Where to Start Reading Ebony LaDelle's Books
Because all of Ebony LaDelle's books are standalones or anthologies, there is no strict narrative continuity to follow. You can read them in any order you choose. However, the best starting point is her acclaimed debut novel, Love Radio (2022). Set in Detroit, this book perfectly introduces readers to her signature writing style: witty contemporary romance, vibrant cultural settings, and a focus on Black joy alongside realistic teen healing. Once you have experienced her debut, you can move on to her second novel, This Could Be Forever (2025), followed by her curated anthology, You’ve Got a Place Here, Too (2025).
Ebony LaDelle Books in Publication Order
If you prefer to follow the progression of her career and style, reading in publication order is a great approach. Here is the chronological list of her releases:
- Love Radio (May 31, 2022)
- This Could Be Forever (May 20, 2025)
- You’ve Got a Place Here, Too: An Anthology of Black Love Stories Set at HBCUs (August 12, 2025) – Editor and contributor
Deep Dive into Ebony LaDelle's Novels
Love Radio (2022)
Set in Detroit, Love Radio follows Prince Jones, a popular nineteen-year-old DJ with his own local radio segment where he dispenses love advice. Despite his reputation as a "love doctor," Prince is secretly dealing with the heavy responsibility of taking care of his mother and younger brother, who has cerebral palsy. Enter Dani Ford, an ambitious high school senior and aspiring writer who has sworn off love and dating to focus on getting into college in New York City. When their paths cross, Prince bets Dani that he can make her fall in love with him in just three dates. The novel blends lighthearted romance tropes with deep, emotional explorations of trauma, family responsibilities, and self-discovery.
This Could Be Forever (2025)
Published in May 2025, This Could Be Forever shifts the spotlight to Deja and Raja. Deja is a Black teenager trying to navigate high family expectations, while Raja is a Nepali-American boy balancing his own passions and family duties during the summer before college. The story explores the complexities of an interracial relationship, the pressure of transition, and what it means to pursue your own dreams while staying connected to your roots. Like her debut, this novel captures the bittersweet nature of late adolescence and the vulnerability of first love.
Edited Works and Collaborations
You’ve Got a Place Here, Too: An Anthology of Black Love Stories Set at HBCUs (2025)
In August 2025, LaDelle edited and contributed to this highly anticipated YA anthology. Having attended Howard University herself, LaDelle curated a collection of stories celebrating the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) experience. The anthology features romance narratives that span historical settings, contemporary campuses, Mardi Gras celebrations, and pilot training cockpits. LaDelle's own story sits alongside contributions from notable Black authors including Nicola Yoon, Elizabeth Acevedo, Farrah Rochon, Kiese Laymon, and Dawnie Walton. It is an excellent read for anyone seeking diverse romantic perspectives and a celebration of Black academic spaces.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Ebony LaDelle's catalog, it is helpful to understand the core elements that define her work:
- Real Detroit Settings: In Love Radio, Detroit is not just a backdrop; it is a living character. LaDelle grounds her stories in authentic local landmarks, from the Motown Museum to neighborhood hair salons, reflecting her own childhood upbringing in the Detroit metro area.
- Balancing Joy and Heavy Themes: While her books are marketed as swoon-worthy romances, they do not shy away from complex realities. Characters navigate heavy struggles such as sexual assault trauma, family illness, class differences, and structural racism. However, the overarching tone remains optimistic, centering Black joy and healing.
- The HBCU Connection: As an alumna of Howard University, LaDelle frequently weaves references to historically Black academic institutions and culture into her writing, culminating in her work editing the 2025 HBCU anthology.