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We’re suckers for a good romance, and when the main characters come from vastly different worlds, the stories sizzle that much more. We rounded up some of our favorite multicultural romance books—from rom-coms to super steamy reads—for a variety sure to stimulate the senses. 

 

Goodbye, Orchid: To Love Her, He Had To Leave Her by Carol Van Den Hende

Phoenix Walker seemed to have it all, and when he begins collaborating with half-Asian Orchid Paige on a military campaign, the stars seem to align once again. But Orchid has a past that’s left her traumatized and shaken. When an accident changes Phoenix forever, he’s left to decide whether he should pursue her and the connection he feels, or protect her by leaving for good. If you love a good romance, especially one with a magnanimous hero, this one’s for you.

The Vanishing Half  by Brit Bennett

The Vignes twins are known around town for being inseparable, until one day they vanish. The lives they lead from that point take wildly different paths—one escaping abuse with her Black daughter and returning home, the other living as a wealthy white woman in a community who knows nothing of her past. Still, their lives intertwine, as do the lives and love between their daughters.

Love, loyalty, family and relationships are at the heart of this page-turner.

Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory

When Olivia Monroe moves to LA to start her own law firm, the last thing she’s looking for is love. But there he is, Max Powell, a rising star junior senator, bringing a chocolate cake to her office—as if his looks alone weren’t hard enough to resist. Should she break a few rules and pursue the affair? What’s the worst that could happen if word gets out about their relationship?

You won’t be able to put down this breezy read with big feelings.

Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho

In spite of Andrea Tang’s successful career in law, great friends and prestigious address, her Chinese-Malaysian family can’t let her forget she’s still painfully single. Things take a surprising turn when she meets Eric Deng and opens up to the possibility of love—but then there’s Suresh Aditparan, her office rival who keeps reappearing in her thoughts. Should she scrap the love thing altogether and get back to work? Or is she already in too deep?

Rom-com fans will love this culture-rich story filled with vibrant characters and lots of laughs.

Island Affair: A Fun Summer Love Story by Priscilla Oliveras

Sara Vance is in recovery from an eating disorder and on the verge of reviving her career when her boyfriend is a no-show for a family cruise. That’s when Sara recruits Luis Navarro, a quiet, handsome firefighter to play the role of her boyfriend. It’s a role he finds easy to play—and soon the relationship doesn’t feel so fake anymore. Can Sara return home and continue revamping her life? Or has she accidentally stumbled onto all she’s ever wanted?

If you’re looking for an entertaining feel-good with lots of romance, look no further.

Machiavellian (Gangsters of New York) by Bella Di Corte

At just 21, Mariposa found herself without a family, a job, or a place to live. That’s when she crossed paths with Capo Macchiavello, one of the most dangerous mafia men in New York—savage, reclusive, and intensively attractive. She falls quickly into a relationship with more strings attached than she could have imagined.

Suspense, betrayal, steamy romance and angst—this one has it all!

Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey

Rosie and Dominic were the perfect couple, but now 10 years into their marriage, he’s faithful yet withdrawn, dependable, yet dispassionate. And Rosie dreams of more. So, when she proposes they sign up for a marriage boot camp, he shocks her by playing along. Could this be the ultimate solution to their marriage woes? Or is this the thing that could expose old wounds and tear them apart forever?

Rom-com fans will love this passionate tale about second-chance love.

Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai

Katrina King thrives in a peaceful, low-profile environment, but when a stranger live-tweets her innocent conversation with a cute guy, portraying it as the ultimate meet-cute, the internet goes wild. Soon everyone’s on the hunt for #CafeBae and #CuteCafeGirl. She’ll do anything to disappear, and as fate would have it, in steps Jas Singh: bodyguard, friend, and object of all her secret desires.

If you love a good romance, you’ll be hooked on the unlikely chemistry between these two main characters.