Explore Latinx Heritage Month with 10 Captivating Romance Novels
Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from September 15 to October 15, is a time to honour the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities across the United States. One way for us to celebrate is to explore Latinx Heritage Month with 10 captivating romance novels. The celebration originally began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, under President Lyndon B. Johnson, and was later expanded to a full month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The starting date of September 15 is significant, as it marks the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with Mexico and Chile celebrating their independence days shortly after.
The month-long celebration highlights the influence and impact of Hispanic and Latinx people in various fields—art, science, politics, and yes, literature. Within the world of romance, Latinx authors have been making their mark with beautiful, passionate love stories that explore identity, family, and cultural pride. To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, here are ten must-read romance novels by Latinx authors that bring diverse voices to the forefront of the genre.
1. You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria (2020)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Trope: Fake Relationship, Workplace Romance
Set against the glamorous backdrop of telenovela production, You Had Me at Hola follows Jasmine Lin Rodriguez and Ashton Suárez, two actors cast in a bilingual romantic drama series. As their on-screen chemistry heats up, so does their off-screen relationship. This romance highlights Latinx family dynamics, the struggle for visibility in Hollywood, and the magic of second chances. Daria expertly weaves together humor, heart, and sizzling chemistry, making this novel an irresistible read.
2. Take the Lead by Alexis Daria (2017)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Trope: Opposites Attract, Reality TV Romance
This fun and flirty romance follows professional dancer Gina Morales, a Puerto Rican woman competing on a reality dance show, and Stone Nielson, a rugged Alaskan wilderness star. Their chemistry is undeniable, but their on-screen romance could have consequences for both their careers. Daria masterfully balances sizzling attraction with heartfelt character development, making this novel a must-read for fans of reality TV and slow-burn love stories.
3. A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera (2022)
Genre: Historical Romance
Trope: Marriage of Convenience, Opposites Attract
Adriana Herrera’s A Caribbean Heiress in Paris is a sweeping historical romance set in 1889 during the Exposition Universelle. Afro-Dominican heiress Luz Alana arrives in Paris to expand her family’s rum business and meets Scottish Earl Evan Sinclair. Sparks fly, leading to a marriage of convenience that develops into something deeper. Herrera blends history, passion, and the themes of colonialism, race, and commerce into a rich, multifaceted love story that is both enlightening and deeply romantic.
4. Ana María and the Fox by Liana de la Rosa (2023)
Genre: Historical Romance
Trope: Forbidden Love, Politics
In Ana María and the Fox, Liana de la Rosa tells the story of Ana María Luna Valdés, a Mexican heiress who is sent to London during the French occupation of Mexico. There, she meets Gideon Fox, a member of Parliament with a past as a formerly enslaved man. Their forbidden romance is set against a backdrop of political tension, family loyalty, and the fight for justice. De la Rosa beautifully weaves history and romance, making this book a captivating read.
5. Lush Money by Angelina M. Lopez (2019)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Trope: Billionaire Romance, Marriage of Convenience
Lush Money introduces readers to Roxanne Medina, a billionaire Latina businesswoman who enters into a marriage of convenience with a European prince. She needs a husband for appearances, and he needs her money to save his family’s vineyard. What starts as a business arrangement quickly becomes an emotional and passionate entanglement. Lopez’s sharp, sexy writing brings the heat while tackling themes of power dynamics, ambition, and Latinx identity in a high-stakes, modern love story.
6. After Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez (2022)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Trope: Enemies-to-Lovers, Small Town Romance
This enemies-to-lovers romance features Alejandra “Alex” Torres, a fierce and unapologetic bartender who returns to her small hometown to save her family’s bar. Standing in her way is Jeremiah Post, a professor and historian who sees her as a threat to his vision for the town’s history. Sparks fly between them in this passionate story about family, cultural roots, and the heat of an unexpected romance.
7. The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa (2020)
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Trope: Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity
Mia Sosa’s The Worst Best Man delivers a hilarious, heartfelt rom-com about wedding planner Lina Santos, who was left at the altar thanks to her ex-fiancé’s brother, Max Hartley. When a job opportunity forces Lina to work closely with Max, she must navigate her lingering anger while grappling with undeniable attraction. Sosa infuses the novel with Afro-Latinx cultural pride, sharp wit, and family dynamics, crafting a fun, enemies-to-lovers romance that is perfect for readers who love a good laugh and heartfelt moments.
8. Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras (2020)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Trope: Fake Relationship, Forced Proximity
Island Affair is the first in Priscilla Oliveras’ Keys to Love series and follows Sara Vance, a social media influencer recovering from an eating disorder, and Luis Navarro, a Key West firefighter and paramedic. When Sara needs a fake boyfriend to keep up appearances during a family vacation, Luis steps in. What starts as a pretend relationship blossoms into a tender, slow-burn romance, with both characters overcoming personal struggles. Oliveras deftly incorporates Cuban-American culture, family loyalty, and healing into a sweet, feel-good love story.
9. Isabel and the Rogue by Liana de la Rosa (2021)
Genre: Historical Romance
Trope: Second Chance Romance, Aristocracy
In Isabel and the Rogue, Liana de la Rosa brings us the story of Isabel de Luna, a Mexican heiress living in Regency London who finds herself reconnecting with a former love, Julian Price. As they navigate London’s high society, family secrets, and the fallout of their past relationship, their romance rekindles with explosive chemistry. This book offers a unique and refreshing perspective on Regency romance through the lens of Latinx culture.
10. Sleeping with the Frenemy by Natalie Caña (2024)
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Trope: Roommates, Enemies-to-Lovers
The third book in the riotously funny Vega Family Love Stories finds self-assured firefighter Leo Vega trying to reignite a flame that’s gone cold and finally bring his secret love affair into the open.
Leo Vega’s love life has been on life support since long before the gunshot wound that put him on leave from the fire department. Now, a year after his injury, he’s finally able to return to work, but he’s no closer to fixing things with Sofi, his sister’s best friend and the woman he’s had a secret on-again, off-again relationship with for years. Sofi is still reeling from the revelation that her best friend lied to her years ago, setting her life on a course she’s resented ever since. She’s done with the Vega family, and that includes Leo, who has always prioritized his tight-knit clan over their relationship. She’s moving on with her life, but then circumstances beyond their control push Sofi and Leo into a tense roommate situation. It’s almost impossible to move on with someone new when Leo is there, reminding her what they had, every day.
When his great-granddaughter Rosie tips Papo Vega off about what’s been going on between Leo and Sofi, he’s on the case, with reinforcements. Working behind the scenes alongside Sofi’s mom, he’s determined to help these two stubborn lovebirds end up where they belong—together.
These ten romance novels are perfect for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, as they each offer unique perspectives on love, culture, and identity. From contemporary love stories to historical settings, these authors showcase the diversity within the Latinx community, honouring traditions while exploring the complexities of modern relationships.
For October’s latest romance releases, click here.