Part of the appeal of romance novels is the wonderful fantasy — the perfect heroine meets the perfect hero and, after exciting struggles and adventures, falls in love forever. I buy into all of that, and enjoy picturing myself as that beautiful, strong, brave, smart and talented woman winning the man with gorgeous eyes, perfect hair and sexy, muscular body.

But sometimes I want to read about someone who is more like me. A woman with a few flaws — not just emotional flaws, but physical ones. I can relate to a woman who has bad hair days, chipped nails and is a few pounds (or more than a few pounds) overweight. I want to believe that an imperfect woman can still win the man who is perfect for her — whether he looks like Adonis or not.

My new book, The Man Most Likely, features a heroine who is a size 16 and determined NOT to lose weight. She’s focused on learning to love herself just as she is. Angela Krisova owns a chocolate shop and appreciates the good things in life — including good food. She’s not into deprivation and dieting; she just wants to be happy. She’s making great progress, too, until one of the best-looking men in town, Bryan Perry, starts pursuing her. Falling for a guy who until now has dated only the hottest looking women in town, Angela suffers through self-doubts.

I really loved writing about Angela. To me, she’s one of my most real heroines, struggling with the image issues I and so many other women struggle with. And I loved pairing her with a hunk like Bryan because I believe love happens in the mind and heart, and the workings of true attraction aren’t always understandable. I had fun writing a guy who is bowled over by a woman who is definitely not his ‘type.’ Bryan struggles with his attraction to Angela, but even after he gives in and admits he loves her, he has to deal with the perceptions of other people, who have a hard time seeing him and Angela as a couple. Bryan and Angela’s love goes beyond surface appearances. I can believe a couple like that will find their happily-ever-after.

While I’ve written several less-than-perfect heroines, I have to admit I haven’t yet tackled a homely hero. I don’t know if readers are ready for that. Which is odd, really. My own husband was overweight when I met him (though he’s slimmer now) and I’ve known plenty of balding guys I thought were really sexy. I think women are much more willing to overlook a lack of physical beauty in a man — personality really does matter more to us.

Except when it comes to heros in books. I could be wrong about this. What do you think? Are you more willing to accept an imperfect heroine than a homely hero? What would you think of an overweight hero or one who was really short or bald?

What about heroines? Do you enjoy reading about more ordinary women, or do you want your heroines as beautiful as your heroes are handsome?

Cindi Myers is the author of more than three dozen novels, including The Man Most Likely, available this month from Harlequin American Romance. The Man Most Likely is the follow-up to her Rita-nominated title, The Right Mr. Wrong. For more about Cindi, visit her website at www.CindiMyers.com