Lara Rios

Lara Rios had the misfortune of growing up away from the extended family that is so valued in the Latin culture, but missed out on very little of what it means to be Argentine. Asados were sacred meals shared together on weekends. Cheering for the Argentine soccer team was a must, as were the weekly pilgrimages to the Argentine Club in Los Angeles where the young Americanized kids hid under the tables and watched the adults dance tango until the wee hours of the morning. Lara giggled right along with the rest of the kids at how "geeky" the parents looked, but secretly, was intrigued by the romantic culture and passionate music.

Not a surprise to most of her family members that she would grow up to write romance novels featuring Latino characters. Lara believes in love and happy endings, and all the magnificent emotions romance novels offer their readers.

Lara lives in California with her husband, son, daughter, and one pampered dachshund. When she’s not writing she enjoys challenging herself physically. Feats to date include five marathons in one year; biking down a volcano in Hawaii; and the latest – walking across a fiery bed of burning coals all the while praying she didn't become another of her father's asados. But of course, spending time with her family is what she treasures most of all.