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
Audre and Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams

Audre and Bash Are Just Friends

Tia Williams

384 pages • digital • 2025

fiction contemporary romance young adult emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
Frequent Fliers by Noué Kirwan

Frequent Fliers

Noué Kirwan

384 pages • digital • 2024

fiction contemporary romance emotional funny medium-paced
Stirring Up Love by Chandra Blumberg

Stirring Up Love

Taste of Love #2

Chandra Blumberg

372 pages • paperback • 2022

fiction contemporary romance lighthearted medium-paced
Second Tide's the Charm by Chandra Blumberg

Second Tide's the Charm

Chandra Blumberg

336 pages • digital • 2024

fiction romance funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Digging Up Love by Chandra Blumberg

Digging Up Love

Taste of Love #1

Chandra Blumberg

337 pages • paperback • 2022

fiction contemporary romance funny lighthearted medium-paced
Do You Take This Man by Denise Williams

Do You Take This Man

Denise Williams

340 pages • paperback • 2022

fiction contemporary romance funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan

Can't Get Enough

Skyland #3

Kennedy Ryan

448 pages • paperback • 2025

fiction contemporary romance emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen

Plus Size Player

Curve #2

Danielle Allen

368 pages • paperback • 2025

fiction contemporary romance funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen

Curvy Girl Summer

Curve #1

Danielle Allen

368 pages • paperback • 2024

fiction contemporary romance emotional funny reflective medium-paced
Frenemy Fix-Up by Yahrah St. John

Frenemy Fix-Up

Six Gems #4

Yahrah St. John

288 pages • paperback • 2024

fiction contemporary romance emotional medium-paced