Books like 'When Forty Blooms'
Readers who enjoyed When Forty Blooms by Jacinta Howard also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary african-american black-mc second chances m-f competent heroine independent heroine sweet heroine sweet-hero alpha male
-
Kiss It Better by Shvonne Latrice
Analicia Chase at one point had it all, a great family and a loving, talented boyfriend. But with the death of her father coming shortly after the loss of her boyfriend's dream, along with his usual tenacity, and a recently developed strained relationship with her sister, things have been rough. They only worsen when a stranger comes into her life, throwing it completely off course...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f alpha male african-american office forced proximity single-father length-long -
Ethic 4 by Ashley Antoinette
After facing his biggest sin, Ethic finds forgiveness within the love of his life. Alani is the woman he’s been searching for his entire existence but loving her comes with a price…his soul…she wants his soul…When Alani tells Ethic she can’t be with a man who doesn’t believe in God, Ethic must face his only fear, trusting something he can’t see...Categorized as:
alpha male black-mc contemporary african-american suspense length-medium glimpses-kisses audiobook -
The Cartel by Ashley Antoinette, JaQuavis Coleman
The port of Miami brings in millions of dollars worth of cocaine every year, and The Cartel controls eighty percent of it. The Diamond family is a force to be reckoned with, but all hell breaks loose when they lose their leader. The most ruthless gangster Miami has ever seen, Carter Diamond leaves behind a wife, twin sons, a daughter, and a secret. The secret is his illegitimate son, Carter Jones... -
Ethic 5 by Ashley Antoinette
Life has never been easy for Ethic. Since he was a young boy he has battled loss after loss while struggling to navigate through a treacherous world. When he met Alani Lenika Hill he knew that he had met the woman who would love him back to life...Categorized as:
alpha male black-mc contemporary african-american betrayal length-medium glimpses-kisses audiobook -
-
The Right of Love by Love Belvin
“After the hot sex comes the real world.” “What was that?” “My therapist once said, ‘after the hot sex comes the real world. Or in wayward love, the drama is sprinkled in between passionate lovemaking’.” “That sounds more like one of them novels you like to read.” “No. Ours is too hilly to be a traditional romance story.” And it is...Categorized as:
alpha male black-mc m-f african-american friends to lovers angst contemporary new adult -
Thugs and the Women Who Love Them by Wahida Clark
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsEssence® bestselling author Wahida Clark is all too familiar with the terrifying truths of ghetto life. The first novel in her gritty, gripping series takes you on into a world where a wrong choice could be the last choice a person ever makes. In a 'hood boiling over with sex, brutality, and crime, three friends are at a turning point... -
Ethic 6 by Ashley Antoinette
The final book to the legendary Ethic series by Ashley Antoinette concludes the heart wrenching story of Ezra Okafor. Will he find forever with his one true love? Will Alani ever truly forgive Ethic, or are they destined to say goodbye? Will Morgan and Messiah repair their love before it's too late? Step into Ethic Land once more as Antoinette pens the greatest love story of this generation... -
She Got It Bad for a Heartless Gangsta 4 by Shvonne Latrice
In the final installment, Ricky must deal with the mind blowing news his grandmother has just revealed to him. Feeling like he's all alone in being betrayed by people who were expected to be loyal to him, Ricky soon realizes that the person who can understand his situation completely has been right by his side all along...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f alpha male african-american length-medium audiobook explicit-open-door contemporary -
The Beauty of This Street Love 2: A Texas Tale by Elle Kayson
The Kinseys. Four brothers and one-up-and-coming sister. They got the street game on lock, but when it comes to the game of love, things ain't so easy...Tre, the oldest, has his work cut out for him, trying to win back his baby mama, Shamar, and cut ties with his ex. Shamar is determined not to settle and if Tre can't step up, she is going to step out...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f alpha male african-american length-short audiobook contemporary bad boys -
Wait For U by Shvonne Latrice
Things in life are never for certain, but one thing that will always be a constant is the love between star-crossed Couture and Khari.Couture Yates has always followed life's rules by the book, never once rebelling until she met Khari Compton. The handsome but tortured young boy who immediately stole her heart, only to misuse and abuse it time and time again... -
Ethic 3 by Ashley Antoinette
Healing requires separation. When Ethic discovers malice in a woman he thought was perfect, he walks away from their love. Keeping his family safe is his main priority and falling for Alani Lenika Hill is dangerous. The history of their love haunts him however, and getting over her isn't easy. Alani has beguiled his two youngest children and they crave her presence as much as Ethic...Categorized as:
alpha male black-mc african-american contemporary length-medium glimpses-kisses audiobook -
A Love So Good: The Chamber Brothers by K. Renee
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsLife for the Chamber Brothers can be described many different ways but easy is a word that can never be used. After the death of their mother, brothers Priest and Nas step up to run their father’s drug empire.A true test of loyalty helps Priest Chamber find out his marriage isn’t really built on unconditional love... -
Hostile Takeover by Christina C. Jones
For Nalani Stark, legacy matters… maybe more than most things.Important enough that when that legacy — inextricably tied to her mother’s memory - is challenged, she’s forced to consider even the most undesirable options…Such as a match made in hell with Orion Sterling. The heir to the competitor she grew up being warned about.Orion is a man well-accustomed to getting exactly what he wants... -
The Beauty of This Street Love: A Texas Tale by Elle Kayson
Those who knew the streets in Houston knew one thing for sure. The four brothers of the Kinsey Cartel were as crazy as hell. The oldest two, Tremell and Tristan, aka Tre and Tripp, might just have been the craziest of all. Crossing any of them could end your life, especially given Tre’s unique skills at murder...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f sweet heroine alpha male single-mother secret child african-american length-short -
-
Ante Up by Christina C. Jones
I know exactly why it turns you on…because you’re messed up too. Asha’s life is no fairytale, by any stretch of the imagination. There was no kind, generous father to care for and protect her from the Vegas that exists beyond the glitz and glamour of The Strip. No wise, doting mother to look over and guide her, passing down essential lessons and leading her to the right path... -
She Got It Bad for a Heartless Gangsta 2 by Shvonne Latrice
Ricky AK has never been one to shout threats and not pull through. The heartless gangsta has also never been one to take being threatened lightly. When faced with a problem that could ruin the relationship he has built with Draylah, Ricky AK takes extreme measures to make it all go away... -
She Got It Bad for a Heartless Gangsta by Shvonne Latrice
Ever since Draylah Omari was sixteen years old, it seemed like life had only dealt her a bad hand. Tragedies and betrayal have taken the people she loved most, including her best friend of over a decade, Glory. After finding out her boyfriend Lue, who was once her savior, is nothing but a wolf in sheep's clothing, Draylah decides to lock her heart up and focus only on her half finished brow bar...Categorized as:
m-f alpha male black-mc length-medium audiobook explicit-plentiful possessive hero contemporary -
Diamonds Are Forever by Ashley Antoinette, JaQuavis Coleman
"The Diamond family has survived murder, deceit, and betrayal. Through it all, they're still standing tall, and a new era has begun. After surviving a failed attempt on her life, Breeze has moved into the queen's position by Zyir's side. Zyir has taken over the empire and locked down Miami's streets; the world is in his hands. But there is always new blood ready to overthrow the throne... -
Let Me Hold You by Alexandria House
NBA player, Leland McClain, the baby of the McClain family, is tall, handsome, talented…and spoiled. He’s a man who gets what he wants, and what he wants is the lovely Kimberly Hampton. Kim Hampton is the director of a community center, a woman who lives to help others while trying to forget a troubling past. As far as she’s concerned, a relationship with any man is a horrible idea...Categorized as:
alpha male black-mc m-f competent heroine independent heroine age difference contemporary sports -
A Madaris Bride for Christmas by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsHe refuses to get matched, but is about to stumble into his own trap… Don’t miss this reader favorite from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson. One by one, Madaris men have surrendered to the matchmaking schemes of Felicia Laverne Madaris, matriarch of the family. But Lee Madaris isn’t letting anyone else control his destiny... -
Bash: Wolf Warriors MC by K.C. Mills
Bash & Cambri“If you’re going to give your heart to someone, make sure they’re a rider...Categorized as:
alpha male black-mc insta-love contemporary bikers african-american explicit-open-door length-short -
I Want You Here by Monica Walters
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsWhile everyone in the family is finding love and starting families, Chad Berotte feels like his life is at a standstill. His job is stressful as ever because of an issue that reaches back over ten years, and his past situations regarding love have affected him negatively, losing his mother being the main one... -
Eternally Yours by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFriends… Attorney Syneda Walters and fellow attorney Clayton Madaris are just friends…the last two people likely to end up as lovers. Syneda holds all men at arm's length because of the father whose name she never knew. Clayton has always been a playboy, and no woman has ever come close to keeping his interest for very long... -
Love Redeemed by Love Belvin
Love Redeemed – the conclusion of the of the Love’s Improbable Possibility series: Life’s complicated… Life’s not fair… All is fair in love and war… Find out in this riveting conclusion how Rayna reconciles her inability to trust and willingness to explore love in ways she thought she wasn’t worthy of. See love redeemed for someone who thought it was not in the cards...Categorized as:
black-mc alpha male m-f sweet heroine contemporary height-difference hurt-comfort super rich hero -
-
Love Delayed (Waiting to Breathe ) by Love Belvin
What happens when Zoey Barrett, an ingenuous Princeton scholar, meets NBA All-star rocker-boy, Stenton Rogers? Zoey has her life all planned out. She’s working hard at her degree and to help her family stay afloat financially. Stenton’s at the top of his game on the court, but off, his life is out of bounds...Categorized as:
competent heroine alpha male black-mc contemporary bdsm sports explicit-plentiful length-medium -
Mercy by Love Belvin
Ashira, a belle from the suburbs, is the wealthy acting CEO of her father’s booming building firm. That's when she’s not the dancer on the Gram and TikTok, dating the latest Black Hollywood shooting star.To her, Jas, a construction laborer, is a walking conundrum. He’s fruitlessly ambitious yet steadfast in his spiritual convictions. He’s enigmatic, well-read, regimented, and poor...Categorized as:
black-mc competent heroine alpha male m-f explicit-open-door contemporary slow burn mafia -
Love Delivered (Waiting to Breathe ) by Love Belvin
His secret is uncovered and motives are disclosed. So now what? Will Stenton get the favorable results he plotted years ago? Or will he have caused his own exile from Zoey’s love? Her life charted an alternate journey because of unexpected circumstances. Now that Zoey has put together the pieces, how will she navigate Stenton’s obstacles? Find out in Love Delivered...Categorized as:
m-f second chances black-mc explicit-plentiful length-long contemporary african-american athletes -
Twenty-four Three by K.C. Mills
A shot in the dark.A mistaken identity.A undeniable attraction.An injured hitman finds himself depending on a stranger and for Carter Reed trust is not something he’s willing to extend. Unfortunately when it comes to McKenna Smith, Carter can either allow her to be his saving grace or risk loosing something more precious than trust…his life.Stakes are high... -
Won't Keep You Waiting by T'Lyn
Anario Anderson is a professional poker player who thrives on taking risks—except when it comes to love. After a messy breakup with his daughter’s mother two years ago, he’s embraced the bachelor lifestyle and left serious relationships off the table. But everything changes when he meets China Armani, his daughter’s intelligent, beautiful, and cautious teacher, at a school open house...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f sweet heroine alpha male sweet-hero african-american length-short audiobook -
Inseparable by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsLiving with his best friend is about to kindle a fire… Don’t miss this reader favorite from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson. Living under Reese Madaris’s roof makes LaKenna James the envy of every woman in town. But Reese’s offer of a place to stay is strictly platonic—just until Kenna’s new condo is completed... -
Thorn's Challenge by Brenda Jackson
Thorn Westmoreland was not enough to convince Tara Matthews to risk her heart in love again...or was it? The beautiful pediatrician and the hard-riding motorcycle tycoon mixed like oil and water. Why, then, couldn't Tara burn the sexy racer from her head or the memory of his passionate caresses from her body? Thorn had wanted Tara since the day they'd met... -
A Real One Captured My Heart by K. Renee
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHave you ever been in a situation where the best thing for you to do, is the hardest thing? That’s the same dilemma Shanice Davis finds herself in after finding out her husband does not love her the same way she loves him. Throwing caution to the wind, Shanice decides to live her best life while on a girl’s trip to Mexico. Gia, Shanice’s best friend only concern is her daughter... -
Save Me by Tiffany Patterson
DaeShe saved me on the worst day of my life. Now it’s time to make her mine. I’ve spent ten years recreating myself into a man deserving of Kennedy Townsend. I’m no longer the poor, illegitimate son of a wealthy man who refused to even acknowledge my presence.For years, I’ve watched her from afar, waited, and even manipulated businesses to grant her the career opportunities she deserved... -
Put That On Everything by K.C. Mills
Trevor HoltonHe’s every woman’s dream. Thanks to his humble beginnings, he’s edgy, outspoken and determined to win. Holt is also the highest paid wide receiver in the league and well worth the money he’s paid. Not only is he worth millions but he’s also physical perfection. That alone has every women willing to do any and everything he asks. Well…every woman except one, Sutton Kelly...Categorized as:
alpha male black-mc m-f sports multicultural boss & employee african-american explicit-open-door -
-
12:01 by Bella Jay
Picture Your fiancé cheats on you the night before your wedding with someone he claimed was his cousin. Then, just months later, he's at the altar with the same "cousin".What would you do? Crash their wedding and unleash chaos. Accept an invite to attend a play party with his brother. Get the ultimate "lick back" by having a fling with his brother at that very party...Categorized as:
second chances black-mc m-f bdsm from hate to love age difference african-american cheating -
The Rhythm of Blues by Love Belvin
Some believe the old adage, “where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” Well, in some instances the smoke is just a coverture for secrets. Dark ones. Ragee is a successful R&B singer, music composer, and actor who shot to fame and celebrity at rocketing speed... -
The Real Thing by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsWhat happens when a pretend boyfriend wants more than make-believe? Find out in this Westmoreland novel from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson! No red-blooded man turns down the chance to escort gorgeous Trinity Matthews—and Adrian Westmoreland is definitely red-blooded. For her, he'll pretend to be her man. But keeping his hands to himself? That is impossible...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f contemporary african-american fake relationship multicultural length-short audiobook -
Bane by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson's last Westmoreland bachelor is a navy SEAL on a mission to protect the woman who got away… After five years, navy SEAL Brisbane Westmoreland is back home on his ranch and ready to reclaim the woman he left behind. But when he tracks her to Dallas, he's in for a shock...Categorized as:
alpha male black-mc military contemporary african-american from hate to love length-short audiobook -
Stone Cold Surrender by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsTwo classic Westmoreland novels from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Brenda JacksonStone Cold SurrenderBestselling thriller writer Stone Westmoreland can think of plenty of ways to describe the stranger he meets on a flight to Montana. Tantalizing. Whip-smart. And completely unaware of how good it feels to give in to your wilder impulses... -
Implied Consent by K.C. Mills
Gray Jordan, former Chargers quarterback and franchise player, learned a lot of tough lessons throughout his career. However, the worst of all was that no amount of money and fame can protect your heart. After a very public scandal, he quietly walked away from the one thing he loved the most: football...Categorized as:
black-mc independent heroine competent heroine alpha male m-f sports contemporary from hate to love -
Love Me or Leave Me Alone by K.C. Mills
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMission Alexander is the epitome of a boss. Rude, uncaring, and sexy all at the same time, Mission is who he is unapologetically. Nothing comes before his money or his business. Now that he has conquered the illegal world, his cousin urges him to cross over into the legit side. Not liking change, Mission resists this new venture until he realizes the connection it has with someone he wants... -
He Who Is a Friend by Love Belvin
Sadik Ellis blew into my rather insipid world at breakneck speed and with gripping force. He held all the features: striking feline eyes, golden russet skin, incredible sex appeal, wealth exuding like the enticing scent of cologne, and mind-blowing determination. He was also trouble from the other side of the tracks, something I’d sensed...Categorized as:
alpha male black-mc african-american explicit-open-door length-long contemporary audiobook -
Pharaoh: Wolf Warriors MC by K.C. Mills
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsPharaoh Vaughan was the type of man that you don’t want to cross. As Wolf Warriors MC’s, enforcer, if you were on his radar, you had better be prepared to dance with the devil.When it came to women, there was only ever one he considered giving his heart to, but the debt he felt he owed the only family that ever showed up for him forced Pharaoh to choose loyalty over love...Categorized as:
alpha male black-mc contemporary african-american age difference bikers length-medium -
Heart of Gold by Beverly Jenkins
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsNAACP nominee and bestselling author Beverly Jenkins returns to the charming town of Henry Adams, Kansas—a place that always feels like home—in this heartwarming story of family, friendship, and the surprises hidden in our lives. Henry Adams has had its fair share of drama ever since Bernadine Brown bought the town with her divorce settlement...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f contemporary multicultural new adult christian african-american length-medium -
-
The Perfection of a Moment by Kimberly Brown
“When I first saw you, I felt something I had never felt before. It was a mix of joy, excitement, and wonder. You are my adventure.”She was beauty and a mystery, and he wanted to know all there was to her.He was love in human form, and she wanted to experience all there was to him.The day Ximena Solomon met Hiram Moss, the last thing either of them were expecting was to find true love... -
Love's Inconvenient Truth by Love Belvin
What can Elle Jarreau, a seasoned woman with a skewed view on love, learn about the verity of fairy tales from a man nine years her junior? Apparently a thing or two. “I don’t believe in fairy tales; only acquainted with reality. I understand there are people who are genetically damaged in the womb. Some of these people, like me, are destined to be alone... -
My Heart's Reflection of You by T'Lyn
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNevaeh Chapel’s life was picture perfect. A loving family, great job, and a doting boyfriend; one would think that she had it all together from the outside looking in. She thought she had it all together too, until she crossed paths with a loose cannon that was the epitome of the phrase.Kaleb “Cannon” Barnes had one belief that he didn’t comprise My life, my rules...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f african-american length-medium contemporary from hate to love humor angst -
A Risqué Engagement by Stephanie Nicole Norris
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOn the surface, Corinne Thomas has the world at her fingertips. As a stewardess for one of the largest airlines, Corinne travels the globe, gaining a glimpse of what most people only fantasize about. Adventurous by nature, her daring persona allows her the freedom to take risks and live her life, at times, in complete anonymity...Categorized as:
alpha male black-mc insta-love african-american contemporary super rich hero sassy heroine -
Loving Cassie by Jacinta Howard
Rated: 4.74 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCassandra James thinks she has her place in the world all figured out. But an unexpected betrayal forces her to ask if her “free black girl” vibe is a myth, or worse, a mask to hide herself from the world. Bam Mosley, keyboardist for the alt-soul band, the Prototype, knows who he is. He just wants to make good music and see the people he cares about win. Then he meets her...Categorized as:
black-mc sweet-hero contemporary african-american college rockstars found-family length-medium -
Save Me If You Can by Christina C. Jones
7 hours and 53 minutesDeception and betrayal always carry a price, and sooner or later, someone has to pay.For a long time, Terry King and Damien Wolfe have dodged those debts while the people around them paid – in loneliness, grief, constant fear, and the loss of innocent lives.But no more...
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.

