Adriana Herrera

No one ever said big dreams come easyFor Nesto Vasquez, moving his Afro-Caribbean food truck from New York City to the wilds of Upstate New York is a huge gamble. If it works? He’ll be a big fish in a little pond. If it doesn’t? He’ll have to give up the hustle and return to the day job he hates. He’s got six months to make it happen—the last thing he needs is a distraction.Jude Fuller is proud of the life he’s built on the banks of Cayuga Lake. He has a job he loves and good friends. It’s safe. It’s quiet. And it’s damn lonely. Until he tries Ithaca’s most-talked-about new lunch spot and works up the courage to flirt with the handsome owner. Soon he can’t get enough—of Nesto’s food or of Nesto. For the first time in his life, Jude can finally taste the kind of happiness that’s always been just out of reach.An opportunity too good to pass up could mean a way to stay together and an incredible future for them both…if Nesto can remember happiness isn’t always measured by business success. And if Jude can overcome his past and trust his man will never let him down.One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!This book is approximately 94,000 words

An Entertainment Weekly "Best Romance Novels of Spring 2023" Pick! One last summer.  For Manuela del Carmen Caceres Galvan, the invitation to show her paintings at the 1889 Exposition Universelle came at the perfect time. Soon to be trapped in a loveless marriage, Manuela has given herself one last summer of freedom—in Paris, with her two best friends.  One scandalous encounter. Cora Kempf Bristol, Duchess of Sundridge, is known for her ruthlessness in business. It's not money she chases, but power. When she sees the opportunity to secure her position among her rivals, she does not hesitate. How difficult could it be to convince the mercurial Miss Caceres Galvan to part with a parcel of land she’s sworn never to sell? One life-changing bargain. Tempted by Cora’s offer, Manuela proposes a her beloved land for a summer with the duchess in her corner of Paris. A taste of the wild, carefree world that will soon be out of her reach. What follows thrills and terrifies Cora, igniting desires the duchess long thought dead. As they fill their days indulging in a shared passion for the arts and their nights with dark and delicious deeds, the happiness that seemed impossible moves within reach…though claiming it would cause the greatest scandal Paris has seen in decades.

Paris, 1889The Exposition Universelle is underway, drawing merchants from every corner of the globe. Luz Alana Heith-Benzan set sail from Santo Domingo armed with three hundred casks of rum, her two best friends and one simple rule: under no circumstances is she to fall in love. The City of Light is where Luz Alana will expand Caña Brava, the rum business her family built over three generations. It’s a mission that’s taken on new urgency after her father’s untimely death and the news that her trust fund won’t be released until she marries. But buyers and shippers alike are rude and dismissive; they can’t imagine doing business with a woman…never mind a woman of color. From her first tempestuous meeting with James Evanston Sinclair, Earl of Darnick, Luz Alana is conflicted. Why is this man—this titled Scottish man—so determined to help her? And why, honestly, is he so infuriatingly charming? All Evan Sinclair ever wanted was to find a purpose away from his father’s dirty money and dirtier politics. Ignoring his title, he’s built a whiskey brand that’s his biggest—and only—passion. That is, until he’s confronted with a Spanish-speaking force of nature who turns his life upside down. Evan quickly suspects he’ll want Luz Alana with him forever. Every day with her makes the earl wish for more than her magnificent kisses or the marriage of convenience that might save them both. But Luz Alana sailed for Paris with her eyes on liquor, money and new beginnings. She wasn't prepared for love to find her.Las LeonasBook 1: A Caribbean Heiress in Paris

Starting over is more about who you’re with than where you live… Julia del Mar Ortiz is not having the best year. She moved to Dallas with her boyfriend, who ended up ditching her and running back to New York after only a few weeks. Left with a massive—by NYC standards, anyway—apartment and a car lease in the scorching Texas heat, Julia is struggling…except that’s not completely true. Running the charitable foundation of one of the most iconic high fashion department stores in the world is serious #lifegoals. It’s more than enough to make her want to stick it out down South. The only monkey wrench in Julia’s plans is the blue-eyed, smart-mouthed consultant the store hired to take them public. Fellow New Yorker Rocco Quinn’s first order of business? Putting Julia’s job on the chopping block. When Julia is tasked with making sure Rocco sees how valuable the programs she runs are, she’s caught between a rock and a very hard set of abs. Because Rocco Quinn is almost impossible to hate—and even harder to resist.

Nochebuena. One party. Nine Happily Ever Afters. It’s Christmas Eve in New York City, when anything is possible. For these couples, it’s the season to find true love. From second-chances, big leaps, missed connections, and reconnections, this charming collection celebrates the spirit of the holidays and delivers nine perfect HEAs. From seven acclaimed and bestselling Latina authors—Zoey Castile, Alexis Daria, Adriana Herrera, Diana Muñoz Stewart, Priscilla Oliveras, Sabrina Sol, and Mia Sosa—comes a holiday romance collection like never before. Make the Yuletide Gay • Adriana Herrera After a string of broken engagements, an international Latin Pop Star finds love in her sexy and constant manager. Days before her big live holiday special, Vivi wonders if the woman of her dreams could finally be hers. Only Yours • Sabrina Sol ​​The Mayor of New York embarks on a Christmas Eve search to find the woman he loves before she gets away. Meet Me Under the Mistletoe • by Priscilla Oliveras Challenged by his friends to find a plus one to Nochebuena dinner or else, widower Hector Gutierrez isn’t sure he’s still got any good moves left. That is until he strikes the right chord with his son’s music teacher, Cristina. All I Want for Nochebuena • Alexis Daria When sparks fly between adult film stars Honey and Julie, Honey must work up the courage to invite Julie to her family’s holiday party or risk losing what she really wants for Nochebuena—a chance at true love. Santa’s Eager Little Helper • by Mia Sosa Sarita’s plan to confess her crush on a coworker goes awry when she’s tasked with playing the Sexy Elf to his grumpy Santa. Will she seize the opportunity to make Carlos’s naughty list, or will she spend another Nochebuena alone? The Nochebuena Dating Dare • by Diana Muñoz Stewart Eneida Lucero takes a second chance on love with the handsome musical director at her school—even if it means causing some Nochebuena drama with her ex-husband and familia. Love in Spanglish • Zoey Castile A heartbroken romance writer gets snowed in with a novel-worthy hero who may just make her believe in love again. To Us, You Are Perfect • Alexis Daria & Adriana Herrera Newlyweds Pasquale and Yamilette’s Christmas is just short of perfect. The missing piece is their best friend Marcelo, who has loved them from afar for years. This Nochebuena, they’ll finally complete their happily ever after. The Great Holiday Escape • Zoey Castile Gigi is always on the hustle, making sure her little sister has everything she needs including a big Christmas Eve fiesta with all their friends and family. That night, Gigi receives an all-expenses paid trip to a luxe South Beach weekend where not one, but two beautiful strangers steal her heart.

Kiskeya Burgos left the tropical beaches of the Dominican Republic with a lot to prove. As a pastry chef on the come up, when she arrives in Scotland, she has one goal in mind: win the Holiday Baking Challenge. Winning is her opportunity to prove to her family, her former boss, and most importantly herself, she can make it in the culinary world. Kiskeya will stop at nothing to win , that is, if she can keep her eyes on the prize and off her infuriating teammate's perfect lips. Sully Morales, home cooking hustler, and self-proclaimed baking brujita lands in Scotland on a quest to find her purpose after spending years as her family’s caregiver. But now, with her home life back on track, it's time for Sully to get reacquainted with her greatest love, baking. Winning the Holiday Baking Challenge is a no brainer if she can convince her grumpy AF baking partner that they make a great team both in and out of the kitchen before an unexpected betrayal ends their chance to attain culinary competition glory.

She’ll inherit an empire…but only if she can resist her ex. She’s on track to be the new CEO. Her ex is the only one standing in the way. When Esmeralda Sambrano-Peña unexpectedly inherits her father’s media empire, it ruffles more than a few feathers. And no one is more conflicted about it than Rodrigo Almanzar. Esmeralda knows her father’s longtime protégé—and her ex-lover—wants the executive job for himself. Making matters worse, their renewed passion grows undeniable with every late-night meeting. Will Rodrigo prove to be the perfect partner in business and pleasure…or her professional undoing?

Being snowbound at Christmas leads to holiday sparks in this Sambrano Studios novel by Adriana Herrera. She’s snowed in at Christmas… with a man she must resist! Casting director Perla Sambrano knows Gael Montez is the perfect actor for her new film project. As long as she forgets his oh-so-tempting allure and keeps her heart out of it. Because their chemistry’s no act and she needs to be careful… The Montez men hurt the women they love. Or so Gael believes. Keeping things professional with Perla is the only way to protect her. Until a snowstorm strands them together, leading to an unplanned Christmas fling that lands them both on the naughty list!

“A fresh and vital new voice in romance.” —Entertainment Weekly“Adriana Herrera is writing some of my favorite Afro-Latinx characters and giving us beautiful love stories along the way.” —Elizabeth Acevedo, National Book Award Winner for The Poet XJuan Pablo Campos doesn’t do regrets. He’s living the dream as a physical therapist with his beloved New York Yankees. He has the best friends and family in the world and simply no time to dwell on what could’ve been.Except when it comes to Priscilla, the childhood friend he’s loved for what seems like forever.New York City police detective Priscilla Gutierrez has never been afraid to go after what she wants. Second guessing herself isn’t a thing she does. But lately, the once-clear vision she had for herself—her career, her relationships, her life—is no longer what she wants. What she especially doesn’t want is to be stuck on a private jet to the Dominican Republic with JuanPa, the one person who knows her better than anyone else.By the end of a single week in paradise, the love/hate thing JuanPa and Pris have been doing for sixteen years has risen to epic proportions. No one can argue their connection is still there. And they can both finally admit—if only to themselves—they’ve always been a perfect match. The future they dreamed of together is still within reach...if they can just accept each other as they are.This book is approximately 90,000 wordsOne-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

As his twenty-sixth birthday approaches, Desta Joy Walker finds himself in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the one place he's been actively avoiding most of his life. For Desta, the East African capital encompasses some of the happiest and saddest parts of his life--his first home and the place where his father died. When an unavoidable work obligation lands him there for twelve weeks, he may finally have a chance for the closure he so desperately needs. What Desta never expected was to catch a glimpse of his future as he reconnects with the beautiful country and his family's past. Elias Fikru has never met an opportunity he hasn't seized. Except, of course, for the life-changing one he's stubbornly ignored for the past nine months. He'd be a fool not to accept the chance to pursue his doctoral studies in the U.S., but saying yes means leaving his homeland, and Elias isn't ready to make that commitment. Meeting Desta, the Dominican-American emergency relief worker with the easy smile and sad eyes, makes Elias want things he's never envisioned for himself. Rediscovering his country through Desta's eyes emboldens Elias to reach for a future where he can be open about every part of himself. But when something threatens the future that's within their grasp, Elias and Desta must put it all on the line for love.

This year Santa’s riding more than just her sleigh… Being the favorite niece of one of the Kings of the Magi has its perks. For example, borrowing Santa’s secret beach villa for a solo getaway, even if it’s just for one night. And after the year she’s had, Farnaz Castillo is planning to enjoy every second she has in this gorgeous mansion. With a suitcase full of *ahem* all her favorite toys, she’s sure to have a very merry time before she has to join the rest of her family for their annual ski trip. Being the first woman to command Santa’s sleigh is exhausting work. By the time Christmas Day comes along, Kristina Kringle is usually more than ready for some solitary R&R at her Caribbean beach villa— where peace and quiet are the only thing on her agenda. But when Kristina walks into her bedroom and finds an unexpected and sexy guest making extremely good use of Santa’s California King bed, it occurs to Kristina that a night of fun with the fiery brunette is exactly what she needs. Kristina and Farnaz vow to make excellent use of their night together, but when morning comes and it’s time to say goodbye, will Santa be ready to let go of the best gift she’s ever gotten? This festive novelette is guaranteed to make your holiday reading extra naughty.

She swore the next time, she’d kill him… Ariadne Dosmundos does not forgive and forget. Five years after being betrayed by the serpent demon she trusted with her heart, she still wants revenge. But when he comes to her monster bacchanalia seeking aid, her old feelings rise to the surface, turning bloodlust...into pure lust. Augustus Custo knows it’s a mistake to seek out Ariadne, but she's his last resort if he wants to rescue the Hellmouth guardian. From the moment he sees her again he knows that this time he can’t—won’t—walk away. He vows to do right by her this time, if only they can stop a Hellmouth breach of disastrous proportions. Ariadne thought having Augustus one more time would extinguish the flames of her lust, but Augustus has always been her weakness. When he finally reveals the truth of why he left her, Ariadne finally begins to see that this demon’s heart has always belonged to her.

Alba Duarte is the queen of the side hustle.As the eldest daughter in her crisis-prone family, she’s always stepped up to help. Her favorite gig is doing Instagram-worthy, bookish-themed bedroom makeovers for friends. Her most hated? Working as the assistant to the most gorgeous—and most infuriating—man on earth.Theo Ganas is a former Olympic swimmer and heir to a bona fide real estate empire. He’s also about as warm and fuzzy as a New York City winter, and quite frankly, Alba has had enough of his ridiculous demands and cold shoulder. When opportunity knocks, she decides to put herself first for once…which means leaving her demanding boss—and relatives—behind.Her new life in Dallas seems like everything Alba’s ever wanted, until a bafflingly charming and attentive Theo turns up in the Lone Star State with an offer she simply cannot refuse. Agreeing to do a home improvement reality TV show with her sexy, and suddenly flirtatious, former boss is not a good idea, but it just might be the makeover her heart has been waiting for.

Only the naughty list gets these toys… Valente Correa lives for one thing—leading the Toy Run. He takes his duties delivering toys for the House of Correa very seriously, and as a Magi he never deviates from his mission. But when he’s tasked with transporting his brother’s future bride through the Andes, he doesn’t expect the walking, talking temptation that is Kessina Macias. When a snowstorm strands them together for two nights, Val can’t resist what the luscious, smart mouthed firebrand offers—even if it means betraying his brother, his father, and his house. Kessina Macias only wants one thing: independence. After a sheltered life in the mountains with her overprotective father, she yearns for some breathing room. Agreeing to marry a son from the House of Correa isn’t ideal, but it will get her out from under her father’s watchful eye. The problem? The brother she agreed to marry is not the one she desires. Two scorching nights of passion with the broody, brawny Toy Runner change everything. And if she can convince him they’re a perfect match, she might get the best gift all—Val himself.

She knows exactly how to jingle his bells… All Arabella Gaspar wanted was to buy some fun sexy grown-up toys for her first time leading her house’s run, but after one or two—okay, a dozen—threats from Magi who don’t think a girl should be a Toy Runner (eye-roll) her overprotective brothers have stuck her with none other than Rhyne Carrasco to be her bodyguard. So what if she had a crush on him once? He’s made his feelings about her abundantly clear. And she has moved on. But she isn’t above showing the man exactly what he’s missing. Rhyne Carrasco has one regret in his life, and her name is Arabella Gaspar. His best friend’s younger sister, the darling of the House of Gaspar, and the bane of his existence. Rhyne has kept his distance for years, running from her tempting smart mouth and delectable body. But the girl he left seven years ago is very different from the woman he’s now tasked to protect. This Arabella is grown…and sexy as hell. Self-assurance and sensuality radiate from her, and Rhyne cannot stay away. When an accident in the toy factory keeps them in the North Pole and the same bed for the night Rhyne sees his chance to make her his. It is high time he claimed what is his, and he intends to make sure it’s forever.

Omega Melina thought she’d spend the chaos of her first heat cycle on an Tribarian island retreat, until she crashes, literally, into the mountain lodge of an irresistible alpha—the broody and mysterious Dhanyaris.As Melina’s heat heightens, the two are swept into a whirlwind of passion. When Camille, Dhanyaris’ beta lover, joins them, her playful charm contrasts with Dhany’s smoldering intensity, creating a magnetic pull Melina can’t resist. Trapped by a snowstorm and fueled by primal instincts, they find themselves exploring their most hidden desires.As the storm subsides and reality looms, will Melina embrace the unexpected bond she’s formed with Dhany and Camille, or will she be lured back into a life away from her omega nature?Heat and Run is a steamy sapphic omegaverse novella where insatiable lust meets the magic of the holiday season.

Joseph Cantor Marshall never imagined reaching the pinnacle of artistic success would be so… uninspiring. Desperate for a spark of excitement he attends the notorious masked soirée at the most exclusive sex club in Paris. The moment he walks in he’s entranced by the mysterious X, the embodiment of the painter’s darkest fantasies. But X is as slippery as he is tempting, and soon Marshall’s days and nights are consumed by a growing desire for his elusive lover. Will falling for X prove to be Marshall’s undoing or his greatest masterpiece? ******* Note: Monsieur X was initially published in the Rake I'd Like to F... anthology, which is now only available in paperback form

WINNER OF A 2019 RIPPED BODICE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ROMANCE“Herrera serves up high heat, serious social commentary, and laughs in perfect measure.” —Book RiotNo one should have to choose between love and justiceHaitian-born professor and activist Patrice Denis is not here for anything that will veer him off the path he’s worked so hard for. One particularly dangerous distraction: Easton Archer. The Assistant District Attorney who last summer gave Patrice some of the most intense nights of his life, and still makes him all but forget they’re from two completely different worlds.All-around golden boy Easton forged his own path to success, choosing public service over the comforts of his family’s wealth. With local law enforcement unfairly targeting young men of color, and his career—and conscience—on the line, now is hardly the time to be thirsting after Patrice again. Even if those nights have turned into so much more.For the first time, Patrice is tempted to open up and embrace the happiness he’s always denied himself. But as tensions between the community and the sheriff’s office grow by the day, Easton’s personal and professional lives collide. And when the issue at hand hits closer to home than either could imagine, they’ll have to work to forge a path forward...together.DreamersBook 1: American DreamerBook 2: American FairytaleBook 3: American Love StoryBook 4: American SweetheartsBook 5: American ChristmasDating in DallasBook 1: Here to StayBook 2: On the HustleSambrano StudiosBook 1: One Week to Claim It AllBook 2: Just for the HolidaysLas LeonasBook 1: A Caribbean Heiress in Paris

Fairy-tale endings don’t just happen; they have to be fought for.New York City social worker Camilo Santiago Briggs grew up surrounded by survivors who taught him to never rely on anything you didn’t earn yourself. He’s always dreamed of his own happily-ever-after, but he lives in the real world. Men who seem too good to be true…usually are. And Milo never ever mixes business with pleasure…until the mysterious man he had an unforgettable hookup with turns out to be the wealthy donor behind his agency’s new, next-level funding.Thomas Hughes built a billion-dollar business from nothing: he knows what he wants and isn’t shy about going after it. When the enthralling stranger who blew his mind at a black-tie gala reappears, Tom’s more than ready to be his Prince Charming. Showering Milo with the very best of everything is how Tom shows his affection.Trouble is, Milo’s not interested in any of it. The only thing Milo wants is Tom.Fairy-tale endings take work as well as love. For Milo, that means learning to let someone take care of him, for a change. And for Tom, it’s figuring out that real love is the one thing you can’t buy.One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!This book is approximately 93,000 words

She’s trapped between an angel and the devil. A jazz singer on the run. A rum runner on the edge. A gangster ready to risk it all. Rosalía Ferrer dreams of leaving her island behind and sailing north to sing in a New York City nightclub. Unfortunately, the only way to escape her father’s suffocating clutches is to align herself with two ruthless men. Putting her fate and her body in the hands of a rum runner and a gangster is a very risky gamble, but Rosalía will do whatever it takes to get what she wants…even if it means striking a very dangerous deal.

The world knows me as, Julissa Mora, the first plus-size model to ever represent the legendary House of Dauphiné, but I have a secret. For a year their head of security, Freya Lund, and I have been hiding our affair in plain sight. Twelve months of furtive looks turn into passionate evenings behind closed doors. Tonight could be our last time together and I plan to show her that to me, she is worth more than all the diamonds in the world.

Denpo Myint “Yin” Thuta is living the dream. His dream. A good job, higher education, supportive community and, best of all, his live-in boyfriend, Ari. Yin has his happily-ever-after…if only he and Ari could take the time to actually enjoy it. With the holidays fast approaching, Yin’s determined to change all that and surprise Ari with an over-the-top gift that will leave him in no doubt how much he’s loved—even though they agreed to keep things simple this year. Like Yin, Aristide “Ari” Douniama worked so hard to secure his future that he may have forgotten how to enjoy his present. Despite there being plenty to be thankful for in the moment. With big plans of his own in the works to surprise Yin, Ari may or may not have gone overboard. Or forgotten to check their respective schedules. ’Tis the season of giving, and in their quest to celebrate the “perfect” American Christmas—and failing—Ari and Yin get a much-needed reminder that they already have the greatest gift of all: each other.

She’s trapped between an angel and the devil.A jazz singer on the run.A rum runner on the edge.A gangster ready to risk it all.Rosalía Ferrer dreams of leaving her island behind and sailing north to sing in a New York City nightclub. Unfortunately, the only way to escape her father’s suffocating clutches is to align herself with two ruthless men. Putting her fate and body in the hands of a rum runner and a gangster is a risky gamble; but Rosalía will do whatever it takes to get what she wants…even if it means striking a dangerous deal.

Dukes and their demands are nothing new for Marena Baine-Torres. Her newfound success has her little apothecary teeming with ill-mannered aristocrats. But as tiresome as they are, she needs the business. When the unflappable Duke of Linley storms into her shop and makes her an offer she'd be a fool to refuse, Marena soon finds herself on the adventure of a lifetime with a man who is as infuriating as he is intriguing. ******* Note: The Duke Makes Me Feel... was originally published in the USA Today bestselling Duke I'd Like to F... anthology, which is no longer available in electronic form.

One night with his best friend, changes everything. When best friends Yariel and Hatuey's gaming night turns into an unexpected and intense hook up, Hatuey can't wait to do it again. Yariel is less certain--the major leaguer might seem to all the world like he has a heart of stone, but he's been carrying a torch for his friend for years, and worries this will ruin the most important relationship in his life. That means Hatuey has to do all the work, and he's planning to give it all he's got. Yariel may be the one hitting home runs on the field...but Hatuey is playing a game of seduction, and he knows exactly how to make Yariel crumble.

He's not like other dukes… Paris, 1889 Physician Aurora Montalban Wright takes risks in her career, but never with her heart. Running an underground women’s clinic exposes her to certain dangers, but help arrives in the unexpected form of the infuriating Duke of Annan. Aurora begrudgingly accepts his protection, then promptly finds herself in his bed. New to his role as a duke, Apollo César Sinclair Robles struggles to embrace his position. With half of society waiting for him to misstep and the other half looking to discredit him, Apollo never imagined that his enthralling bedmate would become his most trusted adviser. Soon, he realizes the rebellious doctor could be the perfect duchess. But Aurora won’t give up her independence, and her secrets make her unsuitable for the aristocracy. When a dangerous figure from their past returns to threaten them, Apollo whisks Aurora away to his villa in the French Riviera. Far from the reproachful eye of Parisian society, can Apollo convince Aurora that their bond is stronger than the forces keeping them apart? Can't get enough of the Las Leonas? Book 1: A Caribbean Heiress in Paris Book 2: An Island Princess Starts a Scandal Book 3: A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke