is the man for her. Erin, for her part, has a crush on Luke but doesn't think that he would ever find her attractive. But when he offers to help her out with a little problem (the problem being a lack of satisfaction in the bedroom), it will be difficult to keep things at the level of friendship.

Commentary: This story was really sweet! For some reason, it really got to me where other insta-love novellas might not. I loved the way that Luke not only loved Erin but went out of his way to boost her confidence and protect her. He was definitely playing for the endgame!

Next book in the series: Real Men Love Curls

[Geeky Girl Review Cafe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yummy Friends to Lovers!

Friends to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes. I LOVED how Kat wrote Luke and Erin's story, my favorite types of characters and my favorite trope. 😍😍

This story broke through that friend-zone barrier and showed that the risk is SO worth the HEA that's sure to follow.

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, sweet romance with great characters. This was a friend to lovers romance with hidden feelings.

I loved the plot and the chemistry between the characters!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Jansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read. Love both hero and heroine and their fabulous relationship!

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Luke and Erin have known one another forever, they're best friends. Luke owns a bar in town while Erin was a gaming app developer. Erin needs to get her things out of her ex-boyfriend's home but he's gone on a business trip. When he comes back before she's expecting him he wants to know where she's staying. Luke tells Erin's ex-boyfriend that she'll be staying with him. Then Erin's ex-boyfriend wants to know if Luke is going to help her with her problem too. Erin doesn't want to talk about it while Luke drives her to his home. After Erin is settled Luke sends her a message wanting to know what her ex-boyfriend was talking about. Erin lets Luke know through text that she's never had an orgasm. Luke decides to give Erin orgasm lessons, to help her out. Erin gets her things from her ex-boyfriend's home and it's stacked in Luke's home. The next morning Erin thinks it'll be awkward around Luke but he doesn't let it be. Erin doesn't want anything to ruin their friendship, and Luke tells her there's nothing more important to him. Luke tells Erin how beautiful she is and she tells him he doesn't have to say things like that. Luke then kisses Erin, then he tells her to touch herself. Luke tells Erin he wants to make her come, and tells her to take off her clothes. Luke then pleasures Erin and makes her come. Erin realizes that he didn't come so she asks Luke if she can watch him. Luke has to head to work but he tells Erin he wants her in his bed when he comes home. While Luke is gone Erin makes herself busy in the kitchen baking cookies. Erin keeps herself busy and pampers herself with a hot bath and a glass of wine. When Luke gets home he finds Erin in his bed just like he asked her. Luke slips under the covers and pleasures Erin, then he asks her if he can make love to her. When Erin wakes up the next morning she panics, an leaves. Erin mets her friend Chloe Real Men Love Curls to talk about what happened between her and Luke. Erin decides to get a hotel room since Luke fulfilled his lesson on giving her an orgasm. Luke waits for Erin but when she doesn't return he goes to talk to Jake. Erin hears a knock on her door, and goes to find Luke. Luke wants to know what she's doing, Erin tells him she figured the lessons were over, and she didn't want things to be awkward. Erin tells Luke she didn't want him to have the talk with her and break her heart. Luke tells her he's in love with her, and Erin tells him she's in love with him too. Six months later, Luke comes to see Erin in her wedding dress before their wedding. Erin tells him he's not suppose to see her, but Luke tells her he missed her. Luke tells her he loves her and Erin tells him she loves him too. Erin tells Luke she's pregnant. Luke is happy he gets to be a husband and daddy all in the same day. Erin tells Luke she's the lucky one, they're going to live happily ever after.

[Lynn Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin, 23, is a programmer who has been best friends for years with Luke who now owns and runs a bar. Luke has been attracted to Erin for years but didn’t act on the attraction because he didn’t want to lose her friendship. Erin’s live-in boyfriend just broke up with her because he said she was frigid and she admitted to her friends that she had never had an orgasm. Since she needed a place to stay Luke offered her his spare room and said he would teach her 3 ways to climax. However, they both wanted to make sure that they followed some guidelines and that their friendship would remain intact. Could Luke succeed in helping Erin experience an orgasm? Would they realize that they both had strong feelings for each other and that made the sex better?

I thoroughly enjoyed this cute story with friends becoming lovers after they realized how deeply they both cared for each other. The well written story explained their feelings and their fear of losing their friendship if their sexual relationship failed. The epilogue was a fun conclusion to this short story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

“despite the seventeen months together, nine of which had been living in the same damn apartment—he’d dumped me.
Two days ago.
On his way out of town on a business trip. Because he was “done pretending” he could be happy with me.”

Erin just broke up with her boyfriend of 17 months, or rather he dumped her.
While he was at it, he made Erin think she was the problem and that she was frigid.

“Hypothetical situation?”
“If that’s what it needs to be.”

Luke has been best Friends with Erin forever.
So when Erins ex throws her out of their apartment he offers to let her stay with him and being the good friend he’s he also offers to help her with her little problem.

“Even if it’s not forever, I would take what I could get from her because those memories…those are the ones that will keep me warm when I’m geriatric and cranky.”

Turns out Erin didn’t had any problem but an ass for a boyfriend. And turns out Luke’s feelings weren’t the only ones that were hidden.

[Nancy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

REAL MEN LOVE CURVES is a Best Friend's to Lovers Romance Short Story by Kat Baxter. Who writes a good story with steamy parts in a few amount of pages.

Erin and Luke have been best friends for years. He owns a bar, really good-looking, and has done quite well for himself. He has his own place to call home. What he doesn't have is how to get out of the “friend zone” with Erin. He believes that since she came from money that he isn't good enough for her. Not enough to offer. She has no idea that her curvy body drives him nuts.

Erin has been in love with her best friend Luke for a long time. She always thought she wasn't his type with all her curves. But at twenty-three she is embarrassed to tell him that she has never had an orgasm. But when her latest boyfriend breaks up with her & kicks her out of his apartment, and kind of let's the entire bar plus Luke know she has this problem. Then it is Luke who decides he will help her fix her issue. Matter-of-fact, it will be his pleasure to help her. Can they keep their friendship after this or not?

[EstelaReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starring Luke and Erin.

Trope(s): Best Friends to Lovers and Unrequited Love.

I love it when the story begins and the hero and heroine have an established long time history. Erin and Luke, two best friends who secretly love one another... and an opportunity that will finally take their relationship beyond the friendship zone!! I totally enjoyed this steamy novella. Luke and Erin were wonderful characters and perfectly right for each other. You can’t help but cheer for these two!!

Kat Baxter writes adorably haaaawt stories that make me want to giggle as I fan myself. I love how real her characters are. There’s a teaser for the next book and I can’t wait wait to read the other stories in the series.

My star rating: 4 1/2 stars
Book was great. Loved the characters. Gave me the feels and aaaaaaalmost made me cry in some parts. Will be re-reading this book fo’sho!!

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than friends

This book is about Erin and Luke. They have been best friends for years, and he’s desperate to get out of the friend zone – she just doesn’t know. She also has a couple of secrets, one that she’s more than willing to have him help her out with! With their mutual attraction and sizzling-hot chemistry, this is bound to be a whole lot of HOT fun!

It’s sweet, emotional, steamy and passionate. The characters are all so likeable and fun! They’d be great friends to have and hang out with. And Luke… what a GREAT friend he was ;) I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading something by this author. It is a sweet and steamy best friends to lovers romance. Erin and Luke have been best friends for a long time. Luke has secretly been in love with her for years and has not acted on his desire for fear of losing their friendship. But it looks like Erin needs help in the bedroom department and Luke is more than willing to help. And the truth about just how deep their feelings are for one another might just come to light. A cute friends to lovers romance, that gives you tenderness, sweetness, and some steam. A well-written story that was a lot of fun to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katherine Braccia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

Sometimes after a #darkromance read like DOV you just need a quick and happy, light read.

And this hit the mark 👌🏻

This is a 70page book of light, fluffy, steamy, funny, curvy girl and hot man romance. Being a #curvygirl myself this hit right 🎯 into the feels and really gave me a confidence boost. Even though it wasn’t happening to me, it felt GOOD to read about a curvy girl who wears cheeky panties and a techie (like me) being hot and lusted after.

This is my first Kay Baxter book and definitely won’t be my last. This is also a 3 part series 😉 so I’m going to read about these other guys in the group now.

It is also Free on Kindle Unlimited

Thank you 🙏 Kat for writing this book!

[Frances Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curve love

Luke is owner of a local bar and best friends with Erin. He has been in love with her, for some time now, and he finally finds his opportunity.
Erin is a single female who seems to not find true love. Her ex just dumped her via text, and she is lonely. She also has never had a
fulfilled sexual experience.
Luke sees this as his opportunity to show Erin that he loves her,and he volunteers to be her sex coach. He eventually succeeds at pleasing Erin, and the both realize that they are more than friends. Love prevails for the couple, and they story ends in a beautiful HEA.
Kat Baxter is a new-to-me author, but I enjoyed this book. Her characters were interesting, with a short, but well developed story. I will be looking for more books written by her.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke and Erin had been best friends forever, but were they really best friends? Luke was in love with Erin. He loved everything about her - her curves, her laugh, her personality. He wanted to spend his life with her. But, he didn’t know how to tell her. Erin was having boyfriend issues again. He left her because of bedroom issues. Erin has asked Luke for help. She doesn’t enjoy being kissed or touched. Does she really have problems? Could it be that it’s just the wrong guy? This is a quick little read that has humor, tenderness, smoldering heat, and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin and Luke have been there for each other for years and Luke has loved Erin for just as long. When Erin confess that she is not able to relax enough, Luke figures it's his time to make her understand his feeling.

This is a sweet friends to lovers story. Even thought the character's are from opposite side of society, they are actually the perfect fit for each other. I fell in love with Luke and how caring and supportive he was of Erin.

Kat Baxter is a new author for me, I am excited to see what is next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lorraine Brattin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly awesome!!!

I love reading curvy love stories since I'm curvy too. I think Luke and Erin made such a cute couple. They have been best friends since high school but Erin always felt she was too curvy for Luke since he always dated the thin model type.
Luke is a bar owner and is gorgeous. So there is always a woman throwing herself at him. Erin is just coming out of a bad relationship when Luke finds out she has never had an orgasm. Can he help her find her way? Does she want his help?

Loved this short story! All the feelings and heat that I like. Hope you all like this as well as I did. Enjoy!

[Sherry Sias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends to lovers

Erin and Luke have been best friends forever. Erin is a curvy girl who is in love with Luke,but never acts. Luke has been in love with Erin since forever. Erin gets dumped by her boyfriend because she's to "rigid" in bed. Luke,always fixing things, takes this opportunity to "show" Erin how much he cares about her without using words. Can they get their feelings for each other out or do they ruin their friendship forever? Live this story. Short and sweet.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book

It's short and too the point. Nice quick read. I hate filler, and I am so tired of reading page after page of filler that is boring and repetitive, and has no contribution to the story! This book didn't have any of that. It is such a refreshing change!! It's only 69 pages but you can't have it both ways. Ill take this type of flow any day over the repetitive "stretching" of a story that is miserable to get through! I enjoyed it! The characters were believable, likable, and the story was great! Good job, A plus from me.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is a short sweet story with some steam. These two friends have loved each other for a long time but never said anything. When she decides to let him help her with her problem, it might open doors to their feelings. I enjoyed this story

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and sweet book with a bit of steam too. I really enjoyed the relationship between best friends Erin & Luke, they've both loved each other for forever but kept it secret and the chemistry between them crackles. It's a short story and when I got to the end I wanted to know what happens next for them. Fingers crossed for a sequel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute story! I love Luke and Erin's friendship and how he takes care of her. When they finally get together, their chemistry is pretty explosive and hot. For a short novel, the story line flows well and we get a good sense of the characters. This was a very enjoyable read and a great addition to my library.

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good storyline of a best friend helping with lessons and taking his chance on the woman he has always loved. Best friends romance are my absolute favorite with the characters being genuine and wanting the most for each other. The supporting characters are great with advice and giving that extra push when needed. The outcome of this book is fantastic and looking forward to reading more by this author.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.

[Jennifer R · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reader

Really enjoyed this book. Often times short, insta-love books are fun in the moment and gone when I turn off my kindle. It was not the case with this book. I felt every moment of it! I loved Luke and have one in my life that is still in the friend zone with me. Maybe I related a little too much. But I’m downloading the other two books and am about to dig in right now! Xo

[ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww

Let me say this...
This cheeky lovers from friends story was so good. I was asked to read a few of the series by someone who knows how much I read and I must say that although some aren't always as engaging as others this one was a really really good.
She is a friend in need and he knows exactly what to do to help her after a little bit of lust some sex of course a lotta love a happily ever after comes this is a really good quick read

[Mrs R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short story with a HEA. Erin and Luke are best friends, but both have feelings for each other without the other knowing.
Erin doesn't want to lose her best friend by blurring the friendship line, but Luke has had enough. Now that Erin is single again he's determined to show Erin how much she means to him.
Erin was really insecure, always doubting herself and Luke's actions, so he really has his work cut out.

[Edna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real Men Love Curves (Curvy Ever After Book 1)

Refreshing Short Story. Luke and Erin are the best of Friends forever. Erin's ex boyfriend breaks up with her so Erin moves into Luke's house for the time being. Luke has always loved Erin but was afraid he wasn't good enough for her. Erin has secretly cared about Luke but doesn't think she is his type. Luke learns that Erin has never had an organism and proceeds to fixit.