Black Authors Share Their Favorite Romance Novels Celebrating Black Joy!
February is Black History Month and the month of love—so it’s the perfect time to support Black authors and dive into captivating stories that feature Black joy and love. And if you’re a romance reader, we have an extra-special treat for you: All voracious readers know that uncovering a really great book recommendation is a small victory, so Woman’s World caught up with four Black romance authors to ask what they’re reading—and loving—right now.
From dreamy rom-coms to flirty and fun retellings, each author shares why this genre is eternally important and why certain books remain their most sacred romance reads. Keep reading to discover their must-read recs to add to February’s TBR stack!
Etta Easton—author of ‘The Love Simulation’
Berkley
“Writing romance brings me joy. I love how romance novels allow us to step away from our realities and into worlds where people with real flaws get second chances, see their wildest dreams come true and find their happily-ever-afters despite any obstacles,” says Etta Easton, author of The Love Simulation. “Though I celebrate love and read romance all year, with February being the month of love and Black History Month, it’s the perfect time to highlight how Black love is all around us and isn’t going anywhere!”
Three books Etta Easton recommends
William Morrow;Forever;Forever
‘Topaz’ by Beverly Jenkins
“A jewel in Historical Romance that set the framework for the kind of heroes I love—they’re brave, they take charge and they’re protective. This western has so many elements to adore: marriage of convenience, wagon trips, a showcase of life in 1800’s Chicago and the love story of two strong and passionate characters.”
‘Reel’ by Kennedy Ryan
“Reel has so much more than you’d expect from an ‘Old Hollywood meets modern love’ story and it’s probably because it isn’t just a love story, it’s an experience. Our main characters, Neevah and Canon, are amazing on their own, but when Kennedy Ryan brings them together on page, they’re simply amazing. This story has and will continue to stay with me!”
‘Pardon My Frenchie’ by Farrah Rochon
“Farrah Rochon writes some of the most fun romantic comedies starring relatable heroines and swoon-worthy heroes! And Pardon My Frenchie delivers her signature sweet, sexy, and heartfelt stories. If you’re in need of a good giggle that will have you kicking your feet, this one is doggone amazing!”
Krystal Marquis—author of ‘The Davenports: More Than This’
Kimberly Marquis;Dial Books
“Romance novels are so hopeful and relatable. Whether the characters are falling in love for the first time or fighting for a second chance, those feelings are intense. Many of us have experienced love’s wide spectrum and romance novels connect us to each other in their familiarity—whether the story is historical fiction or steampunk, cozy or adventurous, classic or newly released,” says Krystal Marquis, bestselling author of The Davenports series. “And romance novels can be as diverse as the world we see around us. This is especially important in February because of the focus on love and Black history—two topics that were seldom at the forefront together when I was a younger reader. I love being able to write about the highs and lows of it all—especially where Black joy can shine. Love can be transformative and romance can be found in unlikely places.”
Krystal shares her thoughts on her favorite Black romances:
Joy Revolution;Berkley;Storytide
‘Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute’ by Talia Hibbert
“I enjoy a good rivals-to-lovers story and recommend Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert. Like Hibbert’s other novels, it’s funny and playful, the characters endearing and complex.”
‘The Neighbor Favor’ by Kristina Forest
“The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest because who doesn’t love a cute romance between two bookish people? I’m also a huge fan of novels with great sibling dynamics.”
‘The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick’ by S. Isabelle
“The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick is a witty historical fiction of a reluctant heiress with a fresh twist and features one of my favorite tropes, friends-to-lovers!”
Alexa Martin—author of ‘Intercepted’ and the Playbook series
Berkley
“I love writing and reading romance for the same reason: the escape. It’s the one place I know I can let my mind wander and no matter how bumpy the road might be getting there, at the end, two flawed people will find their happily ever after,” says Alexa Marti, bestselling author of the Playbook series. “This genre is important every month, but I think in February especially, with love and partnership taking center stage. ”
“Romance is such a broad genre that you can find representation no matter who you are and at a time when many feel unsafe to be seen, it’s so beautiful to be recognized and loved well in the pages of a book.”
Alexa shares her thoughts on her favorite Black romances:
Berkley;Berkley;Avon
‘Pride and Protest’ by Nikki Payne
“Everything about Nikki is joy and excellence and this book is no different. A modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice, this book is not to be missed.”
‘The Love Lyric’ by Kristina Forest
“The third book in The Greene Sisters series, Kristina Forest is an author you can always count on for fun, sweet, steamy reads. The Love Lyric follows single mom, Iris, and famous R&B singer, Angel Harrison. Celebrity romance is one of my favorite tropes and this was a perfect February read!”
‘Between Friends and Lovers’ by Shirlene Obuobi
“If you’re looking for a book filled with complex, beautiful relationships, humor and plenty of steam, then look no further than Between Friends and Lovers. This book will pull you in on page one and you’ll be thinking about it long after it’s over.”
Denise Williams—author of ‘Just Our Luck’
D&Dorf Photography;BerkleyD&
“Romance is a genre rooted in hope, trust, love and the idea that a happily ever after is possible for all of us. That’s what I love most about writing and reading romance novels—no matter the conflict, the obstacles and the twists and turns, I’m going to feel hopeful and happy at the end of the story along with the characters,” says Denise Williams, author of Just Our Luck. “In February, we’re reminded of love at every turn and I hope it reminds people to notice and appreciate it all year long!”
Denise shares her thoughts on her favorite Black romances:
Canary Street Press;Avon;Forever
‘Second Tide’s the Charm’ by Chandra Blumberg
“A second-chance romance, two exes on a boat AND sharks? This slow-burn romance is a closed-door romance, full of delicious romantic tension and a happily ever after that makes a splash. Chandra’s stories will always leave you feeling like you’ve just received the best hug of your life.”
‘A Princess in Theory’ by Alyssa Cole
“This passionate tale feels like you’re lost in the grown-up version of your favorite fairy tale. In addition to a delightfully crafted love story, you’ll get mistaken identity, a fake relationship, a jump into a life of royalty and a whip-smart heroine you’ll root for.”
‘Pardon My Frenchie’ by Farrah Rochon
“There are two things you need to know about this book before anything else: everything Farrah writes is joyful magic AND there are cute dogs in this one who lead their owners to a love story of their own. I adore these characters—I hope you will, too!”
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