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WORK TITLE: Busted
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://michelekhoury.com/
CITY: Orange County
STATE: CA
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married.
EDUCATION:University of California at Riverside, M.A.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Technological entrepreneur and author.
AVOCATIONS:Walking her dogs, being with her husband, reading, social issues.
AWARDS:Business Development Manager of the Year Award, Apple Computer, 1987.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Prior to launching her writing career, Michele I. Khoury worked in the technology and sales industries. She worked with Apple in the late 1980s, and it was there that was bestowed with the award for Business Development Manager of the Year. She also fulfilled numerous industry achievements while working with Xerox Computer Services. She then moved on to build her own technological business, which she managed for more than two decades. It wasn’t until she enrolled in the University of California Irvine that she began to consider writing as a career option. She studied there for just over half a decade, learning about creative writing.
Busted is the first published result of her creative writing, and is informed by her interest in social reform. Busted stars a woman by the name of Regina McKenna, also known as “Gina.” With a floundering artistic career and little funds to her name, Gina is urgently looking for some way to stay afloat in life. One day she tries to earn some extra cash by putting her paintings up for sale at a public park. She instead lands on the verge of acquiring a citation, only to encounter a local restaurateur by the name of Jason Cavalieri. Jason is able to help Gina waive off the legal penalty and even offers her further help by giving her access to an upcoming get-together. He lures her in by promising to help her network with extremely rich potential patrons, but Gina soon realizes that Jason’s intentions are much more devious. His “friends” are not looking to purchase art, but instead are deeply enmeshed within the crime world, their specialty being illegal drugs. Gina is in danger of being pulled in just as deeply, and now all she wants is to free herself from this situation.
Things begin to change once again for Gina when she encounters an attorney who has been tasked with prosecuting the case revolving around the drug ring Gina has been pulled into. Sparks fly between them, leading to further danger. Also included in the mix is Bobby Garcia, who has been pursuing certain members of the drug ring for very personal reasons. One Kirkus Reviews contributor called the book “a fast-paced, often thrilling tale, with the economic plight of an artist living in a high-rent neighborhood as an unexpected bonus.” In an issue of PRWeb Newswire, one reviewer said: “Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Michele I. Khoury’s riveting debut novel shows both sides of the drug debate.” A writer on the jbronderbookreviews website remarked: “I really enjoyed this story and will be looking for more books from Michele Khoury.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 2017, review of Busted.
PRWeb Newswire, June 27, 2017, “Author Michele I. Khoury’s New Thriller ‘Busted’ is About Three People who Collide Over Cocaine Causing Crime, Sex, and the Law to Intersect with Explosive Results,” review of Busted.
ONLINE
jbronderbookreviews, https://jbronderbookreviews.com/ (January 5, 2018), review of Busted.
Michele I. Khoury website, http://michelekhoury.com (May 30, 2018), author profile.
Tina Hogan Grant website, https://tinahogangrant.com/ (October 27, 2017), Tina Hogan Grant, “Interview With Michele I. Khoury – Author of ‘Busted,'” author interview.
Michele is an award-winning entrepreneur in the technology industry, and lives in Orange County, California with her husband and two dogs, Bubbles and Thriller. While attending the University of California Irvine's Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Novel Writing program, she wrote “Busted.”
Please visit www.michelekhoury.com.
After graduating from the University of California at Riverside with a Masters degree in Economics, I discovered I hated being constrained to a desk job. Deciding to try sales, I migrated to Xerox Computer Services, where I set multiple sales records, followed by Apple Computer, where I received a Business Development Manager of the Year award in 1987. For twenty-one years I was an entrepreneur with a small business, and as an international business consultant, I taught technology companies around the world how to sell conceptual, intangible products and services that were difficult to learn or explain, sold to risk-averse committees, and perceived as expensive.
I began my third career when I took the Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Novel Writing Classes through the University of California Irvine’s extension programs. I was one of three out of fourteen students that my professor chose to mentor, and I attended her weekly critique sessions for six years. Busted is my debut novel, and the theme is legalizing drugs. I’m working on my second book, which is a story about domestic violence and abuse.
I’m passionate about social issues, and I care deeply about the less fortunate, including animals.
I live in Orange County, California, with my husband and our dogs, Bubbles (blue halter) and Thriller. (The yellow ribbon on their collars indicates a rescued animal, and to approach with caution.) I treat our pets as family members, and my husband says that he’d like to return in a future life as one of my dogs.
Interview With Michele I. Khoury – Author of “Busted”
October 27, 2017
Tina Hogan Grant
This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Michele I. Khoury – author of “Busted” and write my own personal review of the book.
I must state that I have been communicating with Michele for the past few months, sharing author to author tips and experiences. I consider her more than an acquaintance, to me she is a friend. I did not let our friendship reflect my honest reviews of her book. I remained transparent and taking into consideration, only the book.
A few words about Michele I. Khoury
About the Author
(Copied from her “About The Author Page”) Writing is Michele I. Khoury’s third career. After graduating from the University of California at Riverside with a master’s degree in economics, she worked at Xerox Computer Services, where she set multiple sales records, and Apple Computers, where she received the Business Development Manager of the Year award. As an entrepreneur and international business consultant, she taught technology companies around the world how to sell.
Her writing career began when she took the Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Novel Writing Classes offered through the University of California Irvine’s extension program. She was one of three out of fourteen students her professor chose to mentor and attend weekly critique sessions for six years. Busted is her debut novel and she is currently writing her second book, which is about domestic violence and abuse.
She lives in Orange County, California, with her husband and rescue dogs, Bubbles and Thriller.
The Synopsis of “Busted”
IMPACTED BY THE RECESSION, Twenty-four-year-old Gina Mckenna is down to her last few dollars and days away from living in her car when a successful businessman buys a painting and commissions another. As their relationship evolves, she’s seduced by his charm and mesmerized by his luxurious lifestyle until she discovers he’s a drug kingpin. Her world turns upside down, and she struggles to survive vicious brutality.
Miguel Lopez is a cocaine supplier with weightlifters physique and “the rules do not apply to me” attitude. Maniacal and ruthless, he has no qualms about killing anyone who interferes with his distribution network, including Gina.
Dedicated to eradicating illegal drugs, DEA Special Agent Bobby Garcia spent months and hundreds of thousands of dollars working undercover to buy his way up a dealer chain to identify the moneyman. When his fourteen-year-old daughter overdoses on cocaine, he traces the blow to Lopez. As Bobby’s mission becomes personal, he makes emotional decisions, which negatively impact civilians and his job. Unable to let go, he risks his carer to orchestrate the biggest drug sting in Southern California. What happens isn’t what he expected.
When a deputy district attorney meets Gina at a party, he is smitten. as his attraction grows, so does Gina’s involvement with the DEA’s case, of which he is the designated prosecutor. Mindful of his professional ethics, he tries to stifle his feelings.
Sex and violence permeate the twists and turns of this cautionary tale about choosing one’s friends.
My Review
The cover of the book is extremely appealing. The colors used are soft on the eyes but also captivating. The title “Busted” clearly stands out from a distance.
I was drawn into the story, by the second page, with the mention of a twelve-year-old boy high on cocaine. I wanted to know more. The reader is first introduced to “Gina”, with a little bit of history about her and whey she is almost penniless.
I liked the short chapters and how each chapter was solely about one character, allowing the reader to connect with them as the story unfolded.
This is a fast suspenseful page-turning read, with continual surprising events unfolding that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Many action scenes, keep the story exciting, along with some strong sexual content.
This book showed me another side of beautiful Orange County that I didn’t believe could exist. Drugs are not just a problem in the poor neighborhoods, but the wealthy upscale ones too. And where there are drugs, violence and danger are sure to follow.
For me the ending was predictable, but it didn’t take away the enjoyment or the thrill of reading the story. The journey was an exciting ride.
The characters were portrayed well, each with distinguished personalities and their own quirks but I would’ve liked to have had a little more history on Jason and Miguel.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
My Ratings
COVER DESIGN – 5 Stars
CHARACTERIZATION – 4 Stars
STORY AND PLOT – 5 stars
OVERALL RATING – 5 stars
The interview with Michele I. Khoury
Question 1 – How long have you been writing and why do you enjoy it?
Michele – I’ve been writing for ten years and started my novel when I attended UCI’s Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Novel Writing Class through their extension program in 2007. I enjoy the creativity, the research, experimenting with different sentence structures, words, characters, descriptions, and experiences. I love everything about writing—the solitary endeavor, getting critiques from my professionally-led writing group, editing, digging deep, and rewriting.
Question 2 – Other than writing, what else do you like to do?
Michele –My most favorite thing to do is read. I’ve been an avid reader all my life.
My next favorite thing is spending time with my husband and walking our two rescued dogs.
Question 3 – What inspired you to write “Busted”?
One of the first assignments in the writing course was to plot a novel. We’d received a lecture on the key components, and while driving home from class the plot for Busted came to me. When I got home, I sat at my computer, typed my thoughts, and then massaged the key points throughout the week. When I shared my outline in class the following week, my writing professor said, “Oh, that’s good. The story has legs; you have to pursue it.” Encouraged, I stuck with it.
Question 4 – What was the hardest part to write in “Busted”?
The most challenging part of writing Busted was creating the protagonist, Gina. Miguel (the antagonist), and Bobby (the good guy) were easy. Their chapters flowed. Gina evolved, and I didn’t really nail her character until after I’d finished the first couple of drafts. Her development evolved over time.
Question 5 – Who as an author, inspires you and why?
This is a tough question. I’m inspired by many authors, so it’s difficult to choose just one. Whenever I read good writing, I take notes and study what it was that impressed me. I learn something from almost every book. I’ve been doing this for the last ten years, and I have accumulated 276 pages in a Word document.
Question 6 – Name six of your favorite books and authors. Explain why these are your favorites.
Oh, my. This is another difficult question. I’ve read hundreds of books, and while I enjoyed the majority, very few are memorable. When a book sticks with me—i.e., when I remember it long after I’ve read it, then I consider it a favorite.
James Clavell’s Shogun. I read this book in 1986, and still remember many scenes.
John Grisham’s The Firm. I found this book fascinating. I love legal stuff.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is another all-time favorite. His story is vivid, emotional, and unforgettable.
While I love Stephen King’s The Misery, The Shining, The Green Mile, my favorite is a less popular novel: Duma Key. It’s part suspense, part paranormal, and just plain weird. Stephen King also wrote a book called On Writing—one of the best writing books I’ve read.
J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Series. Every single book was a creative adventure that I couldn’t put down.
I recently read Kathy Bennet’s A Deadly Blessing. It’s a police procedural; a genre that I enjoy. Kathy is a retired LAPD Detective, and her writing is most impressive.
I also read and enjoy many literary authors: Liane Moriarity, JoJo Moyes, Graham Simsion. Just finished Gabriel Tallent’s My Absolute Darling. Whoa. The story is as gruesome as it gets; however, his writing is poetic and the narrative is so engaging, I’m willing to forgive the most grizzly and horrific father-daughter abuse just to keep reading.
My list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Michael Connelly, Harlan Coben, and David Balducci. Their early novels are what inspired me to write. And I also read non-fiction; whatever captures my attention.
Question 7 – What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Read, research, write, get feedback, and rewrite. Writing groups can be very helpful or hurtful; make sure the person leading is knowledgeable, employs positive feedback as well as constructive criticism, and gives each individual equal time.
Question 8– Are you currently working on anything now? If so, tell us a little about it and when it can be expected to be available.
Yes, I’m working on my second novel, which is about domestic violence and abuse. It’s loosely based on ex-Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca. Allegedly his first wife filed a battery complaint against him, but law enforcement cronies buried it. (BTW: This is not uncommon in the police community.)
f the complaint had been made public, Baca would have been charged with a felony, lost the ability to carry his weapon, and his job. The title of my next novel is The Sheriff’s Wife, and it’s about a battered woman, how she survives, escapes, and reestablishes her life with her three children.
Question 9– Is there anything else you would like to say?
Research is critical. I’ve met many talented writers who are dedicated to their craft. However, they don’t take the time to research their subject matter. Research lends authenticity. And, I highly recommend doing what Tina is doing: promoting your novel BEFORE it is released. SMART.
Thank you, Michele, for allowing me to interview you and I wish you all the success on your new path of writing. It looks like you are off to a pretty good start.
Michele’s website is http:www.michelekhoury.com
Khoury, Michele I.: BUSTED
Kirkus Reviews. (Sept. 1, 2017):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Khoury, Michele I. BUSTED Page Publishing (Indie Fiction) $20.10 4, 13 ISBN: 978-1-68409-770-8
In Khoury's debut novel, a struggling painter who's looking for an art dealer meets a drug dealer instead--and danger ensues. Short on rent and desperate for cash, Regina "Gina" McKenna is about to get a citation for attempting to sell her paintings in a Laguna Beach, California, park without a permit when Jason Cavalieri, owner of Cabaret Restaurant, comes to her rescue. He buys a painting on the spot and invites her to a party, promising that he'll introduce her to his wealthy friends. Instead, he entangles her in his secret drug-dealing operation--and a murder plot--just as Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Bobby Garcia homes in on Jason's business partner, Miguel Lopez, as a suspect in his investigation. The action unfolds in short, punchy chapters as Gina tries to extract herself from Jason's grip while the police and the other drug dealers try to find out how much she knows about her new benefactor. In one especially exciting scene, a criminal dangles from a plane in midair, desperately trying to climb back inside before he plummets into the Pacific Ocean. Orange County is known for its beautiful coastline and sunny skies; Khoury's story shows a darker side, including a growing housing crisis and a failing war on drugs. The protagonist's anxiety is palpable as she cold-calls art galleries and passes out homemade fliers to try to sell her work so that she can pay for the small space she rents from a family who's struggling to pay the mortgage. Deputy District Attorney Tom Halloway, who develops a soft spot for Gina while he works on her case, is also quick to provide statistics on how legalizing drugs would save resources and reduce crime. Gina is shown to be naive but scrappy, and when she lands in jail for a crime she didn't commit, she cowers before shifty inmates and unscrupulous guards--until a street-savvy prostitute shows her the ropes, giving her a fighting chance. A fast-paced, often thrilling tale, with the economic plight of an artist living in a high-rent neighborhood as an unexpected bonus.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Khoury, Michele I.: BUSTED." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Sept. 2017. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A502192193/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=fca2cec6. Accessed 10 May 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A502192193
Author Michele I. Khoury's New Thriller "Busted" is About Three People who Collide Over Cocaine Causing Crime, Sex, and the Law to Intersect with Explosive Results
PRWeb Newswire. (June 27, 2017):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 Vocus PRW Holdings LLC
http://www.prweb.com or www.vocus.com
Full Text:
(PRWEB) June 27, 2017
Michele I. Khoury, an award-winning entrepreneur in the technology industry, lives in Orange County, California with her husband and two dogs, Bubbles and Thriller. While attending the University of California Irvine's Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Novel Writing program, she created "Busted."
Impacted by the recession, twenty-four-year-old artist Gina McKenna is down to her last few dollars and days away from living in her car when a successful businessman buys a painting and commissions another. As their relationship evolves, she's seduced by his charm and mesmerized by his luxurious lifestyle until she discovers he's a drug kingpin. Her world turns upside down, and she struggles to survive vicious brutality.
Miguel Lopez is a cocaine supplier with a weightlifter's physique and "the rules do not apply to me" attitude. Maniacal and ruthless, he has no qualms about killing anyone who interferes with his distribution network, including Gina.
Dedicated to eradicating illegal drugs, DEA Special Agent Bobby Garcia spent months and hundreds of thousands of dollars working undercover to buy his way up the dealer chain to identify the moneyman. When his fourteen-year-old daughter overdoses on cocaine, he traces the blow to Lopez. As Bobby's mission becomes personal, he makes emotional decisions, which negatively impact civilians and his job. Unable to let go, he risks his career to orchestrate the biggest drug sting in Southern California. What happens isn't what he expected.
When a deputy district attorney meets Gina at a party, he is smitten. As his attraction grows, so does Gina's involvement with the DEA's case, of which he is the designated prosecutor. Mindful of his professional ethics, he tries to stifle his feelings.
Sex and violence permeate the twists and turns of this cautionary tale about choosing one's friends well.
Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Michele I. Khoury's riveting debut novel shows both sides of the drug debate.
Readers who wish to experience this potent drama can purchase "Busted" at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Kobo, Google Play or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.
About Page Publishing
Page Publishing is a traditional New York-based full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors' books, including distribution in the world's largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not bogged down with the logistics of eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of accomplished writers can help authors leave behind these tedious and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/06/prweb14456197.htm
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Author Michele I. Khoury's New Thriller 'Busted' is About Three People who Collide Over Cocaine Causing Crime, Sex, and the Law to Intersect with Explosive Results." PRWeb Newswire, 27 June 2017. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A497039326/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=54317c0a. Accessed 10 May 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A497039326
Busted
Posted in 5 Star Books on January 5, 2018| Leave a Comment »
Busted by Michele Khoury
Impacted by the recession, twenty-four-year-old artist Gina McKenna is down to her last few dollars and days away from living in her car when a successful businessman buys a painting and commissions another. As their relationship evolves, she’s seduced by his charm and mesmerized by his luxurious lifestyle until she discovers he’s a drug kingpin. As her world turns upside down, she struggles to survive vicious brutality.
Miguel Lopez is a cocaine supplier with a weightlifter’s physique and “the rules do not apply to me” attitude. Maniacal and ruthless, he has no qualms about killing anyone who interferes with his distribution network, including Gina.
Dedicated to eradicating illegal drugs, DEA Special Agent Bobby Garcia spent months and hundreds of thousands of dollars working undercover to buy his way up a dealer chain to identify the moneyman. When his fourteen-year-old daughter overdoses on cocaine, he traces the blow to Lopez. As Bobby’s mission becomes personal, he makes emotional decisions, which negatively impact civilians and his job. Unable to let go, he risks his career to orchestrate the biggest drug sting in Southern California. What happens isn’t what he expected.
When a deputy district attorney meets Gina at a party, he is smitten. As his attraction grows, so does Gina’s involvement with the DEA’s case, of which he is the designated prosecutor. Mindful of his professional ethics, he tries to stifle his feelings.
Sex and violence permeate the twists and turns of this cautionary tale about choosing one’s friends well.
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Author’s Bio
Michele I. Khoury, an award-winning entrepreneur in the technology industry, lives in Orange County, California with her husband and two dogs, Bubbles and Thriller. While attending the University of California Irvine’s Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Novel Writing program, she created “Busted.” BUSTED is her debut novel, and she is writing her second book, which is about domestic violence and abuse.
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My Review
5 stars
Gina McKenna is a starving artist. She is trying to sell her paintings to get by. Once day she sees two men and one buys her painting and requests her to paint another for him. This leads to Gina being swept off her feet by rich Jason Cavalieri. Unfortunately Jason’s money comes from drug trafficking with his partner Miguel Lopez. Miguel has reservations about Gina and thinks that she is a weak link in their business. Then Jason and Gina are arrested at dinner, processed, and find themselves in prison. There Gina has to fight for her life since Miguel is determined to keep her quiet.
Enter DEA agent Bobby Garcia. Bobby lost his 14 year old daughter to an over dose of cocaine from Miguel. If that didn’t make this case tough enough, he also finds himself drawn to Gina. Although he is trying to approach this case with an open mind, he finds it getting harder and harder by the day. And poor Gina wants nothing more to get through this and start her life fresh.
This is a great story. Gina is just trying to make ends meet when she finds herself deep in trouble. There is a lot of action and I was hoping that everything would work out in the end. I really enjoyed this story and will be looking for more books from Michele Khoury.
I received Busted from Author Marketing Experts for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.