Where the magic happens...
It all goes down in Washington Heights.
It all goes down in the magical neighborhood of Washington Heights. A place so uniquely itself, thanks to the Dominican people and culture, that you feel like you’ve been transported to the Dominican Republic itself, not the island of Manhattan.
This part of the Concrete Jungle is lit with merengue blasting from cars, the rich scent of ajo (garlic), Dominican oregano, handmade sazon, and the sing-song, rapid-paced, and often clever lengua (tongue) of my people. And although I now reside in the suburbs (shout out to Long Island!) I still consider el alto Manhattan (upper Manhattan) home.
It’s where I grew up.
Partied.
Laughed so hard that I cried. Struggled to find myself. Worked as a teacher.
And lost my head (and heart) repeatedly over Bacardi and Cokes at Coogans Restaurant and Bar (RIP).
This is where Candi is from. A born and bred Dominican, she is quintessential WAHI, with her love of music, family, her best friend (who is also family as is often the case for Latinos), and an unbreakable, optimistic energy (despite financial and romantic woes) that is contagious. All books in the“Heights of Love” series (Yo is coming next!) take place in Washington Heights, hence the name, and feature layered, BIPOC leading ladies and side characters. Because I am proud of where I am from. I am proud to represent my community in my books.
Fall in love with Washington Heights in Candi, the first romance novel in the “Heights of Love” series. Grab Candi here.
Bring on the Heat
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