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Indigo Summer,
by Monica McKayhan
Kimani TRU, A New Imprint Releases First Title
Books In-Store: February 2007!

(AADNEWSWIRE)NEW YORK, NY( February 2007) Kimani Press, a division of Harlequin Enterprises launches an exciting line of fiction written for African-American teens, KIMANI TRU™. The launch of this imprint in February 2007 will bring this vibrant and growing audience one compelling novel each month. KIMANI TRU novels will feature exceptional editorial that is realistic, and yet storylines that readers will ultimately find satisfying and empowering. While tough subject matter will be addressed such teen pregnancy, high-school failure, peer pressure, and the difficult choices faced by students, KIMANI TRU promises to deliver characters that navigate this crucial period and triumph through these hardships.

KIMANI TRU's launch title is Indigo Summer, by Atlanta based author Monica McKayhan. Fifteen-year-old Indigo Summer's world finally seems to be going in the right direction: She hook-ups with the star forward of the high school basketball team, gets a date for homecoming and makes the high school dance squad all in the same week. But sometimes things are just too good to be true. After basketball star Quincy Rollins abruptly dumps her for a girl who is willing to put out, Indigo's popularity and self-esteem take a nosedive. When her perfect world falls apart, Indigo turns to the one person who seemingly has his head on straight-her next door neighbor, sixteen-year-old Marcus Carter. The problem is, now that Indigo realizes what a great guy Marcus really is, so does someone else.

Readers will find that KIMANI TRU is a unique imprint that addresses the triumphs, issues and concerns of today's youth with candor, wit and realism. "African-American teens are underserved in today's literary climate with stories that solely dwell on the negative influences of the streets" states Linda Gill, general manager of Kimani Press. "Our goal is to reach out and embrace young adult readers with stories that are true to their life experiences, but that also encourage growth, and empowerment. At times, teens feel alone with the issues they are facing…and in KIMANI TRU novels they will meet characters they can ultimately learn from," Gill concludes.

Kimani TRU novels will be published by Kimani Press, a new division of Harlequin, beginning in February 2007 with one new release each month priced at $9.99 in trade paperback, and available wherever books are sold. KIMANI PRESS, a division of Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd., the new home of the highly acclaimed ARABESQUE, SEPIA, NEW SPIRIT, KIMANI ROMANCE Series and newly launched KIMANI TRU.

Kimani TRU author Monica McKayhan is available for book signings and promotional events-for further information contact consulting publicist, Julia Shaw at 917-501-6780 or go to the publisher's website at www.KimaniTRU.com