So, in case you weren’t aware: Black Lives Matter. Period. Black authors are so often glossed over and not given the credit they’re due, and they provide some of the freshest voices in the romance world today. Take a look at my top romance reads by Black authors so far this year and scoop up the ones you haven’t read yet ASAP.
1. Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
I feel like this one is obvious, but just in case you haven’t jumped on the Dani & Zaf #DrRugBae train yet, let me educate you for a second. Dani is a badass witchy woman and Zaf is a former rugby star who runs a non-profit where he teaches young boys to play rugby AND talk about their feelings AND HE READS ROMANCE NOVELS. I don’t even feel the need to go on. Read the book and thank me later.
2. Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon
I honestly don’t even know where to start with the wonder that is this book. Oh wait, yes I do…both characters are bisexual. YES, representation! We love to see it and we stan any queen who knocks down walls and writes about real people whose love may look different than ours but is no less beautiful. Xeni & Mason are body positive, mature adults who check in physically AND emotionally and honestly I could not be more here for it.
3. Destiny’s Embrace by Beverly Jenkins
This was my first Beverly Jenkins read and holy moly did I love it! An American historical romance featuring a grumpy but sexy hero and a heroine who is not afraid to get all up in his face and tell him what’s up…and also maybe throw a rock at his head when he’s being extra surly. Such a fun and quick read and the audiobook is fantastic!
4. Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
Okay, proceed with the utmost caution with this one, friends. It is BRUTAL. But it is also such an important and beautifully written story about a woman who endures some of the most horrific abuse, fights back, and comes out on top all on her damn own. She has a man there to help her and support her, but that’s it. August is a doll, but Iris is the hero in this story and can we have more of that stat, please and thanks?
5. A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole
This is such a delightfully sweet and fun read! And there’s a real life sexy AF prince who needs a bit of a dressing down from our heroine, but other than that, he’s a complete and utter gem. And our heroine, Naledi is a badass scientist who has no trouble speaking her mind and setting clear boundaries. We stan a queen!
1 thought on “My Top Romance Reads by Black Authors So Far This Year”
I am looking forward to reading #1 and #5.
#1 – I really liked her previous book, “Get a Life, Chloe Brown.” It kept me laughing.
#5 – I have read the other three books in her Reluctant Royals Series. This is up next!