Looking for a book recommendation that doesn’t involve being intimate with a ghost and such.

I probably haven't read a book for pleasure since the final Twilight book came out. LOL (yikes) But the youngest of my children is now at an age where they don't need as much of me and I feel like I finally have the time to commit to reading a little, instead of wasting my life doomscrolling. I'm a late 40s female, wife, stay at home mom, really good sense of humor (often dark), not easily offended.

I see lots of "booktok" recommendations come up in my feed with lots of spicy, fantasy stuff. But I feel like it's mostly the same list on repeat or that the all just seem similar at this point. I'd be into the spicy aspect (varying degrees–I don't need it to have much spice for me to consider reading it, but I'm on board for as much spice as a book may offer). But I'm really just not that into the fantasy worlds, kingdoms, royal stuff, demons, a whole character list of fairies or other fantasy types.

I loved Game of Thrones the show but I'm too overwhelmed to read through all of that content–establish all the names and the mental images of so many locations in my head. I think I'd like to start with something easier to relate to, modern setting (1990s to current setting), something more real-world like with either just humans or just like a Twilight or True Blood amount of non-humans, if that makes any sense.

I like the idea of living vicariously through the main character and would like some sort of love interest or intimate encounters. I love a story where the main female character's love interest ends up being very protective of her. I don't like romance that's mostly sappy and sweet–I find it too boring. I don't like tear jerkers.

Bonus points for a thicker or plus sized female main character but not necessary.

I hope this is enough info to get some thoughts from this community on what I could try!