Romance is an amazing genre, and I especially love books by Black romance authors. These are stories that centre Black love or interracial romance featuring Black characters. I have a list of Black romance authors that I swear by, and I will be sharing that list in this post. If you are on the hunt for diverse romance authors to read, you are the right place. This list features both popular Black romance novelists as well as indie Black romance authors.
Why Black Romance Authors are Essential Reading
African American romance authors, as well as other Black romance authors of various descents – African, Afro-Latine, and so on – are putting in the work. They are creating stunning stories with the most amazing characters, and entering Black love stories. I love reading about Black women falling in love and finding themselves in these stories. We deserve, as Black women, to see ourselves in this light, and that is what the women featured on this list are doing.
Must-Read Black Romance Authors
Here is my list of highly recommended Black women telling essential romance stories. This list of contemporary Black romance authors is not exhaustive by any means, it is just a list of authors I have previously read and loved. Click on any of the names to be directed to their Goodreads page for a full list of their work. Keep reading to see my top recommendations for each author.
Where to Start: Recommended Books by Each Author
Talia Hibbert: I highly recommend the Brown Sisters series, which follows three sisters. It has plus size and disability rep.
Danielle Allen: The Curve series follows three plus size best friends in their romance and career journeys.
Kennedy Ryan: I have read so many books by Kennedy Ryan, she is one of the best Black romance authors out there. Her books are heavy and they feature stories and characters that just move you. I recommend the HOOPS series and the Skyland series.
Christina C. Jones: I have read the Love Sisters series of novellas, and they are really good.
Tia Williams: I have read A Love Song For Ricki Wilde and Seven Days in June, and I highly recommend both.
Jasmine Guillory: She writes romance series featuring diverse casts of characters. I highly recommend The Proposal and By The Book, which is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
Mia Sosa: I have read and loved The Worst Best Man.
That wraps up the list for today, folks. I am constantly reading books by Black authors in different genres and also checking out new Black romance authors when I can, so I might make a second part to this in future, but you can also find lots of recommendations for Black books and authors on my blog.
Oyinda Loves Books 