Dripping in Representation: The Reina Book Cover Reveal
From chichos to the Dominican flag, this romance book cover is a love letter to the women who don't usually see themselves as the lead.
The wait is over! Meet Reina.
I began developing Reina’s character while writing Yoanna, the second book in my Heights of Love series. And she is so different from my other leading ladies!
Candi is a messy, creative, and impulsive hopeful romantic. She loves love and often gets carried away by her raging libido. At 29, she’s been looking for love in all the wrong places, stumbling from connection to connection until she finally falls for Joel, her bestie’s twin brother.
Yoanna, Candi’s bestie, is her total opposite: professional, put-together, and practical. Turning 30 in the very first chapter of her debut novella, she has a strict checklist for the perfect partner. But when she meets Ben, she starts to wonder if losing control is exactly what she needs.
Reina is a woman in midlife. At 45, she’s starting over after finally letting go of her on-again, off-again ex-fiancé and the father of her son, Peter. Struggling with aging and body image, she’s a curvy single mom on a journey to self-love who suddenly finds herself being pursued by two hotties, Abel and Jacob.
Why Reina Matters
I am enjoying writing Reina so much. Although her story isn’t autobiographical (despite what people think), some parts definitely ring true. As a 47-year-old single mom navigating a changing body and shifting hormones, I know the struggle of staying open to love and embracing change.
I’m so proud to create a Latina character who isn’t just “older,” but who is actively working through self-worth issues and perimenopause while navigating dating over 45. She is special because she’s real. Reina represents so many of us.
The Cover
Because Reina represents so much, I wanted her cover to be just as special and dripped in representation. I am still working on the perfect font, but I couldn’t wait any longer to share the primary image with all of you!
Chichos (back rolls), the Dominican flag, two dark chocolate men vying for her attention, and springtime in NYC—I am obsessed with this cover! I’m so proud of how it turned out and how Reina’s story is coming to life.
Hit the heart if you love the cover!