Stacey Abrams romance novels to be reissued next year

Berkley Publishing Group, an imprint of Penguin Random House, will reissue three Stacey Abrams romance novels that have been out of print for years.

Abrams, 47, who is best known for her work against voter suppression, wrote all three romance novels in the 2000s, “Rules of Engagement,” “The Art of Desire,” and “Power of Persuasion. Under the pseudonym Selena Montgomery.

Abrams explained the pen name in a 2019 interview on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”. His editors advised him to use a pen name because his editors feared readers would be less likely to get his books back if they searched for his name online and found his academic work.

Berkley acquired the novels this year and will begin publishing them in 2022. The popularity of Abrams has prompted dealers to jack up the prices of copies of the novels. A used copy of “The Art of Desire” is listed on Amazon for $ 604.99.

“As my first novels, they remain incredibly special to me,” Abrams said in a statement. “The characters and their adventures are what I wanted to read as a young black woman – stories that present women of color as nuanced, determined and exciting. As Selena and as Stacey, I am proud to be a part of it. of writer romance and delighted that Berkley is reintroducing these stories for new readers and loyal fans. “

For those who don’t want to wait for the re-release, Abrams’ debut political thriller “While Justice Sleeps” will debut on May 11.

“You can certainly see Stacey Abrams, the political leader, in these books, in terms of how very eager and willing everyone is to serve their country in any capacity they can, but not without personal sacrifice,” Cindy Hwang, managing editor of Berkley, told NPR.

CBS TV Studios is reportedly adopting Abram’s romance novel “Never Tell” for television. Abrams will serve as executive producer for the drama.