Black love is in the air! As Valentine’s Day arrives, romance is everywhere, but love stories featuring Black characters can still be hard to find. Representations of Black love in the media have always been desired and important. EnVi has you covered with a list of Black romance novels by Black authors to set the tone for your Valentine’s Day.

Outdrawn by Deanna Grey

Image courtesy of Deanna Grey (Art by Treshell Fisher).

Slow burn and sapphic,​​ Outdrawn follows two rival webtoon artists who find love despite being each other’s competition. Noah Blue and Sage Montgomery are both career-driven and successful Black women. When they unexpectedly become co-workers, college memories and new realizations arise. Deanna Grey shows that Black women can be strong and still need love. Outdrawn is a romantic read that will pull on your heartstrings and leave you feeling butterflies. 

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon

Image courtesy of Forever/Hachette.

The Boyfriend Project is the first book of a trilogy series by the same title. The story follows Samiah, one of three Black women who find love and friendship after unexpected heartbreak. Written by Farrah Rochon – a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author – the series can be read in order or as standalones, but readers are guaranteed an entertaining read regardless!

The Friendship Contract by Mia Heintzelman

Image courtesy of Levi Lynn Books.

Allegra and Damon have been best friends for over 10 years and are law firm partners, but unspoken feelings still linger. The wrong timing always seems to interrupt Damon from making his move. When Allegra’s breakup brings the duo together as roommates, the close proximity brings feelings to the surface. The Friendship Contract is a passionate start to Heintzelman’s Terms & Conditions series.

Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley

Image courtesy of St. Martin’s Griffin (cover illustrated by Alex Cabal).

Paths cross for a cupcake-baking NFL player and a misunderstood reality star in Fake it Till You Bake It. After Jada’s dating show appearance doesn’t go well with the public, she retreats to working at a local bakery. Working with owner and football player Donovan Dell unexpectedly draws Jada back into the public eye because of dating rumors. A fake relationship is born for mutual publicity, but real feelings are at stake. Jamie Wesley entices fans of football, The Bachelor, or cupcakes to pick up this sweet story.

Take a Hike by Mimi Grace

Image courtesy of Mimi Grace (Cover illustrated and designed by Leni Kauffman).

Take a Hike by Mimi Grace is a small town love story filled with fluff and competition. Raven is unexpectedly entrusted with leading an outdoor tourism company, but the only problem is her lack of experience. Meanwhile, Silas is a hard-working employee working his way up the leadership ladder, but Raven’s position interrupts his plans. This lighthearted story of self-discovery and romance is a fun and quick read!

Looking for more book recommendations from EnVi? Check out five upcoming books by Vietnamese authors here!

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