An Updated Black Romance Recommendations List
Nothing makes me happier than reading Black romance. It’s where I’m most comfortable as a reader, and it will always be my soft place to land when I’m in a slump or nothing else is speaking to me.
I’ve shared many times before that Black romance — and the self‑publishing world I discovered through Kindle — is what truly solidified my love for reading in my late teens. It’s basically the bedrock of the book lover you see today. As I mentioned in my previous post, I often feel like romance as a genre is delegitimised and treated as anti‑intellectual, so you can only imagine how Black romance is viewed.
Because this genre revived and nurtured my love for books as an adult, it will always hold a special place in my heart, and it can never be diminished in my eyes.
I’ve shared Black romance recommendations in so many formats on this blog over the past year. In fact, it was the first recommendation list I ever posted here, and since then I’ve done more specific ones covering book length, culture, and tropes. You can find all my previous lists below, along with their accompanying posts, to help you get a feel for each book before diving in.
Previous Recommendations
New Recommendations
These new eight black romance books are ones I’ve read over the past three to four years—carefully curated with my fellow romance lovers in mind. The more I recommend, the harder it gets, because so many of my favourites have already been featured. But as I keep reading, more incredible books land on my radar—especially the ones that somehow slipped through the earlier recommendation gaps. So these eight are a mix of personal favourites, stories I truly enjoyed, and books that arrived at exactly the right time when I needed drama, excitement, or a love story to sink my teeth into.
In This Moment by K Lashaun
Garryn Taylor doesn’t believe in love, too many people have failed her. Focused on her career, she’s tasked with securing rare artifacts owned by elusive music mogul Verse Presley. When he refuses, a tense back‑and‑forth forces them closer, challenging her walls as his charm and complexity become harder to resist.
I have actually discussed this book before in my best book boyfriend’s post from last year! A very deep resonant read. Verse Presley was A1 and Garryn Taylor will drive you up the wall – good luck!
Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop
You are cordially invited to the wedding of Amerie Cross and Arnold Hightower – a toast from the maid of honour, Janelle Cross! Hi everyone, thank you for being here. You may know me as the sister of the bride or as the ex-girlfriend of the groom. But now I’m sleeping with the best man. It was only supposed to be for the week; but every stolen moment with Rome Martin feels like it could last forever.
This book is spicy!!!! However the story around it and the plot is super interesting – it is such a gisty book that you can’t help but discuss.
A Worthy Love by A.E. Valdez
After being publicly humiliated by her boyfriend’s wife, Marisa Banks vows to rebuild her life—starting with one reckless night with confident, infuriating Asher Blaine. Their explosive encounter should’ve ended there, but crossing paths again forces them to confront desire, secrets, and the pasts that threaten what they’re slowly building together.
I read this over 3 years ago but rereading the synopsis brought it all back! I loved this book!
Demons Dream by Elle Kayson
Damien – Hardened by a life that no one should live, I had rules that governed my existence. No caring. No intimacy. No love. And then I saw her… Dream. Beautiful. Brave. Bold. And for thirty days, she was mine. I would follow her body, ignore her heart. Then, she looked at me… like she knew me. Like she saw me. Like she loved me. And I knew… thirty days weren’t nearly enough.
Disclaimer – This is an URBAN. I repeat URBAN black romance! It is extremely toxic and if you know this isn’t your vibe stay away!!!! I almost regret recommending it but I simply can’t. I absolutely devoured this book.
Rebel by Beverley Jenkins
Valinda Lacey’s mission in the steamy heart of New Orleans is to help the newly emancipated community survive and flourish. But soon she discovers that here, freedom can also mean danger. Which leads her straight into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq. he can’t stop admiring—or wanting—her. But when Valinda’s father demands she return home her daring rebellion draws Drake into an irresistible proposition
This is the only book by Beverly Jenkins I’ve read but she comes highly recommended!
The Love Sisters by Christina C Jones
Jaclyn Love is a magnet for trouble – it seems to follow her wherever she goes. Joia Love is all about… well, Joia. A man doesn’t even factor into her top five primary interests. Jemma Love is beholden to no one, and wants nothing more than to keep it that way. Follow the Love sisters as they fight and fall in this three book collection.
I love Christina C Jones and no black romance list will be made without recommendations from her! This is a three book series. It’s fun with just enough depth to have you connecting with her characters
Let’s Get Married by Ashley Nicole
Time waits for no man. That’s what they say. It sure isn’t waiting for Maali and Zach to get themselves together. Everybody has been trying to push them together since forever. They’ve done everything in their power to keep that from happening, until now. He has a need, and so does she. Can they strike a mutually beneficial deal without getting their hearts involved?
I love Ashley Nicole and she’s another author that I can’t help but recommend. I love this entire series and recommend them all.
Behind the Scenes by Christina C Jones
Pierre and Logan both attract snap judgements—she’s the privileged daughter of a respected family, he’s the brooding orphan of Hollywood royalty. Maybe they’re just two people pushing back against a world full of expectations, hoping someone will see past first impressions. Maybe they share more than it seems, and just need one person who understands who they really are.
I really enjoyed this the first time I read it. Lots of deep feelings about perception and legacy wrapped in a spicy but emotional romance.
This year I’m trying to make my recommendations list more extensive and offer a wider range within each genre or category. I think this selection showcases a mix of light, easy romances; love stories rooted in pain and trauma; complex family dynamics; and narratives that simply reflect real life and what it means to navigate these kinds of emotional journeys.
If you do explore any of these stories please let me know I love discussing! Please let me know if you would like me to create these Lists on GoodReads or Fable as a Recommendation reference!
Thanks as always for reading and see you all again soon!
Signed,
