Romance books have the unique ability to bring a reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. As one of the most popular genres, these swoon-worthy books can make someone feel everything from pain to love.

In recent years, more Black authors have decided to craft stories that fully describe the complexity of Black love. These authors have created love stories that fill the mind, body and soul. The stories challenge the readers perceptions of the world, while filling their hearts with endless joy.

Escape into the dynamic world of romance with these romance books by Black authors.

Modern Reimagining: “Sex, Lies and Sensibility” by Nikki Payne
Second-Chance Romance: “The Partner Plot” by Kristina Forest
More Than Romantic Love: “This Could Be Us” by Kennedy Ryan
Fake-Dating Trope: “The Kiss Countdown” by Etta Easton
Black Women in Hollywood: “When I Think of You” by Myah Ariel
Nuanced Adult Romance: “A Love Like the Sun” by Riss M. Neilson
A Harlem Renaissance Love Story: “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” by Tia Williams

“Sex, Lies and Sensibility” by Nikki Payne

Nikki Payne’s upcoming release “Sex, Lies, and Sensibility” is a modern reimagining of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility.” The novelist, who proudly refers to herself as “Jane Austen’s sassy Black friend,” writes “cultural commentary for the hopeless romantic.” Releasing on February 13, the book follows two sisters as they work together to revamp an inn and navigate relationships with its current, attractive tenants.

“The Partner Plot” by Kristina Forest

Serial novelist Kristina Forest’s second adult romance follows two former high school sweethearts who end a wild night in Vegas with an impromptu wedding. “The Partner Plot” is a second-chance romance that celebrates Black love in all of its many nuances. Hitting the shelves on February 27, this romance book promises to be full of passion, love and laughs.

“This Could Be Us” by Kennedy Ryan

Kennedy Ryan’s “This Could Be Us” is the second installment of the popular Skyland series. Centering around Soledad Barnes, the story follows the soon-to-be divorcee on a journey of self-discovery, self-love and new romantic beginnings. This romance book, with its release date set for March 5, highlights that the most important love is the one that you possess for yourself.

“The Kiss Countdown” by Etta Easton

Debut author Etta Easton delivers a fake-dating romance book that is heartwarming and very spicy. “The Kiss Countdown” follows event planner Amerie Price who decides to one-up her successful ex-boyfriend by dating a gorgeous man that she accidently spilled her coffee on. The small lie turns into a three-month entanglement that begins to feel too real for the event planner. The book, which is releasing on April 9, promises to make readers swoon.

“When I Think of You” by Myah Ariel

With “When I Think of You,” debut novelist Myah Ariel is compared to other Black romance superstars. The romance book follows two former film school classmates who find themselves thrown together again. The pair’s love story sits at the center of the novel and can only be described as “satisfyingly complex.” The novel, which hits shelves on April 16, explores their love story, while delving into the resilience of Black women in Hollywood.

“A Love Like the Sun” by Riss M. Neilson

Award-winning young adult novelist Riss M. Neilson is making her debut to adult romance with “A Love Like the Sun.” Releasing on June 11, her adult romance debut is told over the timeframe of three hot summer months. The romance book follows longtime best friends Laniah and Isaac as the explore the ramifications of their potential romantic relationship. In conjunction with the sweeping love story, “A Love Like The Sun” delves into mental health, racial identity, grief and finding love while dealing with a chronic illness.

“A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” by Tia Williams

“A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” by romance novelist Tia Williams is the perfect romance book to dive into this month. Set against the backdrop of modern Harlem and Renaissance glamour, the novel follows Ricki Wilde, who is talented at multiple things, but seems to always fail at fitting into her famous socialite family. However, one magical February evening in New York with one handsome and mysterious stranger changes her world in an unexpected way.

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