MADE FOR ME Featured on Book Riot List
*Insert my salsa happy dance with an extra shimmy*
A couple days ago, I saw the link above about sixteen of the best new romances by Black authors. I excitedly shared the list because, of course, I’m here for any effort to amplify all the amazing Black authors out here writing incredible stories. I made a mental note to review the list as soon as I got the time.
If you’ve been around here much, you probably already know I’m a late-diagnosed ADHD girlie (like Leilani in my book, More Than Friends). So you won’t be surprised that I failed to get back to the list that day. When it came across my timeline the following day, I decided to review the list then and there in search of some great book recs.
And I did.
I wasn’t disappointed. Jessica’s list was filled with great recs, kicking off with Shae Sanders’ The Last Man on Earth—a book already on my TBR list. But I was thrilled to discover that Made for Me—my friends-to-lovers story about an entertainment lawyer and a classically trained violinist who were childhood friends—was included on this Book Riot list curated by the lovely Jessica Pryde.
It was completely unexpected and deeply appreciated. And yes, I’m gonna be grinning for the next few weeks about Marcus and India’s story making this list .
Check out Jessica’s complete list of recommended romances by Black authors here.
I love that this list includes a wide variety of romance genres—from contemporary romance and romantasy to historical, paranormal, and sports romance. It highlights books and authors that are more likely to be unfamiliar to Book Riot‘s readership. I truly appreciated that, and I’m so grateful that my indie romance—the first book in my Love & Music Suite spinoff series, The Black Diamonds Quartet—made this list.
Have you read Marcus and India’s love story? If not, you can read Made for Me in Kindle Unlimited or download it here. Here’s what the story is about:
Marcus
India Wells and I have been friends since we were kids, but life took us in different directions. I’m an entertainment lawyer in Atlanta. She’s a classically trained violinist living in Boston. But when my cousin, the record producer, needs a session violinist, I call India up and offer to let her stay with me while she takes on this career-defining project. I’ve been happily divorced for three years. But the more time I spend with India, the more I realize what I’ve been missing.
India
After Juilliard, I followed my doctor boyfriend to Boston. I got the fairytale wedding, but all that glitters ain’t gold. Post-marriage, my sole focus has been elevating my career and breaking down the barriers I’ve faced while inspiring the next generation of classical musicians. But as Marcus and I get reacquainted, there’s an undeniable attraction between us.
Crossing the line means risking my friendship with the one person I can always count on. We’ve both been burned before. So when desire turns into something deeper, is one of us prepared to sacrifice everything we’ve worked for for a second chance at love?
Which books from Jessica’s curated list have you already read? Which books are you adding to your TBR list?
Happy reading!






Hey! Congratulations!! 🎉
That is so exciting!!!! Congrats to Marcus and India, and YOU, Reese!