The Best Holiday Romance Books by Black Authors
Updated: 2 days ago
If you're anything like me, you live for this time of year. The twinkling Christmas trees. The hot cocoa (with extra marshmallows, obviously). Giving gifts because it really is better to give than to receive.
And of course, curling up on the couch with a blanket to watch those super-predictable holiday movies on Lifetime and Hallmark.
But a few years ago, I realized something: Those same predictable, heartwarming stories I love? They also live inside of books.
And even better? Some of them have spice... the kind Hallmark would NEVA! 😂
Anndddd then I realized (after a whole lot of searching) that Black authors are giving us Black love stories at Christmas, too! I've been kicking my feet under my Christmas blanket ever since.
So, if you're looking for
holiday romance books by Black authors,
you're in the right place. From sweet and cozy Christmas romances to messy love stories, second chances, and everything in between, I've rounded up some of my favorite holiday romance books by Black authors, to get you in the Christmas spirit.
And because I can never stop at just a few recommendations, I've also put together a list of more than 75 holiday romance books by Black authors for anyone who needs even more Christmas reading material.
Now, let's get into these books!
Free. Downloadable. Curated with love.
A Few of My Favorite Black Holiday Romance Novels
⭐ Before the Streetlights Come On by Ashley Antionette
This one is a rare gem that gives you Christmas minus the Hallmark. Four longtime friends come together to celebrate the holidays, but when they finally start dropping their walls and facades, they realize just how much they need these friendships in their current seasons of life.
Yes, there's romance, and it's imperfect and messy. But there's also sister-friend love, healing, and, of course, Christmas. And the audiobook? EATS DOWN! 🎧
⭐ Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills
Imagine accidentally renting out your home for the holidays on Airbnb and forgetting one very important detail… TO LEAVE! 😂
And just like that, we've got ourselves a forced-proximity romance that's super sweet, sometimes spicy, and full of holiday charm.
⭐ I'll Be Gone for Christmas by Georgia K. Boone
Think The Holiday with Cameron Diaz… but make it Black! And no shade to The Holiday, because me and that movie go together REAL bad!
In I'll Be Gone for Christmas, two women swap homes for the holidays, hoping to escape their problems. But instead of simply running away, they find exactly what they didn't know they needed: peace, confidence, and a greater understanding of themselves.
A little romance, a little self-discovery, and a whole lot of holiday magic. Yeah, this was a good one.
⭐ Christmas at Starbucks by Brittany Green
Two HBCU college students find themselves stuck on campus for the holidays. With only each other and their local Starbucks to keep them company, they decide to make the best of the situation. And somewhere between the coffee runs and Christmas festivities, they find themselves at the beginning of a beautiful love story.
Sometimes all you need is good coffee, good company, and a little Christmas magic.
⭐ The Holly Dates by Brittany Cherry
After a humiliating breakup, Holly decides it’s time to dive back into dating. She hosts a series of dates at a local restaurant owned by a grumpy MMC who, let’s just be real, is clearly about to fall for her.
Expect banter, tension, chemistry, and a holiday romance that warms you all the way through.
⭐ Seven Days and Seven Dates by Bailey West
A matchmaker brings two people together and gives them a challenge: Seven dates in seven days, each inspired by a principle of Kwanzaa.
It’s intentional, romantic, culturally rich, and feels like a warm December evening with just the right amount of depth.
⭐ The Christmas Catch by Toni Shiloh
An NFL player sidelined by injury, heads home to recover. What he doesn’t expect is a second chance at love waiting for him right there in his hometown. If you love sports heroes with soft hearts, small-town charm, and a little holiday sparkle, this one is perfect for you.
This is a Christian and clean romance, so there is no spice, but there is plenty of wholesome, heartfelt love.
⭐ Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
A proud mom tags along on her adult daughter’s big work trip to England, expecting a little
sightseeing and plenty of Christmas charm. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love. She falls for the food, the scenery, the festive energy, and a local man who reminds her that romance is still possible at any stage of life.
As she spends more time with him, she starts to believe that she still has a chance at love and that he might be the one.
This is the novel that introduced me to the idea that Black love stories belong in Christmas books. I am forever indebted to Jasmine Guillory for opening that door and starting a new chapter in my holiday reading life.
⭐ A Novel Christmas by Charity Shane'
A bestselling romance author loses her spark and is tasked with writing a Christmas novel. To find inspiration, she heads to a Christmas-themed town in Indiana. She finds new friendships, fresh creativity, and maybe… a little holiday romance of her own.
This one feels like walking through a holiday market with warm gloves and a fresh pastry.
⭐ Michelle Stimpson’s Audible+ Holiday Catalog
In my opinion? Michelle Stimpson is the queen of Christmas books. But here’s the catch: they’re Audible Plus exclusives. If you’re a member, her entire holiday collection is sitting there, waiting for you. For no additional credits.
My personal favorite is Let It Snow, a sweet, charming story about two strangers stranded at an airport on Christmas Eve. With every flight canceled, they decide to spread Christmas cheer to their fellow stranded travelers.
It’s adorable, uplifting, and full of heart.
If you’re ready to dive into Christmas reads, these are a great place to start. But if you’re like me and need options, the full list is one click away.
Happy holiday reading, friend.
May your season be joyful, a little spicy, and more than anything, beautifully and unapologetically Black.
