Friday, June 21, 2024

Black Romance Books to Read this Summer

 




Summer is the perfect time to read. If you have any vacation plans or are on summer break. I am spending part of my summer reading books. Just like the when I was a kid and had a summer reading list. I have read so many books in the Spring. But the books I read or am reading are excellent for summer too. Many of these books revolve around weddings, vacations, or celebratory events. Some are spicier than others. Each has at least one Black main character. Which makes it perfect to read while you are on vacation. 





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Make a Scene by Mimi Grace








I just finished reading this book. It was one of my favorite books. Retta, a baker in the book, gets blindsided by the engagement announcement of her cousin and exes. Their engagement has made things awkward for her. She hopes to find a fake boyfriend without looking bitter about it. When she goes on a blind date, she mistakes Duncan has her date. She goes on dates, but nothing pans out. In desperation, she asks her the owner of a business next door. Duncan is a boxer and trainer who owns a boxing studio. In return for a parking spot, he agrees to act as her boyfriend during the wedding events. He accepts but is curious about the reason she needs a date. She neglects to tell him about her situation with the bride and groom.




Where to Find the Book: Here  Here or at your Library 



The Neighborhood Favor by Kristina Forest





Lily’s career differs from where she wants it to be right now. She wants to be an editor of children’s books, but she is stuck in a job with no promotion. The only thing that brings her true contentment is her deep admiration for the works of one author. One day, she emails the author about how she loves his book. They chat over a course of time. She developed feelings for him. He feels the same but breaks it off. 

Lily now feels sad and angry that he did that to her. But she still likes him. On, top of that, her sisters are setting her up with guys she is not compatible with or likes. Their matchmaking has increased since her sister got married. She asks her hot new neighbor Nick Brown to be her date. Lily feels she is drawn to him. The reason is that Nick Brown is the author she was emailing. Nick finds out Lily is the one who emailed him months ago. To keep from being exposed and breaking her heart again, he does not tell her. He also refuses to be her date but tells her he will help her find someone. Nick struggles to keep his promise because he still has feelings for Lily. 

One of the best I have read is an excellent summer read. I enjoyed reading this book and seeing Lily and Nick get out of their shells. They both are cute yet socially awkward. I also love reading about their families. Their families give insight into how they behave. Lily has such a sweet and close family. Nick has no contact with his family.

This book is one of my favorite ones. I like it so much I want to read it again. 


Where to find this book: Here, and Here 





The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon  







Samiah Brooks never thought someone would catfish her. In addition, she had no idea that the man she had feelings for was seeing two other women, named London and Taylor. Samiah also never thought someone would record her discovery and put it online. Now Samiah, London, and Taylor are in the spotlight. Instead of letting it get them down, the three ladies decide to agree. For the next six months, they will focus on themselves. No boyfriends or dating. 

Samiah’s goal is to work on her app. While working on her app, she meets the hot Daniel at work. She thinks he is attractive and has boyfriend material. But is he genuine?

 


Where to find the book: Here or at your local library. 


 


The Fake Boyfriend Fiasco by Talia Hibbert 



Nik, a footballer, is unfamiliar with being turned down by others. Until he meets Aria. Aria doesn’t acknowledge his existence. Since he does not take rejection well, he decides to romance her with money and a trip to a villa. In exchange, she will have to be his fake girlfriend. 


Where to find the book: Here, Here, and at your local Library. 



Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop 



Janelle is dealing with her older sister marrying her ex. She does not have hard feelings about it, but she has feelings about her sister being a Bridezilla.  She nags and puts her sister down. Janelle keeps it together by taking the high road since it is her sister’s big day. She also does not want her mother to think she is upset that her sister is marrying her ex-boyfriend. Janelle finds solace in the best man, named Rome. They agree to keep it a secret and only for the week of the wedding. Of course, the two regret making this choice. 

I like how Rome defends and helps Janelle because she is trying hard to keep the peace with her sister and mother. He tries his best to make sure she enjoys herself. 


Where to find the book: Here, Here, or at your local library. 




Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory 






 

Olivia Monroe just moved to LA to start her own Law firm. She has a lot on her plate trying to get new clients, so dating is the last thing on her mind. One day she meets a handsome man at a hotel bar. They start a conversation about dessert which someone how leads to flirting. She later runs into him and an event and realizes that he is the hotshot, Senator Max Powell. 


Oliva has no desire to get into a relationship with a public figure. She tries to avoid him, but he sends her a delicious chocolate cake. She can resist and decides to give him a chance. By going on dates with him she realizes that he is not a stuck-up politician but a sweet and funny guy. They decide to keep their relationship a secret, but Max decides to go public. Once they go public with their love affair, all hell breaks loose. 


Max Powell will be an excellent leading senator once he lightens up.  Olivia is a fun yet career-minded woman with a sweet tooth These two were definitely compatible. 


Where to find the book: Here, Here, or at your local library. 

Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell 






Savvy Sheldon is focusing on renovating her family home and getting a promotion. She is also trying to please her boyfriend, Jason. Jason one day decides to finally tell her she has let herself go and that he needs an "upgrade". This devastates her so much that she decides to do a makeover. This includes eating better, exercising, and putting more effort into how she looks.  While reeling from the breakup and trying to start over she meets a mysterious yet dirty-looking man. She soon finds out he is a contractor who is renovating one of her neighbor's homes. 


Savvy is a sweet woman who loves her family and friends. She tries hard to please her mom and not disappoint her. This is why she tries hard to get a promotion and to be the best. I feel that may be why she tries hard to improve her image, especially after such a terrible breakup. With that being said she does face body shaming, and this may be hard for those who have experienced it. 



Where to find the book: Here, Here, and Here


The Worst Best Man 







Lina is left at the altar by her groom. The best man, Max takes responsible for it. Later Lina must work with Max. Lina still has hard feelings about him since her failed relationship. 


Where to find the book: HereHere, and at your local library. 



Insert Groom Here by K. M. Jackson 


Eva Ward has received the embarrassment of her life. On a morning TV show about her finances, Kevin announces he does not want to marry her. Eva tries to hold it together with embarrassment, planting a smile. He tells her they are “moving too fast.” She tries to take control of the situation on camera, but behind the scenes she is wretched. She is concerned about disappointing her mother and the plans she made. The plans for her personal and professional life.

Instead of losing her chance at wedding her dreams, she tells him she “will have her wedding, with or without him.” “Insert groom here” is what she says. After her outburst, the cameraman, Aiden, follows her to the green room. Aiden films her backstage breakdown and that is when things get complicated.   

A day later, when approached by Aidan and Carter, who work at the morning show network, they want her to be a reality star who finds her groom. She has eight weeks to date an eligible bachelor, find the one, and then have a summer wedding. Straightlaced, Eva is reluctant and does not want to make a fool of herself again. But her mother persuades her to do it to revamp her image after her on-air breakdown.  

Eva knows this won’t be easy because she likes to be in control. Now she has to put her reputation in the hands of Aidan. Their mutual attraction will make their work arrangement hard.

I like how Eva is strong-willed and knows what she wants. Aidan is more laid back and passionate. Aidan’s personality helps break down the walls Eva built. They balance each other. 

 


Where to find the book:  Here or at your local library. 


Conclusion: 


Now that you have a few suggestions, you can grab a book, or your favorite summer beverage, sit back, and relax. 


Other books to read: 

Music Themed Books


Must-Read Books from Black Women


Spring Romance Books to Read


Spring themed Mysteries