If you know me, you know I don’t often read romance books. The shallow characters, lack of depth in conversations, and over-the-top sensuality in many of them usually turn me away. And don’t even get me started on the tropes! For me, romance novels serve as palate cleansers—something light and fun to read after diving into heavier, more serious books.
But last year, I stumbled upon a book review on Instagram for A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams. (I wish I could remember the content creator who posted it!) The review piqued my interest for two reasons. First, I realized I had never read a romance novel featuring Black characters—can you believe that? Second, the review mentioned a Harlem Renaissance theme and hinted at a sci-fi element, and I was curious to see how the author blended those elements together.
So, I read the book—and wow, was I pleasantly surprised! I enjoyed it so much that I immediately picked up Seven Days in June by the same author. While I preferred A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, both books had elements that stood out to me. What made these romance novels different from the ones I usually avoid? Here’s what I loved:
1. Learning something new
I never expected to learn anything new from a romance novel—or maybe I’ve just been reading the wrong ones! Tia Williams introduced me to topics I hadn’t explored before. A Love Song for Ricki Wilde introduced me to the Harlem Renaissance, and after finishing the book, I found myself diving into research. I looked up the Black artists she mentioned, added their music to my playlist, and even sought out the writers she referenced. It was like taking a Black history class—but in the best, most engaging way.
2. Depth in the characters
Tia Williams’ characters feel alive. Whether it’s a single mom succeeding as a writer or a young Black woman chasing her dream of owning a flower shop, these characters are fully realized individuals with ambitions, struggles, and personal growth. The romance isn’t the only thing driving the plot—there are multiple subplots that add richness to the story.
Also, the dialogue is incredible. Williams gives her characters space to talk—pages and pages of meaningful conversations. And when one character tries to brush something off with a shallow response, the other pushes for more. It made the characters feel real and their relationships more authentic.
3. Serious Themes
These books tackle serious topics—chronic illness, mother-daughter relationships, generational trauma, success as a Black person, drug abuse, and more. Not subjects I usually associate with romance, but somehow, Williams makes it work. Seven Days in June especially dives deep into heavy themes, and at times, it even felt like the relationship between the main characters was toxic. It was challenging to read, and I wished I had someone to discuss it with.
That’s why I think her books would be perfect for a book club. They offer so much to unpack and debate. Some readers might find them too intense for a romance novel, but for me, it was the perfect balance—both entertaining and thought-provoking.
4. The Romance Part
I’m not the best person to analyze romance, given how rarely I read it, but I can say that I appreciated the slow burn in A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. It took a while for the main characters to meet, and even longer for things to heat up between them. But you could feel the tension building—it was intense in the best way.
As for the spicy scenes? Normally, I don’t like them because they often feel like the main focus of romance novels, which is one reason I tend to avoid the genre. But in Williams’ books, the intimacy felt earned. Because of the slow buildup, the romantic moments felt like a natural and satisfying culmination rather than the sole purpose of the story. It wasn’t just about sex—it was about connection. The tension between the characters wasn’t forced or purely physical; it was layered with emotional depth, personal history, and genuine longing. Every intimate moment felt like an extension of their relationship rather than a separate, obligatory scene thrown in for the sake of spice. There was a purpose behind their passion, making it resonate far more than in other romance novels I’ve read.
5. Across Multiple Genres
In A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, Williams combines romance with magical realism and historical fiction. I love when authors mix genres without making the story feel overwhelming or disjointed. She executed it seamlessly, and it never felt like too much.
Will I Read More Romance Now?
I’ll still turn to romance when I need a break from heavier reads, but now I’ll focus on books written by Black authors and featuring Black characters. And as for Tia Williams? She’s now an auto-buy author for me. Her next book, Audrey & Bash Are Just Friends, comes out in May 2025, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for it.