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Biography
became a world traveler at three years old when she left her birthplace of London, England and moved to Guyana, South America. She then moved to the United States as a young teen. An avid reader, mixed with her cultural experiences, set the tone for a vivid imagination. It wasn't long before the stories in her head became stories on paper.
In the middle of writing romantic fiction, she added a Master's of International Business to her Bachelor's in English. Michelle was nominated for the 2003 Emma Award for Favorite New Author for her debut novel -- Open Your Heart. Her second book - Finders Keepers - earned Top Pick by the Romantic Times Bookclub magazine. Her third book, a Kwanzaa-themed story - Making Promises - was featured as a holiday pick by the Baltimore Sun. Her recent April release - Island Rendezvous garnered rave reviews, which also happens to be a sequel to Finders Keepers.
Since September '06, Michelle became part of the launch of Harlequin's new African American romance line, Kimani Romance. She launched her three-book series about the Masterson family and will debut a new five-book series, Ladies of Distinction, with No One But You and Gamble On Love due for release in April and October 2008.
PHOTOS
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AWARDS
2005 3 rd Place Mainstream Single Title
RWA's East Texas Chapter - Texas Gold Contest
2003 Emma Award Nominee for Favorite New Author
REVIEWS
STRAIGHT TO THE HEART:
Romantic Times Bookclub: "Multilayered characters, intertwined lives and stories with an unexpected twist make Straight to the Heart (4), by Michelle Monkou, intriguing."
Single Titles.Com: "Straight to the Heart is like smooth dark chocolate, and got this reader’s attention from the very beginning…[Michelle Monkou] adds that extra “something” to make the storyline fresh and original. Author, Michelle Monkou, is a gifted writer with the uncanny ability to draw the reader right into the lives of her characters. Definitely an author to watch, she has certainly made a fan of this reader. "
Romance In Color: “Straight To The Heart is a fun and interesting light read. I recommend this book to anyone who is a sucker for a real romance, and enjoys details. I couldn’t wait to see how the characters would grow throughout the story. And I really appreciated how the author brought back characters from previous novels. I look forward to Ms. Monkou’s upcoming novels. Overall I recommend this book to others for their reading enjoyment.”
HERE AND NOW:
"HERE AND NOW is a stirring, but fun novel which uses wit and humor in order to remind the reader of issues faced in relationships by both by both sexes....Overall, HERE AND NOW is an entertaining light read. I look forward to the next installment of the Masterson Clan. I recommend this book to others for their reading enjoyment.."
4 Stars Romance In Color
- 4 stars RT Bookclub
"[Island Rendezvous] a heartfelt story—this has attractive, lively characters and an interesting setting . . .a satisfying book worth reading."
RT Bookclub
"This time around [Making Promises], Ms. Monkou has added a lot
of twists and turns to the romantic roles of her hero and heroine. Although
Bo and Amber find love in the end, the road getting to that point is filled
with a lot of action and other colorful characters. "
The Romance Reader Connection 3 Hearts
"
MAKING PROMISES is a highly engaging romance novel with a little
suspense thrown in. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Monkou,
and I am happy to say that I was not disappointed. I will be on the lookout
for other novels by this author."
5 stars on Amazon.com
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
"Michelle Monkou is an up and coming author. Her characters [in
Making Promises] are believable and the dialog is good, both of which are
hard to accomplish."
– Books Galore Readers Group
"Making Promises possesses a rather unique and engrossing story."
– Romantic Times Bookclub
"Finders Keepers is even paced. It shows the real emotions people
deal with in relationships (i.e., trust, insecurity, fear, etc.). It's an
easy read and I was delighted by the story. It’s a true romance that
will keep the reader intrigued. "
- Loose Leaves Independent Reviewers
"SOMEONE TO LOVE was my absolute favorite. I read it twice.
Michelle Monkou writes this story in the voice of a precocious eight-year-old,
Patti Stone’s point of view. The story is engaging, written in the
holiday spirit, and full of good cheer."
Romance In Color - 4 stars
"Michelle Monkou paints an optimistic portrait of the life
of a cancer survivor, while also wringing emotional tears from her readers.
Amid the laughter, love and hope, the author gently reminds us that anything
taken to excess---even ambition---often impedes our own happiness. FINDERS
KEEPERS is like fine chocolate---only more enjoyable."
Diana White, Romantic Times Book Club
Also RT Top Pick and 4 1/2 stars
OPEN YOUR HEART...
"Monkou's moving debut novel is full of touching characters
and heartfelt moments. "
-- Booklist
"Once the reader begins reading this book, it will not be
easy to put it down."
-- Daughters of Eve Online Reviews
Book List
| Gamble on Love | Kimani Press | October 2008 |
| No One But You | Kimani Press | April 2008 |
| Straight to the Heart | Kimani Press | September 2007 |
| Here & Now | Kimani Press | January 2007 |
| Sweet Surrender | Kimani Press | September 2006 |
| Island Rendezvous | Harlequin | April 2006 |
| Making Promises | BET Books | October 2004 |
| Give Love anthology | BET Books | October 2003 |
| Finders Keepers | Arabesque | January 2003 |
| Open Your Heart | Arabesque | November 2002 |
CONTACT
Visit her website at http://www.michellemonkou.com.
Her My Space is http://www.myspace.com/michellemonkou.
She can be contacted at michelle@michellemonkou.com or
P.O. Box 2904, Laurel, MD 20709
Author Photo Credit:
