Book picks similar to
Solomon's Blues by Josephine Garner


interracial-romance
impact-of-racism
black-oc
family-expectations

Redemption


Stephanie James - 2015
    After three long, painful years of healing, he's finally back. I loved Lucio De Campo with all of my heart, but his secret lifestyle destroyed any possible chance of us reconciling. For eight years, I loved him unconditionally and wanted nothing more than to start a family with him, until the night that all hell broke loose. Not only did I discover who he truly was, but the gruesome lifestyle that he led had put me in danger. When he left, I was broken beyond repair and was just now finding myself again. I couldn't let him back in. No matter how bad my heart was yearning for him. Lucio: I'm free! After years of living my life under my father's rule, I am finally free. It took losing the love of my life and freedom for the past three years, but I have finally found my way. I'm a new man, determined to right my wrongs for the woman that I love. Who I am will never change, but I will never allow anyone to hurt her ever again. She's mine. Always has been and always will be. Fiancé or not; we will be together again. Frankie: Outcast. Disappointment. Failure. Those are the words that I have been branded with since the day Lucio walked into my father's restaurant. I went from being next in line to some low level thug within my father's operation. For three years, I plotted against the family that forced away my father's love. They took everything from me, and I was determined to do same. One night destroyed the lives' of three people and entangled them for years to come. Love, pain, and revenge started it all, but will it also end it?

Laidover in Dubai (Book 1 in Teach Me, Love Me Series): Interracial Romance


Mariah Violet - 2015
    She had a plan for her Spring Break. It started with a half-day layover in Dubai to see the tallest building in the world. Little did she know, she would meet a sheikh's son and have all her plans turned upside down. Mohammed Sultan always knew what he wanted and upon meeting Lari, he knew that she was exactly what he wanted. Now, he had sixteen hours to convince her that this was more than a layover.

Kandi's Crush


Michelle Karise - 2019
    This summer was supposed to be my pre-graduation reward, doing nothing but catch up with all the fun my friends had while my nose was to the academic grindstone.Instead, I’ve been guilted into helping out with the family’s cleaning business. At least there’s a consolation prize. My client is fabulously successful, insanely rich Chadwick St. Clair. We have sort of a history. As a pigtailed kid, I lived to torment him. When I grew old enough to notice his hard-as-steel body, warm eyes, and gentle voice that talked me through some hard times, I crushed on him. Hard.My first glimpse of him in three years proves nothing has changed. He still makes my mouth water, my hands shake. But our history—and his reputation as a playboy with broken hearts from New Orleans to DC—isn’t the only thing standing between us. And a summer of breathless kisses and addictive encounters may not be enough to build a lasting love.

The Butcher Of Beaumont


JanJan Untamed - 2018
    And I know what I saw. You are disobedient and a spoiled fucking brat. A good daughter would have heeded her mother’s warning and stayed away.” He drags me to my feet. “Get up. We need to move. It is only a matter of time before someone turns you in and the palace guard comes searching for us.” “I am grieving, you beastly man.” I snarl at him. “Show some respect.” My attempt to remove myself from his firm grip is met with resistance. His hand is locked around my arm as he pulls me along. Can he not see that I am angry and hurting after witnessing the horrors that were foisted upon my family today? I am a grief-stricken woman, damn it. “You can grieve while we walk, Sunshine. Do not speak to me of respect after you disobeyed your mother and risked your stupid neck.” He gives me a good shake. “Now, which way is it?” “West.” I concede. “Into the mountains.” I am not sure if I can trust him. What if he tries to rob me? Or rape me? “You have nothing that I want, woman.” The arrogant ass smirks rudely. “I assure you, your virtue is safe with me.” He laughs for a full minute. “The sooner I get you home, the sooner I can be rid of you.” Please note that this is a work of historical fiction. The names, characters, places and other incidents are the product of the author’s twisted imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarities to real people, living or dead, businesses, events or locations is entirely coincidental. Content warning: This novel contains graphic language, graphic sex scenes, graphic violence and is not recommended for readers under the age of eighteen. All rights reserved.

Anxious Love


Sydney Aaliyah Michelle - 2016
    . . Anxious Love Hopeful about his future after overcoming loss, Ryan Ware is living his dream life as a first round draft pick. He’s enjoying every crazy minute of fame, fortune, and gorgeous women. Despite being the most sought-after writer in romance, severe anxiety keeps Leah Jones isolated. Having a regimented life keeps the triggers at bay that could put her back in the hospital, perhaps permanently. A chance meeting in New Orleans, Leah’s brown eyes capture Ryan’s heart, and he vows to learn more about this reclusive beauty. Can Leah’s anxieties withstand Ryan’s crazy life? Can Ryan learn enough about real love to be the right man for Leah? Anxious Love contains explicit scenes of a sexual nature and is not suitable for readers under 18 years of age.

Secrets, Lies & Family Ties


Sylvia Hubbard - 2007
    Reluctantly, he is convinced to go to his high school reunion, but upon meeting the mysterious woman, Ezekiel forgets what he wants and focuses on what he desires. Too bad he won't be able to keep her. When Grae is given the opportunity to sleep with the man of her dreams since high school without him knowing her identity, this shy reclusive young woman steps outside of her shell and transforms herself into the woman of his dreams. From the author that brought readers the steamy sensual noir, MISTAKEN IDENTITY, other books by Sylvia Hubbard can be purchased or downloaded at her website: www.sylviahubbard.com

Complicated Love


Lilah K. London - 2014
    She is kind, generous, smart, and beautiful. She has her whole life planned out. She is determined to live better than her mother. So she moves in with her Aunt Debbie to attend Brenton Private School. On the first day of her senior year, she meets Lane Callahan. He is perfect and privileged. He is popular, the quarterback of a winning football team and gorgeous. His family is wealthy and a prominent part of the community. He should be happy, right? Lane and Keira become fast friends. Lane is captivated by her love of life and determination. She soon learns that his mother is overbearing and controlling. His father is a liar and adulterer. His parents are forcing him to date Rachel, a girl who is not girlfriend material. Keira is determined to remain friends with Lane even though she loves him and wants more. Although they both want a relationship, the people and circumstances around them complicate things. Keira resolves to move on with her life and not become Lane’s “groupie”. Lane has to decide to “man up” and not give in to his parent’s demands. Lane is determined to have Keira for forever. He is desperate to love her. Follow the journey of this young couple in Complicated Love.

Guarding Light: Book 1 of the Dark Series trilogy


Cate McKoy - 2013
     Jack Gard and Catlyn Lyte’s budding romance begins in high school. Although Jack cares for Catlyn, he refuses to get into a relationship with Catlyn because of her age. Then Catlyn is assaulted, and her world is torn apart when Jack sides with his best friend, giving him an alibi. Devastated, Catlyn flees Newburgh, NY. Twenty-five years later, someone is assaulting and killing young, African-American women in Chief of Detectives Jack Gard’s hometown. Working against an escalating killer, Jack requests help from a special division of the FBI. Enter Supervisory Special Agent Catlyn Lyte. She has always done her job well but is wary of working with someone she doesn't trust. Nevertheless, Sparks fly between the two officials as Catlyn puts herself in the path of their quarry. Can two ex-friends try to bury their differences to solve, not only the mystery of the Newburgh Slasher, but also the mystery that ruined their budding romance twenty-five years ago?

The Four: Bram's Lullaby


E.A. Hunt - 2018
    An love he can't remember has returned. Vengeance thy time is near Four Men Four Families Four Loves Lost, Found and Strong They were bred to lead but will the women they love follow

Over the Hedge: Part 1


Minerva Vesta - 2018
     Lashawnda Price has lived years in the shadows of her friends and even her sister getting married and settling down before her. Everyone tells her that love will come soon but soon is just not quick enough. Lashawnda can’t seem to find luck in any aspect of her life as she is always falling, tripping or creating some type of havoc. That is until the day the self-proclaimed klutz has a freak accident and becomes transfixed by the gorgeous man with the beautiful green eyes named Sean. Settling in a new town, Sean Colcord is set to accomplish his own self-imposed journey. At six-foot-five-inches of all American sexiness, this handsome man does not fit the stereotype imposed on him. Sean is a geek with anxiety that has had his own mishaps in the love department. After a disaster occurs in the office, his eyes become mesmerized by Lashawnda. Overhearing one conversation has made Sean determined to prove that he is interested in more than a friendship. Over the Hedge, explores the lives of Lashawnda and Sean as they take a chance on finding love. Will they embrace the challenge and get the courage to explore the unimaginable with each other? Does unforeseen danger lie ahead? Part One of Over the Hedge will leave you on edge in anticipation of what happens next!

Chained


Elise Marion - 2014
    Determined to free himself and his men, and clear his besmirched name, Caden does not count on the willful nature of his captor, Lady Gwendolyn Toustain, the daughter of the man who was once his father’s mortal enemy. After several attempts at escape, the lady orders him bound and chained to a wall in her chambers—where he will remain under her personal guard at all times and kept from conspiring with his men. While the lady's high-handedness infuriates him, Caden cannot deny that everything else about her drives him to distraction. Forced into close proximity with her, Caden soon finds it hard to remember his mission of escape. When Lady Gwendolyn of House Toustain first lays eyes on her prisoner, one thing about him is abundantly clear: Sir Caden of Daleraia is a dangerous man. Yet, she must show him no fear. The captured band of knights from Daleraia are her only clue in the mystery surrounding the disappearance of House Toustain’s sons, and it falls to Lady Gwen to seek justice. Is this kidnapping merely the ploy of mercenaries out for a ransom? Or has Sir Caden acted on the order of the High Lord of Daleraia and broken the peace? As she searches for the answers, she never expects the surge of passion that ignites between herself and her prisoner. The longer he remains in her clutches, the more Gwen realizes that though she has him chained, she is the one who has been captured. Book 1 in the Chained Trilogy

Inside Out


Grayson Reyes-Cole - 2011
    Out in the world, she didn't talk about her parents, or her travels, or the languages she spoke. She didn't talk much at all because it frequently led to black people asking why she talked "white" and white people asking where she was from. No one believed she was a native Southerner. But the people she met in grad school weren't satisfied with knowing her only on the surface and Garrett Atkins--well, he wasn't satisfied at all because, even though she couldn't help falling in love with his Southern charm and overall gorgeousness, Tracey wasn't about to be "that girl" who ended up with a white husband. Out: Entering his last year in law school, Garrett Atkins can't complain about his life. At graduation, he's guaranteed a job in a prestigious firm. . . and a wife. But one mix-up on campus introduces him to stubborn, snide and sexy Tracey McAlpine. She may not be what's best for him, but God help him, she's what he wants, and Rett has never been a man who has accepted being told he can't have what he wants, no matter the consequences.

Run This Town 1


Sadie Black - 2015
    Ciara Simmons takes her journalism degree and her knife-edged ambition to New York City, where she goes undercover on former playboy Luka Belmonte's mayoral campaign. She soon learns Luka's darkest secret: to run the city, the charming, seductive son of one of NYC's most famous politicians will have to get in bed with the mafia. Just like his father did. Exposing him would be a public service, and guarantee her reputation as a rising star of journalism. There's just one problem ... she'd rather ride him than ruin him. *** Luka is determined to shed his party-boy image and ascend to the pinnacle of NYC politics. He'll do whatever it takes, even deal with mobsters. The one thing he didn't count on was smart, stunning Ciara. Her refusal to throw herself at his feet only makes her sexier. He knows she's a threat, but all he wants to do is take her for his own—and protect her from harm. With danger on every side, Luka and Ciara must decide whether to honor old loyalties ... or forge new ones that could cost them everything **Be the first to learn when the second novel in this mafia romance comes out by signing up to Sadie Black's newsletter, the link is in the book.**

Sellout


James W. Lewis - 2010
    Self-haters. Sellouts. Loan Officer Tammy McDonald has just come out of another failed relationship with a wannabe thug. To break this destructive pattern, she leaves her home city of Dallas for San Diego. As she settles in rainbow California, fantasies of meeting an ebony prince fade, so she eyes Dale Bristol as a potential ivory replacement. Terrell Jackson is San Diego's only black optometrist. Women regularly drop in for more than just eye exams, but he stays true to his girl Tasha until a wet dream unleashes a ridiculous outburst. Fed up with her jealous fits, he denounces the common "dedramanators" in his life-black women. Even though Penelope Miller was raised in the South by a racist father once affiliated with the KKK, she can't ignore her attraction to black men. But she never expected to fall in love with one...nor did she expect her "interracial felony" to threaten their lives. SELLOUT follows these three individuals and the consequences of dating outside their race. In the quest to find what they think is missing in their lives, they encounter guilt, fear and mess they never anticipated...including murder.

Second Chances


Riley Jordan - 2020
    Things are going well; their mutually held animosity gave way over the years to respect and cooperation, something that can’t be said about their parents nor a certain overprotective best friend who takes holding a grudge to a whole new level.There is still tension among their families and friends, but the only thing they’re concerned about is making sure they’ve created the best life for their son.However, something else suddenly enters the picture. Something neither of them saw coming.Love.Love?Didn’t they learn anything the first time around?The stakes are much higher and, if things go bad, it’s guaranteed to destroy everything they’ve worked so hard to build.Should they keep old feelings buried and focus solely on their son? Or should they throw caution to the wind and give love a second chance?