Woohoo! It’s Black History Month, and yes, I celebrate. Do you know how many things we use day to day that were invented by Black folks? The elevator, the folding chair, and the eggbeater, to name a few. Also, the Romance Writers of America as well.
So it’s always good to go back to our roots and keep cheering on the Black romance authors that bring such joy to our lives with their stories and words. Here’s a very short list of some of my favorite Black romance authors and a book I think you’ll love (I did). Happy reading!
Have you ever felt that the story of Cinderella seemed a little too damsel and not enough empowering? I felt the same which is why I picked up a copy of this story. Not only is this retelling full of empowerment, it celebrates Sapphic romance and truly understanding oneself. Plus it’s well written and funny AF. I completely recommend Kalynn Bayron, and I’m so looking forward to Snow White’s story, too!
Oh glory, do you like hot, sexy fantasy with great humor and plenty of spice? Then Kimberly Lemming’s work is definitely something you want to pick up. This book made me laugh out loud in places, cheer in others, and wish for Black Girl Magic like hers. There are three books in this series starting with Cinnamon’s tale. Then you get her best friend Brie’s story, and finally the story of what happened to Cinnamon’s sister Cherry.
Did you know that the first cowboys were actually Black? And even better, there’s a large population of Black cowboys still in California. Rebekah Weatherspoon gives you a lovely introduction to these fellas and their Hollywood grandmother as well as the smart, successful Black women they fall in love with. I loved this series, but this book was my favorite of the three. But don’t forget to pick up IF THE BOOT FITS and A THORN IN THE SADDLE too.
There are plenty more Black romance authors to share, but these three are my most recent reads that made me very happy. They have strong voices that are a joy to read, and you’ll be sucked into their tales, I promise. Again, happy reading!