Romance novels are a great way to unwind, spending time in a world full of love, mystery and intrigue. And you can nearly always count on a happy ending!
These novels are written with Black protagonists, portraying love and romance that Black readers can enjoy. For those who grew up without Black romance novels this list gives you what you missed out on.
1. The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
A tale of the best of enemies that is fun and flirty. This romance novel will keep you turning the pages as you get to know the story behind Max and Carolina’s past. From being jilted at the altar this wedding planner may have to work with her ex-fiance’s best man.
Is this a disaster waiting to happen or a love story about to bloom?
2. Rare Danger by Beverly Jenkins
USA Today’s bestselling author offers a thrilling tale of romance, mystery and murder. Jasmine is a private librarian whose old friend goes missing, and his partner is murdered.
Helped by private security ace Torr, Jasmine puts herself in danger to find out what has happened to her book dealer friend. And along the way, a romance begins to unfold.
3. Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
Tired of living a boring life, computer geek Chloe Brown enlists the help of her mysterious neighbor to help her experience new things. Because of her chronic illness she is determined to ‘get a life’ and has made a list of the things she wants to do.
But there is more to her tattooed handyman neighbor than she first thought.
4. Business Not As Usual by Sharon C. Cooper
Dreamy Daniels has a mantra she recites to herself every day. She reminds herself that she is beautiful, confident, lovable…and a future lottery winner. Working as a secretary while finishing her Bachelor’s degree she doesn’t need any distractions.
But then Karter, a suave, rich, venture capitalist arrives at her work and her plans may just start to fall apart.
5. Rafe by Rebekah Weatherspoon
After a messy divorce and a 1,000 mile move Dr. Sloan Copeland just wants to start living her new life. Then her live-in nanny leaves and Sloan has no-one to look after her twin daughters.
Enter Rafe, a tall, handsome tattooed answer to all her needs and maybe, her dreams. A stand-alone romance that will have you turning the pages in eager anticipation.
6. Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley
Jada is a reality star who is widely reviled after turning down a proposal on a TV dating show. Now she works in a bakery owned by a former football player who is just a little uptight.
When a reporter mistakenly identifies them as a couple they decide to go along with the story to change their public image.
7. The Left Of Love by Love Belvin
Coming from opposing backgrounds, how can Kennedi and Isaak understand the forces that connect them? She comes from suburban privilege and money while he has to struggle to survive in the inner city.
This is a revealing and scary social experiment that could go either way. The contrasts between them are so stark how can their bond endure?
8. An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole
A Civil War era story of romance, intrigue and danger. Elle is free but returns to slavery in the south to spy for the Union Army. All she carries are her passion for justice and an eidetic memory.
Malcolm is a detective, infiltrating a Virginian Rebel enclave. Together they have the chance to turn the tide of the war in the Confederacy’s favor.
9. Black Love Matters by Jessica P. Pryde
This anthology examines romance through the eyes of Black writers, readers and commentators. Within this book the way that Black love is depicted in romance novels, movies and TV shows is considered as well as how history has treated it.
A diverse collection of Black voices highlights the power of creating happy endings for Black love stories.
10. Awaken The Dragon by A.C. Arthur
An Afrofuturist paranormal romance about a half man, half dragon sees Theo next in line to the Drakon throne. Despite this he longs for a normal life, running the Legion Security Company.
However the arrival of Shola, his new client and the danger she faces may be about to change his quiet life. Big decisions await them both as does the fate of the world as they know it.
11. Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
The first book in the Hoops series is centered on a woman called Iris who is stuck in a toxic, abusive relationship with an NBA player. But now a new star has entered the league and Iris is drawn to him.
But will she ever be able to leave the fraud who tried to pass himself off as a prince and find her happily ever after.
12. Something So Sweet by Joy Avery
Lunden Pierce is Honey Hill’s devoted mayor, and does everything she can to protect the town’s historical buildings. So when her ex, Quade, comes back into town to sell the historic inn he inherited, Lunden is determined to change his mind.
While helping him to fall in love again with the town, he is also falling for her. But will Lunden have to choose between the town and the man she loves.
13. Intercepted by Alexa Martin
This is the first book in The Playbook series. It centers on Marlee Harper who has found out her NFL boyfriend has been cheating on her and vows never to date another athlete again. But then the new quarterback and Marlee’s old flame, Gavin arrives on the scene.
Will she be able to resist his advances as well as dealing with the scheming players’ wives?
14. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
When Drew convinces Alexa to pretend to be his girlfriend at a friend’s wedding it’s the start of a budding romance.
He’s a pediatric surgeon, and she’s chief of staff to the mayor of Berkley, two high powered professionals who are heading either for disaster or the relationship of a lifetime.
This is a fun and flirty romance which is the first in The Wedding Date series.
15. Summoning Up Love by Synthia Williams
Vanessa is a reporter who is trying to get over the breakup with her fiancé by staying at her grandmother’s beach house.
When her grandmother hires attractive paranormal investigator Dion to make sure there are no bad omens around Vanessa she is initially skeptical. However, her investigation reveals he’s the real deal, and suddenly she finds she can’t stop thinking about him.
16. The House On Blueberry Lane by Brenda Jackson
Jaye and Velvet were once in a relationship but when Jaye remained indecisive about their future, Velvet took the decision to leave without saying goodbye.
Now, two years later, he’s trying to track her down. But is it too late for him to prove his love to her? How far will he go to win back the love of his life.
17. Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson
After their adoptive mother dies Jesse wants to try to keep her knitting store in Harlem open. But his brothers have different plans and just want to tie up loose ends.
Part time shop employee Kerry has long had a crush on Jesse, and she volunteers to help him keep the shop open. Together they make plans to reinvent the shop for a new generation.
18. The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon
When Samiah realizes she’s been catfished through social media she swears off all men. Teaming up with her cheating boyfriend’s other two ‘girlfriends’ they agree to take six months off just for themselves, no men and no dating.
But Samiah has an attractive new colleague who is going to test her resolve. Will he turn out to be good boyfriend material or simply too good to be true?
19. A Duke, The Lady, And A Baby by Vanessa Riley
When West Indian heiress Patience questions her British husband’s suicide she is ends up in prison. Risking everything she eventually ends up working for her baby son’s new guardian, the Duke of Repington.
Despite his perceived military strictness she discovers a man of honor and passion. Busick Strathmore is determined to resolve his cousin’s financial situation for the sake of his son. Patience and Busick form a fragile trust but still face formidable odds.
20. American Royalty by Tracey Livesay
Dani is also known as Duchess and is poised to be the highest paid female rapper of all time. Until a video with another singer goes viral and Duchess finds herself in need of a rebranding.
Given an opportunity to perform for the Queen it is soon obvious that the Prince has fallen for her. But will she be accepted by his family and the media?
Final Thoughts
We hope you have enjoyed our guide to 20 beautiful black romance novels that you should read next.