Love is in the air, and it smells delicious with the flair of Latinx spice!
In the summer of travel, new experiences, and possibly love, a romance novel is always right there ready to be devoured. But it can get repetitive seeing the same white main characters fall in love with each other over and over again. Not to say it isn’t good, but sometimes reading some cultural flavor is what we need. If this intrigues you, it might be time to discover and add Latinx romance to your TBR.
How do you start? It’s simple. Read romance books by Latinx authors.
Why It’s Important
Actually, it’s not so simple. Go to a bookstore, and you’ll find an almost non-existent Latinx romance novel selection. For example, in the recent explosion of romantasy (romance and fantasy), the vast majority of these novels are white authors writing about white characters.
Unless you go looking for the “mainstream” BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) options, there isn’t much to find. There aren’t many BIPOC authors because they are not nearly as published or promoted as white romance authors. According to an annual study by The Ripped Bodice, in 2024, only 11% of romance novels were written by BIPOC authors.
Representation is everything, and for the Latinx community, it is important to see Latinx characters in the romance field. To see Latinx characters in romance novels validates dreams and shares the message that anyone can fall in love. Amor Latine is real and here to be read right along with all the romance classics.
It is time that Latinx romance is put on the map! I’ve curated a list of Latinx romance novels that give you butterflies as you follow the Latinx main characters on their passionate journeys. Whether you want the toe-curling, juicy details or genuine character growth between lovers, there is something here for you.
1. ‘Along Came Amor’ by Alexis Darias
Let’s talk spicy – but at the same time, a slow burn? Latina author Alexis Darias does not waste time introducing Ava, a 33-year-old elementary teacher, and Roman, a hotel business CEO. Watch the chemistry unfold between them as it goes from a fling to… something more.
Finally divorced, Ava decides to have a one-night stand with Roman, settling on a no-strings-attached relationship. But Roman is completely taken by Ava and patiently waits for her to one day feel the same.
“Why do you think you’re not worthy of good things?” — Alexis Darias
Ava’s Puerto Rican family and Roman’s Mexican-American-inspired hotels depict intimate aspects of Latinx culture. Ava’s family is a clear struggle as she tries to please everyone at the cost of being herself. To everyone else, Ava needs to change, whether it be her body, her marriage, or overall her life. But to Roman, Ava is perfect, and the yearning is enough to make you swoon.
If you are looking for steamy scenes, a male love interest that is completely obsessed, and a resolution of personal growth, this book is perfect for you.
2. ‘An Island Princess Starts a Scandal’ by Adriana Herrera
Historical, forbidden, and sapphic! Caribbean author Adriana Herrera ties 1889 with a consuming love story between a Venezuelan heiress and a Chilean-British duchess. If you are new to steamy sapphic love stories, this is a great introduction.
Manuela is bound to a loveless marriage to save her family business from doom. As a last act of independence, she discovers the underground queer community, where she meets confident, husky-voiced Cora. What at first begins as a transaction develops into a deeper, heart-racing desire.
Speaking of desires, the spice grows, starting as a sizzle but then heating up to a boil. If you are craving a sensual queer romance, this is the one for you. The angst, the yearning, the build-up – it’s all here.
“’Corazón.’ Manuela always said her name like a benediction. ‘Your name, and the part of me you own.'” — Adriana Herrera
The authenticity between the love interests is supported by emotional growth worthy of your investment. Manuela, full of charm and dreams, blossoms into who she was meant to be. Not only does she confront the obstacles in her path, but she demands what she wants, and it is inspiring!
It is important to note that this is book two of the Las Leonas series. For the most part, you don’t need to know what happened in book one. However, there is a section that alludes to the events in the previous book, but I think it is still worth reading as a standalone.
Herrera masterfully displays her Latina flair through the creative use of Spanglish and Spanish pet names. At no point did the Spanish feel forced but was realistic, incredibly sexy, and of course romantic.
If you’re looking for a rebellious, fun time in the queer community of Paris, this book is for you!
3. ‘Never Look Back’ by Lilliam Rivera
In all honesty, this may be my favorite Latinx romance story of all time. Lillian Rivera takes the classic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and infuses it with Latinx culture. It doesn’t get much better than this! This YA novel is a story about healing from trauma, trusting in love, and surpassing your limits.
Set in the Bronx, Pheus, an Afro-Dominican musical genius, meets Eury, a girl haunted by an evil spirit named Ato. After being relocated to the United States by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Eury lives in fear of Ato, who no one but her can see or hear. Everyone she is close to believes she is crazy, trapping her in a painful loneliness. That is until Pheus sees the spirit with his own eyes.
This slow-burn is worth savoring every page as Eury makes Pheus deserve her love with his melodic voice. However, like the Greek myth, trouble waits for them, and Orpheus must overcome the challenges in the underworld if he wants to save Eury or lose her forever.
“For so long, I could only see darkness, always waiting for evil to come for me. I forgot what true happiness was until recently […] I forgot there is beauty everywhere, and I’m worthy of it.” — Lilliam Rivera
Innocent, poetic, and heartbreaking, Rivera tells the classic myth in a bold and beautiful way. The youthful Spanish slang, the bachata songs, and the cultural mix of Latin American countries in the Bronx show the heart of Rivera and her love of Latinx people.
It is not the spiciest book, but it is genuine romance. It’s enough to make you wonder if you could ever experience such love as theirs.
4. ‘Cemetery Boys’ by Aiden Thomas
There’s a reason why Aiden Thomas’ novel was nominated for Goodreads Readers’ Favorite Young Adult Fantasy and Science Fiction Book in 2020. While this book is considered fantasy, that does not dispute the love story that has readers in a chokehold.
Yadriel, a trans boy, is determined to prove to his family he is a brujo. If he can summon a spirit, they must accept him into the family as a boy. Yet things don’t go exactly right, and Yadriel summons the ghost of Julian, his school’s troublemaker. The two must work together to solve mysteries of missing people, including who Julian’s murderer is. As the mystery gets deeper and the journeys more dangerous, a yearning emerges between the two that they cannot ignore.
The Mexican-American culture is overwhelming in a good way, dragging you into a world of death, magic, and surprise. Thomas captures the witty and natural remarks of teenagers living in East Los Angeles. The dialogue perfectly captures the teenage determination of making a name for themselves and accepting who they already are.
“Why do you have to prove anything to anyone?”
“It’s just how it is, how it’s always been. In order for them to let me be a brujo—”
“You don’t need anyone’s permission to be you, Yads.” — Aiden Thomas
Thomas is a trans Latinx author, and the depth of understanding in the novel has become an outlet for young adults all over to know they are not alone. But add “espiritus” and “La Santa Muerte,” and it becomes an adventure for everyone that you don’t want to miss out on.
If you are looking for some Mexican magic, this novel will capture your heart for both the culture and the romance.
Take a further look at Cemetery Boys with this BookTok review.
Amor Latine is Out There!
Unfortunately, I can’t read every Latinx romance novel. Fortunately, other book reviewers can help. Watch the video below if you need even more Latinx romance book recommendations to add to your TBR.
Latinx Representation Matters
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Latinx romance exists; publishers are not publishing or promoting them enough compared to white romance authors.
How do we fix it? Start by reading romance novels by BIPOC authors. This includes Latinx authors and will encourage publishers to start looking more at diverse stories.
Representation is important for everyone. To understand that one is not alone in different experiences means everything. Seeing or reading about someone who looks like you start a business, make mistakes, and even fall in love is valuable to helping readers of all backgrounds build character.
Latinx romance representation is limited, but through the efforts of readers, that narrative can change. This list is to help you get started on reading some great Latinx romance novels.
If Latinx representation calls to you, be sure to check out these Trill articles to further your curiosity: How the Lack of POC Media Representation Causes Mental Health Issues and Is Latine Culture Being Romanticized? .
Of course, if there are any BIPOC or Latinx Romance books I need to know about, don’t be shy to leave a comment.
Happy reading y disfruta el amor latine!
