Nicole (Niki Burnham) Burnham (1970–) Biography

Born 1970, in Key West, FL; father a military dentist. Education: Colorado State University, B.A. (magna cum laude), 1991; University of Michigan, M.A. (political science) and J.D., both 1994. Hobbies and other interests: Family activities, rose gardening, playing softball, travel.

Addresses

Agent—c/o Author Mail, Jenny Bent, Harvey Klinger, Inc., 301 W. 53rd St., New York, NY 10019.

Career

Writer. Also worked briefly as a lawyer.

Member

Romance Writers of America, Authors Guild, Authors League of America.

Writings

FOR ADULTS

Going to the Castle, Silhouette Books (New York, NY), 2001.

The Knight's Kiss, Silhouette Books (New York, NY), 2003.

The Prince's Tutor, Silhouette Books (New York, NY), 2003.

Falling for Prince Federico, Silhouette Books (New York, NY), 2004.

One Bachelor to Go, Silhouette Books (New York, NY), 2004.

Contributor to periodicals, including Bride's, Bridal Guide, and For the Bride.

FOR YOUNG ADULTS; UNDER NAME NIKI BURNHAM

Royally Jacked, Simon Pulse (New York, NY), 2004.

Spin Control, Simon Pulse (New York, NY), 2005.

Sticky Fingers, Simon Pulse (New York, NY), 2005.

Sidelights

Fifth-generation Coloradoan Nicole Burnham grew up traveling around the world with her father while he was in the U.S. Army. After graduating from Colorado State University magna cum laude, Burnham went on to obtain a law degree along with her master's degree in political science. Since then she has established herself as an adult romance writer as well penning young-adult novels under the name Niki Burnham. Royally Jacked is one of Burnham's many titles for teen readers.

In Royally Jacked readers meet Valerie, a fifteen year old who has recently found out that not only are her parents getting divorced, but the reason for the divorce is that her mother is leaving Valerie's father for another woman. After recovering from the initial shock of this family bombshell, Valerie is now put in the position of having to decide whether to move in with her mom and her mom's vegan girlfriend, or live her dad, who is being reassigned to Europe to serve as U.S. emissary to the royal family of Schwerinborg. Opting for Europe, the teen must then deal with even more challenges—a major roadblock to making friends is that she doesn't even speak the language—until romance blooms in the form of the royal family's handsome son Georg.

In Royally Jacked Burnham "offers a lively, humorous read with a contemporary approach and plenty of plot twists," commented Shelle Rosenfeld in Booklist, while Betty S. Evans, a critic for School Library Journal, dubbed the book a "fluffy, predictable, yet entertaining romance." In Publishers Weekly a reviewer cited Burnham's book for its "fun twists" and added that the teen's "funny, lively voice" in her e-mails to friends detailing her parental woes and youthful perspective "keep the story feeling fresh."