Picture a Dominican storyteller who spun Afro-Latinx love stories into gold—meet Adriana Herrera! This USA Today bestselling author has taken the romance world by storm with her vibrant, diverse narratives that pulse with culture and heart. Born in the Caribbean, Herrera’s journey from voracious reader to trailblazing writer is as captivating as her books.
With her 'own voice' storytelling, she’s redefined romance by centering Dominican, Latina, and queer characters, delivering unapologetic happy endings that resonate globally. Whether you’re new to her work or a devoted fan, Herrera’s tales are a must-read for anyone craving love stories with soul.
The Making of Adriana Herrera
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Adriana Herrera grew up devouring romance novels, from bodice rippers to tales of Austrian noblewomen. Her love for the genre deepened during her global travels as an aid worker in Africa and Latin America, where romance offered comfort and escape. Inspired by authors like Edith Wharton and Laura Esquivel, she dreamed of stories reflecting her Caribbean roots.
After settling in New York City, Herrera balanced a career as a trauma therapist, supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, with her passion for writing. Frustrated by the lack of diverse characters in romance, she began crafting her own narratives, debuting with American Dreamer in 2019—a bold step that launched her into literary stardom.
Adriana Herrera’s Unforgettable Stories
Herrera’s novels are a celebration of culture, identity, and steamy romance. Her Dreamers series, starting with American Dreamer, follows a group of Caribbean-heritage friends in New York finding love amid social justice struggles. The story of Nesto, a Dominican food truck owner, and Jude, a librarian, blends mouthwatering food descriptions with heartfelt romance, earning praise from Entertainment Weekly.
A Caribbean Heiress in Paris, the first of her Las Léonas series, transports readers to the 1889 Exposition Universelle, where Luz Alana, a rum heiress, navigates love and prejudice. This historical romance flips genre conventions with its queer and multiracial characters. Mangos and Mistletoe, a sapphic holiday novella, brings humor and heat to a Scottish baking contest, showcasing Herrera’s versatility. Her latest, Heat and Run (2024), continues her knack for blending passion with social commentary.
Known for her vivid settings and intersectional feminism, Herrera’s writing is both “sweet and delightfully filthy,” as The New York Times noted. Her stories tackle issues like racism, immigration, and homophobia while delivering scorching chemistry and emotional depth, making every page a joyride.
Why Adriana Herrera Matters
Adriana Herrera’s impact on romance is undeniable. By championing Afro-Latinx and queer voices, she’s expanded the genre’s boundaries, offering representation to readers who rarely see themselves in love stories. Her advocacy, including co-creating the Queer Romance PoC Collective, has paved the way for diverse authors. Awards like the 2019 Ripped Bodice Award for American Love Story and the 2023 Audie Award for On the Hustle underscore her influence.
Her work resonates because it’s authentic—rooted in her Dominican heritage and informed by her social work. Herrera’s stories don’t just entertain; they empower, showing that love can thrive amid adversity. For readers and writers alike, she’s a beacon of inclusivity and unapologetic joy.
- Born: Dominican Republic
- Key Works: American Dreamer (2019), A Caribbean Heiress in Paris (2022), Mangos and Mistletoe (2020)
- Awards: 2019 Ripped Bodice Award, 2023 Audie Award
- Fun Fact: She’s a Broadway ticket hunter and vacation planner extraordinaire!
Ready to fall in love? Snag American Dreamer and dive into Adriana Herrera’s vibrant, heart-pounding romance world!