25 Authentic and Heartfelt Romance Books by OwnVoices Authors

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site. Your purchases help fund my content and come at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Just in case you didn’t know, #OwnVoices is a hashtag that became popular in the book industry a couple of years ago. 

It refers to any form of literature – novels, graphic novels, poetry, and more – written about a specific group of people by an author who also identifies as part of that group. 

So, for example, if a book is about Black characters, the author is also Black. If it’s about differently abled people, the author identifies the same way. If it features queer characters, the author is also queer.

I love that this movement exists because, as much as we want more representation in the book world, we can’t keep falling into the cycle of relying on the same old authors to tell stories they might not fully understand or connect with. 

#OwnVoices books offer a more genuine and nuanced perspective, and that’s something I’m truly grateful for.

That’s why I decided to put together a list of some of my favorite OwnVoices romance novels. 

I’m starting with a few personal favorites, and below that, I’ve broken them down into different categories with even more recommendations for you to check out. 

Haven by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Claudia survives something horrible in the woods, and Shepard – bearded, brooding, and quiet – saves her. 

Honestly, I didn’t expect such a deep emotional pull from a book with this much heat, but it worked so well. 

Claudia is raw and real, and I felt every moment of her healing. The chemistry between her and Shep? Sizzling. But beyond that, their connection feels like something sacred. 

I loved that this was a romance where two people helped each other feel safe again. 

If you’ve ever wanted a story where love feels like a safe place after a storm, this is it. 

And yes, there’s kink, but it’s handled with so much care and tenderness. This one truly lives up to the name.

The Bollywood Bride by Sonali Dev

This book felt like watching a romantic Bollywood movie but with more depth and heart. 

Ria is a big star with a hidden pain, and Vikram is the boy she once loved. Their reunion is so full of longing – I couldn’t stop rooting for them. 

I really appreciated how honest and emotional the story felt. Ria carries a lot, but she’s so strong. 

Vikram’s hurt is understandable too, and watching them face the past made me teary. 

The cultural richness was beautiful, from the wedding chaos to the family love (and drama). It’s romantic, vibrant, and full of second chances. 

If you love the idea of love that never quite goes away, even through heartbreak and fame, this book delivers in the most swoony way.

Miss Meteor by Tehlor Kay Mejia & Anna-Marie McLemore

I adored this book so much. It’s about romance, friendship, identity, and finding your voice. 

Lita and Chicky are two girls who’ve always felt out of place, but they team up to try something big: entering the town beauty pageant. 

And yes, there’s queerness, magic, and heart in every sentence. 

The writing feels dreamy, and the message is powerful – being different doesn’t make you less beautiful.

 I especially loved how Lita and Chicky reconnected. It made me remember the strength of old friendships and how healing they can be. 

This story felt like a hug and the bits of romance in it were absolutely tender and full of hope.

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria

Gina is a dancer who’s worked so hard for her chance, and Stone is this rugged reality star with a soft heart. 

The dance competition setting is so fun – it felt like I was watching a juicy season of Dancing with the Stars, but with deeper feelings.

I really loved the tension between fake and real here. 

They’re supposed to be pretending to fall in love, but it’s clear they’re not faking anything. 

Their chemistry is off the charts, but what truly stuck with me was how they opened up to each other. 

Both Gina and Stone are chasing something, and finding each other helps them grow. 

It’s a lovely, feel-good romance with sparkle, sass, and soft moments too.

Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe

Henri is effortlessly charming until he meets Corinne, who sees right through him.

I loved how smart and layered this story is. It’s funny, sweet, and full of heart. 

Henri is juggling so much – school, family expectations, his dreams – and when things start to fall apart, it’s Corinne who challenges him in the best way. 

Their slow-burn connection felt very real and had me cheering. I liked that both of them are trying to figure out who they are, not just together but on their own. 

And even though this is YA, the emotional beats really hit home. 

If you want a romance that’s charming, thoughtful, and full of teenage honesty, give this one a try.

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Stella is a math genius with Asperger’s who decides to hire someone to help her learn romance. Enter Michael, a dreamy escort with a gentle soul. 

I honestly didn’t expect to fall this hard for their story. Stella’s journey toward intimacy felt honest and personal, and Michael’s kindness made me tear up more than once. 

What I loved most is how they saw and accepted each other completely. It’s sexy, yes, but also so full of emotion. 

There’s something really beautiful about watching someone fall in love with themselves through someone else’s love. 

If you like sweet stories with big heart, smart characters, and real connection, this one’s a gem.

Love Flushed by Evie Mitchell

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a romance about toilet paper, but I loved it.

Annie is a hilarious, hardworking woman running her eco-friendly toilet paper business, and when things go sideways, she has to team up with her ex, Linc. 

I laughed out loud more than once because the dialogue is so clever. But it’s also such a lovely second-chance romance. 

There’s so much history between Annie and Linc, and you can feel their chemistry bubbling right under the surface. 

I liked that it didn’t take itself too seriously but still gave me that emotional payoff. 

It’s quirky in the best way and genuinely romantic. If you like stories that are playful, a bit chaotic, and totally heartfelt, this one’s for you.

Every Body Looking by Candice Iloh

This novel is written in verse, which makes the emotions even more intense. 

Ada’s story – managing culture, trauma, and her own identity – hit me so deeply. Her voice is clear, honest, and full of quiet strength. 

I admired how the story moves through her memories and her present, and we got to see how her past shapes the woman she’s becoming. 

This isn’t a typical romance, but it does feel like Ada is learning to love herself, and that is one of the most beautiful kinds of love. 

I felt so protective of her while reading, and by the end, I just wanted to see her soar. 

If you’re looking for something tender, emotional, and full of personal truth, this book will stay with you.

A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole

Portia is messy, funny, and so easy to love. She’s trying to get her life together and heads to Scotland for a fresh start.

I loved how relatable she felt – like a girl just trying to find her path. 

Then there’s Tav, the grumpy swordmaker who’s suddenly revealed to be a duke – cue the swoon.

Their romance is fiery, awkward in the best way, and full of mutual growth. 

I loved how they helped each other get better, even through all the media drama and big feelings. 

It’s one of those stories that’s equal parts dreamy and grounded. 

Portia really shines as a woman learning her worth. 

If you love grumpy/sunshine pairings, found family, and a little royalty drama, this one will make your heart happy.

Breathless by Beverly Jenkins

Portia (not the same one) is strong, smart, and independent. She is running a hotel in the Wild West and making sure no man messes with her peace. 

But when Kent, a charming drifter from her past, comes back into her life, everything changes. 

I loved their history, the tension between them, and how much mutual respect they had. 

It’s so refreshing to see a heroine like Portia – practical but still romantic. And Kent? He’s a flirt, but he’s serious about earning her trust. 

The setting adds richness to the story, and the slow-burn romance had me smiling the whole way. 

If you like your historicals with heart, heat, and heroines who don’t settle, Breathless is pure joy. 

Beverly Jenkins knows how to write unforgettable love stories and this is one of my all-time faves. 

If you have a personal favorite OwnVoices romance novel, this is your time to shine.

Drop the author or your recommendation in the comment section and let’s keep the conversation going. 

You can also check out my list of the very best new romance books released in 2025 – it’s packed with must-reads.

And if you’re supporting your favorite author, don’t forget to say so in the comments too.