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
Between Friends & Lovers by Shirlene Obuobi

Between Friends & Lovers

Shirlene Obuobi

384 pages • 2024 • 11 editions

fiction contemporary romance emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
Only For The Week by Natasha Bishop

Forever Falling #1

Only For The Week

Natasha Bishop

238 pages • 2023 • 21 editions

fiction romance emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills

Christmas in Spite of You

K.C. Mills

288 pages • 2024 • 6 editions

fiction contemporary romance funny lighthearted medium-paced
Sounds Like a Plan by Pamela Samuels Young, Dwayne Alexander Smith

Sounds Like a Plan #1

Sounds Like a Plan

Pamela Samuels Young, Dwayne Alexander Smith

304 pages • 2024 • 8 editions

fiction contemporary mystery romance adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced
Out of Office by A.H. Cunningham

Out of Office

A.H. Cunningham

207 pages • 2024 • 6 editions

fiction contemporary lgbtqia+ romance emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
The Love Script by Toni Shiloh

Love in the Spotlight #1

The Love Script

Toni Shiloh

345 pages • 2023 • 6 editions

fiction contemporary romance emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
The Last Minute First Lady by Tinia Montford

The Last Minute First Lady

Tinia Montford

322 pages • 2022 • 7 editions

fiction romance emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
August Lane by Regina Black

August Lane

Regina Black

304 pages • 2025 • 3 editions

fiction contemporary romance emotional sad medium-paced
When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa

When Javi Dumped Mari

Mia Sosa

352 pages • 2025 • 3 editions

fiction contemporary romance emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
A Gardin Wedding by Rosey Lee

Gardins of Edin #2

A Gardin Wedding

Rosey Lee

304 pages • 2025 • 3 editions

fiction contemporary emotional reflective medium-paced