2026 Black Authored Romance Releases
- Jan 2
- 14 min read
35+ romances by Black authors releasing in 2026 — from monster romance to cozy contemporaries, we've got you covered! As of January 1, 2026, the following books have been announced.
Know what you're looking for? Skip down to your fav sub-genre.
If we missed your most anticipated read, let us know in the comments!
Fantasy Romance
Love From the Cosmos
by Mowa Badmos
When her love match on Cupid's Bow, a popular astrology-based dating app with a 99% success rate, ends in disaster, Boston pediatrician Moyo Adegbite seeks retribution from the company that's failed her. Little does she know, Cupid's Bow isn't just an algorithm. It's run by the reluctant god of Saturn, Niyi Bankole, and in order to remedy his mistake, he takes on the role of Moyo's personal dating coach.
Available Feb. 03
Heart's Gambit
by J. D. Myall
A thrilling and romantic debut fantasy where competitors from two prominent, time-traveling Black families must fight in a deadly magical duel and find themselves falling in love.
Available Feb. 03
The Divine Cost
by S. A. Rodgers
Every revelation carries a cost: allies fall, innocents bleed, and with each choice, she drifts further from the person she vowed to be.
When her goddess’s power slips beyond her grasp and the man she cannot risk loving becomes one of the few willing to stand beside her, Waverly must face her reckoning, for power may secure survival but not her soul.
Will she surrender her morality to protect those she loves, or resist the fire within and risk losing everything?
Available Feb. 20
Dance of the Copsewood
by K. V. Meadows
Born for the stage. Lured by the forest.
When Cadence’s best friend convinces her to take a hiatus at her family’s home, impossible things begin unfolding. Objects move on their own, wild critters wander inside, and the forest calls to her, luring her in more each day. Her health continues to decline, complicated by the avoidant, secretive man who winds up at the cottage with her. Together, they must learn to open their hearts again, or let the shadows of the past destroy them.
Available Mar. 30
Black Pearl
by Zelda Knight
Mated to magic, fated to die, and forsaken by the gods, Theodosia Harmony is forced to flee to the Obsidian Isles, an isolated maroon community, when spies capture her parents.
Driven into exile, deposed Crown Prince Nauticus saves her, stealing not only her heart but her soul. Together they set off united against our common enemies, determined to slay the witch, seize the throne, and destroy the dryland navy.
Will she surrender her morality to protect those she loves, or resist the fire within and risk losing everything?
Available Apr. 14
Witch Queen Rising
by Savannah Stephens
A reclusive witch who fled the burden of her bloodline rises to be the greatest among them in this lush and haunting fantasy debut.
For New Orleans witchkin, there is no greater honor than to become the Prime—chosen to rule. But the title is meant to pass between two rival Houses of magic, not to the wayward daughter of the former Prime who died under mysterious circumstances.
As a girl, Seraphine Barreau was dubbed the Tick Witch for her ability to feed on magic and make it her own. Now dragged back to continue the legacy that nearly destroyed her, Phine has her work cut out for her. She must earn the respect of her people, navigate the politics of the paranormal communities residing in her city, and heal a broken heart, all the while battling a parasitic curse poisoning witchkin. Between her werewolf ex, power-hungry vampires, and the skeletons in her family’s closet, Phine must learn to make peace with her past to save her—and all of witchkin’s—future.
Available Apr. 21
How to Make a Love Potion
by R. A. Moreau
Any good love potion needs three key ingredients: a dash of lust, a spoonful of envy, and a sprinkle of death. Too bad Iris Ashbourne and Elliot Cross don't have a loving bone in their bodies.
This quick-witted and steamy college fantasy romance delivers a tale of what happens when two monsters discover a hunger far more dangerous than desire. Perfect for readers who crave a love that not only consumes, but devours.
Available Apr. 30
Not a Boy
by Saba Shukri
A YA coming-of-age romantasy about a girl grappling with greatness.
Zarina Bagaya is trapped in a female body and, like all girls, hers is a future of confinement, servitude, and the quiet misery of womanhood. In an ancient empire whose glorious past is forever lost and whose future is uncertain, Zarina must navigate the complexities of womanhood and confront rejection and oppression.
When her childhood friend Dara matures into a young man with secrets of his own, they are separated by gender, class, and a terrible betrayal that sets Zarina on the run. But when she finally escapes her female past, fate reunites her with Dara on an expedition to the end of the world.
Available May 28
Heir of Prophecy
by Analeigh Sbrana
The first thrilling novel in a new adult romantasy duology following a young woman who finds herself the Chosen One to two conflicting prophecies—from the author of Lore of the Wilds.
Available Jul. 28
Sci-fi Romance
Psionic Heart
by Ash Leo Reed
Dietra, a plus-sized Black woman has telekinetic powers. The government wants to turn her into a weapon. Falling in love was never part of the plan.
Psionic Heart is a high-heat, slow-burn psychic sci-fi romance filled with telekinetic battles, found-family bonds, forced proximity, and a forbidden love that defies captivity. Perfect for fans of Nalini Singh, Jessie Mihalik, and romantasy with a dangerous edge.
Available May 20
Paranormal
Before We Burn
by Ophelia Reign
Marzana was once death in the dark. Now she teaches others not to become her.
At Bloodlust Academy, hidden in the shadows of a world fraying at its edges, ex-assassin Marzana—Marz to those brave enough to speak her name—teaches young vampires how to control their hunger, power, and rage. But when the academy is raided by human forces and her students are stolen for something far worse than death, the mask of peace begins to crack. War is stirring again and it’s coming for her.
In the chaos, Everett Hill, a human soldier, a man that should be her enemy risks himself to save her, and against every instinct, she takes him in.
Available Apr. 21
Lgbtq+
The Rhythm of Rain at Dawn
by Aricka Alexander
When Raine Williams posted a video of her original choreography to the new single of popular R&B artist Dawn Anderson, she never expected it to go viral and garner hundreds of thousands of views.
And she definitely didn’t expect it to also catch the attention of Dawn herself.
Available Jan. 12
Heart of the Wild
by Skyler Drake
An F/F/F Omegaverse Werewolf Romance.
Ebony Lunette, the witch’s offspring. That ridiculous rumor has haunted me since birth, so much so that I fled from my childhood home. Tales of shifters and magic are entertaining for children. But now, as an adult, I want nothing more than to shed my parents' shared delusion.
However, rumors have a nasty way of hunting you down, no matter how hard you run or hide. The same is true of love, especially first loves that never die.
Available Jan. 20
Mine, Yours & Ours
by Karmen Lee
A dark sapphic mafia romance.
Melissa DuBois
I despised Dante Kincaid. Arrogant. Reckless. Stupid enough to marry me. Now he’s dead, and freedom is within reach—until his twin walks in with the same perfect face and a darker, sharper fire that fuels my desire like no one before.
Dominique Kincaid
I swore I wouldn’t come back until I was ready, but Dante’s disappearance drags me home to a family I hate and a war I never asked for. If I’m going down, I’m taking everyone with me. Starting with the beautifully dangerous wife my brother left behind.
Available Jan. 22
Last First Kiss
by Julian Winters
"The stuff romance dreams are made of." - Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author
Sparks fly in this second chance m/m rom com when an unlucky-in-love event planner realizes the man-of-honor at the high profile wedding he's planning is the same man who broke his heart.
Available Jan. 27
The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay
by Ryan Douglass
From New York Times bestselling author Ryan Douglass comes a gripping and tender reimagining of The Great Gatsby about the pursuit of happiness—and love—in a society built on cruelty and secrets.
Seventeen-year-old Nick Carrington wants nothing more than to leave Greenwood, Oklahoma, behind and make a name for himself in the papers. But when tragedy strikes, dreams turn into a twisted reality. Forced to start anew in Harlem, only a letter of acceptance from the prestigious West Egg Academy is able to pull him back into the world.
Available Jan. 27
Love is a Contact Sport
by Frederick Smith
After a rough breakup, gay romance author Renny Ross heads to the Bay Area for a fresh start. His new gig writing the anniversary story for a local university is supposed to be a fresh chapter (thanks to university president Dr. Taylor James). But Renny didn’t expect to run into a familiar face from his past.
After dropping off his youngest child at college, recently divorced Brent D. King DuPree, is on a journey to freedom, liberation, and living the life he put on hold for over twenty years to raise his family. Figuring out life as a newly out and newly single man, Brent is hesitant about stepping into the Bay Area gay scene until a chance reunion with his first real crush, and the guy he never quite forgot, his peer mentor and tutor in college: Renny Ross.
Neither man expected a second chance. But working together at the same university stirs up feelings that never really faded. Their love doesn’t have to be a secret anymore, but will they get it right this time?
Available Jun. 16
The Lovers, the Liars, and Me
by DeAndra Davis
A teen travels to Jamaica hoping to answer questions about her absent mother, only to discover more about her identity than she could have ever expected—and find herself caught up in an unexpected love triangle—in this dazzling young adult coming-of-age novel.
Available Jun. 23
The Case of Elmwood Ranch
by Deanna Grey
From the USA Today bestselling author of Outdrawn comes a new sapphic paranormal romance featuring a legacy paranormal investigator, loner horse rancher, and a haunted house.
Available Jul. 15
Death Card
by Jasmine Smith
A dark contemporary fantasy featuring witchcraft, tarot, death, and a bit of romance that's perfect for fans of Immortal Dark and Cinderella Is Dead.
Death Card is a dark, pacy, and romantic fantasy about one witch’s journey to find the strength to fight for herself, her future, and her beloved community.
Available Aug. 11
Dark Romance
I Love You Too Much
by Jessica N. Watkins
A husband’s deadly affair sets off a chain of deception, obsession, and unraveling truths in this twisted domestic thriller where love becomes a weapon, the past won’t stay buried, and the truth is more dangerous than the lie.
Available Jan. 27
Ember: A Mafia Romance
by Naima Simone
From USA Today bestselling author Naima Simone comes a scorching new dark romance in The Hunted Kingdom series.
He’ll burn it all to the ground to keep her.
Her fire will consume his soul.
Available Jul. 14
Historical Romance
A Deal at Dawn
by Vanessa Riley
The risks have never been more personal—or more dangerous—in this powerful Regency romance, as a resilient viscountess risks everything for the daughter she loves . . . and the duke she can’t forget.
Available Jun. 30
The Revolution of Olivia Witherson
by S. Isabelle
In this engrossing companion to The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick set in 1860s Paris, prim and proper Olivia Witherson is poised to become the wife of a wealthy businessman, until she’s shown a side of the city she’s never seen—and considers a potential future she never imagined. Perfect for fans of Bridgerton and The Davenports.
Available Nov. 10
Contemporary Romance
Janae Sanders' Second Time Around
by LaQuette
A single mom gets a second chance at love with her high school sweetheart.
Wary of love after divorce, Janae Sanders focuses on the best things in her life: her son James and her besties in the Savvy, Sexy, and Single Club. As for romance? Not today, Satan. That is, until high school heartthrob Adam Henderson crashes back into her life at their 20-year reunion.
Available Jan. 06
Heart on the Fly
by Toni Shiloh
A Christian hockey romance of forbidden love and friends to more.
Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on the ice--but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up--only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex's sister.
Val never expected to be sitting across from Jabari, especially after the way he broke her sister's heart. But when Jabari opens up about his diagnosis, Val's guarded heart softens, and she offers him a listening ear. What begins as a simple friendship quickly turns into something more.
Available Feb. 03
This Ain't Our First Rodeo
by Liara Tamani
Love is a wild ride. Hold on.
When life lassoes Josie and Shawn back together three years after their dreamy first date, their second chance at love is anything but easy. A big-hearted rodeo romance set in Houston, Texas, by the critically acclaimed Liara Tamani, author of What She Missed, All The Things We Never Knew, and Calling My Name. This bold first-love story is for fans of Nothing Like the Movies and Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute.
Available Feb. 03
Skate It Till You Make It
by Rufaro Faith Mazarura
The weather might be icy, but the tension is red-hot in this fake-dating hockey rom-com from the author of Let the Games Begin.
"Skate it Till You Make It offers the romcom hat trick of humor, heart and heat. Incredible character chemistry and witty banter make this fake dating romance a genuine joy." —Sophie Sullivan, author of You Make It Feel Like Christmas
Available Feb. 03
Half Court Shot
by Kimani Mae
Daniela Da Costa is working to become the greatest women’s basketball player. But seven years into her professional career, she’s more known for her tragic love life than her skills on the court. When she’s traded to the Jersey Jaguars, and reunited with an old flame, she realizes she’ll do whatever it takes to change her image and the team’s failing odds.
Perry West Reiss has come a long way from the girl she used to be. Mommy issues aside, she’s dedicated her career to the Jaguars—even if they haven’t had a winning season in years to prove it. When the team’s put in a dire spot, she agrees to fake date Daniela, someone Perry hoped she’d never see again.
Available Feb. 09
The Rules Don't Apply to Us
by M. C. Walker
Some rules are meant to be followed. Some are meant to be broken. And then there are the ones you shatter without apology.
Malia Tyrone has spent her life playing it safe—stable job, careful choices, and a checklist of everything a “good girl” is supposed to do. Then she meets Rich David, the kind of man who doesn’t just bend rules… he lives to break them. Reckless, magnetic, and dangerous in ways she can’t ignore, he tempts her into a world where every touch is a dare and every kiss is a line crossed.
Available Feb. 14
The Boyfriend Launcher
by Raechell Garrett
In this sweet teen rom-com, in order to find the right guy, Dru Eason will have to (fake) date the wrong one first—perfect for fans of Lynn Painter and Kasie West.
Perfect for fans of fake dating, friends to lovers, sports romance, and romantic comedies!
Available Feb. 24
Written on Ice
by Smardline S.
She's the figure skater. He's the hockey player. And the only thing more dangerous than falling for each other is the truth buried beneath the ice.
For fans of Icebreaker meets A Good Girl's Guide to Murder—at an elite, gothic university with buried secrets.
Available Feb. 24
A Love Worth Forever
by Briann Danae
Grieving and starting over, a marketing research manager finds herself drawn to the one man she shouldn’t want in this soul-stirring, unconventional romance by BriAnn Danae.
Shyriq Hendrix is no stranger to success. As the heir to a legacy distillery and a man with wealth, status, and discipline, he’s built a life most would envy. But in the quiet moments when he’s not managing his multimillion-dollar empire, he’s aware that something is missing.
Then Nhuri Coleman steps into his life . . .
Available Feb. 24
The Starter Ex
by Mia Sosa
The best worst girlfriend finally meets her match . . .
Vanessa Cordero used to run a profitable side gig: For a reasonable fee, she’d date your crush . . . and make his life miserable. Too clingy? Check. Jealous? Check. A parent's worst nightmare? Triple check. By the time Vanessa was done with him, your guy was practically begging for you.
Enter Jason Torres, a certified commitment-phobe who doesn't plan on getting married anytime soon, much to his mother’s dismay. What he needs is a temporary girlfriend. A totally inappropriate girlfriend. Someone his mother will hate, so she'll finally abandon her dream of getting him to the altar.
Available Mar. 10
The Bridge Back to You
by Riss M. Neilson
Exes discover they’ve both inherited the restaurant they love in this sparkling, emotional new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of A Love Like the Sun.
Available Mar. 31
The Art of Loving You
by Natasha Bishop
From the buzzy, viral sensation Only for the Week, comes the next book in Natasha Bishop’s The Forever Falling series, featuring an intimate bucket list road trip, sexy banter, and a sweet and spicy second chance romance.
Available Apr. 14
Don't Tell Me How It Ends
by Natasha Bishop
A floundering twenty-something, who’s sworn off romance finds herself roped into her meddling sister’s matchmaking business—in this sparkling debut rom-com that asks: can we protect ourselves while falling in love?
Available Apr. 14
Big Girl Blitz
by Danielle Allen
Because life’s too short, and mean girls ain’t sh…
Jazmyn Payne fled her hometown―and the fatphobes who made her life hell– the minute she graduated high school. Growing up, her haven was her Aunt Addison, and when her health takes a drastic turn, she insists that Jazz should spice up her life. Emphasis on spice. But dating is the last thing Jazz had on her mind.
Until Lamar Anderson sits next to her at the local sports bar. He is sexy, fun, and refreshingly drama free. With him she's able to pretend that everything is alright. But as real life intrudes, Jazz has to decide if she can leave the past where it belongs… for a love that she deserves.
Available Apr. 14
Struck Speechless
by Tati Richardson
Struck Speechless is book two in the Boss Chicks Village Series, following the hit romcom Losing Sight.
Sports agent Jackie Miles is a petite powerhouse who has built her empire on killer instincts, designer stilettos, and tough skin. Her client roster is legendary, her temper is hotter than Georgia asphalt, and aside from her French bulldog PeeWee and her "boss chick village," she's perfectly content flying solo. Then Antonio Steele walks back into her life, and all hell breaks loose.
Available Apr. 28
Score
by Kennedy Ryan
A scorching second-chance romance between a talented screenwriter and a phenomenal musician from "a fantastic storyteller and superb writer." ―NPR
You never forget your first love. Isn't that what they say? Verity Hill knows this truth intimately. She didn't simply miss Wright "Monk" Bellamy when they parted ways in college. She's haunted by his touch. Every kiss, any lover since—it's a shadow of what they had.
Time heals all wounds. Isn't that what they say? Monk doesn't believe that for a second. He wasn't simply betrayed when he and Verity split. He was devastated, with parts of him left behind in the ruins of all that was destroyed.
Available May 19
The Summer Girlfriend
by Kristina Forest
A fake summer fling between a stand-in girlfriend and a handsome business heir becomes way too real in this glittering new romance by USA Today bestselling author Kristina Forest.
Available Jun. 09
The Missed Connection
by Tia Williams
New York Times bestselling author Tia Williams returns with an intensely romantic, deliciously sexy tale about a woman searching for her handsome seatmate on a European flight—and the unexpected places her hunt for love leads her.
Available Jun. 16
Hallie's Rules for a Recovering Romantic
by Jessica Lewis
Perfect for fans of Erin Baldwin and Elise Bryant, this sapphic rom-com—a companion novel to Nav’s Foolproof Guide to Falling in Love—stars a girl determined to reinvent herself, in life and in love.
Available Jul. 07