In The Community
These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban
Vanessa Montalban
Cuban American Vanessa Montalban is proof that the path to becoming an author isn’t always a straight line. She dropped out of high school in 11th grade, got her GED, and worked in insurance and real estate before chasing her dream of writing. At 30, she enrolled in UCF’s creative writing program, and in 2024, she made her Young Adult (YA) debut with “A Tall Dark Trouble,” a witchy tale inspired by her Cuban heritage. Now, she’s back with “These Vengeful Wishes,” a standalone fantasy full of folklore, vengeance, and a very haunted wishing well.
When Ceci’s stepfather is arrested, she and her mom move back to Santa Aguas, a town famous for the legend of La Cegua—a spirit that punishes untrustworthy men. Their new home? An abandoned manor tied to the very curse Ceci’s mother has tried to forget. Then, Ceci starts painting a mysterious door in the forest that doesn’t exist… until it does. Behind the door, there’s a well that grants wishes, but at a terrifying cost. As Ceci’s wishes spiral out of control, she must face the truth: La Cegua never forgets a debt. This is a great entry into the YA fantasy genre and it brings a dark fairy tale with themes like generational curses and the cost of power.
This is the Year by Gloria Muñoz
Gloria Muñoz
Colombian American Gloria Muñoz is a poet, translator, and advocate for multilingual literacy whose work has been recognized by the Academy of American Poets. She’s best known for her poetry collections “Your Biome Has Found You” and “Danzirly,” but now she’s stepping into fiction with “This is the Year,” a coming-of-age story that blends prose and poetry to tackle themes like grief, climate change, and the immigrant experience.
The world is burning, and Julieta Villarreal has one chance to leave it behind. At 17, Julieta has already lost her twin sister in a hit-and-run, and her Florida home is drowning in climate disasters. Then she’s recruited by Cometa, a private space program that wants young pioneers to establish the first extraterrestrial settlement. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance, but leaving Earth means leaving her family, her grief, and her past. This one is for fans of sci-fi, lyrical writing, and stories about resilience.
Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria
Puerto Rican Alexis Daria is the queen of Latinx romance. Her debut, “You Had Me at Hola,” was a major hit, landing on best-of lists from Oprah Magazine to Entertainment Weekly. She’s known for writing steamy, heartfelt stories featuring ambitious Latina heroines, and her latest novel, “Along Came Amor,” brings all the drama, spice, and family chaos you could want.
After her ex-husband dumps her to “follow his dreams,” Ava Rodriguez swears off serious relationships. But she wouldn’t say no to a no-strings one-night stand with a gorgeous hotelier. The thing is that, when she walks into her cousin’s engagement party, her one-night fling, Roman Vasquez, is standing right there as the best man to the groom. Now they’re forced to see each other all the time, and Roman isn’t content being Ava’s dirty little secret. He wants more. But with her family breathing down her neck, Ava has to decide: Is love worth the risk? This book gives telenovela-level juicy drama and a sizzling romance about second chances that we think anyone can get behind.
Black Mestiza by Yael Valencia Aldana
Yael Valencia Aldana
Caribbean Afro-Latine Yael Valencia Aldana is a poet, professor, and storyteller. Her work explores identity, ancestry, and the resilience of Black and Indigenous Latinas, making it essential in this day and age. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Valencia Aldana was raised in Barbados before moving to Brooklyn, and her poetry reflects the richness of her Caribbean and Latine heritage.
“Black Mestiza” is her most personal poetry collection yet and it’s a love letter to the Black and Indigenous women who shaped her. These poems unpack identity, colonialism, and the beauty of mixed-race experiences, and it will stay with you long after you finish reading.
(S)Kin by Ibi Zoboi
Ibi Zoboi
Haitian Ibi Zoboi immigrated to the U.S. at age four and has written multiple award-winning books, including “American Street” (a National Book Award finalist) and “Pride” (a Caribbean remix of Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice”). But now, she’s taking readers into unexplored, spellbinding territory with her contemporary fantasy debut, “(S)Kin.”
In Brooklyn, fireball witches don’t last long. Marisol is the daughter of a soucouyant—a Caribbean fireball witch who sheds her skin and drinks life to survive. She thought she could leave her past behind, but Brooklyn is suffocating her magic. Meanwhile, Genevieve, a girl with a hunger she doesn’t understand, finds herself drawn to a family secret that ties her to Marisol. As their lives intertwine, Marisol and Genevieve must face the power hiding under their skin and the sacrifices they must make to survive. This book is packed with Caribbean folklore and themes of inheritance and power.
My Name is Emilia Del Valle by Isabel Allende
Isabel Allende
Chilean American Isabel Allende is a literary icon known for combining magical realism and history into unforgettable stories like “The House of the Spirits” and “City of the Beasts.” She’s won countless awards, including Chile’s National Literature Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her upcoming novel, “My Name is Emilia Del Valle,” brings readers back to 19th-century San Francisco, where a young woman is fighting for love, truth, and the power of her own voice.
Emilia del Valle has always wanted to be a writer, but in 1866, the world isn’t kind to women with ambition. Raised by a loving stepfather after being abandoned as a baby, Emilia finds her calling in journalism only to get caught up in a dangerous war, a forbidden love, and a family secret that threatens everything she knows. “My Name is Emilia Del Valle” will be published on May 6, 2025, so keep an eye out for it if you enjoy historical fiction with a strong Latina character, intrigue, and romance.
So Many Stars by Caro De Robertis
Caro de Robertis
Caro De Robertis is a groundbreaking Uruguayan American writer whose work has earned a Stonewall Book Award, a Lambda Literary Award, and a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. Their latest, “So Many Stars,” is a first-of-its-kind oral history of trans, nonbinary, genderqueer, and Two-Spirit people of color.
Through powerful firsthand accounts, this book tells real stories of courage, survival, and cultural transformation. From activists and artists to everyday people who fought to exist freely, “So Many Stars” offers valuable perspectives and is a must-read for anyone interested in queer history and resistance. It will be released on May 13, 2025, so mark your calendar.
Get Real, Chloe Torres by Crystal Maldonado
Crystal Maldonado
Puerto Rican Crystal Maldonado is known for writing romcoms featuring fat, brown girls living their best (and messiest) lives. Her debut, “Fat Chance, Charlie Vega,” won the New England Book Award and was named Kirkus Best YA Fiction of 2021. Now, she’s giving readers a road trip, a sapphic love triangle, and best-friend chaos with “Get Real, Chloe Torres.”
What do you do when your ex-besties refuse to speak to you? Well, according to Chloe Torres, you plan a road trip. Chloe just turned 18 and is ready for one last adventure before college. Moreover, she’s on a mission to reunite her estranged BFFs by taking them to their favorite boy band’s reunion concert. The only problem is that Sienna is giving her the cold shoulder and Ramona kissed her and then ghosted her. This book has one car, two ex-best friends, and a whole lot of drama. It’s perfect for readers who love chaotic friendships, sapphic yearning, and pop culture. “Get Real, Chloe Torres” will be out on May 13, 2025.
My Train Leaves at Three by Natalie Guerrero
Natalie Guerrero
Puerto Rican-Dominican Natalie Guerrero is based in Los Angeles and her work has appeared in Electric Literature, Byline, Goop, and Blavity. She’s also co-authored books like “Walking in My Joy” by actress Jenifer Lewis. “My Train Leaves at Three” is her highly anticipated debut novel coming out on July 8, 2025, and it promises to be a raw, emotional story about grief, ambition, and the dark side of fame.
How do you rebuild a life that no longer feels like your own? Xiomara, an Afro-Latina singer and actress, has always had big dreams. But after the sudden death of her sister, she’s left working minimum-wage jobs and living with her ultra-Catholic Puerto Rican mother in a cramped apartment. When a once-in-a-lifetime audition comes her way, Xiomara finally sees a future for herself. But the industry is ruthless, and she soon finds herself face-to-face with the ugly truths behind Hollywood’s glitz and glamour. If you love drama, stories about fighting for your dreams, and messy protagonists, this will be up your alley.
The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas
Isabel Cañas
Mexican American Isabel Cañas is one of the most exciting voices in Latino horror. Her gothic debut, “The Hacienda,” was compared to works like “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier. In 2025, she’s back with “The Possession of Alba Díaz,” a terrifying historical horror novel set in 1765 Zacatecas that will be published on August 19, 2025.
Alba Díaz should be safe. She fled her home with her wealthy fiancé, seeking refuge in his family's mine. But soon after her arrival, she starts getting plagued by hallucinations, sleepwalking, and violent convulsions. Something inside her is growing stronger… and it’s hungry. “The Possession of Alba Díaz” is a gothic horror story that brings exorcism and dark family secrets, so be ready for some chills.
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Mamá Didn’t Raise a Pendeja by Carolina Acosta and Aralis Mejia
Image Credit: Aralis Mehia and Carolina Acosta
We all need some no-nonsense advice to close out your year with confidence. “Mamá Didn’t Raise a Pendeja” is the blunt, funny, and refreshingly real self-help book you didn’t know you needed. First-gen Latinas Carolina Acosta and Aralis Mejia have channeled the wisdom of abuelitas everywhere into this collection of “anti-affirmations.” This isn’t about fluffy mantras—it’s real talk for real challenges. From relationship drama to career hurdles, every page is packed with sharp humor, tough love, and cultural pride. Whether you need a reminder to stay grounded or a push to tackle life head-on, this book can be your personal pep talk.
The Volcano Daughters by Isabel Cañas
Image Credit: Gina Maria Balibrera
This book will transport you to 1920s El Salvador, where beauty and devastation mark Graciela and Consuelo’s lives. When nine-year-old Graciela is taken from her volcano-side home to serve as an oracle for a rising dictator, her world is forever changed. Years later, as genocide threatens their homeland, the sisters are forced to flee, carrying their traumas and secrets with them. In “The Volcano Daughters,” Salvadoran-American Gina María Balibrera creates a heart-wrenching story that combines history, mythology, and survival. It’s the perfect book if you love stories of resilience, sisterhood, and the fight for justice.
Isabel and the Rogue by Liana De la Rosa
Image Credit: Liana De la Rosa
Isabel Luna Valdés is the wallflower-turned-secret-agent we didn’t know we needed. Using her connections in London’s high society, Isabel gathers intelligence to support Mexico during the French Occupation. But when her covert missions put her in the path of Sirius Dawson, a charming but infuriating British spy, sparks—and secrets—fly. “Isabel and the Rogue” is a historical romance full of political intrigue and fun banter that will have you kicking your feet. Of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, Liana De la Rosa wrote a page-turner that will take you to another era. If you’re in the mood for romance with high stakes, this one is for you.
Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed edited by Saraciea Fennell
Image Credit: Saraciea Fennell
This anthology of 15 voices from the Latinx diaspora is, simply put, impactful. From Elizabeth Acevedo to Ibi Zoboi, the contributors tackle topics like identity, anti-Blackness, and the complexities of love and family. The stories, essays, and poems are as diverse as the authors themselves, offering a good mix of emotions and unflinching truth. Whether you’re in the mood for a ghost story or a heartfelt reflection, this collection has something for everyone. “Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed” is a great option if you want to read outside of your usual genre, but don’t know where to start. So put this celebration of Latine voices on your holiday reading list.
Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia
Image Credit: Gabriela Garcia
This haunting multigenerational novel takes you from 19th-century Cuba to present-day Miami, following the lives of extraordinary women bound by love, trauma, and resilience. Jeanette, battling addiction, is looking for answers about her family’s past, while her mother, Carmen, wrestles with the pain of displacement. Of Cuban and Mexican descent, Gabriela Garcia explores themes like immigration, betrayal, and survival through poetic writing. “Of Women and Salt” is a meditation on the legacies we carry and the strength it takes to confront them. Thought-provoking and perfect for a quiet night in.
The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
Image Credit: Mia Sosa
Imagine being left at the altar and then having to work with the very man who encouraged your ex to do it. That’s Lina’s reality in this hilarious enemies-to-lovers romance by Puerto Rican-Brazilian author Mia Sosa. Sparks fly as Lina, a whip-smart Brazilian wedding planner, and Max, her ex’s brother, are forced to collaborate on a big project. “The Worst Best Man” is a rom-com that will get you laughing and swooning. Rivals-to-lovers is always a fun trope and this story will be an effective antidote to holiday stress. Plus, you’ll learn about Brazilian culture in a very refreshing way.
Self-Care for Latinas by Raquel Reichard
Image Credit: Raquel Reichard
This debut by Puerto Rican author Raquel Reichard is exactly what you’re looking for if you need a little help staying grounded this time of year. We all know how hectic and overwhelming the holidays can be, so this could be a lifesaver. “Self-Care for Latinas” is a guide that offers over 100 practical exercises to help you recharge, reset, and reclaim your joy. Reichard is a mental health advocate and she addresses the unique challenges Latinas face while offering actionable steps to navigate them healthily. From quick pick-me-ups to deeper self-reflection, this book is a must-have for starting the new year with a renewed sense of purpose.
We Need No Wings by Ann Dávila Cardinal
Image Credit: Ann Davila Cardinal
After the sudden death of her husband, Teresa Sanchez is consumed by grief—until she starts levitating. That surreal experience leads Teresa on a trip to Spain, where she uncovers her family’s mystical connection to Saint Teresa of Ávila. Puerto Rican-American Ann Dávila Cardinal wrote a beautiful story of healing, faith, and self-discovery in “We Need No Wings.” She leaned on her Puerto Rican heritage to deliver a book that feels deeply personal and universally relatable at the same time, and the magical realism elements make it very dynamic. Be ready to go on an emotional and spiritual journey with Teresa!
Every single one of these stories offers a different window into the Latine experience and opens the door to themes we can all relate to, from resilience and love to identity and self-care. Whenever you feel the need to disconnect from what’s happening around you and connect with yourself or just have a good time, any of these books will serve as a vehicle. Get yourself a cafecito, curl up on the couch, and happy reading!
Brickmakers by Selva Almada (108 pages)
This haunting novella from Argentine author Selva Almada starts with a bang—literally, as two boys lie dying from a fatal fight. From there, Almada weaves a raw, emotional tale about cycles of abuse, masculinity, and generational trauma. It’s a story about anger, love, and everything in between, written with the kind of precision that makes every sentence hit like a gut punch.
The Premonition by Banana Yoshimoto (128 pages)
Banana Yoshimoto’s novella is a quiet, contemplative masterpiece. It follows a teenager uncovering long-buried truths about her childhood and family, told in Yoshimoto’s trademark minimalist style. This isn’t just a story; it’s an experience—one that feels like having an intimate conversation with an old friend about the secrets that shaped you.
Boulder by Eva Baltasar (112 pages)
This sapphic literary gem from Catalan author Eva Baltasar follows a nameless protagonist who uproots her life to move to Reykjavik with her lover, Samsa. It’s a sensual, introspective exploration of love, loneliness, and identity, written with lyrical prose that makes you feel every longing glance and whispered word.
Itzá by Rios de La Luz (under 200 pages)
If you love magical realism with a fierce emotional core, “Itzá” is for you. Rios de La Luz’s debut novella tells the story of a young girl reclaiming her body and identity after trauma, blending dreamlike imagery with powerful themes of resilience and empowerment. This book will break your heart and put it back together.
Peluda by Melissa Lozada-Oliva (96 pages)
Okay, technically this one’s poetry, but “Peluda” reads like an intimate diary you can’t put down. Salvadoran-American poet Melissa Lozada-Oliva delves into femininity, identity, and the immigrant experience with sharp wit and unflinching honesty. It’s funny, it’s poignant, and it’s the kind of book that feels like it was written just for you.
Foster by Claire Keegan (88 pages)
In this tender, perfectly crafted novella, a young girl is sent to live with distant relatives in rural Ireland. Over the course of the story, she experiences unexpected kindness and care, shedding light on the transformative power of love and attention. Keegan’s writing is spare but deeply affecting, making every word count.
The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (64 pages)
A classic for a reason, “The Yellow Wallpaper” is a chilling look at mental health, societal expectations, and the suffocating confines of gender roles. As the narrator’s reality unravels, so does the wallpaper in her room—a creeping, gothic symbol of her descent into madness. It’s unsettling, unforgettable, and way ahead of its time.
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin (160 pages)
James Baldwin’s “Giovanni’s Room” is an intimate exploration of identity, love, and shame. It follows David, an American expat in Paris, as he grapples with his relationship with Giovanni, an Italian bartender. With its lush prose and devastating honesty, this novella will stay with you long after you close the final page.
Short books don’t waste a single word, and that’s part of their magic. They’re perfect for when you want to be transported but don’t have the time (or attention span) for a lengthy epic. So grab a cozy blanket, make yourself a cup of tea, and lose yourself in one of these books for a few hours.- 6 Must-Read Fiction Books by Latina Authors: Fantasy, Romance, and More ›
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