Queer Love. Omegaverse. Dark Romance. Arranged Marriage.
Whatever romance subgenre or tropes you prefer to read, Black authors have been crafting unforgettable love stories that deserve a place in every romance lover’s listening library.
Narrators help to enhance a story – they know how to make those steamy scenes sizzle and how to take you from that first fluttering meet-cute all the way to the HEA (happily ever after).
In this blog, we’re spotlighting some swoon-worthy romance audiobooks that will not only make your heart skip a beat but also showcase the incredible talent of Black storytellers and narrators.
Rifts & Refrains
Written by Tiye, narrated by Benjamin Charles and iiKane
It all starts with a song… Amara Johnson, an aspiring songwriter/musician, uncovers a hidden legacy of love, betrayal, and music after the death of her estranged grandfather.
While singing at her grandfather’s burial, Amara’s musical talent attracts an offer from Jake Barnes, a seasoned music executive. As Amara delves into her family’s past with the help of Jake, she not only unravels the truth but also discovers love amidst the melodies of life in the heart of Nashville’s country music scene. Rifts and Refrains is perfect for fans of Kennedy Ryan and Tia Williams.
Can’t get enough? Check out more romances from Tiye >
The Gospel According to Sasha Renee
Book #1 in The Gospel of Grace Women series
Written by Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts
Chicago, 2006: Feisty and stubborn Sasha Billingsly has never had it easy. As a young girl growing up in the shadow of a mother’s expectations and the absence of a father’s love, she learned early on that she was going to have to please people in order to gain love and acceptance…or find ways to make people dislike her so she could prove they’re out to get her.
That is, until God intervened profoundly in her life, delivering both the help of a soulmate, Langston Germaine, and the unseen forces of the spirit realm…
The Gospel of Grace Women Trilogy is the compilation of three separate books: The Gospel According to Sasha Renee (releasing May 20), Interruption: The Gospel According to Crystal Justine (releasing June 17), and The Next Thing is Joy: The Gospel According to Vivian Grace (releasing July 22). All 3 will be released exclusively in audio first — before any other format. Spanning three generations of women in the same family, their stories each grapple with their identity, faith, and love.
I Think They Love You
Written by Julian Winters, narrated by André Santana
With his funny, big-hearted adult rom-com debut, bestselling, award-winning YA author Julian Winters shows sometimes fake dating your ex can turn into a second chance.
Full of wonderful representation, Julian’s adult debut is a fun, sweet, and sexy romance between two characters who find their feelings and their goals clashing in ways they never expected. Like Denz and Braylon, Julian is a queer, Black man passionate about telling stories that center queer Black characters and their happily ever afters.
Property of a Legacy
Written by Jessica N. Watkins, narrated by Myles Washington and Opal Black
Legacy and Bless have weathered every storm together. Their love has endured addiction, betrayal, and heartache, which forced them apart for years.
Will they be able to heal and move forward, or will the weight of their secrets and the revenge of the streets pull them apart forever?
Property of a Legacy is a heart-wrenching, passionate tale of redemption, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between two souls destined to be together.
Fervor
An Arranged Hearts Spin-Off
Written by Monica Walters, narrated by La’Rey Aris and Benjamin Charles
While Yunique Mott believes she’s moved on from her childhood trauma, she doesn’t realize that she hasn’t healed. She yearns for love while doubting she’ll find it. Yunique turns to Arranged Hearts matchmaking service for help, hoping they will be able to help her find the man she craves and deserves.
Harlem Moore wants his hustling days to be behind him, so he moves to Florida for a fresh start. At first sight of Yunique, he craves love that he feels only she can give.
Though Yunique and Harlem are a perfect match with undeniable chemistry, their hidden traumas threaten to unravel their budding relationship and threatens to suffocate anyone attached to it. Will the arranged hearts be able to overcome the impossible and commit to forever, or will I do turn into I don’t?
Interested in the Arranged Hearts series? Check out the series here >
Captured Beauty
Written by Tay Mo’Nae, narrated by Myles Washington and Tamika Antoinette
Him
She was only supposed to be the holder for an unpaid debt.
When I laid eyes on her, I never expected her to become my sweetest obsession
Her
When I was taken I didn’t think I would fall for my captor.
He’s a beast to everyone else, but to me, he’s so much more.
What they both learn is it takes a real beauty to fall for a beast.
Dark City Omega
Book #1 in the Beasts of Gatamora series
Written by Elizabeth Stephens, narrated by Charlie L. Wood and Benjamin Sands
Step into a scorching dark fantasy romance full of unforeseen twists, epic battles, omegas with magic and monsters who always get the girl. This is Gatamora.
“You know I’m going to get away from you eventually.”
“Over my dead body.”
“Yes,” she said, blinking at him like he was an idiot. “Exactly.”
Echo knew that being caught by a ruling Berserker would mean becoming his pawn, a plaything to be used for her powers. That wouldn’t be her fate.
Reader’s Note: This is a standalone, enemies-to-lovers, dark fantasy, M/F romance series not suitable for young readers. Trigger warnings and tropes can be found on Elizabeth Stephen’s website.
| New to Omegaverse? Check out our blog post, A Newbie’s Guide to the Omegaverse >
D’Vaughn & Kris Plan a Wedding
Written by Chencia C. Higgins, narrated by Rebecca Lee
Instant I Do could be Kris Zavala’s big break. She’s right on the cusp of really making it as an influencer, so a stint on reality TV is the perfect chance to elevate her brand. And $100,000 wouldn’t hurt either.
D’Vaughn Miller is just trying to break out of her shell. She’s sort of neglected to come out to her mom for years, so a big splashy fake wedding is just the excuse she needs.
All they have to do is convince their friends and family they’re getting married in six weeks. If anyone guesses they’re not for real, they’re out. Selling their chemistry on camera is surprisingly easy, and it’s still there when no one else is watching, which is an unexpected bonus. Winning this competition is going to be a piece of wedding cake.
But each week of the competition brings new challenges, and soon the prize money’s not the only thing at stake.
The Oath
Book #1 in the Secrets Series
Written by T.M. Richardson, narrated by Lacy Laurel
The Oath is a short and spicy #whychoose romance.
Miles, Deacon, and Cassidy are Franklin’s best friends, brothers in every sense of the word. When Franklin asks his brothers to do something unorthodox as his dying wish, the trio has some reservations. When they tell his widow about the oath that they were bound in brotherhood to uphold, will she run or embrace a new phase of her life that includes the three of them?
Tatum thought she’d found forever until tragedy struck. When her husband of twenty-two years dies, Tatum feels her world has ended. Little does she know that Franklin’s last request opens a Pandora’s Box to something even greater and fulfilling than she ever imagined.
Will dating three men open up her world and give her heart a second chance at happiness?
Check out some more audiobooks for Black History Month and beyond >
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