3 Romance Novels by Latine Authors Published in 2024
A variety of surprises, tropes and more in these captivating reads.
Romance novels are super popular books. In 2023 for example, NPR reported that “Romance books are on the rise, even as overall book sales are declining.” And independent bookshops that focus on selling only romance novels are opening, including in the U.S. and Canada, according to The Guardian.
That being said, it’s important to highlight Latine authors and characters within the genre, as the industry is reported to be predominantly white, and there has been controversy about the diversity and inclusion in spaces like the Romance Writers of America.
Check out below 3 romance novels by Latine authors that feature Latine characters.
Isabel and the Rogue by Liana De La Rosa
This is the second of “The Luna Sisters” duology, following Ana María and the Fox, which was published in 2023. In this installment, Isabel Luna Valdés is on a mission to help her country — Mexico — during a period of occupation, but it won’t be an easy job in part because of a certain British captain. Meanwhile, Captain Sirius Dawson works for the British government and notices that Isabel is different than the others; a mutual attraction blooms. But can they be together when their work can pit them against each other?
“Liana De La Rosa is a USA Today bestselling historial romance author who writes diverse characters in the Regency and Victorian periods,” according to her website.
Unexpectedly Wed to the Heir by Lydia San Andres
Aura Soriano’s life turns upside down after the loss of one of her parents, and then she meets the rich Eduardo Martinez, who decides to protect her once she’s in danger. What’s the solution? To say that they’re getting married. But will they actually be able to pull of the marriage?
This is book 4 of the Caribbean Courtships series, following Compromised Into A Scandalous Marriage (2022), Alliance with His Stolen Heiress (2023), and The Return of His Caribbean Heiress (2024).
Did you know? San Andres “writes historical romances set in the Caribbean with Latinx characters who are much more fond of the tropical heat than she is.” Previously published books by the author also include A Summer for Scandal (2015).
The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez
Both Marcella Ortiz and Theo Young are heartbroken because each love people that they can’t be with. They decide to pretend that they hooked up, but then pretending turns into something more real. Will this rebound relationship work? What will happen? Gamez “writes about incredibly messy, well-meaning women trying their best and accidentally falling in love.”