Love Unapologetically: A Black Romance Challenge

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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
Knot Again by Kwana Jackson

Knot Again

Real Men Knit #2

Kwana Jackson

320 pages • paperback • 2022

fiction romance emotional lighthearted medium-paced
Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson

Real Men Knit

Real Men Knit #1

Kwana Jackson

328 pages • paperback • 2020

fiction contemporary romance emotional hopeful lighthearted slow-paced
No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel

No Ordinary Love

Myah Ariel

306 pages • digital • 2025

fiction contemporary romance emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

The Proposal

The Wedding Date #2

Jasmine Guillory

325 pages • paperback • 2018

fiction contemporary romance sports lighthearted fast-paced
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory

By the Book

Meant To Be #2

Jasmine Guillory

313 pages • hardcover • 2022

fiction contemporary romance emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory

Flirting Lessons

Jasmine Guillory

368 pages • paperback • 2025

fiction contemporary lgbtqia+ romance funny lighthearted medium-paced
When I Think of You by Myah Ariel

When I Think of You

Myah Ariel

336 pages • paperback • 2024

fiction contemporary romance emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory

While We Were Dating

The Wedding Date #6

Jasmine Guillory

344 pages • hardcover • 2021

fiction contemporary romance emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
The Princess Trap by Talia Hibbert

The Princess Trap

Midnight Heat #1

Talia Hibbert

301 pages • paperback • 2018

fiction contemporary romance emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
Along for the Ride by Mimi Grace

Along for the Ride

Mimi Grace

239 pages • digital • 2019

fiction contemporary romance emotional lighthearted medium-paced