7 Must-Read Black & African American Romance Novels

Love is in the air — and in romance books! While Valentine’s Day has become synonymous with February, let’s not forget that this month is also Black History Month. What better way to celebrate than to highlight stories that focus on Black experiences and Black love. Whether you're snuggled up to your sweetheart or eating sweetheart candies, these titles will surely have you swooning over love!

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

Where to Buy: Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon

Act Your Age, Eve Brown is a delightful contemporary romance that follows the life of Eve Brown as she seeks to prove herself to her family. After ruining an expensive wedding, spoiled Eve seeks to interview for a job as a chef at a bed and breakfast. Not only does she not get the job, but she also ends up hitting the owner, Jacob Wayne, with her car. Realizing the bed and breakfast is understaffed, Eve tries to become helpful, which forces the pair to spend an uncomfortable amount of time together. Although Act Your Age, Eve Brown is the third book in The Brown Sisters series, it can be read as a standalone novel.

Make a Scene by Mimi Grace

Where to Buy: Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon

After hearing the news that her cousin is engaged to her ex, Retta Majors is looking forward to attending the big day with her boyfriend. There’s only one problem. She doesn’t have one. Known for its fake dating trope, Make a Scene follows the sweet story of a baker and a boxer as they put on the performance of their life. When Duncan Gilmore says yes to the proposition, neither expects the lines to be blurred.

The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus

Where to Buy: Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon

Having just found out she’s moving to America, Audre is sent to live with her father in Minneapolis after being caught with her secret girlfriend. Meanwhile, Mabel is contemplating her relationship with her ex, only to be cut from her thoughts when her father announces that his best friend’s daughter will be joining them for dinner. The Stars and the Blackness Between Them is an emotional sapphic story that touches on grief and the struggles of queer young love.

Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers

Where to Buy: Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon

On a girls’ trip to Vegas to celebrate her Ph.D. in astronomy, Honey Girl follows the story of twenty-eight-year-old Grace Porter. Who would’ve thought a drunken night in Vegas would change things? Crushing under the weight of family expectations, Grace embarks on a journey of self-discovery alongside a woman she met in Vegas — a wife she barely knows. Honey Girl is a coming-of-age novel that highlights found family, mental health and sapphic love.

Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon

Where to Buy: Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon

Blackout is a delightful interlinked novel that features 6 short stories highlighting Black teen love. After New York City is captured in darkness due to a heatwave, an electrifying buzz fills the night with friendship, heartbreak and love. These interconnected stories highlight the joys and heartbreak of young love in all its forms. This anthology is not only a celebration of Black joy, but it also tells the story of each group and how each is affected by the blackout.

Opposite of Ways by Justin A. Reynolds

Where to Buy: Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon

Bonding over their love of Fruit Loops, Jack and Kate hit it off right away. Kate is perfect and Jack knows that he’s falling in love with her. Just a couple of months into their relationship, Kate dies, leaving him to wonder if that’s the end of them. Except, Jack finds himself transported to the beginning of their relationship. Jack wonders if this is his second chance — an opportunity to save her. However, actions have consequences. Saving Kate means putting another life on the line forcing Jack to consider how far he will go for love.

The Love Con by Seressia Glass

Where to Buy: Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon

Kenya Davenport is a lover of anime, gaming, and cosplay, so when the opportunity to participate in the reality show competition Cosplay or No Way comes along, she knows it’s too good to pass up. There’s only one tiny obstacle. The final challenge will focus on iconic pairs, which means coordinating outfits with significant others. Kenya’s best friend, Cameron Lassiter, steps up to the plate to roleplay as her boyfriend. Will they be able to convince the judges? Or will their flourishing feelings speak for themselves?