Romance novels with Black heroines used to be far and few between. Unfortunately, Black women are still vastly underrepresented in literature today. But we are beyond excited about how that is changing more and more every year.
Diversity in romance is important because it reflects the real world around us. Because Black women deserve to see heroines that look like them getting their happily ever afters. And because diversity is something to celebrate.
Love comes in all colors.
We are trying to do our part, as authors to include diversity in our characters which is one reason we write about interracial couples only. (Who better to write about interracial couples than an IR couple? LOL.)
Our favorite heroines to read about are confident and feisty, and strong. That doesn’t change by the amount of melanin in their skin.
Below are some romance novels with Black heroines that Ash read, loved, and recommends for anyone looking to read a great romance with a Black heroine.
9 Romance novels with black heroines
1. Defying Gravity by A. M. Kusi
Yes, we’re gonna include this one because Belle is one AMAZING Black heroine. She’s been through hell and she’s not afraid to fight for what she deserves. She has big walls up from a lifetime of trauma and it takes a special kind of man to break through them.
This contemporary romance novel highlights what it is like to be Black in America today, and what it’s like to be in an interracial couple, and the learning that needs to take place for the White partner.
To say Bently and Belle get off to a rough start would be an understatement. These two have a lot to overcome to get to their HEA. This story is real, it’s raw, and it will tear your heart out, shatter it, and then put it back together in all the best of ways.
Instantly read Chapter 1 for free right now.
Buy on: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | Kobo
2. Destiny’s Embrace by Beverly Jenkins
Beverly Jenkins was one of the first authors I read when I started reading romance. I’m not usually a historical romance fan, but I absolutely LOVED this series by Beverly and many others.
Our heroine is feisty and holds her own as a housekeeper for the ornery rancher she works for. Sparks are flying alright, but it seems more like enemies than lovers for these two in the beginning.
I learned so much about the real history of what it was like in the 19th century for Black people with Jim Crow and all they had to put up with. This was a fantastic story, series, and tale of love. Even if you’re not a fan of historical novels, this author is amazing.
Buy on: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | Kobo
3. Earn Me by Nia Arthurs
This was probably my favorite book by Nia so far. The prose of this heartbreaking marriage story was simply put, amazing.
The hero made a lot of little mistakes that added up over time, and one big omission that came to light. They separate and he wants her back. A friendly mechanic helps him in an unconventional way.
This romance novel was such a realistic portrayal of marriage and love, and what it takes to make it work. The story was original and fresh.
Buy on: Amazon
4. Queen Move by Kennedy Ryan
One thing I LOVE about Kennedy Ryan’s books is her heroines are always FIERCE AF. And this book is no different.
Our heroine is passionate about her career, and she won’t let any man derail that. What’s the cherry on top? The hero is secure enough to let his lady SHINE.
This novel was an epic love story that blended cultures and a tale of true, real, raw, messy love.
Buy on: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | Kobo
5. Can’t Escape Love by Alyssa Cole
I love books with characters with diverse abilities. Our confident, beautiful, and genius heroine is in a wheelchair.
She is a super smart and sassy inventor and nerd. The hero needs her help to develop an escape room themed around a romance anime.
They make a deal in exchange for her smarts, she gets his…voice. Yup, she can’t sleep without his deep masculine sexy voice to help with her insomnia.
I laughed, I learned, and I cheered for this couple. Definitely a romance book worth reading.
Buy on: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | Kobo
6. The Wish Collector by Mia Sheridan
I can’t say enough good things about this book. I never wanted it to end. It was a beautifully layered love story but so much more.
Our heroine Clara is a ballerina who is slowly making friends in the new town she moved to, New Orleans, Louisiana. She hears about the legend of a local plantation and goes to investigate herself. It’s supposed to have been abandoned for some time, but there she meets our hero Jonah.
This story reminded me of some Beauty and the Beast. There is intrigue, love, thrilling moments, and a love story I have not forgotten in the years since I read it. Just beautiful.
Buy on: Amazon
7. The Office Party by Whitney G.
This romance novel was a funny and sexy holiday novella. The heroine is the badass second in command at a huge company.
The hero is her very grumpy demanding boss who makes every one of his employees work over Christmas, even though he jets them off to a luxury resort.
She drew his name for secret Santa and regifted him whatever her cousin sent her because it’s usually a sweater. Well…it wasn’t this year.
And by the time she realizes she just gifted her boss a vibrator, it’s too late. He’s coming for her!
Buy on: Amazon
8. Be My Darling by Nia Arthurs
Yes, another one by Nia. This romance book was such a great representation of what it is like to be in an interracial relationship.
Things White people don’t have to think about because of their privilege are brought to light and then the hero and heroine have to make a decision.
A beautiful story of love despite the rocky climb to get their HEA.
Buy on: Amazon
9. Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan
The whole series was great, but this book stood out to me. It was definitely more on the women’s fiction side, but the romance was totally there. A slow burn, with a little paranormal in there.
Lotus our heroine has some deep-seated trauma in her life from sexual abuse she suffered as a child. She’s taking a break from her usual no strings attached sex, and of course, the single dad of her dreams shows up at the most inopportune time. He’s so patient with her and willing to meet her where she’s at.
I love how they complimented each other. A great story that had me holding my breath and getting the tissues, and jumping for joy.
Buy on: Amazon
We hope you found this list of romance novels with Black heroines helpful.
Happy reading!
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