Celeste O. Norfleet (born February 11, 1959, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a contemporary African-American novelist known for Romance novel, romance and young adult fiction, young adult novels.

Early years

Norfleet was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After attending public school, she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts, B.F.A. degree in fashion illustration from Moore College of Art and Design. She spent the next few years working in the advertising field, first as a graphic artist, and later as a creative art director.

Writing

In 1991, Norfleet moved to Northern Virginia. A few years later, she began reading romance novels. After reading many novels in this genre, she wrote one herself in 1999. ''Priceless Gift'', her first romance novel, was sold to BET Books in 2001, and published in March 2002. ''Priceless Gift'' began the Mamma Lou Matchmaker series of 11 books. Norfleet has since written more than twenty novels. In 2007, Harlequin Kimani TRU released Norfleet's first young adult novel, ''Pushing Pause,'' which received positive reviews. This novel became the first in a series known as The Kenisha Lewis Series, written for teens and adults, which was followed by the books ''Fast Forward'' and ''Gettin’ Played''. Norfleet now writes romance novels full-time. She describes her stories as realistic with some humor, depicting strong, sexy characters involved in unpredictable adventures. She also writes dramatic fiction for young adults, reflecting current issues facing African-American teens. Norfleet has written for Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin's Kimani Press Arabesque, Harlequin Kimani Romance and Kimani Press TRU (young adult) lines.

Acclaim

Norfleet is the recipient of six awards from Romance Slam Jam (RSJ), as well as a lifetime achievement award. She was also honored with the BRAB, 2016 Frances Ray Lifetime Literary Legacy Award.''HarperCollins'', Retrieved 2023-03-25
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Personal life

Norfleet currently lives in Virginia with her family.

Bibliography

Romance

* ''Priceless Gift'', 2002 * ''A Christmas Wish'', 2002 * ''Since Forever'', 2003 * ''One Sure Thing'', 2003, (featuring winner of the 2002 Arabesque Man cover contest) * ''Reflections of You'', 2004 * ''Irresistible You'', 2004 * ''Only You'', 2005 * ''The Fine Art of Love'', 2005 * ''A Taste of Romance in Back In Your Arms'' (with Sandra Kitt and Deidre Savoy (Deirdre Savoy) ), 2006 * ''Love After All'', 2007 * ''Following Love'', 2008 * ''When Love Calls'', 2008 * ''Sultry Storm'', in Mother Nature Matchmaker (with Brenda Jackson and Carmen Green) 2009 * ''When It Feels So Right'', 2009 * ''Love Me Now'', 2009 * ''Cross My Heart'', 2010 * ''Heart’s Choice'', in Millionaire Matchmaker (with Donna Hill and Adrianne Byrd) 2010 * ''Flirting With Destiny'', (Kimani Hottie Series) 2010 * ''Love’s Paradise'', 2011 * ''Come Away with Me'', 2011 * ''Just one Touch'', 2011 * ''Just one Taste'', 2012 * ''Forever Love'', 2012 * ''Mine at Last'', 2013 * ''The Thrill of You'', 2013 * ''One Night in Georgia'', 2019

Young adult novels

* ''Pushing Pause'', 2007 * ''She Said, She Said'', 2008 (with Jennifer Norfleet) * ''Fast Forward'', 2009 * ''Getting Played'' 2010 * ''Download Drama'' 2012

Omnibus

* ''Back in Your Arms'', 2005 * ''This Holiday Magic'', 2014 * ''A Christmas Kiss'', 2015

Novellas

* ''A Taste of Romance'', 2013

Recognition

* Nominated - Rose Award, ''Since Forever'', 2003 * Nominated - Romantic Times Book - Reviewer's Choice Award - Best African American Romance (2004) * Nominated - Romantic Times Book - Career Achievement Award (2009) * Nominated - Romance Slam Jam - Best Steamy Romance (2009) * Nominated - Romantic Times Book - Author of The Year (2009) * Finalist - YALSA - Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers List (2009)

References

External links

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Norfleet, Celeste O. 1959 births Living people 20th-century American novelists 21st-century American novelists African-American novelists American romantic fiction writers American women novelists Moore College of Art and Design alumni Writers from Philadelphia American writers of young adult literature American women romantic fiction writers 20th-century American women writers 21st-century American women writers American women writers of young adult literature Novelists from Pennsylvania 20th-century African-American women writers 20th-century African-American writers 21st-century African-American women writers 21st-century African-American writers