For those looking to escape the chaos of the relationship hunt, romance novels offer the perfect dose of Cupid’s love arrow without the personal drama. Romance is the most popular literary genre, contributing to nearly two-thirds of the overall gains in adult fiction. In 2023, romance sold 39 million prints. This booming interest in reading a novel with love at the helm opened the door for Black authors to expand the genre, sometimes mixing fantasy, magic and supernatural aspects into a story with a complex relationship. Now, whether it’s a rainy day in the house or spooky season, book lovers can find a romance novel that they relate to and matches their mood.
There’s a space for everyone in literature. If you are looking to dive into some romance books this fall, check out these seven upcoming releases by Black authors.
“This Could Be Us”
By Kennedy Ryan
A New York Times bestseller, This Could Be Us follows Soledad Barnes as she deals with an unexpected breakup while being a mother. When an “unlikely man enters the picture—the forbidden one, the one she shouldn’t want but can’t seem to resist,” Soledad must decide if she is going to follow her heart or her head. The novel is an exhilarating, must-read journey of a heroine who meets her equal without sacrificing any part of herself.
“A Legend in the Baking by “
By Jamie Wesley
Jamie Wesley expertly blends the sweetness of cupcakes with the spice of romance in her Sugar Blitz series. A Legend in the Baking, available on Nov. 19, follows the budding love of cupcake-baking football player August Hodges and his best friend’s little sister Sloane Dell. After more than a decade of history and one steamy make-out session, they are forced to address their attraction and decide if they want to take the risk.
“Love Delayed”
By Anna Black
In Anna Black’s Love Delayed, which releases Nov. 26, two college sweethearts reunite for one night that could change the rest of their lives. A delayed, and eventually canceled, flight forces Zamora Hill and Marcus Coleman to confront the good and bad from their past. Ten years earlier, when Zamora made the decision to pursue her wildest childhood dreams by enrolling in a culinary school, she didn’t realize her choice would come at the price of losing the love of her life. This fateful encounter in the Las Vegas airport sparks a night of reflection and the potential start of something new.
“Love and Sportsball”
by Meka James
Meka James’ Love and Sportsball is the perfect read for fans of Gina Prince-Bythewood’s “Love and Basketball.” Releasing on Sept. 24, this steamy and sweet sapphic romance follows the love of athletic trainer Khadijah Upton and basketball star Shae Harris. After Khadijah lands the job of her dreams with the Atlanta Cannons, one celebratory evening ends in a one-night stand with a stranger that she hopes to forget. When she sees Shae on the first day of her job, she tries to avoid becoming one of “Harris Honeys” and to keep everything professional. But, the more they spend time together, the harder it is for Khadijah to deny their tension and growing body-and-soul connection. Now, with the championship game on the line, the only play for her to make is letting Shae in completely.
BlackLove.com Related Articles:
How Tia Williams, Kennedy Ryan, and More Black Romance Authors Shaped My Understanding of Self
Love in Literature: 10 Books Written by Black Authors
Top 10 Romance Movies to Watch This Fall Straight From The Black Love Team
“Deja Brew”
By Celestine Martin
Hitting the shelves on Oct. 1, Celestine Martin’s Deja Brew is a romantic comedy with a hint of magic. It follows ex-celebrity chef Sirena Caraway, who after one wish before midnight in a desperate chance to fix her life is repeating the entire October over. Sirena meets Gus Dearworth, who moved to Freya Grove simply to repair his broken heart and reputation. With every encounter, the pair have to decide if their growing attraction will be their second chance at a happy ending.
“The One Who Holds Me”
By Joan Embola
On Sept. 24, Joan Embola is adding The One Who Holds Me to her hit contemporary Christian love series, Sovereign Love. The second-chance romance begins with Olanna Madu who is trying to overcome grief, when her college sweetheart Alex Obeng abruptly ends their relationship. Two years later, Olanna is still putting herself back together, while adjusting to a new position as the CEO of her family business. When Alex gets sent to work with Olanna’s company, he thinks that God answers all his prayers. However, when he comes face to face with her, he finds it hard to tell her the truth. In addition to showcasing the highs and lows of rekindling a past relationship, this novel highlights the love and trust one must have in God’s plan to unlock true happiness.
“The Blessed”
By Anne Shade
Anne Shade’s The Blessed blends the supernatural world with a limitless love of two seemingly opposites. After a series of tragic losses and a stipulation on her grandmother’s will, Suri Daniels finds herself returning to her family’s home in New Orleans. When she unexpectedly has to step into the role of Orisha priestess and escape a powerful demon, she must lean on Layla Jefferies, the love child of a powerful demon and a human. While falling in love is not part of the plan for either of them, they can’t deny the connection they share. Hitting the shelves on Dec. 10, readers will follow the pair on a journey to try and save the world, while finding out that their budding love may be the very thing that sets them free.
BlackLove.com Title: 8 Black Romance Books To Read This Fall
JOIN THE CONVERSATION