Salva Storie Instagram

💜📚 COVER REVEAL 📚💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith (@fsmith827).

A Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM Romance. June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks (6/16/26 pub date).

💜

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha / @raybae88), who designed the cover for One and Done, a Black, Queer, Higher Ed, Bay Area, MM Romance out June 2024 on Bold Strokes Books.

💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith.

Twenty years ago, Renny Ross, the college poster boy, and Brent King, the college basketball star, shared stolen moments, experienced many firsts, and enjoyed a love kept private between themselves on campus.

Twenty years later… neither expected a second chance when a college reunion stirs up feelings that never really faded.

Now, as grown men with complex adult lives, their love doesn’t have to be secret anymore.

But will Renny and Brent give themselves a second chance for a happily ever after?Twenty years later, can they write a new chapter in their story?

💜

Available for pre-order wherever you order books. The Bold Strokes Books link forthcoming.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

#ContemporaryRomance #MMRomance #BlackMMRomance #BlackRomance #BlackRomanceNovels #QueerRomanceBooks #BayAreaRomanceWriters #2026RomanceReleases #BRBF2026 #QueersAndQuills #KinfolkLit #LoveIsAContactSport #BoldStrokesBooks #CoverReveal #BlackBookstagram #QueerBookstagram #RomanceBookstagram

💜📚 COVER REVEAL 📚💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith (@fsmith827).

A Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM Romance. June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks (6/16/26 pub date).

💜

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha / @raybae88), who designed the cover for One and Done, a Black, Queer, Higher Ed, Bay Area, MM Romance out June 2024 on Bold Strokes Books.

💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith.

Twenty years ago, Renny Ross, the college poster boy, and Brent King, the college basketball star, shared stolen moments, experienced many firsts, and enjoyed a love kept private between themselves on campus.

Twenty years later… neither expected a second chance when a college reunion stirs up feelings that never really faded.

Now, as grown men with complex adult lives, their love doesn’t have to be secret anymore.

But will Renny and Brent give themselves a second chance for a happily ever after?Twenty years later, can they write a new chapter in their story?

💜

Available for pre-order wherever you order books. The Bold Strokes Books link forthcoming.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

#ContemporaryRomance #MMRomance #BlackMMRomance #BlackRomance #BlackRomanceNovels #QueerRomanceBooks #BayAreaRomanceWriters #2026RomanceReleases #BRBF2026 #QueersAndQuills #KinfolkLit #LoveIsAContactSport #BoldStrokesBooks #CoverReveal #BlackBookstagram #QueerBookstagram #RomanceBookstagram

💜📚 COVER REVEAL 📚💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith (@fsmith827).

A Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM Romance. June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks (6/16/26 pub date).

💜

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha / @raybae88), who designed the cover for One and Done, a Black, Queer, Higher Ed, Bay Area, MM Romance out June 2024 on Bold Strokes Books.

💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith.

Twenty years ago, Renny Ross, the college poster boy, and Brent King, the college basketball star, shared stolen moments, experienced many firsts, and enjoyed a love kept private between themselves on campus.

Twenty years later… neither expected a second chance when a college reunion stirs up feelings that never really faded.

Now, as grown men with complex adult lives, their love doesn’t have to be secret anymore.

But will Renny and Brent give themselves a second chance for a happily ever after?Twenty years later, can they write a new chapter in their story?

💜

Available for pre-order wherever you order books. The Bold Strokes Books link forthcoming.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

#ContemporaryRomance #MMRomance #BlackMMRomance #BlackRomance #BlackRomanceNovels #QueerRomanceBooks #BayAreaRomanceWriters #2026RomanceReleases #BRBF2026 #QueersAndQuills #KinfolkLit #LoveIsAContactSport #BoldStrokesBooks #CoverReveal #BlackBookstagram #QueerBookstagram #RomanceBookstagram

💜📚 COVER REVEAL 📚💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith (@fsmith827).

A Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM Romance. June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks (6/16/26 pub date).

💜

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha / @raybae88), who designed the cover for One and Done, a Black, Queer, Higher Ed, Bay Area, MM Romance out June 2024 on Bold Strokes Books.

💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith.

Twenty years ago, Renny Ross, the college poster boy, and Brent King, the college basketball star, shared stolen moments, experienced many firsts, and enjoyed a love kept private between themselves on campus.

Twenty years later… neither expected a second chance when a college reunion stirs up feelings that never really faded.

Now, as grown men with complex adult lives, their love doesn’t have to be secret anymore.

But will Renny and Brent give themselves a second chance for a happily ever after?Twenty years later, can they write a new chapter in their story?

💜

Available for pre-order wherever you order books. The Bold Strokes Books link forthcoming.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

#ContemporaryRomance #MMRomance #BlackMMRomance #BlackRomance #BlackRomanceNovels #QueerRomanceBooks #BayAreaRomanceWriters #2026RomanceReleases #BRBF2026 #QueersAndQuills #KinfolkLit #LoveIsAContactSport #BoldStrokesBooks #CoverReveal #BlackBookstagram #QueerBookstagram #RomanceBookstagram

💜📚 COVER REVEAL 📚💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith (@fsmith827).

A Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM Romance. June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks (6/16/26 pub date).

💜

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha / @raybae88), who designed the cover for One and Done, a Black, Queer, Higher Ed, Bay Area, MM Romance out June 2024 on Bold Strokes Books.

💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith.

Twenty years ago, Renny Ross, the college poster boy, and Brent King, the college basketball star, shared stolen moments, experienced many firsts, and enjoyed a love kept private between themselves on campus.

Twenty years later… neither expected a second chance when a college reunion stirs up feelings that never really faded.

Now, as grown men with complex adult lives, their love doesn’t have to be secret anymore.

But will Renny and Brent give themselves a second chance for a happily ever after?Twenty years later, can they write a new chapter in their story?

💜

Available for pre-order wherever you order books. The Bold Strokes Books link forthcoming.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

#ContemporaryRomance #MMRomance #BlackMMRomance #BlackRomance #BlackRomanceNovels #QueerRomanceBooks #BayAreaRomanceWriters #2026RomanceReleases #BRBF2026 #QueersAndQuills #KinfolkLit #LoveIsAContactSport #BoldStrokesBooks #CoverReveal #BlackBookstagram #QueerBookstagram #RomanceBookstagram

💜📚 COVER REVEAL 📚💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith (@fsmith827).

A Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM Romance. June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks (6/16/26 pub date).

💜

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha / @raybae88), who designed the cover for One and Done, a Black, Queer, Higher Ed, Bay Area, MM Romance out June 2024 on Bold Strokes Books.

💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith.

Twenty years ago, Renny Ross, the college poster boy, and Brent King, the college basketball star, shared stolen moments, experienced many firsts, and enjoyed a love kept private between themselves on campus.

Twenty years later… neither expected a second chance when a college reunion stirs up feelings that never really faded.

Now, as grown men with complex adult lives, their love doesn’t have to be secret anymore.

But will Renny and Brent give themselves a second chance for a happily ever after?Twenty years later, can they write a new chapter in their story?

💜

Available for pre-order wherever you order books. The Bold Strokes Books link forthcoming.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

#ContemporaryRomance #MMRomance #BlackMMRomance #BlackRomance #BlackRomanceNovels #QueerRomanceBooks #BayAreaRomanceWriters #2026RomanceReleases #BRBF2026 #QueersAndQuills #KinfolkLit #LoveIsAContactSport #BoldStrokesBooks #CoverReveal #BlackBookstagram #QueerBookstagram #RomanceBookstagram

💜📚 COVER REVEAL 📚💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith (@fsmith827).

A Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM Romance. June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks (6/16/26 pub date).

💜

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha / @raybae88), who designed the cover for One and Done, a Black, Queer, Higher Ed, Bay Area, MM Romance out June 2024 on Bold Strokes Books.

💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith.

Twenty years ago, Renny Ross, the college poster boy, and Brent King, the college basketball star, shared stolen moments, experienced many firsts, and enjoyed a love kept private between themselves on campus.

Twenty years later… neither expected a second chance when a college reunion stirs up feelings that never really faded.

Now, as grown men with complex adult lives, their love doesn’t have to be secret anymore.

But will Renny and Brent give themselves a second chance for a happily ever after?Twenty years later, can they write a new chapter in their story?

💜

Available for pre-order wherever you order books. The Bold Strokes Books link forthcoming.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

#ContemporaryRomance #MMRomance #BlackMMRomance #BlackRomance #BlackRomanceNovels #QueerRomanceBooks #BayAreaRomanceWriters #2026RomanceReleases #BRBF2026 #QueersAndQuills #KinfolkLit #LoveIsAContactSport #BoldStrokesBooks #CoverReveal #BlackBookstagram #QueerBookstagram #RomanceBookstagram

💜📚 COVER REVEAL 📚💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith (@fsmith827).

A Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM Romance. June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks (6/16/26 pub date).

💜

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha / @raybae88), who designed the cover for One and Done, a Black, Queer, Higher Ed, Bay Area, MM Romance out June 2024 on Bold Strokes Books.

💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith.

Twenty years ago, Renny Ross, the college poster boy, and Brent King, the college basketball star, shared stolen moments, experienced many firsts, and enjoyed a love kept private between themselves on campus.

Twenty years later… neither expected a second chance when a college reunion stirs up feelings that never really faded.

Now, as grown men with complex adult lives, their love doesn’t have to be secret anymore.

But will Renny and Brent give themselves a second chance for a happily ever after?Twenty years later, can they write a new chapter in their story?

💜

Available for pre-order wherever you order books. The Bold Strokes Books link forthcoming.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

#ContemporaryRomance #MMRomance #BlackMMRomance #BlackRomance #BlackRomanceNovels #QueerRomanceBooks #BayAreaRomanceWriters #2026RomanceReleases #BRBF2026 #QueersAndQuills #KinfolkLit #LoveIsAContactSport #BoldStrokesBooks #CoverReveal #BlackBookstagram #QueerBookstagram #RomanceBookstagram

💜📚 COVER REVEAL 📚💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith (@fsmith827).

A Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM Romance. June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks (6/16/26 pub date).

💜

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha / @raybae88), who designed the cover for One and Done, a Black, Queer, Higher Ed, Bay Area, MM Romance out June 2024 on Bold Strokes Books.

💜

Love Is A Contact Sport by Frederick Smith.

Twenty years ago, Renny Ross, the college poster boy, and Brent King, the college basketball star, shared stolen moments, experienced many firsts, and enjoyed a love kept private between themselves on campus.

Twenty years later… neither expected a second chance when a college reunion stirs up feelings that never really faded.

Now, as grown men with complex adult lives, their love doesn’t have to be secret anymore.

But will Renny and Brent give themselves a second chance for a happily ever after?Twenty years later, can they write a new chapter in their story?

💜

Available for pre-order wherever you order books. The Bold Strokes Books link forthcoming.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

#ContemporaryRomance #MMRomance #BlackMMRomance #BlackRomance #BlackRomanceNovels #QueerRomanceBooks #BayAreaRomanceWriters #2026RomanceReleases #BRBF2026 #QueersAndQuills #KinfolkLit #LoveIsAContactSport #BoldStrokesBooks #CoverReveal #BlackBookstagram #QueerBookstagram #RomanceBookstagram

✨ Conscious. Black. Queer. Human. Stories. ✨

If you’re a friend who didn’t know I’m an author… or if you’re a reader and I’m a “new to you” author… now is your chance to get acquainted with my novels.

On @boldstrokesbooks, first slide (link in bio):

Top left:
One and Done. June 2024. A Black, Queer, Higher Ed, Bay Area romance novel, brings together an aspiring college president & a visiting education consultant whose meet-clash evolves into a close proximity workplace romance.

Top right:
Busy Ain’t The Half Of It. August 2021. BSB. Co-authored with Chaz Lamar Cruz (@chzcruz). Single dad & uncle. Bi-awakening. Hot teacher & principal. Eclectic & artistic adult nephew navigating secrets,relationships and making it in L.A’s competitive acting scene.

Bottom left:
In Case You Forgot. June 2019. BSB. Co-authored with Chaz Lamar Cruz (@chzcruz). Two newly single Black & Queer men navigating losses in their lives start their lives over as neighbors and more in West Hollywood.

Bottom right:
Play It Forward. January 2015. BSB. A celebrity & sports romance, this novel mixes celebrity & scandal in L.A., with basketball, Black Hollywood, social justice, LGBTQ care & mentorship, and romance.

Second slide includes @kensingtonbooks titles Down For Whatever (4 queer friends looking for love in LA; July 2005) and Right Side of the Wrong Bed (age-gap, opposites attract; December 2007), both of which you can find used wherever you look for used books.

Glad you’re discovering who I am. Happy Reading! 💐🫶🏾

✨

✨

✨

✨

✨

#BlackQueerBooks #BlackQueerRomance #BlackQueerLove #MMRomance #LGBTQBooks #LGBTQRomanceBooks #BlackRomanceNovels #BlackRomance #OwnVoice #OwnVoices #OneAndDone #BusyAintTheHalfOfIt #InCaseYouForgot #PlayItForward #RightSideOfTheWrongBed #DownForWhatever #BoldStrokesBooks #KensingtonBooks #ChazLCruz #FrederickSmith #CaliforniaAuthor #GayLoveStory #GayTBR #QueerTBR #ReadQueerAllYear #CastroDistrict #WeHo #WestHollywood #GayRomanceNovel #BlackAuthors

✨ Conscious. Black. Queer. Human. Stories. ✨

If you’re a friend who didn’t know I’m an author… or if you’re a reader and I’m a “new to you” author… now is your chance to get acquainted with my novels.

On @boldstrokesbooks, first slide (link in bio):

Top left:
One and Done. June 2024. A Black, Queer, Higher Ed, Bay Area romance novel, brings together an aspiring college president & a visiting education consultant whose meet-clash evolves into a close proximity workplace romance.

Top right:
Busy Ain’t The Half Of It. August 2021. BSB. Co-authored with Chaz Lamar Cruz (@chzcruz). Single dad & uncle. Bi-awakening. Hot teacher & principal. Eclectic & artistic adult nephew navigating secrets,relationships and making it in L.A’s competitive acting scene.

Bottom left:
In Case You Forgot. June 2019. BSB. Co-authored with Chaz Lamar Cruz (@chzcruz). Two newly single Black & Queer men navigating losses in their lives start their lives over as neighbors and more in West Hollywood.

Bottom right:
Play It Forward. January 2015. BSB. A celebrity & sports romance, this novel mixes celebrity & scandal in L.A., with basketball, Black Hollywood, social justice, LGBTQ care & mentorship, and romance.

Second slide includes @kensingtonbooks titles Down For Whatever (4 queer friends looking for love in LA; July 2005) and Right Side of the Wrong Bed (age-gap, opposites attract; December 2007), both of which you can find used wherever you look for used books.

Glad you’re discovering who I am. Happy Reading! 💐🫶🏾

✨

✨

✨

✨

✨

#BlackQueerBooks #BlackQueerRomance #BlackQueerLove #MMRomance #LGBTQBooks #LGBTQRomanceBooks #BlackRomanceNovels #BlackRomance #OwnVoice #OwnVoices #OneAndDone #BusyAintTheHalfOfIt #InCaseYouForgot #PlayItForward #RightSideOfTheWrongBed #DownForWhatever #BoldStrokesBooks #KensingtonBooks #ChazLCruz #FrederickSmith #CaliforniaAuthor #GayLoveStory #GayTBR #QueerTBR #ReadQueerAllYear #CastroDistrict #WeHo #WestHollywood #GayRomanceNovel #BlackAuthors

✨ Conscious. Black. Queer. Human. Stories. ✨

If you’re a friend who didn’t know I’m an author… or if you’re a reader and I’m a “new to you” author… now is your chance to get acquainted with my novels.

On @boldstrokesbooks, first slide (link in bio):

Top left:
One and Done. June 2024. A Black, Queer, Higher Ed, Bay Area romance novel, brings together an aspiring college president & a visiting education consultant whose meet-clash evolves into a close proximity workplace romance.

Top right:
Busy Ain’t The Half Of It. August 2021. BSB. Co-authored with Chaz Lamar Cruz (@chzcruz). Single dad & uncle. Bi-awakening. Hot teacher & principal. Eclectic & artistic adult nephew navigating secrets,relationships and making it in L.A’s competitive acting scene.

Bottom left:
In Case You Forgot. June 2019. BSB. Co-authored with Chaz Lamar Cruz (@chzcruz). Two newly single Black & Queer men navigating losses in their lives start their lives over as neighbors and more in West Hollywood.

Bottom right:
Play It Forward. January 2015. BSB. A celebrity & sports romance, this novel mixes celebrity & scandal in L.A., with basketball, Black Hollywood, social justice, LGBTQ care & mentorship, and romance.

Second slide includes @kensingtonbooks titles Down For Whatever (4 queer friends looking for love in LA; July 2005) and Right Side of the Wrong Bed (age-gap, opposites attract; December 2007), both of which you can find used wherever you look for used books.

Glad you’re discovering who I am. Happy Reading! 💐🫶🏾

✨

✨

✨

✨

✨

#BlackQueerBooks #BlackQueerRomance #BlackQueerLove #MMRomance #LGBTQBooks #LGBTQRomanceBooks #BlackRomanceNovels #BlackRomance #OwnVoice #OwnVoices #OneAndDone #BusyAintTheHalfOfIt #InCaseYouForgot #PlayItForward #RightSideOfTheWrongBed #DownForWhatever #BoldStrokesBooks #KensingtonBooks #ChazLCruz #FrederickSmith #CaliforniaAuthor #GayLoveStory #GayTBR #QueerTBR #ReadQueerAllYear #CastroDistrict #WeHo #WestHollywood #GayRomanceNovel #BlackAuthors

🎉 Author Announcement! 🎉

@fsmith827 is sliding into #BRBF2026 at the OMNI Hotel Centennial Park, May 29–31, repping Black queer love from Detroit to San Fran.

👑 Why We Stan: Six Cali-set novels centering vibrant Black LGBTQIA+ characters.
📚 What He Writes: heart-heavy contemporary where found family saves the day.
💘 Signature Tropes: forced-proximity | friends-to-lovers | second-chance

Save the date: May 29-31, 2026 | OMNI Hotel Centennial Park – Atlanta, GA

Don’t miss author Frederick Smith this summer. He’ll be @whosebooks on July 7th in conversation with @black_boysread. Registration link in the bio !

Frederick Smith writes Black, queer contemporary novels that discuss MM romance, identity, and social justice with humor and heart. Originally from Detroit, Frederick is the author of seven romance novels set in L.A. and San Francisco that feature Black Queer characters.
#whosebooks #readqueerallyear #dallasbookstores

@fsmith827

Something musical 🎧🎵
Love Is A Contact Sport: A Novel Playlist.

Access the playlist via the Linktree link in my IG bio. Available on Apple Music and Spotify at this time.

Renny Ross and Brent King, the lead characters and central couple in Love Is A Contact Sport, love and reference music a lot in the book and in their interactions.

This playlist accompanies my novel Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM romance, which comes out June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. Preorder links in my bio.

Every romance novel follows a formula or beats: 1) The Meet Cute; 2) The Falling in Love; 3) The Retreat From Love; 4) The Fight for Love Again; 5) The Epilogue: Happily Ever After or Happy For Now (reference last slide, Romancing The Beat, Hayes, 2016).

I hope you listen and enjoy now… as you anticipate reading and imagining Renny and Brent, and their friends and family, in Love Is A Contact Sport.

Note, I curated this playlist. None of the artists or songs are official endorsements for or of Love Is A Contact Sport.

✍🏾📚💕🌈🎓🏀 #LoveIsAContactSport #BookPlaylist #MMRomance #BlackRomance #Romancelandia

Something musical 🎧🎵
Love Is A Contact Sport: A Novel Playlist.

Access the playlist via the Linktree link in my IG bio. Available on Apple Music and Spotify at this time.

Renny Ross and Brent King, the lead characters and central couple in Love Is A Contact Sport, love and reference music a lot in the book and in their interactions.

This playlist accompanies my novel Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM romance, which comes out June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. Preorder links in my bio.

Every romance novel follows a formula or beats: 1) The Meet Cute; 2) The Falling in Love; 3) The Retreat From Love; 4) The Fight for Love Again; 5) The Epilogue: Happily Ever After or Happy For Now (reference last slide, Romancing The Beat, Hayes, 2016).

I hope you listen and enjoy now… as you anticipate reading and imagining Renny and Brent, and their friends and family, in Love Is A Contact Sport.

Note, I curated this playlist. None of the artists or songs are official endorsements for or of Love Is A Contact Sport.

✍🏾📚💕🌈🎓🏀 #LoveIsAContactSport #BookPlaylist #MMRomance #BlackRomance #Romancelandia

Something musical 🎧🎵
Love Is A Contact Sport: A Novel Playlist.

Access the playlist via the Linktree link in my IG bio. Available on Apple Music and Spotify at this time.

Renny Ross and Brent King, the lead characters and central couple in Love Is A Contact Sport, love and reference music a lot in the book and in their interactions.

This playlist accompanies my novel Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM romance, which comes out June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. Preorder links in my bio.

Every romance novel follows a formula or beats: 1) The Meet Cute; 2) The Falling in Love; 3) The Retreat From Love; 4) The Fight for Love Again; 5) The Epilogue: Happily Ever After or Happy For Now (reference last slide, Romancing The Beat, Hayes, 2016).

I hope you listen and enjoy now… as you anticipate reading and imagining Renny and Brent, and their friends and family, in Love Is A Contact Sport.

Note, I curated this playlist. None of the artists or songs are official endorsements for or of Love Is A Contact Sport.

✍🏾📚💕🌈🎓🏀 #LoveIsAContactSport #BookPlaylist #MMRomance #BlackRomance #Romancelandia

Something musical 🎧🎵
Love Is A Contact Sport: A Novel Playlist.

Access the playlist via the Linktree link in my IG bio. Available on Apple Music and Spotify at this time.

Renny Ross and Brent King, the lead characters and central couple in Love Is A Contact Sport, love and reference music a lot in the book and in their interactions.

This playlist accompanies my novel Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM romance, which comes out June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. Preorder links in my bio.

Every romance novel follows a formula or beats: 1) The Meet Cute; 2) The Falling in Love; 3) The Retreat From Love; 4) The Fight for Love Again; 5) The Epilogue: Happily Ever After or Happy For Now (reference last slide, Romancing The Beat, Hayes, 2016).

I hope you listen and enjoy now… as you anticipate reading and imagining Renny and Brent, and their friends and family, in Love Is A Contact Sport.

Note, I curated this playlist. None of the artists or songs are official endorsements for or of Love Is A Contact Sport.

✍🏾📚💕🌈🎓🏀 #LoveIsAContactSport #BookPlaylist #MMRomance #BlackRomance #Romancelandia

Something musical 🎧🎵
Love Is A Contact Sport: A Novel Playlist.

Access the playlist via the Linktree link in my IG bio. Available on Apple Music and Spotify at this time.

Renny Ross and Brent King, the lead characters and central couple in Love Is A Contact Sport, love and reference music a lot in the book and in their interactions.

This playlist accompanies my novel Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM romance, which comes out June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. Preorder links in my bio.

Every romance novel follows a formula or beats: 1) The Meet Cute; 2) The Falling in Love; 3) The Retreat From Love; 4) The Fight for Love Again; 5) The Epilogue: Happily Ever After or Happy For Now (reference last slide, Romancing The Beat, Hayes, 2016).

I hope you listen and enjoy now… as you anticipate reading and imagining Renny and Brent, and their friends and family, in Love Is A Contact Sport.

Note, I curated this playlist. None of the artists or songs are official endorsements for or of Love Is A Contact Sport.

✍🏾📚💕🌈🎓🏀 #LoveIsAContactSport #BookPlaylist #MMRomance #BlackRomance #Romancelandia

First time wearing my doctoral regalia since my @loyolamarymount Doctoral Commencement in May 2018.

This week we celebrated a number of graduation events, leading up to the official @sanfranciscostate Commencement at @oraclepark on Thursday, 5/21/26.

One career milestone for me. For the first time ever, I was on stage and part of the University Platform Party at SFSU Commencement. I’ll post the title & responsibilities changes when it’s LinkedIn official. 🙂

Other highlights include:

Celebrating superstar students who were active (in positive ways) on campus at SFSU. They’re a dream to work with.

Meeting SFSU alum (Class of 2004), Oscars-nominated actor Delroy Lindo, who received an honorary doctorate and delivered the Commencement keynote address. Took so many photos of Delroy Lindo with others, that I forgot to get my own with him! But someone snuck a bad one of me with him in the background. It’s included here. 🙂

What are your next educational goals?

🎓💜💛 #SFSU2026 #SFSU #SAPro #HigherEd #SanFrancisco

First time wearing my doctoral regalia since my @loyolamarymount Doctoral Commencement in May 2018.

This week we celebrated a number of graduation events, leading up to the official @sanfranciscostate Commencement at @oraclepark on Thursday, 5/21/26.

One career milestone for me. For the first time ever, I was on stage and part of the University Platform Party at SFSU Commencement. I’ll post the title & responsibilities changes when it’s LinkedIn official. 🙂

Other highlights include:

Celebrating superstar students who were active (in positive ways) on campus at SFSU. They’re a dream to work with.

Meeting SFSU alum (Class of 2004), Oscars-nominated actor Delroy Lindo, who received an honorary doctorate and delivered the Commencement keynote address. Took so many photos of Delroy Lindo with others, that I forgot to get my own with him! But someone snuck a bad one of me with him in the background. It’s included here. 🙂

What are your next educational goals?

🎓💜💛 #SFSU2026 #SFSU #SAPro #HigherEd #SanFrancisco

First time wearing my doctoral regalia since my @loyolamarymount Doctoral Commencement in May 2018.

This week we celebrated a number of graduation events, leading up to the official @sanfranciscostate Commencement at @oraclepark on Thursday, 5/21/26.

One career milestone for me. For the first time ever, I was on stage and part of the University Platform Party at SFSU Commencement. I’ll post the title & responsibilities changes when it’s LinkedIn official. 🙂

Other highlights include:

Celebrating superstar students who were active (in positive ways) on campus at SFSU. They’re a dream to work with.

Meeting SFSU alum (Class of 2004), Oscars-nominated actor Delroy Lindo, who received an honorary doctorate and delivered the Commencement keynote address. Took so many photos of Delroy Lindo with others, that I forgot to get my own with him! But someone snuck a bad one of me with him in the background. It’s included here. 🙂

What are your next educational goals?

🎓💜💛 #SFSU2026 #SFSU #SAPro #HigherEd #SanFrancisco

First time wearing my doctoral regalia since my @loyolamarymount Doctoral Commencement in May 2018.

This week we celebrated a number of graduation events, leading up to the official @sanfranciscostate Commencement at @oraclepark on Thursday, 5/21/26.

One career milestone for me. For the first time ever, I was on stage and part of the University Platform Party at SFSU Commencement. I’ll post the title & responsibilities changes when it’s LinkedIn official. 🙂

Other highlights include:

Celebrating superstar students who were active (in positive ways) on campus at SFSU. They’re a dream to work with.

Meeting SFSU alum (Class of 2004), Oscars-nominated actor Delroy Lindo, who received an honorary doctorate and delivered the Commencement keynote address. Took so many photos of Delroy Lindo with others, that I forgot to get my own with him! But someone snuck a bad one of me with him in the background. It’s included here. 🙂

What are your next educational goals?

🎓💜💛 #SFSU2026 #SFSU #SAPro #HigherEd #SanFrancisco

First time wearing my doctoral regalia since my @loyolamarymount Doctoral Commencement in May 2018.

This week we celebrated a number of graduation events, leading up to the official @sanfranciscostate Commencement at @oraclepark on Thursday, 5/21/26.

One career milestone for me. For the first time ever, I was on stage and part of the University Platform Party at SFSU Commencement. I’ll post the title & responsibilities changes when it’s LinkedIn official. 🙂

Other highlights include:

Celebrating superstar students who were active (in positive ways) on campus at SFSU. They’re a dream to work with.

Meeting SFSU alum (Class of 2004), Oscars-nominated actor Delroy Lindo, who received an honorary doctorate and delivered the Commencement keynote address. Took so many photos of Delroy Lindo with others, that I forgot to get my own with him! But someone snuck a bad one of me with him in the background. It’s included here. 🙂

What are your next educational goals?

🎓💜💛 #SFSU2026 #SFSU #SAPro #HigherEd #SanFrancisco

First time wearing my doctoral regalia since my @loyolamarymount Doctoral Commencement in May 2018.

This week we celebrated a number of graduation events, leading up to the official @sanfranciscostate Commencement at @oraclepark on Thursday, 5/21/26.

One career milestone for me. For the first time ever, I was on stage and part of the University Platform Party at SFSU Commencement. I’ll post the title & responsibilities changes when it’s LinkedIn official. 🙂

Other highlights include:

Celebrating superstar students who were active (in positive ways) on campus at SFSU. They’re a dream to work with.

Meeting SFSU alum (Class of 2004), Oscars-nominated actor Delroy Lindo, who received an honorary doctorate and delivered the Commencement keynote address. Took so many photos of Delroy Lindo with others, that I forgot to get my own with him! But someone snuck a bad one of me with him in the background. It’s included here. 🙂

What are your next educational goals?

🎓💜💛 #SFSU2026 #SFSU #SAPro #HigherEd #SanFrancisco

First time wearing my doctoral regalia since my @loyolamarymount Doctoral Commencement in May 2018.

This week we celebrated a number of graduation events, leading up to the official @sanfranciscostate Commencement at @oraclepark on Thursday, 5/21/26.

One career milestone for me. For the first time ever, I was on stage and part of the University Platform Party at SFSU Commencement. I’ll post the title & responsibilities changes when it’s LinkedIn official. 🙂

Other highlights include:

Celebrating superstar students who were active (in positive ways) on campus at SFSU. They’re a dream to work with.

Meeting SFSU alum (Class of 2004), Oscars-nominated actor Delroy Lindo, who received an honorary doctorate and delivered the Commencement keynote address. Took so many photos of Delroy Lindo with others, that I forgot to get my own with him! But someone snuck a bad one of me with him in the background. It’s included here. 🙂

What are your next educational goals?

🎓💜💛 #SFSU2026 #SFSU #SAPro #HigherEd #SanFrancisco

First time wearing my doctoral regalia since my @loyolamarymount Doctoral Commencement in May 2018.

This week we celebrated a number of graduation events, leading up to the official @sanfranciscostate Commencement at @oraclepark on Thursday, 5/21/26.

One career milestone for me. For the first time ever, I was on stage and part of the University Platform Party at SFSU Commencement. I’ll post the title & responsibilities changes when it’s LinkedIn official. 🙂

Other highlights include:

Celebrating superstar students who were active (in positive ways) on campus at SFSU. They’re a dream to work with.

Meeting SFSU alum (Class of 2004), Oscars-nominated actor Delroy Lindo, who received an honorary doctorate and delivered the Commencement keynote address. Took so many photos of Delroy Lindo with others, that I forgot to get my own with him! But someone snuck a bad one of me with him in the background. It’s included here. 🙂

What are your next educational goals?

🎓💜💛 #SFSU2026 #SFSU #SAPro #HigherEd #SanFrancisco

First time wearing my doctoral regalia since my @loyolamarymount Doctoral Commencement in May 2018.

This week we celebrated a number of graduation events, leading up to the official @sanfranciscostate Commencement at @oraclepark on Thursday, 5/21/26.

One career milestone for me. For the first time ever, I was on stage and part of the University Platform Party at SFSU Commencement. I’ll post the title & responsibilities changes when it’s LinkedIn official. 🙂

Other highlights include:

Celebrating superstar students who were active (in positive ways) on campus at SFSU. They’re a dream to work with.

Meeting SFSU alum (Class of 2004), Oscars-nominated actor Delroy Lindo, who received an honorary doctorate and delivered the Commencement keynote address. Took so many photos of Delroy Lindo with others, that I forgot to get my own with him! But someone snuck a bad one of me with him in the background. It’s included here. 🙂

What are your next educational goals?

🎓💜💛 #SFSU2026 #SFSU #SAPro #HigherEd #SanFrancisco

First time wearing my doctoral regalia since my @loyolamarymount Doctoral Commencement in May 2018.

This week we celebrated a number of graduation events, leading up to the official @sanfranciscostate Commencement at @oraclepark on Thursday, 5/21/26.

One career milestone for me. For the first time ever, I was on stage and part of the University Platform Party at SFSU Commencement. I’ll post the title & responsibilities changes when it’s LinkedIn official. 🙂

Other highlights include:

Celebrating superstar students who were active (in positive ways) on campus at SFSU. They’re a dream to work with.

Meeting SFSU alum (Class of 2004), Oscars-nominated actor Delroy Lindo, who received an honorary doctorate and delivered the Commencement keynote address. Took so many photos of Delroy Lindo with others, that I forgot to get my own with him! But someone snuck a bad one of me with him in the background. It’s included here. 🙂

What are your next educational goals?

🎓💜💛 #SFSU2026 #SFSU #SAPro #HigherEd #SanFrancisco

Special guest with @dabookjoint! We are so excited to welcome Frederick Smith to @chicagopridebookfest on June 27th at @soundgrowler in Tinley Park. Originally from Detroit, @fsmith827 is the author of seven romance novels set in L.A. and San Francisco that feature Black Queer characters. A higher education professional by day, Frederick Smith does Student Life and Diversity & Inclusion work at SF State.

Smith is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and Loyola University Chicago. Smith worked as a TV anchor and reporter before making a career move to Higher Education and Student Affairs… and now fiction writing. A finalist for the PEN Center Emerging Voices Fellowship, and a participant in the VONA (Voices of our Nations) novel seminar, Smith is an advocate for social justice and equity issues.
📌What: Chicago Pride Book Fest
🗓️When: Sat. June 27, 2026
⏰12PM-5PM
📍Where: Soundgrowler Brewing Co.
8201 183rd Street SUITE P Tinley Park, IL, 60487
ALL AGES. FREE EVENT. Meet 30 authors/vendors. Multi-genre.

I just finished reading “Love is a Contact Sport” by @fsmith827. The book is available now for preorder and releases on June 16, 2026 (just in time for Pride 🏳️‍🌈) Full review on second slide. Visual Description: the first slide is the book’s cover, which shows two Black men in a romantic embrace and a purple background. The second slide is Johnzelle’s written review in white font on a blue background. It says, “I absolutely adore this Black queer second chance romance and for so many reasons. This is the first time I’ve seen a later in life bisexual narrative portrayed in this way and it made me feel seen. I’m working on a queer novel currently, and I’m inspired creatively by this read. That said, I love that one of the main characters is a writer and avid reader (ME!) and I felt validated by the portrayal of the gatekeepery publishing industry. Topics covered include DL queerness, situationships, safe queer sex, fatherhood, and so much more. The music references and book cameos were also a delight. I highly recommend!” #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendation #readblackbooks #bookworm @netgalley

I just finished reading “Love is a Contact Sport” by @fsmith827. The book is available now for preorder and releases on June 16, 2026 (just in time for Pride 🏳️‍🌈) Full review on second slide. Visual Description: the first slide is the book’s cover, which shows two Black men in a romantic embrace and a purple background. The second slide is Johnzelle’s written review in white font on a blue background. It says, “I absolutely adore this Black queer second chance romance and for so many reasons. This is the first time I’ve seen a later in life bisexual narrative portrayed in this way and it made me feel seen. I’m working on a queer novel currently, and I’m inspired creatively by this read. That said, I love that one of the main characters is a writer and avid reader (ME!) and I felt validated by the portrayal of the gatekeepery publishing industry. Topics covered include DL queerness, situationships, safe queer sex, fatherhood, and so much more. The music references and book cameos were also a delight. I highly recommend!” #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendation #readblackbooks #bookworm @netgalley

One month until the wide release of Love Is A Contact Sport, coming June 16, 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. I’m sharing another blurb.

From author, journalist, and fellow Detroiter Aaron K. Foley (@aaronkfoley), whose novel “Boys Come First” is included in these slides:

“A second chance romance is not only a new opportunity for our heroes in ‘Contact Sport,’ but a rare story of Black gay men who get a second chance to explore what could have been beyond the bedroom: another go-round at unbridled joy, freedom, and all the other abundances we too often set aside when we can’t really be who we want to be the first time around.” - Aaron K. Foley, author, Boys Come First.

Aaron and I have been on numerous panels together discussing Black & Queer lives in books. We did the June 10, 2022 Pride Month episode of @romanceincolourpodcast, featuring Aaron, Fiona Zedde, Chaz Lamar Cruz, and me on Creative Writing & Black Queer Romance.

Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM romance novel, is out June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. Pre-order links in bio.

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha).

📚💕🌈 #mmromance #blackromancenovels #pridemonthreads #romancelandia #blackqueerlove

One month until the wide release of Love Is A Contact Sport, coming June 16, 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. I’m sharing another blurb.

From author, journalist, and fellow Detroiter Aaron K. Foley (@aaronkfoley), whose novel “Boys Come First” is included in these slides:

“A second chance romance is not only a new opportunity for our heroes in ‘Contact Sport,’ but a rare story of Black gay men who get a second chance to explore what could have been beyond the bedroom: another go-round at unbridled joy, freedom, and all the other abundances we too often set aside when we can’t really be who we want to be the first time around.” - Aaron K. Foley, author, Boys Come First.

Aaron and I have been on numerous panels together discussing Black & Queer lives in books. We did the June 10, 2022 Pride Month episode of @romanceincolourpodcast, featuring Aaron, Fiona Zedde, Chaz Lamar Cruz, and me on Creative Writing & Black Queer Romance.

Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM romance novel, is out June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. Pre-order links in bio.

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha).

📚💕🌈 #mmromance #blackromancenovels #pridemonthreads #romancelandia #blackqueerlove

One month until the wide release of Love Is A Contact Sport, coming June 16, 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. I’m sharing another blurb.

From author, journalist, and fellow Detroiter Aaron K. Foley (@aaronkfoley), whose novel “Boys Come First” is included in these slides:

“A second chance romance is not only a new opportunity for our heroes in ‘Contact Sport,’ but a rare story of Black gay men who get a second chance to explore what could have been beyond the bedroom: another go-round at unbridled joy, freedom, and all the other abundances we too often set aside when we can’t really be who we want to be the first time around.” - Aaron K. Foley, author, Boys Come First.

Aaron and I have been on numerous panels together discussing Black & Queer lives in books. We did the June 10, 2022 Pride Month episode of @romanceincolourpodcast, featuring Aaron, Fiona Zedde, Chaz Lamar Cruz, and me on Creative Writing & Black Queer Romance.

Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM romance novel, is out June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. Pre-order links in bio.

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha).

📚💕🌈 #mmromance #blackromancenovels #pridemonthreads #romancelandia #blackqueerlove

One month until the wide release of Love Is A Contact Sport, coming June 16, 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. I’m sharing another blurb.

From author, journalist, and fellow Detroiter Aaron K. Foley (@aaronkfoley), whose novel “Boys Come First” is included in these slides:

“A second chance romance is not only a new opportunity for our heroes in ‘Contact Sport,’ but a rare story of Black gay men who get a second chance to explore what could have been beyond the bedroom: another go-round at unbridled joy, freedom, and all the other abundances we too often set aside when we can’t really be who we want to be the first time around.” - Aaron K. Foley, author, Boys Come First.

Aaron and I have been on numerous panels together discussing Black & Queer lives in books. We did the June 10, 2022 Pride Month episode of @romanceincolourpodcast, featuring Aaron, Fiona Zedde, Chaz Lamar Cruz, and me on Creative Writing & Black Queer Romance.

Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM romance novel, is out June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. Pre-order links in bio.

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha).

📚💕🌈 #mmromance #blackromancenovels #pridemonthreads #romancelandia #blackqueerlove

One month until the wide release of Love Is A Contact Sport, coming June 16, 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. I’m sharing another blurb.

From author, journalist, and fellow Detroiter Aaron K. Foley (@aaronkfoley), whose novel “Boys Come First” is included in these slides:

“A second chance romance is not only a new opportunity for our heroes in ‘Contact Sport,’ but a rare story of Black gay men who get a second chance to explore what could have been beyond the bedroom: another go-round at unbridled joy, freedom, and all the other abundances we too often set aside when we can’t really be who we want to be the first time around.” - Aaron K. Foley, author, Boys Come First.

Aaron and I have been on numerous panels together discussing Black & Queer lives in books. We did the June 10, 2022 Pride Month episode of @romanceincolourpodcast, featuring Aaron, Fiona Zedde, Chaz Lamar Cruz, and me on Creative Writing & Black Queer Romance.

Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM romance novel, is out June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. Pre-order links in bio.

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha).

📚💕🌈 #mmromance #blackromancenovels #pridemonthreads #romancelandia #blackqueerlove

One month until the wide release of Love Is A Contact Sport, coming June 16, 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. I’m sharing another blurb.

From author, journalist, and fellow Detroiter Aaron K. Foley (@aaronkfoley), whose novel “Boys Come First” is included in these slides:

“A second chance romance is not only a new opportunity for our heroes in ‘Contact Sport,’ but a rare story of Black gay men who get a second chance to explore what could have been beyond the bedroom: another go-round at unbridled joy, freedom, and all the other abundances we too often set aside when we can’t really be who we want to be the first time around.” - Aaron K. Foley, author, Boys Come First.

Aaron and I have been on numerous panels together discussing Black & Queer lives in books. We did the June 10, 2022 Pride Month episode of @romanceincolourpodcast, featuring Aaron, Fiona Zedde, Chaz Lamar Cruz, and me on Creative Writing & Black Queer Romance.

Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM romance novel, is out June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. Pre-order links in bio.

Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha).

📚💕🌈 #mmromance #blackromancenovels #pridemonthreads #romancelandia #blackqueerlove

📚🎉 Look what’s here! My author copies!

Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM Romance, is out everywhere June 16, 2026, published on @boldstrokesbooks. Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha).

Seeing your book for the first time is exciting and special, whether it’s the first book or the seventh book, in my case.

Preorder links and events links in my bio link. If you want to collab on an event, DM me.

Perfect for Pride Month reading and beyond!

✍🏾📚💕🌈 #LoveIsAContactSport #BookUnboxing #MMRomance #BlackRomance #BlackQueerLove

📚🎉 Look what’s here! My author copies!

Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM Romance, is out everywhere June 16, 2026, published on @boldstrokesbooks. Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha).

Seeing your book for the first time is exciting and special, whether it’s the first book or the seventh book, in my case.

Preorder links and events links in my bio link. If you want to collab on an event, DM me.

Perfect for Pride Month reading and beyond!

✍🏾📚💕🌈 #LoveIsAContactSport #BookUnboxing #MMRomance #BlackRomance #BlackQueerLove

📚🎉 Look what’s here! My author copies!

Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM Romance, is out everywhere June 16, 2026, published on @boldstrokesbooks. Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha).

Seeing your book for the first time is exciting and special, whether it’s the first book or the seventh book, in my case.

Preorder links and events links in my bio link. If you want to collab on an event, DM me.

Perfect for Pride Month reading and beyond!

✍🏾📚💕🌈 #LoveIsAContactSport #BookUnboxing #MMRomance #BlackRomance #BlackQueerLove

📚🎉 Look what’s here! My author copies!

Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM Romance, is out everywhere June 16, 2026, published on @boldstrokesbooks. Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha).

Seeing your book for the first time is exciting and special, whether it’s the first book or the seventh book, in my case.

Preorder links and events links in my bio link. If you want to collab on an event, DM me.

Perfect for Pride Month reading and beyond!

✍🏾📚💕🌈 #LoveIsAContactSport #BookUnboxing #MMRomance #BlackRomance #BlackQueerLove

Love Is A Contact Sport is “Read Now” on NetGalley for a limited time before publication date. There’s a link in my IG bio to access it on NetGalley.

Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, Contemporary MM Romance novel, is out June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha).

We still want you to preorder and buy - there’s a link in my bio for that, too!

📚💕🌈 #blackbookstagram #mmbookstagram #romancebookstagram #mmromance #blackromancebooks

Love Is A Contact Sport is “Read Now” on NetGalley for a limited time before publication date. There’s a link in my IG bio to access it on NetGalley.

Love Is A Contact Sport, a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, Contemporary MM Romance novel, is out June 2026 on @boldstrokesbooks. Cover design by Ray Jean-Gilles (@queermocha).

We still want you to preorder and buy - there’s a link in my bio for that, too!

📚💕🌈 #blackbookstagram #mmbookstagram #romancebookstagram #mmromance #blackromancebooks

Still thinking about the magic from the FIRST EVER Black Romance Book Fest in Atlanta, GA last year 🖤📚✨

Our “Author Chats” series gave us unforgettable conversations, swoon-worthy book recs, and all the Black love stories we could ever ask for 💕 From mature love to queer romance, second chances to happily-ever-afters — these authors showed UP and reminded us why Black romance deserves the spotlight 👏🏾🔥

One of our fave moments? Sitting down with incredible authors like Frederick Smith (@fsmith827 ), whose novel One and Done gave us all the feels 🥹🌈 Because as he reminded us — it’s NEVER too late for love 💫

As we look back on BRBF 2025, we’re celebrating the stories, the laughter, the community, and the authors who made the festival unforgettable 🎤📖

Which author interview was YOUR favorite? 👀👇🏾

#BlackRomanceBookFest #BlackRomanceBooks #Bookstagram #AuthorInterviews #BookEventSeason