Swoon-Worthy Romance Novels: Fall in Love with These Must-Read Black Authors
Celebrate Black History Month and Valentine’s Day with these beloved Black writers
February is the month of love, but it’s also Black History Month. So what’s a great way to celebrate both? A list of the Black romance authors that are so hot (pun intended) right now. Fans of the romance book genre consistently sing the praises of these authors on BookTok, Goodreads, Reddit, and anywhere else you find fans talking about their favorite books. From historical to contemporary romance, and from exploring Black love to interracial relationships, these authors are dishing up some of the best fiction of today. And our list is by no means complete! Tell us who your favorite Black romance genre authors are in the comments!
1. Jasmine Guillory
Jasmine Guillory is a contemporary romance author celebrated for her engaging storytelling, diverse characters, and realistic portrayals of relationships in romance fiction. Her novels, including The Wedding Date, The Proposal, Party of Two, and While We Were Dating, among others, have captivated readers with their charming narratives and modern twists on classic romance tropes. And the critics absolutely love her too; she’s earned an almost regular spot on The Today Show recommending books to their audience. Guillory’s writing seamlessly weaves together themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, and her stories are so compelling that they resonate with audiences worldwide. Her witty dialogue is so entertaining and swoon-worthy in and of itself, and her heroes and heroines are beautifully flawed, thoughtful, and real. Guillory continues to enchant readers and solidify her place as a prominent voice in the romance genre. Find her on Instagram here!
2. Alexa Martin
If you love sports and romance, author Alexa Martin is known for writing novels that blend humor, passion, and strong character dynamics. Her football themed romances in The Playbook Series, Intercepted, Fumbled, Blitzed, and Snapped, inspired by Martin’s experience as the wife of an NFL player, have garnered widespread acclaim for their sizzling chemistry, authentic portrayal of contemporary relationships, and unique perspective. Her non-sporty romances, Better Than Fiction and Next Door Nemesis, offer up romcom delight as well. With her engaging storytelling and irresistible characters, Martin continues to captivate readers and establish herself as a standout voice in the romance genre. Find her on Instagram here!
3. Beverly Jenkins
Beverly Jenkins is a highly esteemed, critically acclaimed author celebrated for her captivating historical romances that spotlight African American characters and culture. We can thank Beverly Jenkins for ushering diverse romance since she published Night Song in 1994. With over 30 novels to her name, Jenkins has earned numerous awards and accolades–including the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award and nomination for an NAACP Image Award–for her rich storytelling and meticulous research. Her works, including Indigo, Forbidden, and Tempest (among many others) transport readers to diverse settings such as the American West, post-Civil War Reconstruction era, and vibrant communities of the 19th century. Jenkins’ narratives skillfully weave together themes of love, resilience, and social justice, offering readers compelling tales filled with passion and depth. Through her empowering heroines and poignant romances, Jenkins continues to leave an indelible mark on the literary world, inspiring readers of all backgrounds.
4. Kwana Jackson
Kwana Jackson, also known by her pen name K.M. Jackson, is a talented author celebrated for her contemporary romance novels that blend humor, heart, and diverse representation. Her popular romances, Real Men Knit, How To Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days, As Good as the First Time, and her Unconventional Brides series showcase vibrant characters navigating love, family, and personal growth against the backdrop of modern urban settings. Jackson’s writing is characterized by its witty dialogue, authentic relationships, and themes of empowerment and self-discovery, and hers is a beloved voice in the romance genre. Follow her on Instagram here!
5. Naima Simone
Naima Simone is known for her captivating romance novels that blend passion, emotion, and diverse characters. Simone crafts tales that resonate with readers, exploring themes of love, redemption, and second chances. Her novels span various subgenres, including contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance across many series and standalones, so there’s truly something for everyone on Simone’s prolific list! Also, you can find Spotify playlists on her website to accompany your reading. Simone’s writing is characterized by sizzling chemistry, authentic characters, intricate plots, and powerful emotional arcs. Follow her on Instagram here!
6. Talia Hibbert
Talia Hibbert’s website promises spicy, diverse romance and she delivers! Hibbert is a rising star in the world of contemporary romance, renowned for her refreshing and inclusive storytelling. With a knack for crafting relatable characters and heartfelt narratives, Hibbert’s novels such as Get a Life, Chloe Brown, Take a Hint, Dani Brown, and Act Your Age, Eve Brown resonate with readers as they tackle themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth with humor and depth. Hibbert’s writing effortlessly combines steamy romance with genuine emotion, creating stories that are both empowering and captivating and has catapulted her name onto numerous bestseller lists. Follow Talia Hibbert on Instagram here!
7. Alyssa Cole
A versatile and prolific author, Alyssa Cole is celebrated for her captivating storytelling across multiple genres. Hers is a big name in romance where she writes both historical and contemporary romance, but she also has written many novels in the non-romance genres of speculative fiction, mystery/thrillers, and graphic novels. With a keen eye for detail and a reputation for crafting nuanced characters, Cole’s novels explore themes of love, identity, and social justice with depth and sensitivity. Her books, including An Extraordinary Union, A Princess in Theory, and When No One is Watching, have garnered critical acclaim for their richly drawn characters and engaging plots. Cole’s writing is marked by its thought-provoking commentary and diverse representation, making her a beloved figure in both the romance and speculative fiction communities and has earned her stellar media attention. Follow Alyssa Cole on Instagram here!
8. Mia Sosa
A former DC-area media lawyer, Mia Sosa turned her lifelong passion for reading romance (even during law school) into a second career. Sosa is now known for her witty and heartwarming romcoms that delight readers with their humor, charm, and irresistible chemistry. Just like her website says, her books are “funny, flirty, a little dirty.” Her Love on Cue (Acting on Impulse, Pretending He’s Mine) and Suits Undone (Unbuttoning the CEO, One Night With the CEO) series are in great company with her standalone novels like The Worst Best Man and The Wedding Crasher. And if you’re into audiobooks, The Starter Ex can be heard exclusively on Audible as an Audible Original. With a knack for crafting engaging characters and clever plot twists, Sosa’s novels seamlessly blend laughter and romance, and her books have earned praise for their fresh take on classic tropes and their diverse representation. Follow her on Instagram here!
9. Brenda Jackson
New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson is a prolific and highly acclaimed author of over 140 books and novellas and known for her captivating romance novels that span a variety of subgenres, including contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. Jackson’s books have garnered numerous awards (like the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award) and accolades for their compelling characters, intricate plots, and sizzling chemistry. A true trailblazer, Jackson was the first Black author to appear on the New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists in the romance genre. Her popular series, such as the Westmoreland series and the Madaris Family series, have captivated readers with their unforgettable characters and heartfelt stories of love, family, and redemption. Jackson’s writing is characterized by its emotional depth, strong storytelling, and celebration of Black love and relationships.
10. Kosoko Jackson
While known for his compelling young adult novels that explore themes of identity, love, and resilience, Kosoko Jackson is also the author of queer Black romances A Dash of Salt and Pepper, and I’m So (Not) Over You. In a landscape dominated by stories of heterosexual romance stories, it’s refreshing to have more gay representation in the genre. Jackson serves as a sensitivity reader for major publishers, and his own writing skillfully navigates complex issues with sensitivity and depth. His thought-provoking narratives that resonate long after the final page. Follow him on Instagram here!
Want more? Head over to our Discord where you’ll find tons of other fans there chatting in our forums about the TV shows, movies, music, games and books we all love! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, tumblr, and Spotify for more fandom content—and hit that subscribe button so you never miss a thing at rmrk*st!
