 Title: Here and Now
Author: Michelle
Monkou
Publisher: Kimani
Release Date: January 1, 2007
ISBN-10: 0373860021
ISBN-13: 978-0373860029
Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
List Price: $5.99
Description:
Laura Masterson is determined not to let her handsome boss, Chase Dillard, distract her from attaining her personal best as a physical therapist. Especially because her new employer is the same world-class athlete who broke her heart back in the day. He put their relationship on hold to fulfill his Olympic potential, but soon realized that his victories were hollow without the woman he loved by his side. Chase definitely has some ground to make up if he wants to win Laura back.
About the Author:
 Michelle Monkou enjoys reading! Reading books of all genres developed an imagination powerful enough to set lofty goals, like being a published writer. Writing romances proved to be the natural choice after devouring well-crafted stories with historical backdrops from the genre greats like Barbara Cartland, Kathleen Woodiweiss,
and Edith Layton, and the contemporary romantic suspense tales from Nora Roberts.
However, representation from the African-American community as romance writers or as main characters in romances was rare. With the pioneering launch of several multi-cultural romance lines and their continued success, there is now an outlet for diversity. Michelle’s dream came true in January, 2002 when she received a two-book contract from BET Books. OPEN YOUR HEART debuted in November 2002, for which she earned the prestigious Emma Award nomination for Favorite New Author of Multicultural Romance. FINDERS KEEPERS hit bookshelves in June 2003 and received an advance review from Romantic Times Book Club with a Top Pick and 4 1/2 stars. GIVE LOVE, a holiday anthology with Linda Hudson-Smith and Francine
Craft, was released October 2003. MAKING PROMISES arrived in bookstores October 2004 and was featured in The Baltimore Sun.
Born in England and growing up in Guyana, Michelle enjoyed the rich history and culture of the Caribbean experience. Now living in the United States, she blends all of her influences with her American experience to spin romantic stories about real people with real conflicts who fall in love.
Michelle earned a Bachelor’s in English to hone her skills as a writer and a Master’s in International Business to earn a living while pursuing her dream. She is a member of several chapters of the Romance Writers of America. Michelle resides in the Washington, DC metropolitan area with her husband and two children.
Purchase a copy of Here and Now
 Title: Sweet
Surrender
Author: Michelle Monkou
Publisher: Kimani
Release Date: September 1, 2006
ISBN-10: 1583147802
ISBN-13: 978-1583147801
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
List Price: $5.99
Description:
After her marriage ended in bitter divorce, Haley Sanders was carving out a new life in a new town with her thirteen-year-old daughter. Dr. Pierce Masterson was not part of the single mother's blueprint for the future--even if her new landlord was much too attractive for anyone's good.
With his three younger siblings looking to him for guidance, Pierce was a man who took family seriously.
He knew he could help Haley and her daughter
adjust to life here--if only his alluring tenant would let down her guard. But once she did, was this Masterson male ready to take a chance on love and share with Haley the joy of a promise fulfilled?
About the Author:
Michelle Monkou enjoys reading! Reading books of all genres developed an imagination powerful
enough to set lofty goals, like being a published writer. Writing romances proved to be the natural choice after devouring well-crafted stories with historical backdrops from the genre greats like Barbara Cartland, Kathleen Woodiweiss, and Edith Layton, and the contemporary romantic suspense tales from Nora Roberts.
However, representation from the African-American community as romance writers or as main characters in romances was rare. With the pioneering launch of several multi-cultural romance lines and their continued success, there is now an outlet for diversity. Michelle’s dream came true in January, 2002 when she received a two-book contract from BET Books. OPEN YOUR HEART debuted in November 2002, for which she earned the prestigious Emma Award nomination for Favorite New
Author of Multicultural Romance. FINDERS KEEPERS hit bookshelves in June 2003 and received an advance review from Romantic Times Book Club with a Top Pick and 4 1/2 stars. GIVE LOVE, a holiday anthology with Linda Hudson-Smith and Francine Craft, was released October 2003. MAKING PROMISES arrived in bookstores October 2004 and was featured in The Baltimore Sun.
Born in England and growing up in Guyana, Michelle enjoyed the rich history and culture of the Caribbean experience. Now living in the United States, she blends all of her influences with her American experience to spin romantic stories about real people with real conflicts who fall in love.
Michelle earned a Bachelor’s in English to hone her skills as a writer and a Master’s in International Business to earn a living
while pursuing her dream. She is a member of several chapters of the Romance Writers of America. Michelle resides in the Washington, DC metropolitan area with her husband and two children.
Read an excerpt
Purchase a copy of Sweet Surrender
 Title: One Love
Author: Bill Holmes
Publisher: XPress Yourself Publishing, LLC
Release Date: April 1, 2006
Genre: Fiction
ISBN-10: 0972299041
ISBN-13: 978-0972299046
Paperback: 272 pages
List Price: $15.00
Description:
Chris, a handsome
and talented poet, is struggling to find inspiration to write while wrestling with corporate politics and the drama of an unfulfilling relationship. Regina, a beautiful accountant, feels frustrated with her career and the dating scene and secretly yearns to re-embrace her heart's desire: singing. A chance encounter between these thirty-something commuters one summer morning reveals this is a small world where poetry, family, friendship and love unite in Philadelphia.
About the Author:
 Bill Holmes is an artist who has dared to dream in the face of adversity while recognizing the divine nature of life and its infinite possibilities. As a respected poet, writer and author on the Philadelphia spoken word scene, Bill has touched many souls through his creative endeavors by striving towards excellence in everything he does. His performances have captivated many audiences through his unique style of humor, insight, spirituality, pride, and most importantly, love and appreciation of a woman. By no means is Bill afraid "to keep it real when expressing the importance of self-love."
Bill is the founder, the publisher and the CEO of Universal Expressions, LLC, a publishing company that allows artists the opportunity to achieve their aesthetic dreams. He is also the author of the chapbook Illuminations, the spoken word EP Asphyxiation, the full-length poetry book Straight From My Heart, and the spoken word CD, The Air I Breathe, and the fiction novel One Love.
Bill has been featured and has performed at various poetry venues in Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, and surrounding areas. Bill was the co-host of the monthly poetry series Poetic Ventures Writers Collective and has opened for artists such as the Last Poets and award-winning jazz musician Roy Ayers. His work has been published and featured in the Philadelphia Tribune, ESSENCE, and the anthology
Journey Into My Brother's Soul.
Read an excerpt
Purchase a copy of One Love
 Title: The Love We Had
Author: Dedan Tolbert
Publisher: Ink Water Press
Release Date: OCTOBER, 2006
ISBN-10: 1592992315
ISBN-13: 978-1592992317
Paperback: 235 pages
List Price: $15.00
Description:
From first time novelist Dedan Tolbert comes a gripping and brutally honest tale of star-crossed lovers whose path to happiness is thwarted by both deadly secrets and a scorned ex-lover.
Derrick is a graduating senior on a small,
black college campus who just crossed into a fraternity and has every intention of continuing his player ways with his best friend and line brother, Mike, until he meets Myra a quiet and reserved student with a painful past.
They immediately fall in love and want to spend the rest of their lives together, but Carl, Myra’s unstable ex-boyfriend, has different plans for them. Carl can’t live without Myra, and won’t let her live without him.
Dedan Tolbert takes the reader on a non-stop thrill ride from start to finish. Will Myra be enough for Derrick to finally give up his womanizing ways? Will Carl stand in the way of Derrick and Maya walking off into the sunset together? Will painful secrets from all three of their pasts lead to the destruction of everyone’s happiness? The
answers will leave you guessing and on the edge of your seat until the final page.
About the Author:
 28 year old, Philadelphia native, Dedan Tolbert is the author of the novel, “The Love We Had” and advice columnist for Suavv Magazine. You can view his “Ask Dedan” advice column at Suavv Magazine.com.
Dedan is also the founder and CEO of Tolbert Books and Distribution (T B & D) which was founded to help the not so well known author maximize their distribution potential. It also serves as an outlet for new authors to get advice and leadership from other successful authors. T B& D was founded in 2006 and has over 100 employees in over 20 U.S. states.
In his spare time, Dedan writes freelance articles on dating and relationships. He has written for local Philadelphia newspapers as well as popular magazines like, Suavv Magazine, Maelan Magazine, Xtreme Magazine,
Infinite Magazine and TheFlowLive.com. Buy The Love We Had
 Title: Wisdom Seeds
Author: Patrice Wade Johnson
Release Date: 2006
ISBN: 0977346404
Paperback:
List Price: $15.00
Description:
From the outside, life in the Allen home appears to be perfect, but as a little girl Danielle begins to discern the fa?ade. Joy, love, happiness and peace become mere words that are mentioned in her dad's sermons and in her grandmother's stories of the wisdom seeds. It is after Danielle is beguiled by Greg and left heart-broken, single and pregnant that life begins to water the spiritual truths planted by her grandmother. Danielle then begins
to understand the significance of the wisdom seeds as she reaps what has been sown into her heart.
About the Author:
 As a high school administrator and women's ministry facilitator, Patrice Wade-Johnson
impacts the lives of people every day. Her life and profession co-exist on the same foundational principle - Jesus saves and changes lives. Ms. Johnson is a founding member of the Sanctuary of Praise where her ministry includes singing God's praises and the women's fellowship. Ms. Johnson is also the interim director of the Sanctuary Outreach Network. After graduating from high school in New York City, Ms. Johnson received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. Her professional experience includes Counseling, Educational Administration and community youth initiatives for youth and young women. She is currently a high school Assistant Principal. Ms. Johnson has written and directed 'In Your Mirror I See Me', 'Sitting On Top of the World', and 'Cindy
- an urban fairytale'. Wisdom Seeds is her debut novel. Buy Wisdom Seeds
 Title: And Even If I Did
Author: Kisha Green
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc.
Release Date: April 18, 2006
ISBN: 0595390137
Paperback: 256 Pages
List Price: $16.95
Description:
Three single friends try to cope with life while also trying to survive in the ?real world? while learning that life isn't that bad when you have friends, but as fast as things are good they turn bad and makes the trio come to the real definition of friends forever.
Simone, battling her abandonment issues while longing for the love she thinks she needs in order to make her whole.
Taylor, who has made
a life of looking for love is forced to deal when an ex-boyfriend that gives her the reality check of a lifetime.
Lastly Jordan leaves behind in her past an abusive boyfriend for a better life. Unable to run anymore she has to confront the past.
Their life experiences teach each of them about self love and recognition, earning them the right to say, And Even If I Did. Can you?
About the Author:
 Kisha Green resides in New Jersey with her husband and children. Her gift of story telling and writing about realistic feelings not only makes her novels exciting
but emotionally accurate as well.
While the road to her literary dream was off to a rocky start, Kisha a firm believer "If God brings me to it, He will bring me through it!" and with that mentality, Kisha is ready to take "Literary Hollywood" by storm!
In addition to writing novels, Kisha writes for various websites including her two monthly colums "Parenting Jewels" at Women on the Road of Deliverance and This & That Tidbits Mahogany Butterfly.com Buy And Even If I Did
| |  Title: Black People:
For Entertainment Purposes Only
Author: W. Ivan Wright
Publisher: Able Journey Press
Release Date: April 1, 2007
ISBN-10: 1934249467
ISBN-13: 978-1934249468
Paperback: 210 pages
List Price: $15.95
Description:
Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only, is a suspenseful fiction thriller that introduces seasoned characters and humorous dialogues to the reader. The main character, Jurney Swiftwood, has written a book whose title infers that the purpose of black people, is
for America's entertainment. Jurney's book has placed him in the cross hairs of community dissension, media scrutiny and family angst. The outcry from an offended public has also placed an unsuspecting Jurney on the hit list of a politically controlled assassin. In the midst of his troubles, Jurney discovers that he is the father of a precious, yet abused nine-year-old girl! Situations and conversations present an entertaining vehicle that serves to remind all communities of the importance, and awesome power of perception.
About the Author:
 W. Ivan Wright was born and raised in Trenton, NJ where he attended Trenton’s public school system. His affinity for the sciences led him to Indiana University of PA where he received his Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy. Writing began for Ivan while in college and continued as a “serious hobby” for many years. His formalized literary work and fiction novel development began several years ago and has resulted in two novels: Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only (publication release April 2007) and Indentured Scholars: The Inner City Scandal (publication release September 2007).
Purchase a copy of Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only
 Title: Love Changes
Author: Michael J. Burt
Publisher: Xpress Yourself Publishing, LLC
Release Date: February 5, 2007
ISBN-10: 0972299068
ISBN-13: 978-0972299060
Paperback: 84 pages
List Price: $10.95
Description:Love Changes, Michael J. Burt’s sophomore release, is a compilation of his most personal works. Burt describes this compilation as being a diary revealing his most personal thoughts. This poetry collection takes you on a journey through love, which is subject to change.
About the Author:
 ESSENCE Magazine featured Poet and author Michael J. Burt was born July 1, 1985 in Washington , DC . He was raised in Prince George 's County, Maryland , where he currently resides. Burt studies psychology at Frostburg State University in Western Maryland. Marsha Ambrosius of the Grammy-nominated group Floetry said that Burt's poetry has "...the ability to reach the Soul with honest words of emotional optimism...Lovely." In 2005, Burt’s first volume of poetry entitled “Experience Is Impossible Without a Chance: A Collection of Poems” was published. Lovers of the written and spoken word have seen Burt perform at Christopher Newport University, Frostburg State University, Johns Hopkins University, and heard his poetry on Howard University’s historic WHUR-FM 96.3 radio station.
Burt fulfilled a dream by opening for poet Nikki Giovanni and also had the privilege of being booked to open for Def Poet J. Ivy. He is a contributor to multiple thought provoking African American-experience books including "Journey into My Brother's Soul" and “Not In My Family: AIDS in the African American Community” which features writings from Patti LaBelle, Mo’Nique, Hill Harper, Al Sharpton, and many
more. Burt’s poem “The Legacy” was featured in the March 2007 issue of ESSENCE Magazine. He has also been featured in the literary magazine "The Nubian Chronicles."
“Love Changes: Poems,” Michael J. Burt’s sophomore effort was released officially February 5, 2007 by Xpress Yourself Publishing. Burt is the Managining Editor of Poetic Press (Coming April 2007) an imprint of XYP. Upon the completion of college, Michael J. Burt plans to continue writing and pursue a career in therapy. Burt is currently an online columnist for NewsBlaze.com and a contributing writer
for J.T.'s Book Corner at Black Men In America.com doing celebrity and author interviews! For more info please visit him online at http://www.mjburtpoetry.com/ or www.myspace.com/poetmjb!
Read an excerpt
Purchase a copy of Love Changes
 Title: WHATEVER! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age
Author: Beverly Mahone
Publisher: Benoham Publishing
Release Date: May 22, 2006
ISBN-10: 0977887693
ISBN-13: 978-0977887699
Paperback: 112 pages
List Price: $12.95
Description:
WHATEVER! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age is an inspirational and humorous look at growing older through the eyes of self-proclaimed diva Beverly Mahone. Discover how the author copes with "the change"
and the challenges that come with it.
Beverly keeps her story real as she addresses issues including weight gain, menopause, and middle-age dating. You'll laugh as you reflect on your own experiences, and it's sure to stimulate conversation among your girlfriends.
About the Author: Beverly Mahone is a journalist with more than 25 years of experience in radio and television. As a motivational speaker, she has uplifted thousands with her powerful messages. Although WHATEVER! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age is her first solo project, she is also a published writer in How We Got Over: Testimonies of Faith, Hope and Courage and The Women of Color Devotional Bible. Beverly currently resides in North Carolina with her teenage daughter.
Purchase a copy of WHATEVER! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age
 Title: Carmello: A Family Affair
Author:
Rahsaan Ali
Publisher: Running Rivers Publication
Release Date: November 30, 2006
ISBN-10: 0979070007
ISBN-13: 978-0979070006
Paperback: 300 pages
List Price: $14.95
Description:
Bestselling Author, Rahsaan Ali, steps into the literary scene with another guaranteed bestseller! When you're in the game, nothing is ever sacred. Ever! "My word is bond" is the phrase most commonly stated amongst the hustlers. The cutthroat styling of the haters is masqueraded by hugs, pounds and love. Loyalty ain't nothing but a word some dick made up to protect his head from the diseased, poverty-filled
world of karma. And the only back niggaz got is the line they stand on before being sent back up North.
This is the game where anybody can be a winner and everybody's always a sore loser. The doe is fast and women come in abundance like ripened green bushels of plantains at the West Indian day parade. It can be all good when everybody getting it together. But if you start making even just a dollar more than the next man? Just prepare yourself to spend either time in jail or in the cemetery. Because niggaz is snitching. Keep your friends at a distance because it's not always your enemies you need to be keeping close. The block is a microscope and you're always under it.
About the Author:
 Rahsaan Ali began writing poetry when he was twelve years old. After receiving A's in all his classes for poetry assignments that were given for homework he graduated to writing short stories for fun.
At seventeen Rahsaan saw Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" and fell in love with the idea of bringing written characters
to life. What an influence Spike had on his aspirations! Now, after making the Essence Bestseller List four times consecutively for 2006 with a hip hop romance bestseller called "Nasty" he's since parted ways with his former publisher and is moving on to bigger and better things.
Media Contact:
Platinum Book PR
Dawnny
Publicist@platinumbookpr.com
Buy Carmello: A Family Affair
 Title: Intimate Musings (Discover Kai Poetry, Volume 2)
Author: a.Kai
Publisher: OPHELIA PUBLISHING LLC
Release Date: NOVEMBER, 2006
ISBN: N/A
Paperback: 84 pages
List Price: $7.50
Description:
A personal journey
into the intimate thoughts, experiences, musing and imaginings of a writer. Intimate Musings contains 32 poems, examining love, life, decision making and choices. A personal introspective look at circumstances and situations and how they are perceived. The compilation consists of 84 pages, including two chapters excerpted from the next a.Kai release, Life- The series: Frustration's Repercussions. Intimate Musings is available in both paperback and hardcover with dust jacket.
About the Author:
 Aisha K. Moore, Esq. is a published poet and novelist who enjoys writing fantasy sci fi (speculative fiction), commercial and inspirational fiction. Her short story Second Chance has been published in True: Vol. 2 and her latest short story, The Marks, is currently being published by The Writer's Cafe' Press in the anthology Light at the Edge of Darkness. Among her various projects are two published books of poetry, Discover Kai Poetry:
Cherished Beginnings and Intimate Musings. Her next two projects, scheduled for release in December 2006, are Life- The Series: Frustration's Repercussions and Stream in the Desert.
She has recently joined the review team of Read Zone Book Reviews and is a regular contributor to Sojournals.
Aisha began posting her intimate thoughts, musings, experience and imaginings under the pen name of a.Kai to create a private zone where she could freely release her inhibitions and give herself completely to writing. She continues to blog daily at http://discoverkai.blogspot.com and creates online e-blooks, or novels, for reader entertainment. Read an excerpt
Buy Intimate Musings
 Title: Age is Just a Number: Adventures in Online Dating
Author: D.S. White
Publisher: Divine Truth Press
Release Date: September 15, 2006
ISBN: 0977810305
Paperback: 124 Pages
List Price: $9.95
Description:
MEET DIVINE: female, thirty-seven, slaphappy, young at heart, self-employed; an online newbie, living in New York. She is fresh out of a long-term relationship and has completed the two-year mandatory wound-licking I-hate-men mourning period. Unfortunately
for Divine, someone neglected to inform her that dating has been upgraded to new millennium level. But maybe she shouldn’t worry ... hemlines aren’t the only things that have gone up.
Thirty-somethings are premium dating material now ... at least for the twenty-year-olds … Divine’s experiences are the basis for the serial memoir I call Age Is Just a Number, a lens through which to view the world of online dating. About the Author:
 Her motto: I am who I am by the grace of God
An avid reader, D.S. White is the former proprietor of an online African-American bookstore and wholesale dealership. Unfortunately, she didn't have a back up plan for 9/11/01. She is the divorced mother of a fabulous 21-year-old who
has just graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. D.S. White loves traveling but most of it to date has been done within the pages of a book. While planning that mother/daughter trip in the distant future, she's tried her hand at acting, singing, dancing, modeling, cosmetology and sales ... author, caught her by surprise. Read an excerpt
Buy Age is Just a Number
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