6 Authors You Should Know This Black History Month and Beyond
As a tried and true reader, I am constantly on the hunt to find new books to read. One surefire way? Doing a book challenge. For Black History Month, I have tasked myself with reading only Black authors.
Good thing for me—I already have a vibrant selection of Black writers I love. Continue reading to discover six of my favorites to enjoy for yourself this BHM and beyond.
Tracy Deonn
I'm a Black woman who also loves romantasy, but there are only a handful of books in the genre that feature a strong Black lead. Tracy Deonn offers just that in her series, The Legendborn Cycle.
Her writing style is super vibrant. She's also able to discuss trauma and grief in a way that's not overwhelmingly heavy on the reader. And of course, the romance is adorable.
Kimberly Lemming
If you're on the hunt for new adult fantasy, look no further than Kimberly Lemming. She has a special knock for weaving comedy into her writing without being cheesy or cringy. She also does a stellar job at integrating racial identity into her female leads in an authentic manner.
Stay tuned for her upcoming release, I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Com.
Also read about: The Hockey Romances Every Reader Should Know
Talia Hibbert
Like fantasy, it often feels impossible to find a feel-good, non-corny romance with a Black protagonist, so I have to thank authors like Talia Hibbert, whose entire catalog showcases Black women in healthy relationships. She has all the tropes you love, from academic rivals to opposites attract and fake dating.
Alyssa Cole
Historical fiction is a tricky genre, considering the trauma minorities faced for centuries. Alyssa Cole writes Black women in period pieces without centering racism and other discrimination. In other words, it's just like reading Bridgerton before it was a thing.
Simone Soltani
I never imagined a world where I would be interested in Formula 1, but Simone Soltani single-handedly convinced me with her Lights Out series. Her characters are it-girls in their own right, while capturing the hearts of sports' champions. Get ready for the second book in the series, Ride With Me, arriving May 20.
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé made quite the statement with her debut novel, Ace of Spades, which follows the dark mysteries of a wealthy private school. In her latest release, Where Sleeping Girls Lie, Faridah proves she's a pro at all things dark academia, creating quite the unsettling murder mystery.
Searching for even more book recommendations? Click HERE to learn more about the hottest releases of February 2025.