I would not have considered “Romance Novels” as one of my top genres in the past. I’ve always been much more of a nonfiction type of gal, especially memoirs and historical fiction. I have found that during this “new normal” of staying at home and social distancing, though, these stories about love and relationships have been very comforting. Hope you enjoy this collection of fun, engaging and sometimes steamy BIPOC romance novels.

Ties That Tether by Jane Igharo

This contemporary BIPOC romance story has everything that makes for a good love story! Things heat up in every sense of the word when a one-night stand turns into forbidden love for Azere, who is Nigerian and Rafael who is white. Azere promised her dying father she would honor the family and marry a Nigerian man. In fact, her mother already has the perfect man picked out for her. Azere is faced with the choice of living her life for herself or breaking her family ties. Be warned, the love scenes are scorching.

Destination Wedding by Diksha Basu

This is a fun and engaging RomCom spin on BIPOC romances! Tina Das travels with her best friend to attend her cousins lavish wedding. Whether in New York or Delhi, Tina’s life is unraveling. A recent breakup, a job she is not crazy about and to top it off, her divorced parents are attending the wedding too. There is plenty of romance happening between the young and not so young. The wedding shenanigans and adventures in Delhi, make this one an entertaining read.

Luster by Raven Leilani

A debut novel that pushes the boundaries and may even cross some lines, and it’s popping up everywhere. Edie is stumbling her way through her twenties. She is in an admin job and jumps from one sexual escapade to the next. Enter Eric, an older man with a family and a wife that has agreed to an open marriage. Edie becomes involved with his entire family, befriending his wife and daughter. How could we possibly stop turning the pages of this smart, edgy romance story?

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon

If you are looking for a smart, techy, BIPOC romcom, look no further. This one will keep you turning the pages with its multiple plots. Female friendships are celebrated as three young women realize they are being “cat-fished” by the same guy. The new friends promise to spend the next six months focusing on themselves which becomes a challenge for Samiah when sexy Daniel crosses her path. Strong, brilliant female characters are always a plus!

Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud

This BIPOC romance novel set in the Caribbean is the perfect summer read. Betty, her son Solo and her tenant Mr. Chetan make up an untraditional family. When devastating secrets are revealed relationships are threatened. It has it all, humor, drama, and love. The reader will get a glimpse into the history, culture and beauty of Trinidad and Tobago

Looking for something sexier? Check out our Fifty Shades of Grey book list.

You Had me at Hola by Alexis Daria

Let’s be honest, I would buy this one just for the cover! This highly anticipated summer romance read has a well developed cast of characters dealing with real life problems. Jasmine and Ashton are stars of a tele-nova that is remade for American viewers. Their chemistry is not exactly steaming up the set, so they try working on their scenes in private. Well, let’s just say their plan works and sparks fly. The resulting media attention threatens to expose secrets in their past lives.

The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

If you liked The Sun is Also a Star, you will like this all-in-one-day romance story. This story follows Marva and Duke on election day. When Duke is turned away from the voting polls Marva becomes enraged. Thus, begins their whirlwind day of dashing from precinct to precinct for Duke to claim his right to vote. Their day brings unexpected emotions and a new connection between them. The reader cannot help but root for Marva and Duke. The story is timely and addresses important social and racial issues.

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