When most people think of Romance novels the connotation is usually not so good. They think damsel in distress being swept off her feet, but I’ve fallen in love with romance novels. In contemporary romance novels, the women are always multi-dimensional, fun, adventurous and so much more. Plus, there’s no other genre that is as positive and feel-good, especially one that features Black authors. Even though February is over there's always time for Black romance because what could be better than Black people falling in love. What can be better than that?? Nothing. Exactly. So here’s a shortlist of Black romance novels to get you started. Click on any of the links to buy these books from my Amazon storefront.
Their Eyes were Watching God: I don’t know if everyone considers this romance but relationships are the main theme, even if all of them don’t end up going well. This is a classic, so if you haven’t read it yet, it’s time. The book follows the protagonist, Janey, as she finds herself as she's thrust into relationships and tries to find love. It's a classic so if you haven't read it yet it's a great place to start.
The Dating Playbook: If you love fake dating this is a book for you. Taylor Powell is a struggling personal trainer until her prospects change when a football player finds her workouts and wants to take a chance on her. Her prospects change even more when they find themselves fake dating for the media and things start to feel a little too real. This was a fun read where I immediately fell in love with the witty playful relationship of the characters. Fake dating isn't my favorite because I feel like it's always the same but I really enjoyed this one.
Take a Hint Dani Brown: Dani Brown is always busy, she's a super busy women's studies professor with no time for love. But when a video of her being rescued out of an elevator by a (very handsome) friend goes viral, she agrees to keep the momentum going with a fake relationship to help him support his charity. When her feelings start to grow she grapples with whether she can adjust to let someone else in. Dani is spunky and sarcastic so my favorite type of character and her boo is quiet and strong but has a sweet emotional side. They're the cutest pairing.
The Sweetest Remedy: The Sweetest Remedy is about love and identity. Hannah never knew her father but when he dies she is summoned to Nigeria for his funeral to meet an extended family that she never knew. While there she learns about her newfound culture and tries to get along with her new family while digging up some secrets from the past. While navigating all this she forms a connection with a close friend of the family who guides her through this transition and could become even more than a friend. I liked this book because it had a mix of romance with a lot of family drama as well.
While We Were Dating: Wow wait, this is fake dating too. It's a big coincidence because this really isn't my favorite trope I promise it's friends to lovers or enemies to lovers. I'm a fan of the tension. While We Were Dating is by one of my favorite authors Jasmine Guillory, its the story of a marketing director and an actress he works with falling in love. My favorite part of this book was the characters themselves and the growth that you see in them throughout the book despite their schemes to get her more publicity.
This is only a short list of my favorite Black romance novels. Try a few and let me know what you think.
On that note,
Read more books!! Especially Black ones
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