MJV Bookish Thoughts: Forget Bridgerton Read These Historical Romances by Authors of Colour
Welcome back to My Jamaican Vignettes. This week is all about book recommendations for the historical romance lovers. Forget Bridgerton Read these historical romances by authors of colour.
First up I had the phrase author of colour. I hate BIPOC, BAME, the lot of it. But it’s world we live in and I couldn’t think of any other phrase to use. Maybe suggest one in the comments.
Historical Romances by Authors of Colour
If you’re really interested in reading books by Black women, Latinx authors, Asians and other minority ethnic groups, it isn’t hard. Do a quick search of Goodreads and you’ll likely find lists with lots of recommendations.
These are a few books to get you started especially if you are new to historical romance and only know of the Bridgerton books.
Historical Romance Books by Black Women
Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins
My first recommendation is a romance by renowned African American romance novelist Beverly Jenkins. Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins is a passing story. And while I didn’t love it it is easily accessible and a great way to start reading Jenkins works.
I also have Indigo by Beverly Jenkins on my Kindle that I hope to read soon.
An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole
An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole is a twisty, high energy book about a free black woman posing as enslaved and a white man falling for each other during the period of the American civil war.
It is an intense read and is book one in a series but you’re guaranteed a HFN.
Historical Romance Books by Latinx Authors
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno- Garcia was recently re-released so there’s a new cover and all that. But I got an advanced reader copy when it was first released and loved it.
This one has a touch of magic blended in.
Books by Lydia San Andres
To date I’ve read and enjoyed three historical romance novels by Lydia San Andres.
These novels are set on fictional Spanish Caribbean islands and the heroines are brave, smart and you’ll be rooting for them to fall in love and get their happy endings.
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There you have, if you’re new to historical romance or thinking about the genre because you loved Bridgerton on Netflix start with these historical romance books by authors of colour.
What’s your favourite sub-genre of romance?
Happy reading!
Chantel DaCosta
Chantel DaCosta is a storyteller, editor and lifestyle blogger. She is passionate about mental health awareness and Jamaican women's own-voices stories.
