These are contemporary romance novels by Black authors featuring BIPOC LGBTQ+ characters, modern settings, and even some spice.
Sections
2
YA
New Adult
YA
A YA romance featuring a Black bisexual teen living with HIV, centering love, vulnerability, and acceptance.
Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett
National Book Award winner—centers on grief, family, and a queer Black boy’s discovery of himself and his feelings for his best friend.
King and the Dragonflies (Scholastic Gold) by Kacen Callender
Dark botanical fantasy with sapphic romance, magical families, and a Black teen girl uncovering her mysterious powers.
This Poison Heart (2 book series) Kindle Edition
Two queer Black girls meet at a summer music festival and find healing, friendship, and romance under the open sky.
Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson
New Adult
Flirting Lessons (published April 8, 2025) is a charming sapphic rom-com featuring Avery Jensen—an almost-thirty, newly single event planner who's ready to break free from her uptight routine and explore modern dating and flirting.
Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory
One of my favorites - A lush, contemporary romance with queer themes, exploring grief, identity, and love through a Nigerian bisexual protagonist.
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty
While not explicitly queer, Babalola’s writing is rich with modern Black love and queer rep is present in her short story collection Love in Color.
Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
A small-town foodie romance between two Black men balancing career, family, and unexpected love.
A Dash of Salt and Pepper by Kosoko Jackson
Fake-dating meets exes-meet-again in a playful, modern YA queer romance. Witty banter, emotional sparks flying, and LGBTQ+ joy all around
I'm So Not Over You by Kosoko Jackson
Features queer BIPOC characters navigating identity, belonging, and love in a modern-feeling world.
Bitter - Emezi, Akwaeke: Books
A sapphic romance between two women of color set against the backdrop of art, heritage, and Harlem.
