This workplace romance by Sharon C. Cooper follows two ambitious professionals who clash over a high-stakes project. Social media manager Jada is determined to succeed, while software engineer Aiden prefers to keep a low profile. As they navigate office politics and undeniable attraction, they discover that love might just be the ultimate business strategy. Full of witty banter and sizzling chemistry, this contemporary romance is a must-read for fans of workplace romances.
Ali Hazelwood crafts a charming enemies-to-lovers romance that is equal parts sweet and steamy. Olive Smith, a PhD candidate in biology, enlists the help of notorious playboy Adam Carlsen to pose as her fake boyfriend. As they navigate fake dates and unexpected feelings, they discover that sometimes the most unexpected experiments lead to the most fulfilling results. With laugh-out-loud humor and undeniable chemistry, this romantic comedy is a delightful addition to any reading list.
Alison Cochrun delivers a heartwarming romance that celebrates the power of authenticity and vulnerability. Dev Deshpande, a charming dating show producer, is tasked with transforming awkward tech CEO Charlie Winshaw into the perfect Bachelor. As they navigate the intricacies of love and reality TV, they discover that the most authentic connections are often found when we least expect them. With witty dialogue and genuine emotion, this romantic comedy is a delightful read for fans of unconventional love stories.
#14. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Photo: Amazon
Casey McQuiston crafts a captivating romance that blends time travel, mystery, and queer love. August Landry meets the enigmatic Jane Su on the Q train and soon discovers that Jane is displaced in time from the 1970s. As they unravel the mysteries of Jane’s past and navigate the complexities of their connection, they realize that love transcends time and space. With humor, heart, and a touch of magic, this novel is a must-read for fans of unconventional love stories.
Whether you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, or workplace dynamics, these 14 romance books by Black writers offer a diverse range of love stories to cozy up with this Valentine’s Day. From contemporary romances to historical love stories, these novels are sure to sweep you off your feet and leave you swooning long after the final page.
Cooper’s latest article delves into the world of modern romance novels, highlighting four captivating reads that are sure to tug at your heartstrings. From unlikely connections to thrilling espionage, these stories offer a mix of humor, passion, and emotional depth that will keep you turning pages until the very end.
The first book on Cooper’s list is “Dreamy Daniels” by Karter Redford. The story follows the unlikely romance between Dreamy Daniels, a free-spirited artist, and venture capitalist Karter Redford. Despite coming from different worlds, their connection is undeniable and their journey towards love is filled with affirmations, humor, and emotional growth. It’s a reminder that sometimes love can find you when you least expect it.
Next up is “An Extraordinary Union” by Alyssa Cole, a historical romance that combines espionage, danger, and undeniable chemistry. Elle Burns, a former enslaved woman turned Union spy, partners with Pinkerton detective Malcolm McCall in a thrilling and deeply romantic story that challenges historical narratives while delivering an unforgettable love story.
“I’m So (Not) Over You” by Kosoko Jackson is a queer romance that blends fake dating with second-chance love. When Kian agrees to pretend to be his ex’s boyfriend for a wedding, he soon discovers that there are unresolved feelings between them. Filled with witty dialogue and emotional tension, this story is swoony, funny, and heartfelt, making it an absolute delight to read.
Lastly, “Seven Days in June” by Tia Williams follows the reconnection of two writers, Eva Mercy and Shane Hall, after years apart. As they navigate their complicated past and undeniable attraction over one steamy week in Brooklyn, the novel proves to be smart, sexy, and deeply moving. It showcases how romance books can be both entertaining and profound, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
Cooper’s article not only highlights these engaging romance novels but also celebrates the power of love, connection, and storytelling. Each book offers a unique and compelling narrative that will transport readers to different worlds and leave them with a renewed sense of hope and joy. Whether you’re a fan of historical romances, fake dating tropes, or second-chance love stories, there’s something for everyone in Cooper’s curated list of must-read romance novels. The world is constantly changing, and with it, so are the ways in which we live our lives. With advancements in technology, shifts in societal norms, and global events shaping our experiences, it’s important to stay informed and adaptable in order to thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.
One of the most significant changes we’ve seen in recent years is the way in which we communicate. With the rise of social media platforms, instant messaging apps, and video conferencing tools, the way we connect with others has been completely transformed. No longer are we limited to face-to-face interactions or phone calls – we can now communicate with anyone, anywhere, at any time.
This shift in communication has not only changed the way we interact with others, but it has also had a profound impact on the way we work. The traditional nine-to-five office job is becoming increasingly outdated, with more and more companies embracing remote work and flexible schedules. This has allowed employees to have more autonomy over their work-life balance, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.
In addition to changes in communication and work practices, we are also seeing a shift in societal norms and values. Issues such as climate change, social justice, and mental health awareness are becoming increasingly important topics of conversation. People are more conscious of their impact on the environment, are advocating for equality and inclusivity, and are prioritizing their mental health and well-being.
Global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have also had a significant impact on our lives, forcing us to adapt to new ways of living and working. The pandemic has accelerated trends such as remote work, e-commerce, and digitalization, fundamentally changing the way we operate in the world.
As we navigate these changes, it’s important to stay informed, open-minded, and adaptable. By embracing new technologies, staying connected with others, and advocating for positive change, we can thrive in this ever-evolving world. The key is to remain flexible, resilient, and willing to learn and grow as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
