Best African American Romance Fiction Books of 2025

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African American romance fiction books are a popular genre that focuses on love stories between African American characters. These books often explore themes of identity, culture, and race, while also providing entertaining and heartwarming stories. Many of these books are written by African American authors who bring their own experiences and perspectives to the genre. Readers can find a wide range of sub-genres within African American romance fiction, including historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance. With engaging plots and relatable characters, these books offer a unique and compelling reading experience.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 African American Romance Fiction Books
Before I Let Go
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan is a poignant and powerful story about love, loss, and second chances. Yasmen and Josiah Wade's marriage falls apart after life delivers one devastating blow after another, but they find themselves drawn back to each other despite their painful history. Ryan's writing is raw and emotional, capturing the complexity of relationships and the struggles of moving forward. This book is a must-read for fans of women's domestic life fiction, and its honest portrayal of love and healing will stay with readers long after the final page.
Seven Days in June
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams is a heartwarming and steamy romance novel that follows the story of Eva Mercy, a single mother and bestselling erotica writer, and Shane Hall, an award-winning novelist. When they meet unexpectedly at a literary event, they can't deny the chemistry between them, but their past traumas and broken hearts make it hard to trust each other. Over the next seven days, they reconnect and rediscover their love for each other. This novel is a testament to the strength of Black women and the joy of second chances. Overall, it's a captivating read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty: A Novel
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty: A Novel by Akwaeke Emezi is a highly anticipated book of 2022. Feyi Adekola is a young woman who has lost the love of her life in an accident and is struggling to move on. As she tries to find joy in life again, she encounters unexpected opportunities and challenges, including a steamy romance with the father of her perfect boyfriend. Emezi's writing is vivid and passionate, taking readers on a journey of grief, love, and self-discovery. This contemporary women's fiction book is a deeply heartfelt romance novel that celebrates the beauty of life despite pain and mortality.
Ethic
"Ethic" by Ashley Antoinette is an explosive spin-off to "Moth to a Flame." The book follows the story of Ethic, a man haunted by guilt after ordering the hit that mistakenly killed the love of his life. He raises his family, including his defiant teenage daughter, Morgan, while trying to keep them away from the streets. However, when Morgan finds herself in a vulnerable position, Ethic is pulled back into the deadly game where he was once king. Antoinette's writing is engaging and vividly portrays the complexities of love, family, and the streets. "Ethic" is a must-read for fans of African American romance fiction books."
Honey and Spice: A Reese's Book Club Pick
Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola is a Reese's Book Club Pick and a vibrant debut novel. The story follows Kiki Banjo, a sharp-tongued young Black British woman who is an expert in relationship-evasion. But when she finds herself in a fake relationship with Malakai Korede, the guy she publicly denounced, to save their reputations, Kiki starts to question her presumptions. The novel is full of passion, humor, and heart, and Babalola's writing captures the kick and sweetness of the title. Honey and Spice is a gloriously funny and sparkling debut novel that is a must-read for fans of African American romance fiction books.
A Worthy Love
A Worthy Love is an African American romance fiction book that tells the story of Marisa Banks, who, after being publicly humiliated by her married boyfriend's wife, seeks to rebuild her life. She makes some questionable decisions, and one of them leads her to Asher Blaine, who gives her the best night of her life. But when they meet again, Asher makes her an offer that she can't refuse. The author does an excellent job of weaving a complicated past with a blossoming romance. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves African American romance fiction.
The Neighbor Favor
The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest is a heart-fluttering romance novel that follows Lily Greene, a shy and bookish woman who enlists the help of her charming neighbor, Nick Brown, to find a date for her sister's wedding. Unbeknownst to her, Nick is actually her favorite fantasy author, whom she has been corresponding with over email. As they work together to find Lily a date, they both realize that they have feelings for each other. Forest's writing is warm, witty, and deeply romantic, with lovable characters that are easy to root for. This African American romance fiction book is a must-read for those who enjoy heartwarming stories about finding love in unexpected places.
Butterfly 2
Butterfly 2 by Ashley Antoinette is an intense and engaging story about love, loss, and finding oneself. Morgan Atkins, the protagonist, has to choose between three men: her current partner, Sebastian, her deceased lover, Messiah, and his best friend, Ahmeek. The story is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and complex relationships that keep readers on edge. Antoinette has done an excellent job of creating relatable and authentic characters that readers will root for. The book's unique selling point is the author's ability to pose complex questions about women's choices and relationships, making it a must-read for contemporary women fiction book lovers.
Hood Love and Loyalty (Hood series)
Hood Love and Loyalty is an African American romance fiction book that tells the story of Larissa Bradshaw, a determined girl who falls in love with up and coming boss, Messiah “Money” Lawson. Despite the challenges and violence that come with Messiah's lifestyle, Larissa and Messiah fight for the love, loyalty, and life they always wanted. This book is a captivating story of love, loyalty, and the struggles of life in the hood. It is a must-read for anyone who loves African American romance fiction books.
Everybody Ain't Your Friend: An Urban Romance Thriller
Everybody Ain't Your Friend: An Urban Romance Thriller is a captivating novel that explores the dark side of relationships. Mia's life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes the victim of a hit-and-run and begins receiving mysterious messages from an unknown number. As she uncovers a heartbreaking secret, she realizes that her life is not what it seems. The book is a gripping page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling urban romance novel with unexpected twists and turns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is African American romance?
The African-American Romance genre promises sexy, emotional, heartfelt, and romantic stories that reflect the values and dreams of African-American culture.
2. What is the most read romance book?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen By far the most beloved love story of all time, Pride and Prejudice is a great place to start.
3. What was the first best selling novel by an African American?
The 1970s also saw African-American books by and about African-American life topping the bestseller lists. Among the first to do so was Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley.
During our african american romance fiction book research, we found 1,000+ african american romance fiction book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,675 customer reviews through our big data system to write the african american romance fiction books list. We found that most customers choose african american romance fiction books with an average price of $13.23.

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.