It is an absolute delight to share with you the cover for my debut romcom UP CLOSE & PERSONAL! The story of Johanna–aka Jo–and Silas will be available wherever books are sold on April 29, 2025!
Isn’t she so beautiful and fun and gorgeous?! I’m in LOVE! 💞 The artist, Nicole Medina, did such a fabulous job bringing vibrancy and life to the illustration (do you see her lil’ hoop earrings? the diner details? omg!). You can learn more about Nicole on her website here, or on IG @bynicolemedina.
If you’re on Insta, you should def check out what the amazing team at Forever did for the reveal on IG! 😍
Here’s the back cover copy so you can find out what this book is all about!
A jaded journalist challenges the fitness world’s hottest spin instructor to show she isn’t a scam in this clever, compelling hate-to-love romance for readers of Jessica Joyce and Abby Jimenez!
Jo De La Cruz should be on top of the world. As one of spinning’s hottest instructors, her workouts stream into thousands of living rooms, her waiting list is harder to access than Area 51, and even her hair—her actual hair—has its own social media page. But after a decade under the spotlight, Jo’s struggling to keep her head in the game lately. . . at the one time she needs to be playing at one hundred percent. Which is when she meets the one journalist who’s determined to prove her job is nothing more than yelling at people from a bike.
But converting a hater is a challenge Jo can’t resist.
Only nothing about Silas Anders matches her expectations. He throws himself into her classes, he’s genuinely interested in Jo’s story, and—most surprising of all—he knows what it’s like to live with mental health struggles. Between five-dollar pizza slices, hilarious thrifting adventures, and sizzling salsa dancing, Jo might just be catching feelings. But as buzz for the article begins building beyond belief, Jo discovers Silas hasn’t been entirely truthful . . . and that the man she’s been falling for may, in fact, be the one scamming her. Trusting him would mean letting down her walls once and for all—but letting him go might mean losing a love worth riding for.
Some of you may recall that when we sold the novel to Forever, it had a different title. My editor suggested UP CLOSE & PERSONAL during the edit process and I loved it immediately. I think it encapsulates so much of what this book is about–that feeling when we let another person see the most authentic, true version of ourselves, and all the things that come with falling in love with someone for who they really are. 😊
Now that the cover is live, that means pre-orders are too! The pre-order process is super important to authors, especially us debuts. Early interest in our book helps us gain more support for a successful launch day. If you’d like to pre-order, I’m including links where you can do so below:
Hachette Book Group page – offers links to all major retailers!
You can also add the book to your TBR on Goodreads!
When this newsletter goes out, you may notice that only the paperback and e-reader versions are available for pre-order. I’ll share more information on other editions, including audiobook format, soon! The book will also continue to filter out to other retailers, including independent bookstores. (Special pre-order campaign with an indie? Stay tuned 👀)
A HUGE thank you to everyone for being a part of this journey with me! Publishing a book is such a wild experience. It really does take a village. 💗
For now, I’ll leave you with the Spotify playlist I made for UP CLOSE & PERSONAL. It’s a sort of guide to the vibes of the book. Hope you enjoy!
xoxo,
Ana
Preordering immediately!