Bridgerton has taken the world by storm and is the highest-watched English-language show on Netflix.
Shonda Rhimes’ stellar adaptation of the historical romance fiction series is a marvel, with interesting characters to root for (and against), a strong plot, and striking visuals.
The show has already been renewed for a third and fourth season.
And a prequel series is on the way, so it’s not going anywhere.
However, there will be a one-to-two-year gap between seasons 2 and 3, and we know some of you want to scratch that Bridgerton itch.
For you, we have listed Black authors of historical romance fiction whose works you will love reading.
Beverly Jenkins
Referred to as the Queen of black historical romance, Beverly Jenkins is a pioneer for Black and multicultural historical romance.
Early in her career, she faced publishers skeptical about Black people’s achievements and advancements in history.
However, she is proud that her books focus on Black people who were not just enslaved people.
She has won multiple awards, including the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from Romance Writers of America and the NAACP Image Award in Literature.
Jenkins’ books include:
- Vivid
- Night Song
- Indigo
- The Taming of Jessi Rose
- Through The Storm
- Topaz
Dr. Gretchen Gerzina
Suppose you like a heavy dose of biography with your historical romance fiction.
In that case, few writers do it better than Dr. Gretchen Gerzina.
The author and scholar’s mission in life is to discover, explore, and write about people who cross the boundaries of race, time, history, or place.
Some years ago, Dr. Gerzina rediscovered the writings of Sarah E. Farro, a Black 19th-century author.
Dr. Gerzina is not just a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; she is also part of the exclusive American Antiquarian Society.
Her books include:
- Mr. and Mrs. Prince: How an Eighteenth-Century Family Moved out of Slavery and into Legend
- Frances Hodgson Burnett: A Life
- Black London: Life Before Emancipation
- Britain’s Black Past
Kianna Alexander
Since she was young, Kianna Alexander has always wanted to write.
What spurred her to actually start writing was Night Song by Beverly Jenkins.
In all her written work, Alexander shows Blacks in a positive light that other mediums struggle to do.
This is not a crusade for Alexander; instead, her characters reflect real Black people and their complicated personalities.
Alexander’s books include:
- Daughters of a Nation: A Black Suffragette Historical Romance Anthology
- Carolina Built: A Novel
- The Roses of Ridgeway
Dr. Vanessa Riley
Dr. Vanessa Riley is a woman of many talents.
She holds an MS in industrial engineering and a doctorate in mechanical engineering.
However, writing is her real passion.
Dr. Riley has written over 20 books, including:
- Island Queen
- A Duke, The Spy, An Artist and A Lie
- Sister Mother Warrior
- Murder In Westminster
Island Queen is arguably her most famous book.
It follows the life of Dorothy “Doll” Kirwan Thomas.
She started life as a slave but eventually became the wealthiest woman landowner in the Caribbean.
Piper Huguley
If you enjoy historical romance fiction but are also a Christian—and would like to see Christian elements in your books—Piper Huguley has you covered.
Her books feature Black Christian characters who are multidimensional.
Her releases include:
- Home To Milford College
- A Virtuous Ruby
- The Preacher’s Promise
- The Lawyer’s Luck
Conclusion: Remarkable Black Authors of Historical Romance Fiction
The above Black authors have written exceptional pieces of historical romance fiction.
Their works have shown that the history of Black people is about more than just being slaves.
Hopefully, with Bridgerton’s massive popularity, more Black authors can find inspiration to write about positive historical Black characters.
