Books With Colors in the Title
Kirsten and I often talk about books- big surprise-! We thought about how many books we had read with a color in the title and were shocked by how many there were. I decided to make a post of books with colors in the title and arrange them by color rather than by genre.
We know that many of you love your favorite genres and like to read within that same genre most of the time. We respect that choice completely. By organizing this post by colors, we hoped you might be intrigued by a book title or cover outside your usual genre. If you are looking for more posts like this, you can check out my post of Books with Food in the Title.
So, have a look through the books and go crazy. Have a favorite color? Read a book with that in the title. Kirsten and I read and loved all these books so you cannot go wrong no matter which one you choose!
The Best Books With Colors in the Title
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre of books with colors in the title. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Book with Red in the Title
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard – Click here to see the review and see more books in this category
Best Book with Orange in the Title
Orange is the New Black – Click here to see the review and see more books in this category
Best Book with Yellow in the Title
Yellowface – Click here to see the review and see more books in this category
Best Book with Green in the Title
Anne of Green Gables – Click here to see the review and see more books in this category
Best Book with Blue in the Title
House on the Cerulean Sea – Click here to see the review and see more books in this category
Best Book with Purple in the Title
Lilac Girl – Click here to see the review and see more books in this category
Best Book with Pink in the Title
10 Things I Hate About Pinky – Click here to see the review and see more books in this category
Best Book with White in the Title
White Bird – Click here to see the review and see more books in this category
Best Book with Black in the Title
Black Cake – Click here to see the review and see more books in this category
Best Book with Gold in the Title
Golden Spoons – Click here to see the review and see more books in this category
Best Book with Another Color in the Title
Spinning Silver – Click here to see the review and see more books in this category
*Books with Colors in the Title Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Books With Red in the Title
Red Queen
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Year: 2015
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Red Queen #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 15+
Plot
In this world, those with red blood are common and those with silver blood are elite with superhuman abilities. In the war against Silvers and Reds, Mare Barrow is special. She’s a red blood with the abilities of a Silver. But how can that be? To cover the anomaly, she is brought into the King’s home where it’s announced that she will be marrying one of the princes, Maven, who she begins to grow close to. But she’s also attracted to Cal, the heir to the throne. As their attraction grows, so do the problems in the realm, and Mare’s knowledge of just how dangerous the world can be.
Why Kirsten loves it
I have been on some weird YA fantasy/sci-fi kick recently – which is funny because I had to be forced to read the Hunger Games. Now I can’t seem to stop! I’m sure I’ll switch gears this summer, but I love this young adult fantasy novel. The ending was a total shock! I couldn’t put it down.
Find this book in: Books like The Hunger Games / YA Romance fantasy books / Books like ACOTAR / YA Dystopian Novels / Books Like The Selection / Books with Red in the Title / Best YA Romance Books
Red, White & Royal Blue
Author: Casey McQuiston
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
We don’t think about royals and the LGBTQ community because we don’t usually see openly gay royals, which is so sad in today’s society. And to think it all starts with a NYE kiss!
This charming book is a fabulous pick from LGBTQ romance novels. I crushed hard for their romance and found myself smiling the entire time. (Also love the nod to a female president…where do I sign up for one of those?)
Trigger Warnings
Homophobia
Why Kirsten loves it
The LGBTQ romance is charming but add in a female president and I am all in.
Why Jackie loves it
Not only is the relationship between these two charming but a female president and a royal angle as well makes this a must-read!
Find this book in: Royal Romance Books / Enemies-to-Lovers Books / New Year’s Books / British Romance Novels/ Books With a Color in the Title / British Books / Best YA Romance Books
Plot
I’d seen this book on many anticipated reads lists and was eager to listen when given the opportunity. This poignant tale is told, and narrated, by multiple characters and jumps between the present and the past as it weaves together the story of a family.
At Melody’s coming-of-age ceremony at 16, we discover her parents’ history. Immediately, the story engrossed me and the ending brought me to tears. I felt like I was a part of Melody’s story as I listened to the book.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I highly recommend the audiobook because of the various narrators for each part. All the different voices bring such depth to the performance. Jacqueline Woodson is even one of the narrators!
Find this book in: Coming of Age Books for Adults / Books With Colors in the Title / Books Set in the 80s
Red Sparrow
Author: Jason Matthews
Year: 2013
Genre: Thriller
More info: 2014 Edgar Award Winner
Red Sparrow Trilogy #1 of 3
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is a slow build to a smart and entertaining story. Jason Matthews is ex-CIA so to read a story from the perspective of someone who has been there was amazing!
This is not a start-to-finish action book but rather, slow, smart, and methodical. Dominika Egorova is drafted to become a “Sparrow”, a woman trained in the arts of espionage and seduction. She is hired to work against the CIA’s Nathaniel Nash but becomes a double agent as revenge against the Russian government who forced her to work as a sparrow.
Why Jackie loves it
I know why this book was made into a movie – It was made for the big screen. It is detailed, smart, and very well-written.
Find this book in: Books with Colors in the Title
Plot
If you didn’t read this book in high school, you should consider reading it now! Set in Puritan Massachusetts, The Scarlet Letter tells the story of Hester Prynne, a woman condemned to wear the letter A for the rest of her life after giving birth to a bastard child.
When her husband who is presumed dead finds out about the baby, he takes up a new name and vows to find the unknown father. As her daughter, Pearl, grows, we learn of the impact Hester’s shunning has on her life as well.
Why Kirsten loves it
This classic has withstood the test of time. This is a classic you should add to your TBR.
Find this book in: Classic Novels to Read / Books With a Color in the Title
Books With Orange in the Title
Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Woman’s Prison
Author: Piper Kerman
Year: 2010
Genre: non-fiction
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller, Netflix Original Series
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I originally read this for a book club and it was one of my favorite non-fiction books. I don’t love the now-famous Netflix series of the same name, but I did love the book.
A suburban mother goes to prison for a crime she committed a decade before. Her inside look at the American prison system is fascinating. This is one of the OG Netflix book adaptations.
Trigger Warnings
Confinement, Drug use
Why Kirsten loves it
The view of the American penal system was eye-opening. The book is so well-written, it reads like fiction and I am not surprised that Netflix adapted it to the screen.
Find this book in: Best Netflix Books Adaptations / Book With Color in the Title / Books with Food in the Title
Tangerine
Author: Christine Mangan
Year: 2018
Genre: Thriller
More info: Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Alice has just arrived in Tangier with her new husband and is shocked when her estranged best friend, Lucy, also arrives in Tangier. While Alice is initially glad to reconnect with her friend who helps her feel more comfortable in a new city, she soon begins to feel that her husband and best friend are trying to control her life.
But are they both trying to control her? Is she having delusions or is something more sinister going on?
Trigger Warnings
Stalker
Why Kirsten loves it
This stalker book about an obsessive friend will have you questioning everything until the end. I could not guess where this book was going.
Find this book in: Stalker Books / Books with Color in the Title
Dragonfly in Amber
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 1992
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Outlander #2
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The second book in the Outlander series starts 20 years in the future with Claire and her Daughter Brianna on vacation in Scotland together. This is where we are first introduced to Roger Wakefield, we do not know how Claire returned to her time or when.
Then the story returns back to Paris in 1744. Here, Claire and Jamie develop relationships with people in the court of King Louis the XV including Charles Stuart. This story takes us all the way to the Battle of Culloden, where Claire assumes Jamie died while she returns to Craig na Dun to return to her time. She is pregnant with Brianna.
Trigger Warnings
Miscarriage, rape, sexual assault
Why Kirsten loves it
It was so much fun to follow Clare and Jamie to Paris. I love the story of Charles Stuart as well. Reading this second installment in the Outlander series was everything I hoped it would be.
Why Jackie loves it
I love that this story starts 20 years in the future with Clare and Brianna. It makes the rest of the story so much more compelling. I needed to see what happened to bring Clare back to her time!
Find this book in: Outlander Books in Order / Books With A Color in the Title
Books With a Color in the Title: Yellow
Yellowface
Author: R. F. Kuang
Year: 2023
Genre: Fiction
More info: July 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Athena Liu is a literary star whose books are immediate best sellers. June Hayward went to school with Athena and thought she would be a star as well. However, she has found herself in literary obscurity.
One night, June and Athena are hanging out in Athena’s apartment when Athena dies in a freak accident (Content warning for graphic detail of choking). When June arrives home, she realizes she has Athena’s new unfinished, unpublished manuscript in her bag about the contributions of Chinese laborers during World War I.
June decides that she will finish the manuscript and send it to her agent as her own work. She also lets them rebrand her as Juniper Song
Why Jackie loves it
There is so much to talk about in this book from obvious cultural appropriation and racism to secrets, lies, and entitlement.
Find this book in: The Complete Reese Witherspoon Book Club List / Books with Colors in the Title / Reese Witherspoon 2023
Books With Green in the Title
Anne of Green Gables
Author: L. M. Montgomery
Year: 1908
Genre: Classic
Age: 10+
More info: Anne of Green Gables #1
Plot
I was immediately drawn to Anne upon first reading this story. She is smart, precocious, and has a way of making everyone love her while simultaneously finding new ways to get into trouble.
Anne is an orphan sent to live with siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert who wanted a male orphan to help them on the farm. Anne was sent to them instead. She is bright, loquacious, and wins their hearts.
Why Kirsten loves it
I cherish this entire book series and the TV miniseries inspired by it. I vividly remember watching Megan Follows as Anne completely transfixed. I was so enamored, that I remember asking my grandmother to get me the books to read!
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my all-time favorite books. Something is comforting about this cozy book that makes me read it repeatedly. It is a beautiful book about friendship and found family. Because of this book, I hope to visit Prince Edward Island one day.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books / Friendship Books / Realistic Fiction / Books with Green in the Title / Fun Books for Teens / Classic Novels / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
Author: Fannie Flag
Year: 2005
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Adapted to a film of the same name in 1991 starring Kathy Bates
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Fried Green Tomatoes is a book that I read years ago and have loved ever since. It is a novel about two women: middle-aged Evelyn, who is in a life slump, and Mrs. Threadgoode, who’s telling her life story.
Her story includes two more women, tomboy Idgie and her friend Ruth in the 1930s. The women ran The Whistle Stop Cafe in Alabama. As the story unfolds, it brings us back to the present and reveals the power of love, laughter, and most importantly, friendship.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Domestic abuse
Why Jackie loves it
This book resonated with me because of the power of friendship but also the feeling of no knowing who you are or where your place is. As everyone goes through any changes in life, whether its a new job, growing older, or having a baby, we all at some point see the different paths in front of us. This is one of those books that everyone can relate to and the movie adaptation is fantastic!
Find this book in: Coffee Shop Romance Books / Books About Food / Books With Colors in the Title / Books with Food in the Title
Greenglass House
Author: Kate Milford
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Greenglass House #1
Plot
The Greenglass House is an inn for smugglers and the winter season means it’s supposed to be quiet for Milo, the owner’s child. But instead, guest after guest checks in for the holidays, and items go missing around the inn. Soon, Milo and the chef’s daughter, Meddy, are off searching for the guests’ connection to the inn, uncovering secret after secret along the way.
Why Kirsten loves it
This mystery reminded me of Harry Potter in some ways. A child is trying to uncover the secrets of Greenglass House, a hotel for smugglers and spies before the adults do. I chose this as a family read-aloud and it was wonderful.
Find this book in: Best Ghost Books / Best Winter Books / Terrific Hotel Novels / Best Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Family Audiobooks / Books With Colors in the Title / Christmas Chapter Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds
Plot
Margaret Wise Brown, author of Good Night, Moon and other classics, was a fascinating woman. This is the biography of her life and her her writing helped shape the curriculum for the Bank Street School.
Why Kirsten likes it
I picked up this non-fiction book about the life of author Margaret Wise Brown because I wanted to try a genre I don’t usually read. Biographies are usually too much info about one person for my liking and this book felt that way too.
Still, Margaret Wise Brown, author of Good Night, Moon, and other classics, did lead a fascinating and colorful life. If you like non-fiction, try this one!
Find this book in:
Books With Blue in the Title
House in the Cerulean Sea
Author: T.J Klune
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Cerulean Chronicles #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Linus Baker is a caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He is sent on a mission to a secret orphanage isolated on an island where 6 of the world’s most dangerous youth live.
Linus is sent to determine if the children are being cared for properly. Linus, who lives his life by the book, will have to look deeper to try and find the real answers to his questions.
Trigger Warnings
Child abuse
Why Jackie loves it
This story was so much more than the sum of its parts. I felt like I had met each of the children in the story. Even though the story has magic, it somehow seems completely relevant to our society now. The magic and the orphan aspect are all reminiscent of Harry Potter.
Find this book in: Magical Realism Books / Feel-Good Books / Book for Book Club / Books About Friendship / Books With Color in the Title / Best Beach Reads / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter
All Boys Aren’t Blue
Author: George M Johnson
Year: 2020
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I love George M, Johnson’s voice as they talk about very difficult topics in such a way that the book is completely relatable to everyone. Everyone knows that memoirs usually aren’t my preferred genre but there was something about George’s story that hooked me from the first sentence.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual assault, homophobia
Why Jackie loves it
This book is eye-opening and profound. It made me think about things from a different perspective and I was captivated by the story throughout the entire book. This non-fiction book is so captivating, that it reads like fiction.
Find this book in: The Ultimate List of the Best Non-Fiction Books / Books With Blue in the Title
Twice in a Blue Moon
Author: Christina Lauren
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling author
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Omg. Is it possible for me to give this book all the heart eyes? 😍😍😍 This was my first Christina Lauren book and I don’t know how I’ve held out for this long. I mean… have I been living under a rock? Sam was Tate’s first love when she fell for him on her 18th birthday trip, but he exposed her in the worst way possible.
Now a big-name actress, the last person she expects to see on-set is the man who broke her heart. I loved this book so much. It gave me all the feels!!!
Why Kirsten loves it
This feels like a love story for the ages and Christina Lauren captured everything I could want in a second chance love story perfectly. This is exactly the book I needed to make me a fan!
Why Jackie loves it
This book was also my first Christina Lauren book and I feel exactly the same way as Kirsten. How could I have not read her (them) before? This sweet second chance at love made me so happy!
Find this book in: Books With Colors in the Title /Second Chance Romance Books
Plot
When 16-year-old Emmie sends her name and email address attached to a red balloon, it travels over 100 miles and leads her to Lucas. This one gesture sparks a friendship that lasts for 14 years.
Now, Emmie and Lucas are best friends and he surprises her with the fact that he is getting married. The problem? Emmie is in love with Lucas
Trigger Warnings
Sexual assault, bullying
Why Jackie loves it
This YA romance is a best friends-to-lovers in the best possible way. This is an underappreciated book and I enjoyed every minute of it. The characters are relatable.
Find this book in: Books with Colors in the Title.
Books With A Color in the Title: Purple
Lilac Girls
Author: Martha Hall Kelly
Year: 2016
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Woolsey-Ferriday Series
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Based on the true story of New York socialite, Caroline Ferriday, this fictionalized account of the war is told from three perspectives.
The novel alternates between Caroline in New York, Kasia, a Polish prisoner, at Ravensbruck, and Herta, the only female doctor at that same camp.
Trigger Warnings
Nazi affiliation
Why Kirsten loves it
Herta’s perspective, she was a real doctor at Ravensbruck, was particularly fascinating to read. Hearing her thoughts left a deep impact since authors rarely write from the perspective of the Nazi party members. That perspective makes this novel unique among these books about WWII and is truly a thought-provoking book.
Find this book in: Books About WWII / Books Set in France / Thought Provoking Books / Books With a Color in the Title / Holocaust Books / Books With Flowers in the Title
Violeta
Author: Isabel Allende
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
One of the Best Books of the Year: Popsugar, Real Simple, Reader’s Digest
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is the story of Violeta, a woman whose life was bookended by two pandemics. An ordinary citizen of South America, her life story swept me away. She goes from wealth to destitution during the Great Depression, experiences numerous marriages, and navigates the dramas of her children and grandchildren. Ultimately, she lives a life rich in passion, loss, and joy.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, Drug Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
How have I never read an Isabel Allende book before? SHOCKING! When the story ended, I felt like I was parting with a dear friend.
Find this book in: Books About Poverty / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Books with Colors in the Title / Epistolary Novels / Books With Flowers in the Title / Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Acts of Violet
Author: Margarita Montimore
Year: 2022
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Bestselling author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
When the famous magician Violet Volk disappears without a trace, nobody can figure out where she went. Now, a decade later, her sister is wondering if Violet will finally reappear and if she can get some answers. Her fans still love and adore her but Sasha wants answers. Their relationship has left so many questions. As Sasha searches for answers, she will have to come to terms with the past.
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely loved the GMA book club pick Oona Out of Order and it was on our list of the best of the year. I was so excited to read this witch book and it did not disappoint.
I loved this adult fantasy novel. It is so original and unlike anything that I have read. It is magical realism at its best which is not surprising coming from this author.
Find this book in: Books with Colors in the Title / Books With Flowers in the Title
Books With Color in the Title: Pink
10 Things I Hate About Pinky
Author: Sandhya Menon
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Romance
More info: When Dimple Met Rishi #3
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Samir and Pinky are complete opposites. Pinky is a wild child who is tired of her family thinking the worst of her. Samir is the type of guy that all parents love. When his internship at a law firm falls through and Pinky lies to her family and tells them she has a new boyfriend, a scheme is hatched.
Samir comes to stay with Pinky’s family for the summer at their Cape Cod house and Samir does not have to go home to his over-protective mother. Of course, with the forced proximity, they both start to develop real feelings in their fake relationship.
Why Jackie likes it
This fake dating book was a fun read that didn’t quite have the same chemistry as Dimple and Rishi. It may be that I related less because Samir and Pinky are high school students.
Find this book in: Books with Colors in the Title / Forced Proximity Trope Books / Fake Dating Books / Fun Books for Teens
The Rose Code
Author: Kate Quinn
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author of The Alice Network
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
While the main portion of this story features 3 code breakers at Bletchley during WWII, one of the main characters is dating Prince Philip. You know, the same Prince Philip who eventually marries the queen?
It’s a dual-timeline story and one of those storylines is set against the backdrop of Philip’s wedding to QE2.
Trigger Warnings
Death, child death, forced institutionalization
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a Kate Quinn royal novel, so the writing and story are both top-notch.
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Mystery Books / WWII Books / Royal Reads / Books With Color in the Title / Best Books of 2021 / Books With Flowers in the Title
Darling Rose Gold
Author: Stephanie Wrobel
Year: 2020
Genre: Thriller
More info: USA Today and Edgar Award-nominated Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Don’t let the gorgeous cover of this book fool you. Darling Rose Gold is a dark and sinister look at a dysfunctional, abusive mother-daughter relationship.
For 18 years, Rose Gold thought that she was always one step away from death but no tests could ever find anything wrong with her. Her mother, Patty Watts goes to jail for 5 years for child abuse and when she gets out, Rose Gold lets Patty move in with her.
Trigger Warnings
Child Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
I couldn’t put this book down and I can’t give much about the story away without ruining it. If you are a thriller lover, this one is for you.
Find this book in: Best Psychological Thriller Books / Best Thriller Books / Books with Colors in the Title / Books about Mental Illness & Mental Health
Plot
Suburbanites Keith and Kit Collins are at The Pink Hotel on their honeymoon, though Keith is secretly applying for a position at the illustrious hotel. As they are drawn into the glamourous trappings of the hotel, they become the playthings of the rich and famous.
Keith believes he can be one of them, but Kit feels lost. Will their marriage survive the crazy cast of characters inside and the wildfire raging outside the hotel’s walls? You’ll have to read this dark novel to find out.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you loved White Lotus, you’ll love this snarky look at classism in this book set at The Pink Hotel (aka The Beverly Hills Hotel.) I could not wait to see what would happen to the characters in this book.
Find this book in: Hotel Books / Books with Colors in the Title
Books With White in the Title
White Bird
Author: R. J. Palacio
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction Graphic Novel
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 9+
Plot
White Bird is a story about Grandmère set in the Wonder universe. It tells the story of her young childhood as a young Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied France and how someone she once bullied saved her during WWII. Grandmère tells Julian the story over the course of Palacio’s debut graphic novel in a way that is so moving.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism
Why Jackie loves it
This graphic novel came my way through my local bookstore and it was a beautiful surprise for me. I loved Wonder. The story was told beautifully and with compassion. I wondered if I would be disappointed with how a story about the holocaust would translate into a graphic novel and whether the story could be told with an equal amount of compassion. Happily, I was not disappointed at all. It is so poignant and powerful with a message of kindness that is so relevant today.
Find this book in: Full Cast Audiobooks / WWII Books for Kids / Books with Color in the Title / Best Books for 13-year-olds
Whiteout
Author: Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany B. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon
Year: 2022
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13 – 17
Plot
This Young adult Christmas book, written by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon, is the perfect ya romance to read on a snowy winter day.
It’s set in Atlanta during a rare snowstorm, features multiple love stories set on the same night, and is interconnected when friends try to help their besties get back together.
Why Kirsten loves it
You know a book is going to be fire when this many heavy-hitting authors are involved. Each of these love stories swept me up and I loved the warm and fuzzy feelings this book gave me. Save this book to read before the fire when it snows and you won’t regret it!
Find this book in: YA Christmas Romance Books / Books with Color in the Title / Books Set in Winter / Short Stories
The White Queen
Author: Philippa Gregory
Year: 2009
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Now a Starz Original Series
Book 2 of 15: The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The White Queen is one of my favorite Philippa Gregory novels, revolving around Elizabeth Woodville and her relationship with the King of England. I love the magical elements of this book as Elizabeth and her mother were said to be witches.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a really wonderful story. I learned so much about the tumultuous history of Britain. Also of note, Elizabeth was the mother of the boys in the tower which this book covers as well. If you love biographical novels, Philippa Gregory has written more than a dozen for you to read.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction / Best Witch Books / Books with Colors in the Title
The Girl in White Gloves
Author: Kerri Maher
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The storyline is split between Grace’s rise to Hollywood stardom and her future as a settled princess. Kerri Maher brought Grace Kelly to life in this biographical fiction book about her life. I had no idea about her home life struggles, her many romances, or the state of her marriage to Rainer.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adored this royal read about Grace Kelly and had trouble putting it down. The writing was so captivating that I found myself sneaking pages on my Kindle all over town.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction / Books Like Evelyn Hugo / Books with a color in the Title / Books Like the Crown / Old Hollywood Books
Books With Black in the Title
Black Cake
Author: Charmaine Wilkerson
Year: 2022
Genre: Fiction
More info: A Read With Jenna Pick for February 2022
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I absolutely loved this contemporary fiction which is a story about love, family, and acceptance. It captured me from the first page with the story and the writing.
When Eleanor Bennett dies, she leaves a voice recording for her two children Benny and Byron. She wants to tell them things about her life that she could not say when she was alive.
While listening to their mother’s story, Byron and Benny learn about their mother, family, and themselves. They try to piece their relationship back together. The novel looks at everyone’s lives in the present and the past, but in its essence, it is a book about motherhood.
Trigger Warnings
Parental death
Why Kirsten loves it
The story, the writing, and the characters all drew me in from the first page. This is such a well-written pick from the Read with Jenna Book Club.
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a deep look at each sibling’s relationship with their mother and each other. I could not put it down.
Find this book in: Books About Women in Sports / Books About Mothers / BIPOC Female Authors / Books with Color in the Title / Books with Food in the Title / Books About Sports /Best Read With Jenna Books
Black Buck
Author: Mateo Askaripour
Year: 2021
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: January 2021 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Darren is 22 years old and happy working at Starbucks until he is approached by Rhett Daniels, the head of an NYC startup. Suddenly, Darren has created a persona of “Buck” and is determined to help other young people of color become prominent figures in the American sales force.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, death of a parent
Why Kirsten loves it
This book has a Wolf of Wall Street portion that had me picturing Leo screaming on the trading room floor. This contemporary fiction was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Why Jackie loves it
Black Buck was everything I thought it would be and more! At times this book reminded me of the subtle racism in Such a Fun Age but it was also reminiscent of the systemic racism in The Nickel Boys.
Find this book in: Contemporary Fiction / Books with Colors in the Title / Best Books of 2021
Black Chalk
Author: Christopher J. Yates
Year: 2015
Genre: Thriller
More info: Named Best Book of the Year by NPR (2015)
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Six students come together to play a game of dares and forfeits where the winner takes all. But what started as fun turns into something much more dangerous. Now, it has been 14 years since the start of the game and the remaining two players have to play the final round.
What started as a dark book became more twisted and convoluted with each turn of the page.
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism
Why Jackie loves it
There were elements of this story that I wish had a little more depth. Also, reading about all the pneumonic devices the character uses to get through his day became a bit tedious by the middle of the book.
Find this book in: Dark Academia / Books with Color in the Title
Washington Black
Author: Esi Edugyen
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Man Booker Prize Finalist
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Washington Black, Wash, is a slave in a Barbados sugar plantation. When he is selected to be the manservant for the master’s brother, he does not know what to expect. Christopher Wilde is nothing like his brother. He is an explorer, an inventor, and an abolitionist. Soon the two find themselves fleeing to save Wash’s life.
This is a powerful story about what it means to be free.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is a Man Booker Prize Finalist for a reason. The writing is wonderful and the story feels magical.
Find this book in: Books with a Color in the Title / Books by Canadian Authors
Books With Gold in the Title
The Golden Spoon
Author: Jessa Maxwell
Year: 2023
Genre: Mystery
More info: Only Murders in the building meets The Maid
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Every summer for the past ten years, bakers come to a Vermont estate to film a hit television show with the famous host and estate owner Betsy Martin. This year, something is off with the competition as things start to go awry on the set. Suddenly, a body is discovered in this locked room mystery.
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book a day and absolutely loved it. It felt like Agatha Christie meets the Great British Baking Show. There is more than meets the eye with this cozy mystery and I loved every minute. As you get to know each character, the story becomes that much better they are equal parts delightful, hilarious, and suspicious.
Find this book in: Novels About Food / Domestic Thrillers / Books with Colors in the Title / Cozy Mystery Books
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold in the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Author: Daniel James Brown
Year: 2013
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This bestselling book, recently adapted into a movie, tells the true tale of the 1936 USA men’s rowing team and their unlikely run for the gold medal. It’s a non-fiction story that reads like fiction, and sports nuts will love this story!
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, War
Why Kirsten loves it
The Olympic games gave me such a heightened sense of American pride. The heroics of the team enthralled me. The sheer force of will and strength it took to get in that boat and win. I was rooting for the team and cheering them on the whole time. I thought I would be bored by the minutia of rowing, but I wasn’t.
Find this book in: Books with Colors in the Title / Feel Good Nonfiction Books / Boat Books / Books About Sports
The Golden Doves
Author: Martha Hall Kelly
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
From the best-selling author of The Lilac Girls comes a story based on the lives of “The Doves”. These former spies for the French resistance accept an assignment a decade after the war to find the infamous Nazi doctor who committed heinous atrocities during the war.
Why Jackie loves it
This long book was definitely worth the read. Do not let the size scare you off, this book is very readable and I felt compelled to find out how the story ended.
Find this book in: Historical Fiction / WWII books / Female Spy Novel / Books with Color in the Title
The Golden Hour
Author: Beatriz Williams
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling author of The Summer Wives
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This historical fiction story takes place in the Bahamas during WWII. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor are prominently featured, though the main story revolves around the murder of a man named Harry Oaks, life in Nassau, and the romance between the female lead and her beau.
There is also a bit of a flashback-type story that plays out in parts too. It’s set in a tropical location whose location sets it apart from most historical fiction stories.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a lovely little royal novel that had me flipping pages quickly and kept me entertained by the pool.
Find this book in: Books Like the Crown / Royal Reads Books with Colors in the Title
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel
Author: Elyssa Friedland
Year: 2021
Genre: Fiction
More info: A Good Morning America Buzz Pick, A Best Beach Read of 2021 from Bustle, A Best Summer Read of 2021 from PopSugar
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel is all about 2 families who own a resort in the Catskills and are thinking of selling or overhauling the Golden. This is the ultimate in family drama books.
Three generations of the Goldmans and Weismann clans have gathered to make the decision and family secrets are unspooling left and right in the midst of goat yoga, comedy shows, and salon catastrophes.
Why Kirsten loves it
It was a pleasure to read it while staying at the Hyatt on the Chesapeake and experiencing some resort life of my own.
Why Jackie loves it
This book had an amazing cast of characters that made me laugh out loud. I loved the dynamics of the family as they navigated to changes that come after the heydays of family resorts
Find this book in: Best Books of 2021 / Best Books for Book Clubs / Summer Camp Books / Books With Colors in the Title / Books with Summer in the Title / Books Set in the 1960s
The Golden Needle by T. J. Carroll
I was lucky enough to be an early reader for T. J. Carroll’s debut series, The Taiga. The first story features a daring race through a deadly, magical forest to find a treasure in the ruins for a Khan.
I found myself compulsively turning pages as I raced faster than Dashi to the end. And don’t worry, the sequel, The Silver Seamripper, is just as bingeable! And even more fun, they both books with colors in the title.
Books With Colors in the Title: More
Spinning Silver
Author: Naomi Novik
Year: 2018
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Nebula and Hugo Award Finalist
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Miryem’s family are moneylenders but her family is in poverty because her father does not collect his debts. In an effort to save her family, Miryem begins collecting the debts herself and soon a rumor begins that she can turn silver into gold. Soon, these rumors spread to the king of Staryk, and Miryem’s life changes forever when he comes to see if the rumors are true.
Why Jackie loves it
I adored this YA fantasy book by Novik. I loved the strong female characters, the story, and the writing. This book is a classic retelling of Rumplestiltskin that is complex and wonderful and the ending had me in tears.
Find this book in: YA Fantasy Books / The Best Winter Books / Fairy Tale Retellings / Books with Colors in the Title
A Court of Silver Flames
Author: Sarah J Maas
Year: 2021
Genre: Fantasy
More info: ACOTAR #4
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Sarah J. Maas does it again, which is saying something because I am not a Nesta Archeron fan and she was our main protagonist in this story. The book revolves around her love story with Cassian, but also around her overcoming her trauma from being cauldron-made.
The Queens from the previous books are also back with a new deadly plan. Can Nesta help heal the lands and herself while also preventing further devastation?
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
I can’t wait to see and read the next story in this series, even if I have to wait another 2-3 years. Even though it was 800 pages, I flew through it in 3 days.
Find this book in: A Court of Thorns and Roses Books in Order / Grumpy Sunshine Romance Books / Books With Color in the Title
Get a Life, Chloe Brown
Author: Talia Hibbert
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
More info: Book 1 of 3 of The Brown Sisters, Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Chloe Brown is a computer geek who has a chronological illness. She is very dependent on her family and has come up with a plan to lead a more independent life despite her illness and pain. She asks Red (Redford) to help her on her mission to rebel from her wealthy family. Soon, they find there is more to the relationship than they care to admit to.
Trigger Warnings
Chronic illness, graphic sexual content
Why Jackie loves it
This was a book that I totally enjoyed. I read reviews that people didn’t like Chloe. They thought she was whiny and annoying. I completely disagree.
I thought that she was funny, quirky, and had more depth than I initially thought. It is a well-written romance with a little more story than I usually find in this genre and for this reason.
Find this book in: Books like The Love Hypothesis / Books with Colors in the Title
Fifty Shades of Grey
Author: E. L. James
Year: 2012
Genre: Romance
More info: Fifty Shades of Grey #1 of 6
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Originally written as Twilight fan fiction, Fifty Shades of Grey tells the story of Anastasia Steele, an innocent young woman who quite literally falls at the feet of young billionaire Christian Grey.
Their up-and-down relationship had the world atwitter. He wanted a submissive, but Ana challenged him at every turn. And their red room of pain is the stuff of legend. This is the series that ignited the popularity of billionaire romance books.
Trigger Warnings
Graphic Sexual Content
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the book that made explicit content more mainstream rather than a dark secret. I love when a book can do that for the reading community.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved the billionaire romance even if I thought Christian was a little much sometimes. By the end of the three-book series, I was invested in the characters and the story.
Find this book in: Books with Colors in the Title / Books with Stalkers / Fifty Shades of Grey Books in Order / Billionaire Romance Books
The Bronze Horseman
Author: Paullina Simons
Year: 2009
Genre: Historical Romance
More info: Bronze Horseman #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This epic love story can almost rival that of Jamie and Claire in Outlander. This saga takes place over decades and all over the world. This is an epic love story that begins in Leningrad during WWII.
Tatiana Metanova meets Alexander, an officer of the Red Army. Amid the terror of the war, the two fall in love, but Alexander is keeping a secret that can devastate them all.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a fantastic story from a historical fiction perspective because of the attention to detail. I learned a lot about everyday life in that era. Like Outlander, it’s a whopping 1000 pages but I couldn’t stop!
Find this book in: Historical Romance / Books About WWII / Books Like Outlander / Cozy Books / Books with Colors in the Title
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I read a book with a color in the title?
Kirsten and I love to do unconventional book lists. There is something so fun about putting books on a list that may have nothing in common other than something arbitrary- like a title. This is one of those posts. Kirsten and I have read every book on this list so you can be assured it passes our standards, but even more fun is such a wide variety of books.
If you have been following Beyond the Bookends for a while, you will also know that we love our reading challenges. You may find this one on the 2025 reading challenge!
I love the idea of books with colors in the title. The book is immediately very vivid for me. I hope you love this list of books.
Expert Tip
Because these books are not divided by genre, it can be a little more difficult to choose a book you will love. Kirsten and I only included books that we enjoyed in this post to help narrow down your choices. However, if you are looking for advice on choosing a book based on the title, I have some advice.
- Have a look at the genre of the book in the description, This can help narrow your choices.
- Read the description of the book. If you are a “Kirsten”, pick books she has read and vice versa for Jackie.
- Have a look at our reasons for liking a book to see if this appeals to you.
- Don’t fret about your choice. If you start a book and don’t like it, STOP. Life is too short and there are too many good books to read one that you don’t like.
- Do you have a favorite color? Pick a book with that in the title!
Related Content
Epilogue:
What are your favorite books with colors in the title? Did I forget your favorite book? I would love to know if there are books I should add to my TBR.
