Cultural Romance Reads by Hispanic & Latino Authors

10 minute read

Hands form a heart in front of colorful papel picado hanging on a yellow building.

Romance, Reimagined Through Hispanic & Latino Voices

Romance novels by Hispanic and Latino authors are reshaping the genre with heartfelt, culturally rich, and emotionally grounded stories. These writers bring fresh perspectives—full of vibrant settings, deep emotions, and unforgettable chemistry that leaps right off the page. From steamy romcoms to emotional coming-of-age tales and swoony second chances, there’s something here for every kind of romance reader. This list celebrates the authors making modern romance more inclusive, more dynamic, and more meaningful with every story they tell. Get ready to fall in love—again and again—with these unforgettable books by Hispanic and Latine romance authors.

 

isbn: 9781668098974,template: list, title: Follow My Voice

Follow My Voice by Ariana Godoy

An unexpected text from Kang brings his voice into Klara’s world, sparking a connection that quickly becomes her emotional lifeline. As their bond deepens, Klara begins to question love, connection, and what those things truly mean to her. She must confront her fears to meet someone who now feels essential to her life and emotional well-being.

An unexpected text from Kang brings his voice into Klara’s world, sparking a connection that quickly becomes her lifeline.
As their bond grows, Klara begins to question love, connection, and whether she can face her fears to meet him.

In a moment of courage, Klara enrolls in community college, only to discover that Kang’s schedule overlaps with her in-person class. Now, she faces the challenge of confronting not just the outside world, but the person she might already love.

Follow My Voice is an achingly raw and profoundly hopeful story that reminds us that sometimes the most important voice to follow is the one we find within ourselves—even when it’s the hardest one to hear. Though it doesn’t hurt if you find love and friendship along the way.

 

 

 

isbn: 9780063336315,template: list, title: Archive of Unknown Universes

Archive of Unknown Universes by Ruben Reyes Jr 

In Cambridge, 2018, Ana and Luis’s relationship is strained, despite their shared Salvadoran heritage. Ana uses The Defractor, an experimental device that reveals alternate life paths and possible versions of her choices. It leads them on a journey through Havana and San Salvador to uncover family histories and search for answers.

In 1978 Havana, Neto, a young revolutionary, and Rafael, a fellow activist, form a forbidden love amidst the brewing Salvadoran war. Separated by their activism, they exchange letters, but escalating conflict threatens to sever their bond.

Reyes’s debut novel intertwines two families’ stories across alternate timelines of the Salvadoran civil war, exploring themes of fate, history, and love. The narrative delves into what might have been and what was, offering a profound reflection on the past’s enduring impact.

 

 

 

isbn: 9798217044306,template: list, title: When Javi Dumped Mari

When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa 

One engagement. Two best friends. Three’s a Crowd.

On the eve of graduation, Javier Báez and Marisol Campos made a pact: never date someone the other doesn’t approve of. Nearly ten years later, Mari—the woman Javi has secretly loved since college—is now engaged to a Pedro Pascal lookalike. The worst part? Javi never even got the chance to “vet” the fiancé, breaking their long-standing agreement.

Now an LA-based entertainment lawyer, Mari is done waiting for Javi to speak up. She’s chosen a different path: one where she builds a future with someone ready to truly commit.

Meanwhile, Javi, finally stable in life and confident in his career, is determined to confess his feelings. But Mari has moved on—fast. With only six weeks to prove this engagement is a mistake, Javi is prepared to ruffle feathers and pull every trick in the book to help her avert disaster. Because that’s what best friends are for, right?

 

 

isbn: 9780062960009,template: list, title: Along Came Amor

Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria 

An instant USA Today bestseller and a 2025 most-anticipated romance, Along Came Amor ends the Primas of Power series. It’s a sizzling, heartfelt finale praised as “steamy, emotional” by The New York Times. Publishers Weekly and Library Journal gave it starred reviews, calling it “an emotional roller coaster.”

Freshly divorced, middle-school teacher Ava Rodriguez resolves to reinvent herself. At a bar during a teachers’ conference, a flirtatious encounter with hotelier Roman Vázquez leads to an impulsive, no-strings one-night stand.

Though both agree to keep it casual, their chemistry proves undeniable. Their connection deepens until they realize Roman is best man and Ava is maid of honor. Caught between family pressure, hidden feelings, and their bond, Ava must decide if risking it for love is worth it.

Rooted in vivid Latinx culture and emotional family dynamics, this radiant finale is filled with heart and powerful storytelling.
It’s equal parts steamy romance and empowering self-discovery, blending passion and personal growth in an unforgettable love story.

 

 

isbn: 9781538726655,template: list, title: Kiss Me, Maybe

Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez

Angela Gutierrez, a librarian who’s never been kissed, goes viral after sharing a heartfelt video about being a late bloomer. She also embraces her ace identity in the video, which resonates with many and brings her newfound fame. Riding this wave, Angela decides it’s finally time to experience important “firsts,” starting with her very first kiss.

To make this milestone memorable, Angela plans a scavenger hunt with a prize: the coveted first kiss. Realizing she can’t do it alone, Angela asks Krystal Ramirez, a sexy bartender and her secret crush for years. Though Krystal has sworn off romance, she is surprisingly eager to help Angela plan the event.

As the two spend more time together working on the scavenger hunt, the connection between them grows stronger. Angela starts to question if she even wants the event to end, while Krystal struggles with her belief that she isn’t capable of love. Before long, Angela finds herself falling deeply for a woman who may never be able to return her feelings.

 

 

 

isbn: 9781538756881,template: list, title: Up Close & Personal

Up Close & Personal by Ana Holguim 

Jo De La Cruz is at the peak of her career as a celebrity spin instructor. Thousands tune into her workouts, and her waiting list is more exclusive than a secret club. She even has a social media fanbase dedicated solely to her hair. Despite this, Jo feels worn out from years of constant attention beneath the spotlight. That’s when she meets Silas Anders, a skeptical journalist who dismisses her job as yelling while pedaling a bike.

Jo can’t resist the challenge of winning over someone so determined to be unimpressed. It’s a game she’s ready to play, no matter how difficult.

Silas, however, is nothing like Jo expected. He dives headfirst into her classes and shows genuine interest in her life beyond the bike. Silas also shares his own struggles with mental health. Their days fill with diner meals, thrift store hunts, and steamy summer evenings, and Jo begins to realize she might be developing feelings. But as Silas’s article gains traction, Jo faces a harsh truth—he might be hiding or deceiving her.

Now Jo must decide if opening her heart to Silas will leave her broken or lead to a love worth every ride. It’s a choice that could change everything.

 

 

isbn: 9781646145522,template: list, title: Futbolista

Futbolista by Jonny Garza Villa

Gabriel Piña is confident in who he is. He’s a talented college goalkeeper with dreams of playing professionally. Starting his freshman year under the spotlight, Gabi stays focused and determined. He aims to follow a path to success without distraction.

Everything changes when Vale, a philosophy classmate, offers to tutor him. Vale is the same guy Gabi kissed once before—briefly and impulsively—at a party, a moment that unexpectedly lingers in Gabi’s mind. Vale’s intelligence, kindness, and warm smile soon draw Gabi into a friendship that quickly deepens.

As they spend more time together, Gabi starts questioning his own assumptions about his sexuality. He’s haunted by a painful truth: being bisexual could threaten his dreams as a brown Mexican soccer player. Gabi fears judgment from teammates and his community. This fear weighs heavily on him.

Yet, Gabi wonders if he has the courage to embrace every part of himself. He hopes to forge a new path that includes love, identity, and the sport he adores.

 

 

isbn: 9780778360148,template: list, title: The Anatomy of Magic (Original)

 

The Anatomy of Magic by J C Cervantes

Lilian Estrada appears to have everything figured out: a rising star ob-gyn, adept at juggling demanding work with passionate romances, and part of a tight-knit family of extraordinary women. The Estradas are bound by a remarkable secret—each woman possesses a special power. Lily’s gift is the rare ability to manipulate memories, a talent that sets her apart.

But when a traumatic incident at the hospital shakes her world, Lily’s powers falter, and with them, her confidence takes a hit. Overwhelmed, she decides to return to her family’s ancestral home in Mexico, hoping to find peace and regain control.

There, she unexpectedly encounters Sam, the first love she never truly forgot. Nearly ten years have passed, and Sam is no longer the person she once knew. As old feelings reignite, Lily must confront their shared past and the tangled emotions within her own heart if she wants to master her unpredictable magic and embrace the messy, beautiful chaos of life and love.

 

 

 

isbn: 9781538766682,template: list, title: The Broposal

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes

Roommates Alejandro and Kenny decide it’s time to take a big step—at least in everyone else’s eyes. When they announce their engagement, friends and family are thrilled, but there’s a catch: their relationship is completely fake. Alejandro needs a green card, and Kenny is his willing partner in this carefully crafted plan. Still, if Alejandro were to marry anyone, it would be his lifelong best friend.

Han, a guy who’s never really settled down, has only ever let Kenny see the real him. Newly single and looking for a fresh start, Kenny sees the fake engagement as a perfect distraction—and a way to have some fun with his best friend. But as they dive deeper into their pretend romance, Kenny finds it harder to ignore the real feelings simmering between them.

As their wedding day draws near, the line between make-believe and reality begins to fade. With immigration officers watching and an ex stirring up trouble, Han and Kenny have more than just a wedding to navigate. Will their friendship survive the biggest test yet—and maybe turn into something more?

 

 

isbn: 9780593547489,template: list, title: Temple of Swoon

Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura

Dr. Miriam Jacobs is known as one of the world’s top archaeologists, but her corny jokes and charm stand out. She’s tasked with leading an expedition deep into the Amazon rainforest to find the Lost City of the Moon. Miri sees this journey as her chance to prove herself to her peers and, most importantly, to herself.

Journalist Rafael Monfils joins the team under the guise of documenting the search for the lost city. However, his true mission is far more secretive: to prevent the team from ever reaching the sacred Cidade da Lua and to protect his mother’s heritage. His strategy is simple—mislead them at every turn.

But Rafa underestimates Miri’s relentless spirit. Every wrong turn he orchestrates only strengthens her resolve. To make matters worse, he finds himself captivated by her endearing determination and her playful attempts to embody a modern-day Lara Croft as they navigate the perilous jungle. Yet, they’re not the only ones chasing the Lost City, and soon the dangers of the rainforest—and the growing feelings between them—will test them both in ways they never expected.

Inspiration