12 Black romance books to preorder for Valentine's Day 2024

Valentine's Day is here and it's the day of love. Since Valentine's Day is all about being with your love, I wanted to make this a two-for-one post and include Black History Month as well.

Since there are so many amazing Black romance authors out there, I wanted to shine a light on some upcoming Black romances coming out. Whether you're planning to preorder or just want something to look forward to, we're going to be featuring 10 on this list.

Of course, there are no doubt a lot of Black authors writing non-romance and across all genres so I'd highly suggest heading to your favorite bookish website. If I'm remembering correctly, every single book on this list is a Black romance but there might be one interracial romance.

Either way, there should be a book for everyone's taste, a cover you like, or something you want to look into further. With that being said, let's not waste any time and start talking about some Black romance books.

Gift yourself some Black romance books this Valentine's Day.

1. The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest (Feb. 27, 2024)

Starting with a release that's coming out in February, I had to feature The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest. I'm sorry if you're sick of hearing about this book but I can't stop talking about it. It also ended up being my first 5-star read of the year so it holds a special place in my heart.

This is a second-chance romance with a dash of fake dating and even, a bit of married in Vegas for good measure. The story follows Violet who is reunited with her high school sweetheart and the two end up deciding to fake date due to Violet accidentally sharing the news and it being a great career move for the two. While a fun romance, this has some depth and a lot of backstory you won't want to miss.

2. The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton (April 9, 2024)

Moving onto April, we have a few books to talk about and first, we're starting with The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton. If the cover wasn't enough to draw you in, then this premise should seal the deal. This story follows a fake-dating romance between Amerie, an event planner, and Vincent, an astronaut about to be sent into space.

I don't think I've ever read an astronaut in romance books before so I was sold. That also feels like a breeding ground for some great tension and an even better conclusion. Plus Etta Easton is a debut author and I always love supporting new authors.

3. When I Think Of You by Myah Ariel (April 16, 2024)

Another April release is When I Think of You by Myah Ariel. Let's just take a moment and appreciate that gorgeous cover. If you like that, then you're sure to love the concept as it's another fun one.

When I Think of You is a Hollywood romance following Kaliya who is down on her luck until she reunites with her former college love, Danny Prescott. He decides to offer her a role in his upcoming film as he's a director. From there, it's a cinematic romance and honestly, how could you say no to this one? As with Etta Easton, Myah Ariel is also a debut author so make sure to support her in any way you can.

5. The 7-10 Split by Karmen Lee (May 21, 2024)

Heading into May, this is a book I've been thinking about since I saw the cover. As someone who has read Karmen Lee previously, I adored her writing. Since then, I've been eager to see her get picked up by a publisher and thankfully, Afterglow Books picked her up.

The 7-10 Split is a second-chance, friends-to-rivals-to-lovers story and it sounds amazing. It follows Grace and Ava who are former best friends, working at the same school. Grace wants a bowling team and she gets it but the principal puts Ava in charge so there's some tension, too. It just sounds delicious plus we rarely see bowling romances so why not give it a try?

6. A Little Kissing Between Friends by Chencia C. Higgins (May 28, 2024)

Moving onto the other Afterglow Books release is A Little Kissing Between Friends. This is by Chenica C. Higgins who also wrote D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding. This is another Black love romance but this time, we're following two best friends.

Cyn is a music producer and her best friend, Jucee is a dancer at a strip club. While they're just friends, things go awry when Cyn's latest conquest doesn't get along with Jucee. From there, things seem a lot less friendly, and honestly, I'm here for it. Chencia C. Higgins has written so many amazing romances and no doubt A Little Kissing Between Friends will be another.

7. Out Of Office by A.H. Cunningham (April 23, 2024)

This list is somewhat out of order because I thought this book would be released closer to summer but I was incorrect. While you might not A.H. Cunningham from her indie release, this is her debut as a traditionally-published author. Either way, I wanted to make sure I featured this book because it's one of my most anticipated releases for the year.

Out of Office is a vacation romance between Genevieve who is overworked and Adrian who is her driver. The two end up deciding to have a two-week fling but aren't looking for more. Of course, there's chemistry and feelings so no doubt this is going to be steamy and fun while also featuring some amazing character development. Overall, this is one I've been looking forward to so I'm incredibly excited for it to come out.

8. Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon (June 4, 2024)

Moving onto the next book, this is a June release and that's Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon who has written some amazing books. While she writes across different genres and age groups, I've only read her adult romances including the Boyfriend Project series.

This time, she's putting the pups in the forefront as the story follows Ashanti who has a doggy daycare and is the pet parent of a Frenchie. Of course, her Frenchie ends up connecting with Thad's poodle, and from there, the two end up being forced together in the best way. Honestly, this book feels like the doggie romance I've been waiting for and seems like an adorable romance between two unlikely pet parents, too.

9. Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen (June 11, 2024)

While I've talked about covers before on this list, can we just take a moment and stare at the one for Curvy Girl Summer? I mean how could you not want this beauty on your shelves? Plus it's a new one from Danielle Allen so that's enough of a reason to say yes. This is also a release from Bramble which I'm SO excited for.

Getting into the book, this is a romance between Aaliyah who is tasked with proving her family wrong by finding a boyfriend, and Ahmad, a bartender who is her friend at first. Of course, feelings start to get involved and honestly, I'm just here for this. Every single Danielle Allen I've read has been amazing so I know that Curvy Girl Summer will be no different.

10. Second Tide's The Charm by Chandra Blumberg (August 6, 2024)

Moving onto an August release, I would be remiss to not feature Second Tide's The Charm by Chandra Blumberg. While Blumberg originally published with Montlake, she's now with Canary Street Press and this one sounds just as fun as her previous releases.

If you couldn't tell, I've been waiting a while for a new one from Chandra Blumberg. Hope is a marine biologist, looking to conduct some research while out at sea but of course, she ends up having to work with her ex, Adrian. He's known for his Youtube channel and being a shark expert. With these two in tight quarters and plenty of history between them, no doubt we're in for a bumpy ride.

11. Frequent Fliers by Noué Kirwan (August 13, 2024)

Another August release worth preordering is Frequent Fliers, by Noué Kirwan. This is Kirwan's second novel and honestly, this cover is such a feast for the eyes. I don't know about you, but that pink they used for the background is making me wish I had this book in my hands to stare at.

Either way, Frequent Fliers is about Lanie who is an administrative assistant who is headed to an extended vacation in England but things aren't what they seem. Lanie gets roped into helping with her cousin's wedding by being her maid of honor and his "best mate." Of course, she ends up having a sexy seatmate named Ridley who is a frequent flier hence the title.

This concept is super unique and incredibly fun so I'm excited to pick this one up. I know this will be one I preorder since it's going to be an early birthday present to myself. Plus that cover is just too stunning to not adorn my shelves.

12. A Legend in The Baking by Jamie Wesley (Nov. 19, 2024)

Moving onto the final book on my list, I had to include A Legend in The Baking by Jamie Wesley. I read Fake It Till You Bake It when it was released and adored it. That's why I'm so excited to finally be getting another book in this world.

This time, we're following August who after accidentally going viral needs some help with the bakery's social media. In comes Sloane who is August's best friend's sister. No surprise that the two have been pining for each other for years and after a make out session, have to try to figure out what's going on between them while still working at the bakery together.

All in all, I adore Jamie Wesley and Fake It Till You Bake It was one of my favorite reads of 2022 so there was no way I wasn't going to feature A Legend In The Baking.

As you can see, there are plenty of amazing Black romances coming out in 2024 but those are just some of the ones on my list. Of course, I'd love to know if there are any Black romances you're looking forward to and what books I should have on my radar!