Love Unapologetically: A Black Romance Challenge

bookishlyariel's profile picture bookishlyariel Host

18 participants (151 books)

01 Jan 2025—31 Dec 2025

Overview

The Love Unapologetically: A Black Romance Challenge is a celebration of Black love in all its forms. This challenge is designed to highlight and honor the richness, diversity, and beauty of romance stories featuring Black characters and written by Black authors. It’s a chance to unapologetically embrace stories of passion, resilience, vulnerability, and joy that center Black love.

What the Challenge is About:
This challenge invites readers to explore and uplift Black romance across genres and styles. From swoon-worthy contemporary tales to heart-pounding romantic suspense, and from historical settings to fantastical worlds, these stories showcase the power of love through unique and authentic lenses.

How to Participate:
  1. Set Your Goal: Decide how many Black romance books you want to read during the challenge.
  2. Diversify Your List: Include a mix of subgenres (e.g., contemporary, historical, fantasy, or dark romance) to explore the vast world of Black love stories.
  3. Reflect and Share: Keep track of your favorite books, characters, and moments, and share your progress with others.

Optional Monthly Themes:
  • January: Fresh Love – New relationships and beginnings.
  • February: Iconic Couples – Stories with unforgettable pairings.
  • March: Love Over Time – Second chances or long-term romances.
  • April: Powerful Women – Romances with strong Black female leads.
  • May: Unexpected Love – Stories where love takes surprising turns.
  • June: Hot and Steamy – Passionate and bold romances.
  • July: Love in Danger – Romantic suspense and thrillers.
  • August: Fantasy and Magic – Black romance in fantastical worlds.
  • September: Black Historical Romance – Love stories set in the past.
  • October: Forbidden Romance – Love that defies expectations.
  • November: Family Ties – Stories blending romance with family themes.
  • December: Holiday Bliss – Cozy, seasonal Black romance reads.

Why Join?
  • Celebrate the diversity and depth of Black romance.
  • Discover new authors and hidden gems.
  • Support Black authors and amplify their voices.
  • Fall in love with stories that reflect joy, authenticity, and passion.

Join the Love Unapologetically: A Black Romance Challenge and let yourself be swept away by tales of love that are unapologetically powerful, authentic, and unforgettable. 

Challenge Books

All books added
One Summer in Miami by Amber Rose Gill

One Summer in Miami

Amber Rose Gill

336 pages • 2024 • 4 editions

fiction contemporary lgbtqia+ romance adventurous inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
Can't Resist Her by Kianna Alexander

Can't Resist Her

Kianna Alexander

299 pages • 2022 • 4 editions

fiction lgbtqia+ romance emotional lighthearted medium-paced
Can't Let Her Go by Kianna Alexander

Can't Let Her Go

Kianna Alexander

279 pages • 2023 • 4 editions

fiction contemporary lgbtqia+ romance emotional lighthearted medium-paced
And They Lived Happily Ever After by Therese Beharrie

And They Lived Happily Ever After

Therese Beharrie

320 pages • 2021 • 3 editions

fiction romance emotional lighthearted medium-paced
Single Dads Club by Therese Beharrie

Single Dads Club

Therese Beharrie

300 pages • 2023 • 4 editions

fiction contemporary romance emotional lighthearted slow-paced
The Second Time We Met by Frances Mensah Williams

The Second Time We Met

Frances Mensah Williams

344 pages • 2022 • 4 editions

fiction romance emotional lighthearted medium-paced
Strictly Friends by Frances Mensah Williams

Strictly Friends

Frances Mensah Williams

336 pages • 2023 • 4 editions

fiction romance emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Bemused by Farrah Rochon

Bemused

Farrah Rochon

344 pages • 2025 • 5 editions

fiction fantasy young adult adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon

Pardon My Frenchie

Farrah Rochon

384 pages • 2024 • 6 editions

fiction contemporary romance funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon

The Boyfriend Project #3

The Hookup Plan

Farrah Rochon

320 pages • 2022 • 10 editions

fiction contemporary romance emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced