Zakiya N. Jamal – författare

Booksmart meets Phantom of the Megaplex in Zakiya N. Jamal's debut enthralling enemies-to-lovers queer romance, set against the backdrop of a historic Black-owned movie theater, the quirky employees who work there, and the suburbs of Long Island. Perfect for fans of Leah Johnson and Today Tonight Tomorrow.“A sapphic love story as sweet and funny as it is nostalgic and cinematic.” —Leah Johnson, bestselling author of You Should See Me in a CrownLights. Camera. Love?Rochelle “the Shell” Coleman is laser focused on only three things: becoming valedictorian, getting into Wharton, and, of course, taking down her annoyingly charismatic nemesis and only academic competition, Amira Rodriguez. However, despite her stellar grades, Rochelle’s college application is missing that extra special something: a job.When Rochelle gets an opportunity to work at Horizon Cinemas, the beloved Black-owned movie theater, she begrudgingly jumps at the chance to boost her chances at getting into her dream school. There’s only one problem: Amira works there…and is also her boss.Rochelle feels that working with Amira is its own kind of horror movie, but as the two begin working closely together, Rochelle starts to see Amira in a new light, one that may have her beginning to actually…like her?But Horizon’s in trouble, and when mysterious things begin happening that make Horizon’s chances of staying open slimmer, it’s up to the employees to solve the mystery before it’s too late, but will love also find its way into the spotlight?Praise for If We Were a Movie:"Jamal’s debut YA novel is a fun summer romance with an engaging mystery to follow.”—ALA Booklist"An enemies-to-lovers romance with a cinematic backdrop…that celebrates friendship, forgiveness, and Black cinema." —School Library Journal“Combining all of my favorite aspects of a classic YA novel, an endless summer, friends who feel like family, and a heartstirring romance, this book is sure to make readers swoon.” —Kristina Forest , USA Today bestselling author of The Partner Plot“This novel has the nostalgic charm of classic teen flicks with modern wit and stakes. Backdropped by a unique cinematic setting full of lively characters, this rivals-to-lovers romance will have you smiling and cheering long after the credits roll.” —Racquel Marie, award-winning author of Ophelia After All“With the cutest enemies-to-lovers romance and a friend group on a mission to save a historic Black-owned cinema, If We Were a Movie gives you characters that are impossible not to root for.” —Mae Coyiuto, acclaimed author of Chloe and the Kaishao BoysRivals to Romance: Rochelle wants to be valedictorian, and the only person standing in her way is the infuriatingly charming Amira. When their rivalry follows them to their summer job, the line between hate and love begins to blur.Forced Proximity: To boost her college applications, Rochelle takes a job at the local movie theater, only to discover she’ll be spending all summer long working side-by-side with her number one nemesis.Workplace Romance with a Twist: Things get even more complicated when Rochelle learns Amira isn’t just a coworker—she’s the assistant manager. And her boss.A Cozy Mystery to Solve: When a series of strange mishaps threaten to close the historic cinema’s doors for good, it’s up to the quirky crew of employees to band together and unmask the saboteur before it’s too late.

A late bloomer thought a visit to a sex club might jump start her love life, but instead makes an instant connection that turns her whole world upside down, in this adult debut from author Zakiya N. Jamal.When Stella Renee Johnson's roommate invites her to a sex club party but bails at the last minute, Stella decides to use the opportunity to finally cash in her V-card. But just when things are heating up between Stella and a sexy stranger, they realize they don’t have protection and Stella, taking it as a sign this wasn't meant to be, flees.Frustrated in more ways than one, Stella is shocked to learn that the digital media website where she works is partnering with an AI company. She's even more shocked when the alluring man from the previous night walks in. Max Williams is the CEO's brother and the creator of the AI program now threatening her job. Despite the conflict of interest, Stella and Max can't resist their magnetic attraction toward each other, and agree to keep their personal lives separate from what’s happening at work. But the more similarities they discover at home—both Black, book smart, and bisexual—the more they butt heads at work. Stella and Max must decide whether to think with their heads and walk away from their budding relationship, or follow their hearts and take a chance on love, no matter the cost.

After a chance courtside encounter, a fake relationship between a rising influencer and a WNBA star gets a little too real in this swoony sapphic romance.Chelsea has never cared about sports. But when she’s invited to sit courtside at a New York Rebels game, she welcomes the break from her usual routine. What she doesn’t expect is a basketball nearly colliding with her face—or the six-foot-four hottie who jogs over, flashing a heart-stopping grin, to retrieve it.Adrienne “AD” Daniels is a player on and off the court, notorious for their inability to stay in a relationship. Still, something about Chelsea sticks with them—even though their instant connection can’t bring AD to offer more than one night.But AD’s agent makes a pitch: Chelsea should pretend to be AD’s girlfriend. It’s a strategic move. AD, hoping to retire after this season, needs to lock down some brand deals—but their identity as a Black, nonbinary lesbian with a messy dating history makes sponsors wary. Chelsea, a sex-positive influencer, is ready to take her platform to a new level, and this feels like the perfect next step. With Chelsea’s network and AD’s star power, they could both strengthen their public images. Once the season ends, they’ll go their separate ways.As the ruse starts to work and their connection deepens, Chelsea finds herself on unsteady ground. Falling for AD wasn’t part of the plan, and if she follows through, she just might lose her heart and the future she’s finally starting to build.

Count down to Christmas with twelve sealed festive love stories by beloved romance authors.The Twelve Loves of Christmas is a swoon-worthy advent-style short story collection – some sweet, some spicy – about finding love during the most magical time of the year. Including a playful forced proximity romance featuring a woman and her older brother’s grinchy (yet unexpectedly endearing) best friend, a tender love story of two neighbours who decide to skip Christmas together, a second-chance spark reignited between exes stranded at the airport and many more festive love stories like rivals-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers and fake dating, this collection offers a little holiday magic for every reader. Each short story delivers its own dose of charm, chemistry and festive cheer. Open one sealed story at a time in the lead-up to Christmas to unwrap a season full of love, warmth and happily ever afters.PRAISE FOR THE TWELVE LOVES OF CHRISTMAS:‘The joy of the holiday season comes alive in this playful anthology . . . All 12 tales combine scintillating romance with elaborate yuletide scene-setting’ Publishers Weekly‘The stories and characters are wide-ranging and delightful: some queer, some secular, some urban, some small town, some steamy, but all enchanting . . . ' Library Journal (starred review)