Black Love Matters

Real Talk on Romance, Being Seen, and Happily Ever Afters

By: Jessica P. Pryde

Narrated by: Jessica P. Pryde, Gina Daniels, Julienne Irons, Angel Pean, André Santana, Tashi Thomas

An incisive, intersectional essay anthology that celebrates and examines romance and romantic media through the lens of Black readers, writers, and cultural commentators, edited by Book Riot columnist and librarian Jessica Pryde.

Romantic love has been one of the most essential elements of storytelling for centuries. But for Black people in the United States and across the diaspora, it hasn't often been easy to find Black romance joyfully showcased in entertainment media. In this collection, revered authors and sparkling newcomers, librarians and academicians, and avid readers and reviewers consider the mirrors and windows into Black love as it is depicted in the novels, television shows, and films that have shaped their own stories. Whether personal reflection or cultural commentary, these essays delve into Black love now and in the past, including topics from the history of Black romance to social justice and the Black community to the meaning of desire and desirability.

Exploring the multifaceted ways love is seen—and the ways it isn't—this diverse array of Black voices collectively shines a light on the power of crafting happy endings for Black lovers.

Jessica Pryde is joined by Carole V. Bell, Sarah Hannah Gomez, Jasmine Guillory, Da’Shaun Harrison, Margo Hendricks, Adriana Herrera, Piper Huguley, Kosoko Jackson, Nicole M. Jackson, Beverly Jenkins, Christina C. Jones, Julie Moody-Freeman, and Allie Parker in this collection.

Critic reviews

"The collection's strength is in its thoughtfulness and wealth of perspectives. The result is as unique as it is heartfelt."—Publishers Weekly

"Black people falling in love and getting their happily ever after is just one reason why Black Love Matters is a necessary read...Black romance is hope, but it’s also so much more. It’s a promise and a means of liberation for a people who were never meant to survive. In a world full of intense hatred, Black Love Matters is one form of resistance we all need."—USA Today

Must read for all romance readers

Excellent study and commentary on romance as a genre, why representation of Black stories matter, intersectionality and much more.

Excellence

I really enjoyed this collection of essays and the celebration of black love/black romance novels. If you make room for one nonfiction book this year, make it this one. I appreciate the intersectionality on display because black love and black writing is not one thing. (I do think Jasmine Guillory didn't understand the assignment, however) These authors and this collection of essays is the best and most engaging, interesting thing I've read in a long while. Highly recommended for everyone, but especially for *all* romance writers and readers.