https://blackgirlnerds.com/best-black-love-and-romance-novels-to-read-for-valentines-day/

If you’re looking for Black love and romance novels this month, I’ve got you covered. There are plenty of love stories out there featuring Black protagonists — and written by Black women. I’ve rounded up my favorite picks of Black romance novels to sink your teeth into. Happy reading.

While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory

Jasmine Guillory has created a special world with her novels where a lot of sexy things happen between sexy people, well-adjusted men who aren’t afraid to work on their mess, and, in this novel, a love story between a talented ad executive and a movie star. This is a romantic comedy, but along the way we get some honest discussions about anxiety and mental health, family loyalty, and the pressures of fame. As always, Guillory’s writing is charming and accessible, while always giving us characters to root for.

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

Not only is this book unapologetically Black but it is a Black romance book with everything under the sun. The characters are complex but intertwine so beautifully. The relationship between Eva and Shane can only be described as soulmates. No matter where they end up, they will always find one another, and through their trauma they immediately bond with one another. The romance is just epic — from the seven days in June, which was Romeo and Juliet inspired and certainly shows it, to the second-chance romance that is the central story.

Good Morning, Love by Ashley M. Coleman

Carlisa “Carli” Henton is a beautiful and talented young musician/songwriter, working as a junior account manager at a big-name media company. She meets the company’s new client: Tau Anderson, a hot R&B pop star. He pursues Carli relentlessly but fraternization with clients is not allowed. So, what’s a girl to do?

What I love most about how Coleman tells this story is her commitment to authenticity — Carli is not supposed to have it all figured out all at once, but I also don’t think she is meant to struggle. I do believe she had to face some conflicts, grow through messes she made along the way, and ultimately make decisions that probably didn’t make other people happy. Ultimately, she knew her decisions would make her happy in the long run. I was rooting for Carli and Tau throughout the book, and hope their story continues.

I Almost Forgot about You by Terry McMillan

A feel-good novel if ever I’ve read one. The writing is clever and flavorful, full of all the spice and sass, reminisces, failures and regrets, personal triumphs, and lessons learned that make McMillan’s characters feel like your close friends. It reminded me of the women in my life I can really relate to because they’ve been there/done that and lived through it to share their stories. That’s a special kind of love and what you’ll find within this story.

The Love Con by Seressia Glass

I thought I was getting a sweet, fun, and light friends-to-lovers story, but I actually got something quite emotional. Kenya following her dreams throughout the book was so inspirational. Her challenges were a great illustration of how following your dreams (especially ones seen as peculiar in the eyes of society) can be hard. Cam and Kenya are so cute. Having two characters with feelings for each other without each other knowing is always fun. You would think it’s so obvious to them. The love is already there; all that is missing is the romance. I usually lean towards the enemies-to-lovers trope but after reading this story, I changed my mind. It was refreshing how Glass also explored what love really is between friends who’ve had each other around forever. Is it love or are they just used to each other?

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

Take a Hint, Dani Brown follows Danika, a hardworking PhD student, and the romance-loving, Muslim security guard Zafir, who works in the building where she teaches. They serve us some strong Jim and Pam vibes in the beginning with typical office flirtation but everything changes when a video of Zaf carrying Dani to safety goes viral on Twitter (now X). Zaf wants to use his newfound internet fame to launch his mental health non-profit, and what better way to milk the attention than fake date his work crush. Throw in a little friends-with-benefits action, and now things are getting interesting.

Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle

This story gently explores trauma, passion, planning for your future, and the power of both music and words. Love Radio is a heartfelt coming-of-age romance celebrating Black love. Danielle and Prince are so special and I could not get enough of their story. The way LaDelle told this story of young people navigating high school while battling various hardships was outstanding. I loved how Danielle and Prince are so mature and dated to get to know each other. Prince was the guy we all wanted to date in high school but who just didn’t exist!

Stay with Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀

This story is set in Nigeria and gives voice to both husband and wife as they tell the story of their marriage, including the forces that threaten to tear it apart. Yejide and Akin met at university, fell in love, and married. Though many expected Akin to take several wives, he and Yejide have always agreed: polygamy is not for them. But four years into their marriage, after consulting fertility doctors and healers, trying strange teas and questionable cures, Yejide is still not pregnant. She assumes she still has time, until her family arrives on her doorstep with a young woman they introduce as Akin’s second wife. Just imagine her shock, anger, and jealousy. Yejide knows the only way to save her marriage is to get pregnant, which, finally, she does. But the cost is more than she ever could have imagined. This story is good, y’all.

All of these amazing reads are available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold. Consider purchasing from Bookshop.org, a platform that gives independent bookstores tools to compete online and financial support to help them maintain their presence in local communities.