February is Black History Month. it’s also the month of Valentine’s Day. So, let’s bring the two together for this list of romantic books written by Black authors. I hope, as always, that you find something sweet, steamy, or just plain romantic, whatever your tastes may be!
Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? (Lizzie Damilola Blackburn)
Meet Yinka, a thirty-something Oxford educated British Nigerian woman with a well-paid job, good friends, and a mother whose constant refrain is “Yinka, where is your huzband?” Yinka’s aunties are desperately trying to save her from singledom, while her friends consider her too traditional (she’s saving herself for marriage), and too many people think she needs to get over her ex. But, Yinka has alwyas believed that true love will come when the time is right. Then, her cousin gets engaged, and Yinka launches “Operation Find-A-Date for Rachel’s Wedding”. Aided by spreadsheets and her best friend, Yinka is determined to succeed. Will she find a huzband? Or will it turn out that the thing she needs to find most is herself?
On Rotation (Shirlene Obuobi)
Ghanaian-American Angela Appiah has completed her checklist for how to be the perfect immigrant daughter:
- Enroll in an elite medical school
- Snag a suitable boyfriend (doctor, lawyer, engineer)
- Surround self with loyal and successful friends
But, all of a sudden, things start to fall apart. First her boyfriend dumps her. Then, she bombs the most important exam of her medical career. Her best friend pulls away, and her parents, whose approval is based on how well she sticks to the list, are becoming increasingly disappointed in her. Her life is in crisis, and suddenly she’s questioning everything, from her choice of friends, to the reasons why she keeps falling for guys who clearly don’t love her as much as she loves them. Then, enter Ricky Gutierrez, brilliant, thoughtful, sexy, and most importantly, someone who sees Angie for her she really is.
By The Book (Jasmine Guillory)
Isabelle is completely lost. When she first began her career in publishing after college, she did not expect to be twenty-five, still living at home, and one of only a few Black employees at her publishing house. Overworked and underpaid, torn between speaking up and stifling herself, Izzy thinks that there must be more to this publishing life. So, when she overhears her boss complaining about a beastly high-profile author who has failed to deliver his long-awaited manuscript, Izzy sees this as an opportunity to really show what she’s made of, and get the promotion she deserves. All she has to do is go to the author’s mansion and give him a pep talk…or three. Easy.
But, Izzy is quickly in over her head. Beau Towers is not some attention-seeking celebrity with a tell-all memoir. He’s jaded and withdrawn and surprisingly, just as lost as Izzy. But, Izzy still needs that manuscript, and with her encouragement, Beau’s words begin to spill onto the page. As the two continue to work together, they quickly realize that there is more going on between them than either one of them could have guessed.
The Boyfriend Project (Farrah Rochon)
Samiah Brooks never thought she’d be “that” girl. You know, the one publicly shamed after a live tweet of a horrific date reveals the terrible truth: she’s been catfished by a three-timing jerk of a boyfriend. Suddenly, Samiah, along with two other “girlfriends,” London and Taylor, have gone viral overnight. So, the three besties make a pact to spend the next six months investing in themselves–no men and no dating.
For once, Samiah is putting herself first, and is even developing the app she always dreamed of making. But, that’s when she meets the deliciously sexy Daniel Collins at work. Held back by her promise to her friends, Samiah definitely shouldn’t get involved with Daniel. After all, he’s just too good to be true…right?
Intercepted (Alexa Martin)
Marlee Harper is the perfect girlfriend. She’s had plenty of practice, after dating her NFL star boyfriend for the last ten years. But, when she discovers he’s been seeing some other women on the sly, Marlee breaks things off, determined never to date an athlete again. There’s just one problem…Gavin Pope, the new hotshot quarterback, and an old fling from Marlee’s past, who has set his sights on her again.
While Gavin fights to show Marlee that he’s nothing like her ex, the team’s wives are also fighting–to take Marlee down. But, when gossip makes Marlee public enemy number one, she worries about more than just her reputation. With pressure closing in on every side, it will take a Hail Mary for Marlee and Gavin’s relationship to survive the season.
