Rachel Lindsay’s new romance novel, Real Love, follows a career-driven investment banker named Maya Johnson who turns down an opportunity to star on a reality TV dating show. It’s the road not taken for Lindsay, who famously made history as the first Black Bachelorette in 2017 and appeared on the 21st season of The Bachelor.

We asked the podcast host and author of Miss Me with That what she’s learned about herself since The Bachelorette, how much of herself is reflected in her main character, Maya, and what she hopes listeners will take away from this love story.

Audible: What was it like writing a romance novel? Did it challenge you in any surprising ways that you hadn’t encountered when writing Miss Me with That?

Rachel Lindsay: This was something I've always wanted to do but never had the time. In high school, I was really into creative writing and dabbled a bit in college in my free time. For this romance novel, I was fortunate enough to work with author Alexa Martin. She is incredible, and I am so lucky to work with her on this novel. I wanted to tell a very loose story about what might have happened if I had said no to going on reality television. The challenge was telling a fictional story and not my own. I wanted to have similarities to the protagonist, Maya. Many of the lessons she learns and the themes in this book are mountains I had to climb and feel they will be relatable to listeners. I did put some Easter eggs in the book, just for fun.

What did you want to explore with this choice to have Maya turn down the opportunity?

This was an idea I had for a really long time. I always check myself to stay grounded and present by wondering about the “what if.” One decision in my life changed the entire course of it. That decision was not based on fear but on intuition, a leap of faith, and believing in myself. Prior to this moment, my life decisions were rooted in fear, so I always wondered what would have happened if I stayed in that place and said no to going on The Bachelor, and thus came the story of Real Love. I wanted to delve into a world where the protagonist explores the “no” and experiences the consequences and benefits of that decision.

Broadway performer Zonya Love narrates Real Love. How does it feel for you to hear her embody your protagonist?

The moment I heard Zonya’s voice I knew she was the perfect fit. I knew I could not narrate this audiobook and needed someone whose tone could capture the essence of the themes, emotions, and humor of this novel. I wanted to feel something when I heard the narration, and I had all the feels with Zonya. I am so grateful to have her voice and the passion that shines through as part of this novel. I had so much fun narrating the “Reality Stacy” chapters myself, so listeners will still hear my voice a few times throughout!

Did you learn anything about yourself or gain a new perspective on your reality dating show experience while writing Real Love?

I learned how much I’ve personally grown in the last seven years since stepping into the reality television world. I was able to go through this journey with Maya because I have learned so much about myself. Starting with saying yes to The Bachelor experience. That was a defining moment where I chose myself over family, friends, and career. I trusted my intuition, and in doing so I overcame my insecurities and fears to achieve the life I wanted to live.

What message or feeling do you want listeners to carry away from Real Love?

There is a quote that says, “Happiness depends on ourselves.” Too often family, friends, media, social media, and everything in between try to tell us what makes us happy. Every time we allow someone or something else to define that for us, we will always be chasing happiness to no avail. Happiness for me is simple—it is rooted in the things I love most: my family, my friends, and my peace of mind. This is the very concept that is explored in Real Love.