6 Upcoming 2025 Romance Books by Black Authors You Might Have Missed
These 2025 romance books by Black authors aren’t all over your feed (yet!), but they’re on my TBR—and they might be perfect for yours too!
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I’m always on the lookout for upcoming romance novels that aren’t getting a ton of buzz yet but sound super promising. These are 6 under the radar 2025 romance releases by Black authors that have caught my eye recently—and now they’re on my TBR!
And if you want even more book recs by Black authors, be sure to check out these lists on the blog:
📌 2025 Romance Books by Black Authors – Contemporary & Historical Romance
📌 2025 Black Paranormal and Fantasy Book Releases
📌 2025 Black Debut Authors to Watch For
📌 Thrillers by Black Authors
📌 Historical Romance by Black Authors
📌 Our All Time Favorite Romance Books by Black Authors
📌 Must Read Black Paranormal and Fantasy Authors
Which of these books are you excited for? Drop your TBR picks in the comments—I always love hearing what’s on your radar!
6 Upcoming 2025 Romance Books by Black Authors You Might Have Missed
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Spring Awakening by J.S. Jasper
Mali just landed her dream job—handling PR for her hometown rugby team. The only problem? Her favorite player is a walking tabloid headline, and he’s determined to make her his next story. She wants stability. He’s never had a home. So why can’t they stay away from each other?
Through the Fire by Danielle Brooks
Fallon isn’t looking for love—especially not at her new firehouse. But when she realizes her new captain is a familiar face from her past, she’s forced to confront the sparks between them. Deacon’s ready to risk it all, but will Fallon let him?
No Strings & Wedding Rings by D.J. Murphy
Carter’s life is perfect—until her impossible client, Hollywood bad boy Kade Ikeda, turns it upside down. When a family emergency forces her into an unexpected custody battle, a marriage of convenience with Kade might be her only option. But falling for him? That was never in the plan.
Roses Are Red by Ciana Smoak
Kayani hates Valentine’s Day. Every year brings nothing but heartbreak. Her best friend Rosen has always kept his feelings to himself, but this year, he’s done watching her suffer. He’s determined to give her the love she deserves—starting with the perfect Valentine’s Day.
Losing Sight by Tati Richardson
Tanika’s thriving career crumbles when her vision starts failing. A near accident leads her to Dr. Gideon Miles—and an enchanted pair of glasses that just might change everything. With the help of a little magic and her ride-or-die crew, Tanika has to decide: is she ready to see the love right in front of her?
What Happens in Paradise by Olivia Spring
Jasmine is a Love Alchemist, matchmaking guests at an exclusive Spanish resort—but falling for a co-worker is strictly against the rules. When she’s sent to Jamaica to open a new location, she’s relieved to escape the temptation of sous-chef Alejandro… until he’s sent with her. A secret vacation fling seems like the perfect solution—until it’s not.
These 2025 romance books by Black authors are bringing fresh love stories, unique voices, and all the tropes we love. These hidden gems deserve a spot on your TBR.
Which one are you most excited for? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s on your radar!
You may also like:
If you're eager for more recommendations celebrating Black joy and love, check out our recent episode of the Novel Hour live show. In this episode, Victoria from
shares contemporary romance picks, Laura from discusses cozy mysteries featuring amateur sleuths, and I recommend fantasy and paranormal romances available on Kindle Unlimited. Watch the replay here!And for even more recommendations, watch the replay of our Substack After Show, where we shared three additional must-read titles.
📌 Watch the full Substack After Show replay here:
Books Mentioned:
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
Fifteen years ago, Eva and Shane had a week-long whirlwind romance that left them both scarred. Now, she’s a bestselling erotica author and single mom, and he’s a reclusive literary icon. When fate throws them together again at a book event, their unresolved past threatens to ignite once more. Can they rewrite their love story, or will history repeat itself?
The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest
Violet Greene has her career in check but not her love life—especially after a high-profile breakup. So when she accidentally marries her high school ex, Xavier, during a reckless Vegas night, they both see an opportunity. If they fake a perfect marriage, they can both benefit. But old feelings refuse to stay in the past, forcing them to decide if this second chance is worth the risk.
Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop
Janelle Cross is so over her sister’s wedding drama—especially since the groom happens to be her ex. To take the edge off, she agrees to a steamy, one-week-only fling with Rome, the best man who’s always had a thing for her. But as the wedding unfolds in tropical Tulum, their no-strings-attached deal starts feeling a lot like forever.
There are so many exciting romance books by Black authors coming in 2025. Are any of these on your TBR? Or do you have others you’re looking forward to? Drop your picks in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s on your list!
Looking for more romance recs? Check out these lists for even more 2025 romance books by Black authors:
📌 2025 Romance Books by Black Authors – Contemporary & Historical Romance
📌 2025 Black Paranormal and Fantasy Book Releases
📌 2025 Black Debut Authors to Watch For
Let’s chat below!
Sharing our love for books as Under the Covers Book Blog since 2011, running the Romanceopoly yearly reading challenge since 2019 and hosting the Reading Under the Covers podcast since 2020. Join our Substack community and have access to all paid member features.