Sweet romances by POC recs?

[oyceter]

So, I am now in the mood to read sweet romances, preferably by POC.

Books and/or authors that fall into this mood: Alex Sanchez, Marjorie Liu's Tiger Eye.

Books and/or authors that didn't make it: Marjorie Liu's other books (like, but the latter books have too much plot and too little sweetness for this mood), Nalini Singh (don't like), Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's Dirty Girls Social Club (too modernly ironic, materialistic and contains an abusive husband and a cheating fiance, but I have her YA Haters checked out), bounced off Jason & Kyra

Books and/or authors on my to-read list (thumbs up or down appreciated!): Valdes-Rodriguez's Haters (not sure if it's romance?), Kirin Narayan, Kayla Chronicles (not sure if it's romance?), Derrick Barnes, Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet

Other notes:

1. By POC, please. POC characters also a plus.


2. For some reason, I am gunning for sweetness right now. Sex is fine, but not necessary, and sometimes I feel romances go too much for sex and too little for the emotional. What I'm looking for is somewhat more on the lines of kdrama romances like Coffee Prince or Dal Ja's Spring or shoujo manga; basically, believable, every-day characters falling or stumbling into love. Something that makes you go "awwwwww."


3. Also, I'm trying to get into black romances, but don't know where to start. Any pointers highly welcome!


4. I've been following The Brown Bookshelf, though most of its picks skew a little young.


5. GLBT a big plus!


6. Issues ok, though preferably not "how I was confronted with racism for the first time," because I just cannot deal with that right now. Also, some angst and heartbreak ok, ditto with bittersweet unrequited longing, though I'd like a happy ending.

Yay for LJ information gathering!

Comments

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

If movies are okay, then I'd recommend "Bend It Like Beckham". Great coming of age story with a 2d generation Indian protagonist with a delightful romance element, a great female friendship, and realistic characters. Also, great music, it's pretty damn funny, and the actor who plays the male lead is fiiiiiinnnnnneeeeee.

[oyceter]

Yeah, it's a great movie, isn't it! Although I am still grumpy the actress who played Jess is not as big as Keira Knightley.

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

This is true. I remember being thrilled that she got on ER, just because it's considered a really good show.