Every June, we celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month—a time to honor and raise awareness of the cultures, histories, and people of the Caribbean. As someone born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands, I appreciate this opportunity to highlight the islands.

But I don’t limit my celebration to one month. I’ve found opportunities to write about characters with Caribbean heritage, sharing examples of our cultures, languages, food, and lush landscapes.

The #ReadCaribbean Movement

#ReadCaribbean is a movement that encourages people to read books by and about Caribbean people. As you know, representation matters—in every genre. When readers see themselves in books, they feel acknowledged and valued. When others read about cultures different from their own, empathy and understanding grow.

This month, I encourage you to read books by me and other Caribbean authors, as well as those that spotlight Caribbean characters. And of course, I have some suggestions to help you along the way. We’ll start with my books featuring characters from the islands or with island heritage.

Characters with Caribbean heritage

Forever Again, a second chance romance – Part of my romantic suspense series, the Cordoba Agency, it takes place on the island of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, where I was born. Alissa, the heroine, is a Saint Tomian, and I use the novel to showcase the culture, food, and beauty of my birthplace. I consider it a love letter to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Until Now and Until Death, opposites attract with a bbw heroine – A duet and the first two books of the Cordoba Agency series feature a hero from Cuba, Cruz Cordoba. Fun fact: Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean.

One of the Guys, enemies to lovers – Ronnie, a female mechanic, can’t stand Diego, a Cuban who owns the tow truck business next door. You know what that means… fireworks!

The Wrong Man, opposites attract with a wealthy heroine and blue-collar hero – Tomas is a cocky playboy and proud of his Cuban roots. He was my first Cuban hero, and to this day, readers still talk about him, making him one of my most popular heroes. It’s nice to know the wrong man can make such a great impression.

Fight for Love, secret baby – Rebekah’s mother is from St. Kitts, a former British colony and the island where my parents are from. Rebekah’s mother cooked a traditional meal of oxtails and spicy curry chicken for her family in the novel.

Night and Day, insta-love – Tamika’s father is from St. Kitts, and the hero, Anton, fell in love with the Caribbean dishes she cooked for him.

Here Comes Trouble, second chance with a playboy hero – The heroine, Lorena, has Puerto Rican roots.

For Better or Worse, marriage in trouble – The hero, Antonio, has Puerto Rican roots, and you get a taste of his culture in the novel.

Other authors with Caribbean heritage

Kimolisa Mings is from Antigua and writes spicy romance set in the Caribbean.

Lindsay Evans is from Jamaica and writes contemporary romance.

K. Alex Walker is from the U.S. Virgin Islands and writes paranormal, contemporary, and dark romance.

J.L. Campbell is from Jamaica and writes Jamaican characters in paranormal romance, sweet romance, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction.

Dr. Vanessa Riley has Trinidadian heritage on her father’s side. She writes Regency romance and historical fiction.

N.G. Peltier is from Trinidad and writes contemporary romance with an island setting.

Rilzy Adams is from Antigua and Barbuda and writes contemporary romance based in the islands.

Ana E. Ross is from Nevis and writes steamy contemporary romance.

Conclusion

This list should get you started reading more books by and about Caribbean peoples. For more great reads, check out the #ReadCaribbean hashtag on Twitter and Instagram.

Feel free to add additional authors and books in the comments, and support Caribbean authors by sharing this post. 

Happy Caribbean Heritage Month! 🌴📚