Some people use drugs to escape pain. Some drown their sorrows in alcohol. Alisa cuts herself to FEEL.

A young adult contemporary romance.

  • Dual POV
  • Set in the 1990s
  • Childhood friends to strangers to something more
  • Unrequited love (that might not be so unrequited)
  • Second-chance connection
  • Slow-burn emotional bond
  • Family dysfunction (divorce, abuse, alcoholism)
  • Small town secrets
  • Trauma and healing – love doesn’t “fix” things, but it helps
  • Coming-of-age with heavy stakes
  • Dark and emotional contemporary YA
  • Finding hope after loss
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About the Book

After her mother’s death, sixteen-year-old Alisa returns to her Alabama hometown with her father, hoping the familiar setting will help him stay sober—and give her a fresh start. She dreams of culinary school, safety, and something close to normal. Reuniting with her childhood best friend Sarah helps. Seeing Ben—the boy who gave her her first kiss—nearly shatters her.

He doesn’t look at her the same way anymore.

A rising basketball star with the homecoming queen on his arm, Ben keeps Alisa at arm’s length, burying his own pain beneath a perfect image. What neither of them knows is that they’re both barely holding on—and their homes are crumbling beneath the surface.

Alisa hides the bruises. Ben hides the truth.

As secrets build and trust erodes, the line between love and survival blurs. And when danger hits too close, the question becomes: can they save each other—before it’s too late?

Black Dove is an emotionally gripping, deeply honest coming-of-age novel perfect for fans of Ellen Hopkins, Courtney Summers, and Kathleen Glasgow.

Content Warnings
Black Dove deals with heavy and sensitive topics. It contains references to:
– Grief and loss of a parent
– Parental alcoholism and neglect
– Emotional and physical abuse from a parent
– Self-harm
– Depression and suicidal thoughts

While the story ultimately leans toward healing and hope, readers should be aware of these themes before starting.

Awards

2023 Georgia Author of the Year Young Adult Nominee

What readers are saying:

From Writer’s Digest: “This book is exemplary in its voice and writing style. It has a unique voice, and the writing style is consistent throughout. …wonderfully strong – realistic and emotional.”

From The BookLife Prize: “Richards writes with ease, from both Alisa and Ben’s perspectives, both of which come across naturally and instantly meld with the storyline. Alisa’s voice is powerful and will spark sympathy in young adult readers. The uniqueness of this story lies with Richards’s willingness to go behind the scenes in the main characters’ lives, offering readers insight into their most private thoughts and emotions.”

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