Top African-American Romance Novels

Our favorite books about the complexities of love and sex.

Casting the First Stone (2002) - By Kimberla Lawson RobyCasting the First Stone is Kimberla Lawson Roby’s  controversial take on one woman locked into an unhappy marriage with a preacher. Once a firm believer in her husband’s word, Tanya Black now doubts her faith and must overcome the many temptations that come her way.  (Photo: Courtesy Kensington Publishing)
Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937/Reprint: 2006) - By Zora Neale HurstonConsidered one of the greatest love novels of the 20th century, Their Eyes Were Watching God tells the tale of Janie Crawford, whose quest for love takes her down a sordid path of money, matrimony and murder. Zora Neale Hurston’s depiction of Southern dialects during the period in which the novel takes place has also garnered critical praise for its realism and authenticity.  (Photo: Courtesy Harper Perrenial Modern Classic Publishing)
How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1996) - By Terry McMillan Upon going on a trip to Jamaica, Stella Payne meets a charming chef’s assistant who makes her re-evaluate the meaning of life and love.  (Photo: Courtesy NAL Trade Publishing)
Waiting to Exhale (1992) - By Terry McMillan Terry McMillan’s critically acclaimed novel follows four successful friends who are unhappy with their love lives, and what they do to ultimately ascertain happiness so that they can exhale with a sigh of relief.  (Photo: Courtesy NAL Trade Publishing)

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Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937/Reprint: 2006) - By Zora Neale HurstonConsidered one of the greatest love novels of the 20th century, Their Eyes Were Watching God tells the tale of Janie Crawford, whose quest for love takes her down a sordid path of money, matrimony and murder. Zora Neale Hurston’s depiction of Southern dialects during the period in which the novel takes place has also garnered critical praise for its realism and authenticity. (Photo: Courtesy Harper Perrenial Modern Classic Publishing)

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