Fall in love with Black romance: 8 steamy reads

Over the past few decades, Black love stories have most often been portrayed in rom-coms like “Brown Sugar," “Love Jones,” “Jumping the Broom," and “Just Wright.” Dramas like “If Beale Street Could Talk” or the Oscar-winning “Moonlight” have captured the hearts of audiences, too.

And while I’ve seen “The Best Man” more times than I can count and no doubt have a VHS copy of “Poetic Justice” starring Janet Jackson somewhere in my mom’s garage, romance books are my new favorite way to consume stories about Black love.

You may not know it, but some of the biggest romance books of the past few years have been written by Black authors. These novels celebrate the beauty and complexity of Black love, and bring to life the diversity of experiences and voices within the Black community. Featuring all the tropes you know and love—as well as some sub-genres like fantasy romance and magical realism—the steamy romance novels below showcase Black couples going on adventures, falling in love, and getting their happily ever afters.

1. “Pardon My Frenchie” by Farrah Rochon

Fans of Jasmine Guillory will love the first book in a new rom-com series from “The Boyfriend Project” author Farrah Rochon. “Pardon My Frenchie” follows Ashanti Wright, a successful entrepreneur who has her hands full running her doggie day care business and taking care of her teenaged twin sisters.

The last thing she needs is the presence of Thad Sims, a grumpy former Army Ranger who’s tasked with taking care of his grandmother’s beloved poodle—despite his extreme dislike of dogs.

But when a social media scandal involving her pet Frenchie results in an uncertain future for her business, she must take in all the help she can get, regardless of where it comes from. The pair may bicker like cats and dogs, but is the bark worse than the bite?

2. “Under Construction” by Dipsea

When her ex-husband fails to fix the kitchen sink in the home they once shared, art curator Lucy hires a handyman service to come repair it. She opens the door to find Rachel, a tall, butch, beautiful Black woman wearing a tool belt and a smile.

As the two make conversation while Rachel works, Lucy finds herself fixated on Rachel’s strong physique, even blushing under her gaze. Sensing her attraction, Rachel makes a move and the two share a steamy, unexpected moment of passion.

As the days go on, Lucy realizes that she wants to get another fix of Rachel more than she needs Rachel to fix anything in her home. The two continue to spend time together in a more personal setting, with Lucy experiencing pleasure she never knew was possible.

Though their physical intimacy may be full of spice, Rachel will have to do what she does best: break down walls. Only this time, they’re the ones around Lucy’s heart.

This six-part sapphic romance audiobook features narration from both Black and Asian women, giving you a diverse love story that’s perfect for fans of Alyssa Cole or Akwaeke Emezi.

3. “The Kiss Countdown” by Etta Easton

Amerie Price is a professional event planner in bustling Houston, but her personal life is certainly not going according to plan. Somehow all at once, she’s found herself without a job, without a boyfriend, and she’s soon to be without an apartment.

When she runs into her ex and his new girlfriend at a coffee shop, she panics and pretends to be dating the handsome stranger she spilled her drink on earlier. That handsome stranger turns out to be astronaut Vincent Rogers, who goes along with her ruse in exchange for help with one of his own: Amerie will pretend to be his loving partner for the next three months to get his family off his back about his love life. In return, she’ll get to live in a room in his house rent-free while she puts her money toward starting her own business.

The two agree to keep their relationship strictly platonic, but the universe has other plans. Dating an astronaut is far too unpredictable for Amerie, but their chemistry is out of this world. Is their love story written in the stars?

4. “When I Think of You” by Myah Ariel

Kaliya Wilson knew she would have to pay her dues in Hollywood. But the longer she works at a reception desk of a major film studio, the more her dreams of making her own movies one day slips from her grasp. That is, until she’s reunited with her college love Danny Prescott. The same Danny Prescott who’s a big shot director now.

When Danny offers Kaliya a chance to work on his next movie, she convinces herself to say yes. Sure, things with Danny ended badly and she’s not sure she’ll be able to trust him again. But, this is also a career-making opportunity that won’t come along again.

As the two spend time creating movie magic, Kaliya wonders if it’s a wrap on their love story after all. This second chance romance is one of the new releases TikTok can’t stop talking about.

5. “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” by Tia Williams

From the New York Times bestselling author of “Seven Days in June” comes a beautiful romance novel about the magic of the unexpected.

As one of the daughters of Atlanta’s most prestigious Black family, Ricki Wilde has a comfortable life that bores her to pieces. Uninterested in becoming a rule-following socialite, she flees to New York the moment the opportunity presents itself.

Now living on the bottom floor of a historic brownstone with an older society woman, Ricki decides to finally pursue her dream of opening her own flower shop. Late one evening strolling the streets of Harlem, she encounters Ezra, a beautiful man with an unexpected secret.

Perfect for readers who enjoyed “Before I Let Go” by Kennedy Ryan, this romance novel is a beautiful portrait of Black love, filled with magical realism, witty banter, and an ode to the dazzle of the Harlem renaissance. For more from Tia Williams, check out the Netflix adaptation of her romance novel “The Perfect Find,” starring Gabrielle Union, who’s known for her work in other Black romance movies like “Think Like a Man” and “Love & Basketball.”

6. “Vicious Bonds” by Shanora Williams

With an almost five-star rating on Amazon, this Black romance fantasy novel is a must-read for anyone looking to mix it up from the typical historical romance or contemporary romance genres.

“Vicious Bonds” follows Willow, a young Black woman from North Carolina with the power of telepathy. One day, a portal opens and she finds herself in the woods of another world staring down a man with a gun. Only, she can hear this man’s thoughts...and he can hear hers as well.

Caspian, aka “Caz,” is the ruthless leader of Blackwater, a town in the world of Vakeeli. When he comes across a trespasser, he realizes that she’s the same woman he’s been hearing in his head. Determined to return her to Earth, the two embark on a dangerous journey that reveals an unexpected connection between them.

If you love fated mates, enemies-to-lovers, or morally gray heroes, you’ll love the first book in the “Tether” series, from a New York Times and USA Today bestselling Black author.

7. “Five Years” by Dipsea

Fans of the Black romance movie “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” (starring Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, and Regina King in their ‘90s glory) will love the ocean getaway setting and unexpected love plot of this audiobook from Dipsea.

After Sophia breaks up with her boyfriend, she heads to her best friend’s empty beach house in Montauk, New York to clear her head and get away from the big city. Except when she arrives, she finds that the house has an occupant. Apparently her friend had also offered the house to Theo Baker, a popular chef on the rise.

Theo can tell that Sophia is working through something. He makes small talk here and there, and shares leftovers of the meals he makes, but tries to give her space. Though during one rainy afternoon, they find themselves having their first real conversation and it’s nice — too nice.

On the drive home, the two share an unexpected, steamy kiss that launches them into a week of pleasure neither of them anticipated. Despite the growing feelings, they decide to part ways and make a pact to return to the beach house five years later.

Did their connection stand the test of time? Find out in this original Black romance audiobook.

8. “The Partner Plot” by Kristina Forest

Fans of “Get a Life, Chloe Brown” author Talia Hibbert will love this second chance Black romance book about former high school sweethearts who find themselves in a marriage of convenience years later.

Violet Greene is a successful celebrity stylist who’s decided to bury herself in work as she recovers from a public break up with her ex-fiancé. Xavier Wright is a New Jersey high school teacher and basketball coach who takes an uncharacteristic birthday trip to Las Vegas.

When the two unexpectedly reunite in Sin City, they dance and drink the night away like they’re young, wild, and free. Too wild, in fact, as they wake up the next morning with matching wedding rings on their fingers.

Instead of rushing to divorce, they realize their marriage could potentially benefit both of their careers. Will the return of their real feelings ruin their fake relationship? Or, will they get the happily ever after they didn’t know was possible? This African American romance is the perfect book club read or Kindle wish list addition!

Bookmark these Black romance books

Romance novels are a special place where Black love stories are told and celebrated. These heartfelt narratives will make you laugh, cry, and swoon. But more importantly, they may make you feel seen.

Be sure to check out Dipsea for even more passionate Black romances. Sign up for a 30-day free trial to explore a steamy library of diverse audiobooks that’ll sweep you off your feet.