Well, me and my sister came up with this idea. The idea is to have a book club. We wanted books that were written by Black authors. We decided on Black romance books first.
Since we are both foodies, we decide to have food. My sister came up with the idea to have food that reflects the books we read.
I decided to find Black romance books that have food in them. I found books that mentioned cooking or have food references. This would make finding recipes or dishes for the book club easy.
I choose romance books written by Black women. The reason is because sometimes they do not get the recognition they deserve. There are a lot of talented Black authors, but they are not always promoted by the media.
Sometimes, Black authors are not always showcased in some local libraries. That is until a Black History Month. I wanted to read and acknowledge their bodies of work. Not just for one month but any chance I get.
I am sharing with you some romantic food-centered books that have Black women in romantic relationships. The Proposal is the only book that features an interracial couple.
If you love romance and food, you will love these books. I hope you also enjoy the food suggestions as well.
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Black Romance Books for Foodies
Jamie Wesley knows about romance books. She has been reading romance novels since she was a preteen. So, Jamie knows a lot about Black romance books. You can tell by how she writes.
Fake It Till You Bake It is one of the romantic books written by Jamie.
It features Jada Townsend-Matthews. Jada is now the most hated Black woman on TV. Since she rejected a proposal on the reality TV show, she is now the top villain. Because of newfound notoriety instead of success she finds herself desperate for a job.
Jada has no choice but to work at Sugar Blitz. Donovan is not too happy to have Jada around. Donovan is the owner of Sugar Blitz. He has no time for Jada's games at his failing bakery. But he may need her help since she is excellent at advertising. A report spreads the rumor they are a new couple. Jada and Donovan pretend to be a couple to help their images.
My thoughts about the book
I started reading this book. My first thought is that Jada and Donovan have a lot of physical chemistry. Donovan was attracted to her at first glance. However, her mouth almost stopped the physical attraction.
Jada is very opinionated and sometimes rude. She irritated Donovan with her criticism about his bakery.
But as I continued to read, I realized why she behaved that way. I don't want to give too much away yet. I will save that for another post.
Food inspired by the book
Since this book is about a bakery, cupcakes would be a nice treat to have for a book club.
The book can be found at Amazon, Target, Books Amillion, or your local library.
This is Bolu Babalola debut novel. The main character is Kiki Banjo. She makes a mistake. She kisses Malakai Korde on her radio show called Brown Sugar. Her behavior causes her radio show to be Jeopardy.
Soon the pair pretend to be a couple. Their plan is to save their reputation and future. Kiki is reluctant because she has never surrendered her heart to anyone. Malakai is the last one she wants. He is a player and most likely break her heart.
However, the two are hitting it off. They're having late-night study sessions. Getting cozy and eating at old-school diners. Spending all of this time together leaves her baffled. Is she ready for love?
My Thoughts
I have this book on hold, but I was able to read the sample. Kiki is strong willed. I know the book will be good because the main character is going to speak her mind.
Food Inspired by the Book
Going by the book's title I think spicey and sweet food would be perfect to go with this book.
Fried Plantains and Beef Suya sound like food that would match this book.
The book can be found at Amazon, Target, Books Amillion, or your local library.
A football player who loves to bake goes viral. He now is receiving help from a social media maven. They are helping him to promote his new bakery.
August Hodges stumbled into the baking scene after a rant. He was caught saying that baking was not a threat to his masculinity. Now the so-called silent partner is not a hot bachelor. August was a silent partner but is now a baking star.
Sloane Dell is a social media maven. She is asked to help August. She is happy to help. She has been in love with him for over a decade. Once she met him through her older brother she was smitten. Her infatuation with him has cost her dearly. He also has feelings for her but wants to stay focused.
Will this stay focused on the business or focus on kindling their passions?
My Thoughts
This book is written by Jamie Wesley. It has a similar presence to the Fake It Till You Bake It. But I am still interested in it.
Food inspired by the book
Just like the other book by Jamie Wesley, this book also features cupcakes. I am having cupcakes when we do this book club meeting.
Freelance writer Nikole Patterson goes to a Dodgers game with her boyfriend. He also brings his best friends. Little does Nikole know that she is in for a surprise.
Her boyfriend proposes to her in front of people. He puts it on the jumbotron and even misspells her name. She says no.
She is then helped by Carlos. Carlos and Nikole become very popular on social media. Nikole decides to forget her boyfriend and start seeing Carlos.
Carlos and Nikole embark on an adventure of fun, food, and passion.
My Thoughts
I started listening to the audiobook. I can see why she said no to his proposal. You don't propose to a person without letting them know your intentions. He kind of put this on himself. I also looked at how smoothly Carlos and his sister saved her.
Food-Inspired by the book
Of course, since the book starts at a baseball game, baseball food would be a good idea. Food Like popcorn or hotdogs. Pizza since this is the first food she ate after the proposal. Tacos because the couple share tacos while on a date. Borbon desserts are also a good idea. Borbon is Nikole favorite drink.
The book can be found at Amazon and Target, or your local library.
The major of Lunden Pierce has her mind on history, honeybees, and the town she serves. She will stop at nothing to protect her town's historic landmarks and charm.
Her focus changes when her childhood sweetheart comes to town. Quad Cannon is only thinking about selling the historic inn he inherited.
Luden makes it her business to change his mind. She tries to show what the town has to offer. The history and honeybees are things you think will catch his attention. The town, the bees, and Luden do catch his eye. Luden has to make the choice to support her town or her rekindled love.
My Thoughts
This book was interesting because there are not a lot of books about Black female mayors. In reality, you don't see too many Black female mayors.
Food-Inspired by the book
Since the book's location is in North Carolina, it makes to cook something southern. Honey BBQ wings would be a nice thing to eat for the book club.
The book can be found at Amazon, Target, Books Amillion, or your local library.
Food inspired by the book
Of course, cake since it is a wedding going on in the book.
The book can be found at Amazon or your local library.
Conclusion:
I think each of these books is enjoyable and would be excellent for a book club. You can find a lot to talk about. The dynamic between the couples, their behaviors, the author's writing style, or just talk about the food.
What books are you reading now? Have you ever joined a book club before?
Don't forget to share.
