Kimani Press launches a new series of romance novels by bestselling authors

(July 21, 2006) Kimani Press, the new home of the highly acclaimed Arabesque, Sepia, and New Spirit imprints at Harlequin Enterprises Limited brings audiences four new passion-filled novels each month with the launch of Kimani Romance(TM), a series destined to win the hearts and minds of romance readers around the world.
 
This publishing program is filled with the top names in African-American romance fiction today. USA Today bestselling author Brenda Jackson has crafted the dramatic and wildly entertaining Solid Soul. Essence bestselling author Gwynne Forster has deftly penned the passionate and intrigue-filled Her Secret Life. National bestselling author Marcia King-Gamble delivers up the sexy Flamingo Place. In addition, Kimani Romance introduces a fresh new voice Gwyneth Bolton crafting If Only You Knew.
 
"Told primarily from the heroine's point of view, Kimani Romances will keep it real with true-to-life African-American characters that turn up the heat and sizzle with passion," states Mavis Allen, Associate Senior Editor at Kimani Press. "The series will include rich, realistic, and emotional romances that feature innovative plots and appealing characters who have 'professionally made it' and yet are still seeking love," she continues.
 
Kimani Romance will bring to the ever-expanding African-American marketplace the only series romance publishing program, by the world's leading series romance publisher. "While the current tastes for African-American fiction includes quite a bit of street lit, we've heard from black women they want to see more sexy and sophisticated love stories that reflect their lives," declares Linda Gill, General Manager of Kimani Press. "These captivating novels will provide all readers of romance with wonderfully passionate sensual first-love, reunion and second-chance romances...including stories with older heroines!" she adds.
 
"The growth of Kimani Press and, in particular, the launch of Kimani Romance enable Harlequin to serve even more romance readers and continue to strengthen the company's strategic position as one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction," adds Pam Laycock, Executive Vice President, Strategy and New Business Development. Harlequin supports this innovative series with a comprehensive launch marketing program that includes targeted advertising in consumer and trade publications, such as Essence, Black Issues Book Review, Romantic Times, and others.

In addition, a preview sampler containing chapters from each of the launch titles will be distributed to readers at venues such as the Essence Music Festival and Harlem Book Fair. The marketing program also includes in-book advertising across several Harlequin imprints, and exciting interviews with Brenda Jackson and others on eHarlequin.com.
 
"Kimani Romances have it all...from city girls to alpha-male heroes to family sagas. And all of them share a few common ingredients -- compelling characters, emotional intensity, and sizzling sensuality. Just in time for great summer reads," concludes Mavis Allen. Kimani Romance is love's ultimate destination!
 
Kimani Romance authors are available for book signings and promotional events -- for further information contact Christine Saunders at 212/553-4226.
 
Kimani Romance will be published by Kimani Press, a new division of Harlequin, beginning in July 2006 with four releases each month priced at $5.99 US, $6.99 CDN in mass market paperback format, and available wherever books are sold.
 
Kimani Press was formed by Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd. in December 2005, with the purchase of the Arabesque, Sepia and New Spirit imprints from BET Books. Arabesque remains the first line of original African-American romance novels from a major publishing house, and will publish two single-titles each month. The Sepia imprint features commercial women's fiction, and New Spirit captures the growing African-American inspirational marketplace with both compelling fiction and non-fiction releases.


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