Summer romance doesn’t have to mean rewatching your favorite rom-coms for the 12th time (though I fully support that too). This season, curl up with stories that center Black love—whether it’s soft, steamy, slow-burning, or rooted in self-discovery.
This roundup of romance novels by Black authors delivers it all: rekindled childhood crushes, fake dating that feels a little too real, and even haunted houses catching feelings. These stories go beyond traditional tropes, diving into ambition, grief, mental health, and family dynamics—without skimping on the swoon.
Whether you’re soaking up sun on vacation or sneaking in a few pages between internship emails, these reads bring the heart, the humor, and the heat. So grab your emotional support water bottle and make room on your TBR—these 10 must-reads are all penned by Black authors breathing fresh life into love stories.
Noah Blue and Sage Montgomery—two top-tier webcomic creators—are forced to collaborate on a cult-classic reboot that’s rumored to be headed to the big screen. But creative chemistry clashes when both women are determined to prove they’re the real genius in the room. A sapphic workplace romance that simmers with slow-burn tension.
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
Izzy is a stressed-out editorial assistant who finally gets a chance to stand out when her boss sends her to check on an elusive, brooding author. But Beau Towers isn’t just reclusive—he’s stuck. What follows is a modern Beauty and the Beast retelling full of warmth, wit, and vulnerability.
The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest
After months of heartfelt email exchanges with her favorite fantasy author, Lily is ghosted—then meets her new neighbor Nick, who seems a little too familiar. This sweet, bookish romance blends pen-pal pining with real-world second chances.
When Retta’s ex gets engaged to her cousin, she’s determined to show up with the perfect date. The only issue? He doesn’t exist. Enter Duncan, a brooding boxer willing to play the part. But as their fake relationship heats up, it starts to feel all too real.
Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson
When their beloved mother figure passes away, Jesse and his brothers inherit her Harlem-based knitting shop. Jesse teams up with Kerry—a longtime employee harboring a secret crush—to keep the business afloat. As they rebuild the shop, they may just stitch together something deeper, too.
Prince may be a teen love guru with his own radio show, but IRL romance gets tricky when he meets Dani, a fiercely ambitious writer. Set in Detroit, this story pairs sweetness with emotional depth for a moving take on grief, healing, and young Black love.
Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello
Need a “Christmas in July” pick? Trey and Ariel are total opposites, but they’ll have to team up to save Trey’s family bookstore, Wonderland, from closing. Set in London, this cozy holiday romance delivers major “you got me into the festive spirit against my will” energy.
Only For the Week by Natasha Bishop
Janelle Cross heads to Tulum for her sister’s destination wedding—while juggling a few secrets. She’s the groom’s ex and the best man’s secret fling. (Take a moment.) What begins as a one-week escape with Rome Martin unravels into something deeper, with equal parts chemistry and chaos.
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
Ex-best friends Brad and Celine are unexpectedly reunited during a high-stakes survival skills competition. As snarky banter turns into emotional honesty, this hilarious, heartfelt YA romance explores reconciliation, growth, and the magic of second chances.
Love Is a Revolution by Renée Watson
Nala falls for Tye, a passionate teen activist, and starts bending the truth to impress him. But as the lies snowball, Nala embarks on a journey of self-acceptance that reminds us: loving someone else starts with loving yourself. A warm, affirming read with radical self-love at its core.