Stacey Abrams Is Rereleasing Her First 3 Romance Novels, Which Center Women of Color

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Stacey Abrams is not only a politician, lawyer, voting-rights activist, and all-around fearless advocate for democracy, but she's also an author, making us believe her days must consist of more than just 24 hours. Abrams was influential in helping Joe Biden win over her home state of Georgia during last year's presidential election, as she worked tirelessly to fight against voter suppression and to register voters of color in the Southern state.

Somehow, amid creating and running various voting-rights organizations — including The New Georgia Project and Fair Fight — the former Georgia representative has published 11 books, including two nonfiction books under her own name and eight romantic suspense novels under the pen name Selena Montgomery. She also has a new political thriller, titled While Justice Sleeps, set to release this month.

Many of Abrams's books can be purchased online, although some of her earlier releases are a bit harder to come by (and quite pricey!). Luckily, as Penguin Random House imprint Berkley announced on May 4, the publisher will be rereleasing her first three romance novelsRules of Engagement, The Art of Desire, and Power of Persuasion — next year. "As my first novels, they remain incredibly special to me," Abrams said in a statement. "The characters and their adventures are what I'd wished to read as a young Black woman — stories that showcase women of color as nuanced, determined, and exciting." The trilogy of books will be reissued in hardcover form and will feature both her pen name and real name.

Ahead, learn a bit more about each of Abrams's books, and show her some well-deserved support by adding any that may pique your interest to your online shopping cart.

Rules of Engagement
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Rules of Engagement

Released in 2001, Rules of Engagement ($99) is the first novel Abrams wrote under her Selena Montgomery pen name. It tells the story of Dr. Raleigh Foster, who goes undercover to infiltrate a terrorist group and winds up being assigned to pose as the lover of the handsome Adam Grayson.

The Art of Desire
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The Art of Desire

The Art of Desire ($605) follows artist and aspiring writer Alex Walton, who has given up on men after many relationships gone awry — until Phillip Thurman is hired to protect her from potential terrorists, and their attraction is undeniable.

Power of Persuasion
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Power of Persuasion

Another Selena Montgomery novel, Power of Persuasion ($20) revolves around computer whiz A.J. Grayson, who creates an artificial intelligence system that gets her recruited to help protect the new king of Jafir, Damon Toca.

Secrets and Lies
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Secrets and Lies

Originally published in 2006, Secrets and Lies ($16) follows Dr. Katelyn Lyda, who is running for her life after witnessing her uncle's murder. She winds up running into Sebastian Caine, a "bad guy" she has a hard time resisting.

Reckless
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Reckless

In Reckless ($16), law firm partner Kell Jameson gets dragged to her past when the head of her childhood orphanage is accused of murder and asks Kell to represent her. She ends up working with Sheriff Luke Calder on the case, and sparks fly.

Never Tell
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Never Tell

Never Tell ($17) brings together criminal psychologist Dr. Erin Abbott, who's investigating a serial killer on the loose in New Orleans, and journalist Gabriel Moss, who's desperate to uncover his next juicy story and knows Erin might be the key.

Deception
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Deception

In Deception ($8), Fin Borders returns to her Southern hometown in Georgia to help an innocent woman accused of murder. While there, she crosses paths with FBI agent Caleb Matthews, and both passion and deception ensue.

Hidden Sins
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Hidden Sins

Hidden Sins ($16) tells the story of Mara Reed, who — while being chased by two murderers out for blood — encounters Dr. Ethan Stuart, an ex-lover who betrayed her. As they work together to solve a gruesome mystery tied to the church Mara's father used to be in charge of, will they rekindle the flame?

Our Time Is Now
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Our Time Is Now

A New York Times bestseller, Our Time Is Now ($17) delves into how America can end voter suppression, and includes anecdotes from Abrams's personal life as well as others who've fought to have their voices heard.

Minority Leader: How to Lead From the Outside and Make Real Change
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Minority Leader: How to Lead From the Outside and Make Real Change

In Minority Leader: How to Lead From the Outside and Make Real Change ($20), Abrams reflects on her impressive career and provides readers with exercises to help uncover and build up their own leadership potential.

While Justice Sleeps: A Novel
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While Justice Sleeps: A Novel

Officially debuting in May 2021 and now available for preorder, While Justice Sleeps ($20) is a thriller set in the US Supreme Court.