Adriana Herrera is quickly establishing herself as an author worth reading by giving us diverse characters we can’t help but root for. The second book in her Dreamers series, American Fairytale pairs a social worker with a billionaire and explores their differences beyond the financial gap between them. Thomas tends to wine and dine his lovers but Milo couldn’t be less interested in that; he just wants Thomas. They’ll both have to figure out how to overcome bad relationship habits in order to get the fairytale they deserve.

This contemporary romance debut is going to make you hungry. Moving from NYC to Ithaca, Dominican Republic immigrant Nesto gives himself six months to make a real go of his Afro-Caribbean food truck business. Youth services librarian Jude is trying to get funding for a library bookmobile as a way of getting services to more rural areas. Neither man can afford the distraction but some chances are worth taking. The food descriptions are amazing, as is Nesto's philosophy of food as a way of maintaining cultural roots and nourishing his community in the US. You'll wish you could get in on the meals he makes for Jude, too. (Open door.)

This baking show-inspired novella is on my list of holiday reads this year and comes highly recommended from a romance-enthusiast friend. Adriana Herrera writes heartfelt, realistic romance; her characters have depth and charm. She also writes amazing food scenes. In this holiday story, pastry chef Kiskeya Burgos is determined to win this year’s Holiday Baking Challenge in Scotland, but sparks fly when she faces off with home-cook Sully Morales. Heads up for open door moments.