12 Caribbean Romance Authors You Should Know

If you’ve ever found yourself searching for books that celebrate the warmth, vibrancy and cultural richness of the Caribbean, you’re in for a treat. Caribbean romance authors are bringing fresh energy to the genre, weaving lush island settings, family dynamics, and diaspora experiences into swoony, heartfelt narratives.

But first, let’s clarify what we mean when we say “Caribbean.”

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What Countries Are Considered the Caribbean?

The Caribbean encompasses more than 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays, but when it comes to literature and cultural identity, we’re usually talking about the nations and territories that border or lie within the Caribbean Sea. This includes independent countries and territories tied to former colonial powers.

Key countries and territories include:

• Spanish-speaking Caribbean: Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic
• English-speaking Caribbean: Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and others
• French/Dutch-speaking territories: Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Curaçao, Aruba, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, and more

When it comes to romance authors, many Caribbean voices are part of the diaspora, living and writing from the U.S., Canada, or the UK, but their stories are still deeply rooted in Caribbean heritage, settings, and characters.

Caribbean Representation in Romance Publishing

Caribbean authors have long been underrepresented in traditional publishing, especially within the romance genre. While Afro-Caribbean and Latine authors have carved out space in indie and category romance (like Harlequin), there are still gaps in visibility for stories set in the Caribbean or featuring protagonists from these communities.

Thankfully, that tide is starting to turn. We’re now seeing more romance novels that celebrate the Caribbean’s diverse cultures, languages, and love stories, from carnival-themed contemporaries to historicals that bring the colonial Caribbean to life. If you’re looking for more Afro Latine representation across genres, be sure to check out our Afro Latine Romance Authors list.

Also, don’t miss our roundups of Latinx authors on Kindle Unlimited and Books by Latinx Authors.

Romance Authors from Trinidad & Tobago

Sweethand by N.G. Peltier

In this steamy, enemies-to-lovers romance, pastry chef Cherisse is stuck playing maid of honor alongside the infuriating best man, Keiran, who just happens to be her childhood nemesis. Set in Trinidad and drenched in local flavor, Sweethand is a Caribbean rom-com that delivers big on tension, banter, and family drama.

Grab Sweethand from Amazon

When the Vibe is Right by Sarah Dass

Set during Trinidad’s Carnival, this YA romance follows costume designer Tess as she teams up with her social media nemesis, Brandon, to save her family’s masquerade band. It’s a fun and heartwarming enemies-to-lovers story with all the vibrant color and culture of Carnival.

Grab When the Vibe is Right on Amazon

A Wager at Midnight by Vanessa Riley

Trinidad-born physician Stephen Carew might not be looking for love, but sparks fly when he meets a headstrong lady pretending to be a man in Regency London. Riley blends Caribbean identity with classic historical romance tropes, offering layered characters and social commentary.

Grab A Wager at Midnight on Amazon

Queen Bee by Amalie Howard

Howard, of Indo-Caribbean descent, blends historical fiction and second-chance romance in this Regency-set tale of revenge and disguise. It’s giving Bridgerton with extra spice and sharp commentary on race and power.

Grab Queen Bee on Amazon

Romance Authors from Dominican Republic

A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera

Luz Alana, an Afro-Dominican rum heiress, heads to the 1889 Paris Expo to expand her family business—but a marriage of convenience with a Scottish whisky maker may derail her no-love-allowed plans. Herrera’s books center Afro-Caribbean identity, Dominican heritage, and independent women.

Grab A Caribbean Heiress in Paris on Amazon

You Never Forget Your First by Millie Perez

This debut blends Dominican-American family dynamics with a second-chance romance. Amelia is dreading the holidays… until her childhood crush, now a tech mogul, walks back into her life. Expect family chisme, childhood crush vibes, and one unforgettable Thanksgiving.

Grab You Never Forget Your First on Amazon

Compromised Into a Scandalous Marriage by Lydia San Andres

San Andres grew up in the Dominican Republic, where she still lives. Her historical romances are set in fictional Caribbean islands inspired by the colonial Caribbean, with cultural threads that feel close to Dominican history. This one centers on a scandal, a forced marriage, and simmering chemistry.

Grab Compromised Into a Scandalous Marriage on Amazon

Romance Authors from Puerto Rico

A Proposal They Can’t Refuse by Natalie Caña

A fake engagement between a Puerto Rican chef and an Irish whiskey distiller is just the tip of the iceberg in this intergenerational rom-com filled with meddling abuelos, neighborhood gentrification, and big heart. A great pick for fans of foodie romance and forced proximity.

Grab A Proposal They Can’t Refuse on Amazon

Romance Authors from Haiti

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maika Moulite & Maritza Moulite

In this YA epistolary novel, Alaine is sent to Haiti after a public mishap and ends up unraveling long-held family secrets, a generational curse, and maybe, just maybe, a romance with a charming intern. It’s full of heart, humor, and love for Haiti’s history.

Grab Dear Haiti, Love Alaine on Amazon

Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez

While set in Miami, this book channels the tropical warmth of the Caribbean with its Haitian-American heroine and swoony romance between a lawyer-on-sabbatical and a brooding poet. Plus, there are bookish tropes, podcast dreams, and a quirky condo full of nosy neighbors.

Grab Only Lovers in the Building on Amazon

Romance Authors from Jamaica

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

Born in Jamaica and raised in the U.S., Nicola Yoon brings her lyrical writing and romantic heartbreak to this magical realism YA novel. When Evie gains the power to see how relationships end, it changes how she sees love, and how she falls for a charming dance partner named X.

Grab Instructions for Dancing on Amazon

Romance Authors from Cuba

Witch Love, Echo Park by Laura Taylor Namey

This YA romance explores two Cuban-American teens caught between honoring the past and chasing the future. Set in LA’s Echo Park, it features family legacy, rivals-to-lovers sparks, and strong ties to Cuban heritage.

Grab With Love Echo Park on Amazon

Final Thoughts

The Caribbean isn’t just a beautiful backdrop for romance, it’s a wellspring of rich storytelling, vibrant culture, and unforgettable characters. From carnival queens to rum heiresses, these authors are bringing fresh perspectives and much-needed representation to the genre. Whether you’re looking for a breezy beach read or a swoonworthy historical, there’s a Caribbean romance out there waiting for you.

Have any favorite Caribbean romance authors we missed? Drop it in the comments and let us know!

Read More

• Afro Latine romance books
• Romance books by Latinx authors
• Romance books by Black authors
• Even more diverse books

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