10 Romance Fiction Books by Black Authors to Buy from Afrori Books
Romance is the perfect genre for anyone who wants a little hope, humour and heart with their next read. It’s also a brilliant way to support Afrori Books this April.
Brighton’s award-winning Black-owned bookshop needs to sell 1,000 books by the end of the month to stay open. Every order helps protect an important community space, while also introducing more readers to brilliant stories by Black authors.
From fake dating and second chances to messy modern love, family pressure, celebrity drama and friendship-led romcoms, these ten romance and romantic fiction books are full of warmth, wit and unforgettable characters.
The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
Temi and Wale once had a love story, until they broke up and Wale ended up on a reality dating show. When Temi lands a ghost-writing job that could change her career, the celebrity memoir she is asked to write turns out to be Wale’s — forcing them to revisit the past and decide whether they can create a different ending. (Afrori Books LTD)
Price: £9.99
Bombshell by Alison Hammond
Madison has spent years putting her family first, while her own career has taken a back seat. When her celebrity husband suddenly announces that he needs space and moves out, Madison leans on her friends, then starts digging into what is really going on. (Afrori Books LTD)
Price: £18.00
The Situationship by Taylor-Dior Rumble
When the love of her life appears with a girlfriend, Tia decides it is time to start dating again. She quickly connects with Nate, a handsome photographer who makes her feel safe and seen — but without “the talk”, Tia has to decide whether to risk being honest about what she really wants.
Price: £9.99
Asking for a Friend by Andi Osho
Three best friends decide to take control of their dating lives by ditching the apps and asking people out in real life — but only on each other’s behalf. A funny, uplifting romantic comedy about friendship, love and what happens when you try to play by your own rules.
Price: £9.99
Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst
Mickey Hayward thinks she has the life she always wanted: a writing job, a loving relationship and a future she can believe in. But when she is pushed out of her media role and replaced by a younger, more “agreeable” Black writer, she writes a viral open letter about racism in the industry — and everything changes. (Afrori Books LTD)
Price: £9.99
Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender
Logan Gray is Hollywood’s troubled bad boy, while Mattie Cole is the rising star everyone adores. After a disastrous comment threatens their new romantic film, the two actors are pushed into a fake-dating arrangement for publicity — only for real feelings to start growing under the spotlight.
Price: £9.99
Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah
Efe and Sam first meet as teenagers in London, before becoming best friends and then husband and wife. But when an unplanned pregnancy exposes the distance between what they each want from life, their marriage is forced into crisis in this moving story about love, motherhood, family and freedom.
Price: £9.99
Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
Kiki Banjo is determined to protect the women of Whitewell University from players and heartbreak through her student radio show, Brown Sugar. But when she clashes with charming newcomer Malakai Korede, the two end up in a fake relationship that could put Kiki’s heart at risk.
Price: £9.99
Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
Yinka wants to find love, but her mum and aunties are perhaps even more invested in the mission than she is. With a family wedding approaching, Yinka launches a plan to find a date — but her search for a husband may become a journey back to herself.
Price: £9.99
Can’t Resist Her by Kianna Alexander
Summer Graves returns to Austin for a new teaching job and discovers that her grandmother’s historic high school is set to be demolished. The architect on the redevelopment team is Aiko Holt, the woman she once kissed at senior-year dance, setting up a second-chance romance full of passion, conflict and unresolved feelings.
Price: £8.99
About Afrori Books
Afrori Books, the UK's only bookshop specialising in books by Black authors, are facing a critical moment due to rising rates and hard times for independent businesses. As well as running their beautiful Brighton bookshop, they also do invaluable anti-racist work, offer safe spaces, groups and events, and are a wonderful community hub. And now they need our help.
Afrori need to sell 1,000 books by the end of April to stay open, so please support if you can or help spread the word!
Ways to support:
Buy books, subscription boxes (only £16.20 a month!) or gift cards online at afrori.co.uk
Select them as your bookshop on bookshop.org (for both physical or e-books!)
Buy an audiobook on Libro.fm and select them there
Or pop into their gorgeous shop! At the front of the Brighthelm Centre on North Road, Tuesday-Saturdays 10.30am-6pm