YA Romances by Black Authors to Add to Your TBR Right Now

It is always important to amplify Black voices and support Black lives. One great way to do that is by reading books by Black authors. And there are plenty of great young adult romances to pick up and share. Celebrate Black joy and love with these seven YA romance books written by Black authors.

Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles

Del has had a crush on Kiera since Kindergarten, and when Kiera volunteers for an opportunity at their church, he does so – without realizing he signed up for a Purity Pledge. But Del isn’t ready to lose Kiera yet, and he teams up with fellow Pledger Jameer: he can put in a good word for Del and Del can answer fellow Pledger’s questions about sex ed. But as other boys become interested in Kiera, Del needs to act fast – but he also needs to ask Kiera what she wants in all of this.

A Love Hate Thing by Whitney D. Grandison

When Tyson Trice moves to the wealthy Coastal Hills after recovering from being shot and living on the streets of Lindenwood, he really doesn’t care about anything or anyone. Nandy Smith has been building a pristine image to fit in, but when she learns her parents are taking in a troubled teen boy, Nandy fears her summer plans and reputation will go up in flames. While only a bedroom wall separates them, Nandy and Trice might just get closer than they expected when he moves in.

The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

Marva has been looking forward to casting her first vote and making a difference for years. Duke is done with this election. He just wants to vote and focus on his band’s first playing gig tonight. But Duke can’t vote. When Marva sees Duke get turned around at their polling place, she becomes determined to help him get his vote to count. As they go from polling booth to polling booth, Marva and Duke just might connect over more than a mission of democracy.

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

Felix Love has never been in love, and he is afraid that being Black, queer, and transgender will keep him from getting his happily-ever-after. When he starts receiving transphobic messages from an anonymous fellow student – after they posted his deadname and images of him before he transitioned – Felix is determined on revenge. What he doesn’t expect? Entering a quasi-love triangle in the process.

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

Liz is determined to leave her small, rich, prom-obsessed town by attending Pennington College, playing in their orchestra, and becoming a doctor. But when her financial aid plans come to a crashing halt, Liz decides to run for prom queen and receive her school’s scholarship. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to get to Pennington. But when the new girl, Mack, decides to run for prom queen too, Liz must decide if falling for Mack will keep her from reaching her dreams or help them come true.

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown

Malik is determined to start a new life with his sisters in the city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts his sister, Malik strikes a deal to save his sister by killing Karina, the Crown Princess of Ziran. Karina’s mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated and Karina wants to raise her from the dead. But she’ll need the beating heart of a king and the only way she can is offering her hand to the winner of the Solstasia competition. As Malik joins the competition, the two are set to hate each other, but they just might fall for each other instead.

Now That I’ve Found You by Kristina Forest

Evie Jones is set to become the next big Hollywood star, like her grandma was years before. But when she’s betrayed by a close friend, Evie is blacklisted. She decides the only way to save her career is a publicity stunt with her reclusive grandma. But when her grandma goes missing, Evie must team up with Milo, a musician she isn’t sure she can trust, in order to find her grandma – without falling in love with Milo.