Lucy Monroe's Blog, page 2
June 30, 2025
Say Yes! to the Epilogue
It’s wedding season, and everywhere I turn it’s tulle, tears, and reels of grooms sobbing at the altar (as they should). Between the real-life “I do’s,” Pinterest-worthy flower arrangements, and that one friend who insists on a three-day destination affair, love is definitely in the air—and maybe a little pollen too.
All this romance swirling around has me thinking about one of the most beloved elements in my books: the wedding epilogue. Readers have been asking for them since my early Harlequin Presents days, and honestly? I get it. There’s just something about seeing our favorite couples not only survive the story but celebrate it—with vows, cake, and maybe a mafia-approved guest list.
Before we talk about why these happily-ever-after “I do’s” never go out of style—and why I’ll never get tired of writing them, here are some jaw-dropping, heart-thumping reads to add to your TBR:
🔥 Dark Romance in the Summer 🔥He didn’t steal her heart… he conquered it.
These stories bring all the heat and high stakes you crave, from morally gray anti-heroes to fierce heroines who don’t go down without a fight. Check out He Didn't Steal My Heart, He Conquered It.
Now, let’s talk epic and epilogue weddings in romance!
Why the Post-ceremony Glow MattersA wedding epilogue isn’t just an extra scene; it’s an emotional exhale. After all the conflict, misunderstandings, or mafia-level family drama (looking at you, Syndicate Rules crew!), we’re rewarded with joy we can taste.
Romance readers crave proof that the promises made in the last chapter stick. A marriage ceremony is the genre’s shorthand for permanence. It’s a confetti-filled stamp that says: Yes, they really did beat every obstacle—and now the whole guest list knows it, too.
Long-time Lucy readers remember my early Harlequin Presents days—flashy Mediterranean billionaires, desert princes, and weddings glittering beneath chandeliers. We fell in love together back then, and the tradition stuck. Epilogue weddings act like a secret handshake between us: You showed up for Book One…let me show you how far they’ve come.
Opening a story with a wedding can be equally delicious (hello, Urgent Vows). By flipping the script—marry first, fall in epic love later—I get to use the epilogue for something else entirely, but just as emotionally satisfying.
The Power of the Epilogue vs. the Bonus SceneI treat wedding moments a bit like my favorite dessert buffet: sometimes you want that rich slice right after dinner (an epilogue at the end of the main story). Other times you want to linger, change into comfy shoes, and enjoy a surprise petit four later (a free bonus scene delivered to my newsletter readers).
Epilogue weddings deliver immediate payoff. Think of them as the book’s encore—one more song because the crowd screamed for it.
Bonus-scene weddings let the couple breathe. They’re a chance to revisit that emotional pay off at the end of the book.
Full disclosure: many of my books include the wedding before I type The End, because there’s no question that I like my HEA wrapped up and tied with a neat little bow.
Personal Touches Make the Aisle (or Beach, or Cruise Ship) OursThe secret sauce? A wedding that feels as individual as the couple. One of my favorite wedding scenes I wrote is in The Greek’s Christmas Baby because it highlights the joy of Greek wedding traditions and how important observing them is to the couple. It’s his way of saying, “You matter to me. Your dreams are my dreams.”
The Rehearsal and Wedding Epilogue in Forced Vows is saturated with both Sicilian and Irish wedding traditions, with a little mafia flavor sprinkled in. But what it does best is show the absolute love between Miceli & Róise and that what started as forced vows for both of them became vows of absolute love and commitment.
When I write a wedding, I ask two questions:
What makes this wedding another step in their journey of love? A shy heroine walking a very long aisle…and what the hero can do to make that better. An emotionally bruised hero making vows in front of the whole clan…and what the impact of that will be on the heroine.
What makes this wedding unique to this couple? I’ve written several Greek weddings and while they all share some similarities, they also have moments entirely unique to them. A hero who tweaks the tradition of providing music outside the bride’s window while she dresses by serenading her. A heroine who uses breaking the plates as a way to show the hero is the only man she sees.
Who’s Next Down the Aisle?As I hammer out the final chapters of Sins of Arrogance, I’m already plotting how Kara and Mick’s future “I still do” moment will look—equal parts Irish swagger, high-security guest list, and the sweetest best man you ever did see (yes, Fitz is practicing). Will it appear as an epilogue? A bonus scene after publication? Or as part of the main story itself? You’ll just have to wait and see. 😉 But one thing is for sure, Kara is going to have the wedding of her dreams this time around. Mick will make sure of it!
For a glimpse of what that might be, check out my wedding trends themed blog posts and the mafia books they’re most likely linked with:
Vintage-Inspired Glam: Romance, Elegance, and a Little Bit of Drama
Brown Weddings: The Unexpected Romance of a Bold New Trend
Luxe Micro Weddings: Small Guest List, Big Emotion
Love Story Details: The Most Romantic Wedding Trend of All
Sins of Arrogance ExcerptI know…I promised this a couple of newsletters ago and forgot to include it! 🙀
MICK
I set Fitz and Kara down on the sofa. "Look at me mo leanbh."
Fitz obeys me instantly and I take that as a win.
I shrug out of my summer weight suit jacket and indicate the gun holster under my left arm. Then I put my left foot on the coffee table and lift my pant leg so he can see the small pistol holstered there.
I switch feet and show the double knife holster on either side of my ankle on my right leg.
After that, I reveal the hidden knife in my belt buckle and the razor wire that slides out of my leather belt. "I am always prepared to keep you and your mam safe."
"What if you aren't with her? What if you're working and the bad guys come for her?"
"There is not another man alive badder, or scarier than me," I promise our son. "And when I'm not with yiz, I always make sure at least six men are watching over you."
"And mommy too?" Fitz stresses.
Where is this coming from? Why does my son believe I value his mother's safety less than his? "Aye."
"Even when she goes somewhere without me?" Fitz asks doubtfully.
"Next to you, boyo, your mam is the most important person to me in the world." As the words leave my mouth, I realize where some of my son's fears stem from.
I've said something similar to him many times believing it would give him comfort. Now, I realize it has caused him to create a narrative in his mind where I don't value Kara's safety as much as his.
The way that Kara looks down at our son and doesn't meet my eyes tells me she buys into the same narrative.
Feckin' he11.
I'm not a man made to comfort others. Present situation a glaring example of that truth. But I cannot leave either of them believing that I won't burn down the world protect Kara.
"I will never let anyone take your mommy away from us," I promise Fitz before lifting my wife's chin so our eyes meet. "You are mine Kara, now and forever. I will always protect you."
Her eyes soften like they do sometimes. "I know."
But she doesn't know. Does she? Neither does Fitz. Words are not enough and they're not my strong suit anyway.
Sins of Arrogance coming August 28th.
Happy reading until next time!
Lucy
P.S. I’ll be offering a Lunch & Learn virtual event in Bookspace about switching from traditional to indie publishing on Wednesday, July 2nd at 2pm ET. I’ll be sharing the highs, the lows, and the lessons I’ve learned on my journey. You’ll get an honest look at what to expect, what to love, and what to watch out for—plus there’ll be time for a Q&A, so bring your burning questions!
You can learn more about Bookspace here, and join for a special introductory rate to take part in this event!
USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lucy Monroe has over 90 published novels and more than 12.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her stories—rich with emotion, heat, and high stakes—span contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance.
Now publishing independently, Lucy writes the bold, deeply romantic stories she’s most passionate about. Her latest series, Syndicate Rules, explores the dark and decadent world of mafia romance with morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, and all the spice fans crave.
A voracious reader and longtime romance fangirl, Lucy loves connecting with fellow book lovers online.
For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.
Find her on social media:
BookBub: Lucy Monroe
goodreads: Lucy Monroe
Facebook: LucyMonroe.Romance
Instagram: lucymonroeromance
Pinterest: lucymonroebooks
YouTube: @LucyMonroeBooks
Threads: lucymonroeromance
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June 28, 2025
Tiny Roles, Big Impact: How to Avoid Placeholder Characters
Happy weekend, writing friends!
A dear friend of mine (waving hi to Sarah) asked me to discuss how to breathe life into secondary characters for a series of author advice reels I did on Instagram. I think it’s such an important writing concept, I decided to turn it into a blog article here too.
This skill is something I learned early in my writing journey, and it’s made a lot of difference to the quality of my stories. And it all started with some writing advice I got when I first started writing.
It came from multiple seasoned authors. I don’t even know who to credit because it came from so many directions, but here’s what they all agreed on:
Do not use placeholder characters.What does that mean? A placeholder character is someone who only exists to fulfill a plot point. The UPS guy delivering a package. A coworker who shows up for one scene. The best friend who exists just to be a sounding board for the heroine’s problems. You haven’t really thought about them as people—you’ve just plopped them in because the story needs a body in that moment.
And here’s the thing: even if that character only appears once, your reader can tell if you’ve thought about who they are.
Now, I’ll be honest. I don’t name every single character in my books. Especially if there’s a large cast! It can get overwhelming for both me and my readers. But just because a character isn’t named doesn’t mean they’re a cardboard cutout. If the UPS guy shows up in my story, I know in my head what he looks like. I know whether he’s married or single. Whether he had breakfast this morning. Whether he’s got a flirty vibe or a keep-it-moving vibe.
Why? Because when I write him, he’s going to move and speak like someone with a life. Even if he never gets another line, he’ll have a moment. He’ll feel real.
And for those named secondary characters—the ones who show up again and again, or who help carry the plot forward—you absolutely need to know their backstory. Even if you never put it down on the page, you need to know it.
Why? Because characters act and react based on who they are and where they come from. When a character has depth in your head, that depth comes out on the page. Readers feel it.
How Does That Look on the Page?Little behavioral choices tell the reader more than a paragraph of description. Here are a few quick examples of letting tiny actions do the heavy lifting:
The double-ring UPS guy. He doesn’t just thumb the doorbell once—he hits it, waits two beats, hits it again, and adds an impatient rap with his knuckles. Maybe he needs a signature and he’s running late on his route. Or maybe he’s just naturally impatient. Either way, the main character reads that vibe and thinks, Someone skipped breakfast today, revealing her own tendency to empathize (or judge!).
The barista who never looks up. Your heroine orders her latte; the barista calls out “Linda” even though she clearly wrote “Lydia” on the cup. He keeps his earbuds in, eyes glued to the espresso machine. That tiny moment shows he’s checked out, the café is slammed, or he’s socially anxious—and it gives Lydia a reason to reflect on her own name and how often people get it wrong.
The rideshare driver humming off-key. He’s stuck in traffic, tapping the steering wheel to a 90s boy-band song no one has admitted loving in decades. Your hero joins in under his breath, surprising himself with nostalgia. Suddenly we know both characters a bit better—one’s carefree enough to hum in front of strangers, the other has a secret soft spot.
In each case, the secondary character’s micro-actions invite your protagonist (and your reader) to respond emotionally. That reaction deepens both characters without a single info-dump.
You don’t have to create full bios.You don’t have to write a whole character sheet unless that works for you. (If it does, go for it!) But take a moment to ask:
What’s this person’s role?
What do they want in this scene?
What’s their vibe?
What’s one thing about them that makes them unique?
What do they look like?
I strongly recommend keeping the physical details and basic character info with the other cast of characters for your book. You never know if someone you thought was a “walk-on” is going to turn out to have a bigger part in your story, or future stories.
Give your secondary characters a touch of life, and your entire story becomes richer, more layered, and frankly more fun to write.
So let’s ditch the placeholders and start writing people. 💛
Until next time, keep writing and keep dreaming!
Lucy
P.S. I’ll be offering a Lunch & Learn virtual event in Bookspace about switching from traditional to indie publishing on Wednesday, July 2nd at 2pm ET. I’ll be sharing the highs, the lows, and the lessons I’ve learned on my journey. You’ll get an honest look at what to expect, what to love, and what to watch out for—plus there’ll be time for a Q&A, so bring your burning questions!
You can learn more about Bookspace here, and join for a special introductory rate to take part in this event!
USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lucy Monroe has over 90 published novels and more than 12.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her stories—rich with emotion, heat, and high stakes—span contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance.
Now publishing independently, Lucy writes the bold, deeply romantic stories she’s most passionate about. Her latest series, Syndicate Rules, explores the dark and decadent world of mafia romance with morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, and all the spice fans crave.
A voracious reader and longtime romance fangirl, Lucy loves connecting with fellow book lovers online.
For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.
Find her on social media:
BookBub: Lucy Monroe
goodreads: Lucy Monroe
Facebook: LucyMonroe.Romance
Instagram: lucymonroeromance
Pinterest: lucymonroebooks
YouTube: @LucyMonroeBooks
Threads: lucymonroeromance
June 25, 2025
Love Story Details: The Most Romantic Wedding Trend of All
As a romance author, I live for the moment when two people realize they’re each other’s forever. It’s the heartbeat of every book I write. And now it’s one of the biggest wedding trends of the year: Love Story Details.
Couples are adding deeply personal touches to their weddings—timeline signs, framed meet-cute moments, custom vows, even napkins printed with how they met. These aren’t just sweet—they’re unforgettable. Because the love story is what makes a wedding yours.
If I could do my own wedding again, you’d better believe I’d be all in on this trend. 💕
Our Love Story…
I’d tell the world about the day I met Tom.
Me in a yellow strapless dress.
Him in chinos and a short-sleeved button-down.
Both of us instantly smitten. Sparks flying. The kind of moment romance authors live to write. 🥰
I’d include the story of his proposal—how he gave me a plastic toy ring from a vending machine first, just to be a goof. I laughed… until he pulled out the real ring. A stunning beauty from Weisfield’s (a jeweler that’s long gone, but our love definitely isn’t).
And I’d share the moment that almost broke us: a week apart, when I thought he was deciding whether to choose me over family approval. I was heartbroken, sure he’d walk away. But he was giving me the space he thought I needed.
Communication, y’all. 😂
That story would’ve been on our wedding website, in our ceremony program, maybe printed on the cocktail napkins if I was feeling bold. Because that’s what this trend is all about—letting people see your journey, not just your vows.
These days, when I write fictional weddings, I always try to slip in little details that make the wedding unique to the couple, something that connects back to them falling in love…or lust. (Sometimes love comes after the wedding in my books!)
In The Maharajah’s Billionaire Heir, Vin arranges for poinsettias to show Eliza that what she wants matters. In so many ways, their wedding tells the story of their relationship and I loved, loved, loved writing that scene.
In my August 28th spicy mafia romance release, Sins of Arrogance, Kara deeply wishes she had been able to tell a love story between her and Mick at their wedding. Instead, it was arranged by two powerful mob bosses to unite their syndicates. Those missing love story details? They’re the reason that arranged marriage is about to implode.
And now real couples are telling their own love stories. It’s one of the most romantic trends I’ve seen in years, and I’m all for it. 💗
Tell me—if you could spotlight one moment from your love story at a wedding, what would it be?
USA Today bestselling author Lucy Monroe has published 90+ romance novels with over 12.5 million copies in print. Now indie, she writes the bold, emotional, and steamy stories she's most passionate about—including her latest mafia romance series, Syndicate Rules.
For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.
Find her on social media:
BookBub: Lucy Monroe
goodreads: Lucy Monroe
Facebook: LucyMonroe.Romance
Instagram: lucymonroeromance
Pinterest: lucymonroebooks
YouTube: @LucyMonroeBooks
Threads: lucymonroeromance
June 23, 2025
From Bestie to Babe: Friends-to-Lovers Romance Recs
There’s something warm, wonderful and wicked about falling for the person who already knows the real you—flaws, quirks, inside jokes and all. No masks. No pretenses. Just two people who’ve shared late-night snacks, years of memories, and maybe even a few denial-fueled “no, we’re totally just friends” moments.
The friends-to-lovers trope hits us right in the feels because it blends comfort with longing. It’s not a lightning strike. It’s a slow burn with embers that have been smoldering for years. One touch. One sideways glance. One “I don’t want to lose you… but I want more” moment—and we’re done for. ❤️🔥
And while this trope works across genres, there’s one place it absolutely thrives: small towns. There’s just something about tight-knit communities, nosy neighbors, and shared hometown history that makes the shift from platonic to passionate even juicier. It might be the forced proximity of working in the same diner or coaching Little League together…or just the fact that they’ve always been right there, hiding in plain sight.
That said, some of my favorite friends-to-lovers books are set in big cities, royal palaces and exotic locations. Friends-to-lovers works everywhere. College campuses. The family ranch. Life on the high seas. There’s no place you can’t find a potential romance between two people who start out as friends. These books range from sweet to spicy and everything in between, but my favorite have plenty of steam to go along with the emotional feels.
If you’re as soft as I am for this kind of emotional avalanche, here are some friends-to-lovers romances that will absolutely hit the spot:
💋 The Hookup Type by Brittany WilsonBrittany Wilson brings the heat and the heart in this college friends romance that will resonate with millennials. The emotions are slow burn, the steamy scenes are not and the writing is top notch. For readers who love an HFN (happy for now ending) with a sequel coming.
🍨 Lunchtime Chronicles: Butter Pecan Gelato by Posey ParksChildhood friends. Grown-up temptation. A gelato shop that might just melt your heart. This one’s a quick, spicy read with plenty of heat, a little angst, and a whole lot of sweetness. Posey Parks layers in all the yummy touches—family expectations, buried feelings, and one too-hot-to-ignore connection. If you love friends who finally say “enough waiting,” you’ll gobble this one up.
🧡 A Single Dad to Heal Him by Traci DouglassFormer best friends thrown into close proximity by work? Check. Intense attraction? Check. Emotion laden storyline? Check. Two swoony MMCs? Double check. One super cute kid? Check. Check. Check. Traci is one of my favorite authors and her Medical Romances rock. This friends-to-lovers romance has all the right vibes and a heart-melting HEA.
Want to know about a few of my own friends-to-lovers romances? Here’s a few to give a try, set in the worlds I love writing about most:
Rand (3 Brides for 3 Bad Boys Trilogy)Reclusive billionaire Rand Alexander thinks his heart is buried for good—until lifelong friend Phoebe Garrison offers him a dangerous bargain: the deed to a piece of land his company desperately needs…in exchange for one week in her bed. What starts as a bold business deal explodes into raw, unstoppable passion—and a shot at healing they never saw coming.
Her Off Limits PrinceBlythe has done her best to ignore the heat smoldering between her and Prince Tor—younger brother of her best friend’s kingly husband and seriously off-limits. But the combat-hardened royal isn’t about to follow the rules if it means keeping Blythe at a distance. When he offers a no-strings fling, she dives in, but has her own heart-breaking reasons for refusing to consider anything deeper. She knows she’s not his future, but the stubborn prince sees things very differently.
The Prince’s Virgin WifeTom Prince hires Maggie as his housekeeper with the threat, “If I find you naked in my bed, I will fire you on the spot.” Maggie knows the gorgeous grad student is out of her league. She’s happy with the friendship that develops between them, until one incendiary kiss. Only by the time she’s ready to take the chance on the passion that sparked between them, he’s fallen for the lovely Liana. Six years later, Prince Tomasso is a widower with two small children who need a mom with a lot more heart than the woman who gave them birth. He wants his best friend back even if he has to be a little underhanded to do it.
Kostas’s Convenient BrideAndreas has built his company into a multi-billion dollar business with the help of his best friend and super geek, Kayla. Now he’s ready to settle down and have a family. So, he hires a matchmaker. When Kayla realizes Andreas is never going to “wake up” and realize he loves her, even after their shared past of on-again-off-again passion, she takes off for New York. The predator inside Andreas is wakened and forgetting the bridal candidates, he chases after the only woman he wants to keep in his life long term.
The Rancher’s RulesThe millionaire’s forbidden virgin. Grant Cortez is rich, famous and seriously sexy. But although he arouses feelings in Zoe that no other man ever has, as her best friend he’s strictly a no-go zone. When they’re forced to live together the temptation skyrockets, and Grant imposes some rules—no kissing, and definitely no sex. But then there’s the best rule of all: some rules are just made to be broken!
USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lucy Monroe has over 90 published novels and more than 12.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her stories—rich with emotion, heat, and high stakes—span contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance.
Now publishing independently, Lucy writes the bold, deeply romantic stories she’s most passionate about. Her latest series, Syndicate Rules, explores the dark and decadent world of mafia romance with morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, and all the spice fans crave.
A voracious reader and longtime romance fangirl, Lucy loves connecting with fellow book lovers online.
For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.
Find her on social media:
BookBub: Lucy Monroe
goodreads: Lucy Monroe
Facebook: LucyMonroe.Romance
Instagram: lucymonroeromance
Pinterest: lucymonroebooks
YouTube: @LucyMonroeBooks
Threads: lucymonroeromance
June 21, 2025
The Best Writing Advice I didn't Take: My Top 10
There’s a lot of really good writing and author career advice out there. But not all of it is good for you. Over my many years in the publishing industry, I’ve been given some excellent advice—advice rooted in experience, statistics, and wisdom. But the truth is that advice would have been terrible for me.
Here are my top 10:Write to the Market: this advice has been given to me in different forms throughout my writing career and it is never going to work for me. Most recently, an editor (not Andie from Beyond the proof - our creative connection is magic) told me I needed more sex scenes in order to satisfy readers of mafia romance. That advice wasn’t inherently wrong. It was based on data and a good editor’s instincts.
The problem? It clashed with one of my personal creative boundaries: I never include a scene solely for marketability.
This isn’t a judgment on anyone else. It’s simply a rule I hold sacred in my own writing life. Could I have added those scenes skillfully enought that no one would ever guess they weren’t integral to the story? Probably. I’m a good writer. But that doesn’t mean I should or would be happy with the story if I did.
Because I know myself. And when I write what I think the market wants—rather than what my story demands—my creative well dries up fast. Like down-to-the-sludge dry. If I want to keep writing books I love, I have to protect my process.
I promote to the market, not write to it. When I’m done with a book, I analyze it and figure out what popular tropes are in it, what reader trend I might be able to tap into with this particular story. How it fits the market now that the story is finished.
Use multiple pen names if you are going to write in more than one subgenre of romance.
That sounded smart, but I was hesitant for a few reasons. Luckily, a friend arranged a quick call with the very gracious Jayne Ann Krentz, and her take on the issue resonated deeply. She said that many readers follow authors across genres, and if I split my name (especially as a new author), they might not be able to find me.
Some authors thrive using multiple pen names—including Jayne herself! But for me? Using just one name means I don’t have to have and maintain multiple websites, newsletter lists and social media accounts. Knowing what I know now about my capacity for peopling, I realize if I’d tried to do that, I probably wouldn’t be writing anymore. Seriously.
Have an account on TikTok: Everyone said I had to be on TikTok. Not just one guru or Facebook group—everyone. So I gave it a solid year. I posted five times a week, made high-quality videos, ran ads, and interacted with readers. I gave it my all.
And I saw zero change in book sales. Zilch. Nada. No difference between when I had 12 followers to when I had over 2,000.
I don’t regret giving it a shot. Learning and trying new things stops us from stagnating. TikTok absolutely works for some authors. Careers have been launched there! But for me, it was a lot of time and effort for no return. And at the end of that year, I honored my promise to myself and walked away. No regrets.
Tone down that alpha hero to make him more appealing to modern readers.
Funnily enough, that advice came before I sold my first book to Harlequin, where I built a successful career writing alpha heroes that were just as often the villain of the story. (Precursor to writing the delicious morally gray heroes of mafia romance for sure!)
I love writing intense alpha heroes, even when they make readers furious for two-thirds of the book. Because that payoff? When the reader finally falls for him? That’s the magic. That’s my kind of story. I know my books are “love or hate” for many readers and I’m okay with that. I want to touch reader hearts and that’s what I’m doing.
Stick with one publisher until you build your reader base before branching out.
No surprise, that advice came from my first publisher. I didn’t listen, but I probably would have if Lori Foster hadn’t sent my first published book The Greek Tycoon’s Ultimatum to her editor at Kensington. Kate Duffy emailed me to tell me how much she loved the book and if I ever wrote a single title, she wanted to see it. I sent her The Real Deal that afternoon.
For some authors, staying with one publisher works beautifully. For me, it would have been creative suffocation. I need variety—longer books, shorter books, paranormals, historicals. I’m so grateful I had the choice to go my own way, and I’m even more grateful to the readers who’ve followed me from Harlequin Presents all the way to mafia romance and everything in between.
You don’t have to market yourself if you’re writing category romance.
When I started out, I was repeatedly told not to bother promoting my category romances, that the built-in readership made it pointless. But I couldn’t not market. I have an MBA with an emphasis in marketing and finance (and another in international studies - because I’m kind of a nerd that way). I couldn’t turn off that part of my brain.
So I taught myself HTML. I built my own website. I wrote one of the first free bonus scenes online, long before BookFunnel existed. I posted it as a PDF on my website for a year before the book even came out. And that story? It helped my debut do incredibly well—because I’d already built a relationship with Presents readers.
Write the same book again and again…if the first one made money.
I wrote 40 Harlequin Presents, each with their own unique plot and cast of characters, but in between those books? I wrote dozens of others that were really different. Some books sold well, others not so much. I don’t regret writing any of them. I needed to write those books. Building a career on constant releases in the same sub genre might have been more profitable but it wouldn’t have been more sustainable.
Don’t write love scenes that are too graphic.
A couple of my editors at Harlequin had issues with how graphic my love scenes are. One actually told me that by writing them the way I did, readers wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between my books and erotica. I fought against toning down the sexy times in my books. Hard. (I even had to negotiate how many times I could use the word “penis.” Seriously.)
I don’t regret standing my ground.
Erotica and romance are both valid. Both require skill to write. But erotica is written for the sex, while romance is written for the story, the character arcs, and the emotional journey - sex scenes included. If your editor can’t tell the difference because your love scenes are “too vivid,” maybe the issue isn’t the how graphic the writing is.
And finally, the writing “rules.”
Show, don’t tell.
Showing is important—but telling has its place, especially when you’re working within a tight word count. If you try to show every single moment of a complex story with layered conflict in a 60K novel, you’ll run out of space before the climax. (Trust me, I know. 🥴) But even in a longer book, showing all the time can actually slow down the pacing. Knowing the right balance to strike for our stories and our readers is up to us.
Don’t use the same word too many times.
I have a funny story for this one. Many years ago, a contest judge dinged my manuscript for using the word “she” too much. Yes, she. A literal pronoun. The truth is, some words don’t have good substitutes. Trying to replace them just makes your writing clunky. So, while I actually think not overusing words is great advice, it can absolutely be taken too far.
So there you have it.
Some of the best advice I’ve ever received—and why it was the wrong advice for me. Maybe someday I’ll write about the truly bad advice… but that’s trickier, because one author’s bad advice might be another’s golden ticket.
The bottom line? If something doesn’t resonate, it’s not going to work. I won’t go all-in. I’ll hold back. And the result will show.
Only you know what works for you.
Happy writing!
Until next time,
Lucy
USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lucy Monroe has over 90 published novels and more than 12.5 million copies in print worldwide. Her stories—rich with emotion, heat, and high stakes—span contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance.
Now publishing independently, Lucy writes the bold, deeply romantic stories she’s most passionate about. Her latest series, Syndicate Rules, explores the dark and decadent world of mafia romance with morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, and all the spice fans crave.
A voracious reader and longtime romance fangirl, Lucy loves connecting with fellow book lovers online.
For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.
Find her on social media:
BookBub: Lucy Monroe
goodreads: Lucy Monroe
Facebook: LucyMonroe.Romance
Instagram: lucymonroeromance
Pinterest: lucymonroebooks
YouTube: @LucyMonroeBooks
Threads: lucymonroeromance
June 20, 2025
It’s Stuff Your eReader Day & I Brought the Heat!
Check this out, reader babes! I’m participating in two AMAZING multiauthor book promo deals this month. Scroll down for info on some incredible free and bargain books.
It’s time to STUFF YOUR eREADER! Today - June 20, over 1,600 romance ebooks - across the subgenres - are FREE for one day only. Whether you like your romance sweet and swoony or dark and delicious, there’s something waiting just for you.
Tell your friends: Demanding Mob Boss is part of the event too!🔥 This one’s for fans of obsessive heroes, neurodivergent rep, and mafia romance with emotional depth and serious heat. 🖤
👉 Grab your copy and browse the full selection HERE!
Even more book bargain goodness!Looking for your next spicy read? I’m participating in the Smutty Bargains Romance Book Sale with a bunch of other steamy romance authors. Check out the June price drop on Convenient Mafia Wife and a bunch of other delicious reads on sale HERE! 🛒
Happy reading!
Lucy
💥 P.S. While you're filling your eReader with freebies and bargains, don't forget to check out the brand-new release, Syndicate Rules: Books 4 & 5 Box Set, which dropped on June 18!
These two mafia romances—Ruthless Enforcer and Brutal Capo—are now together in one steamy, dangerous, can’t-look-away box set. If you're craving brooding antiheroes, fierce heroines, and enough heat to melt your screen, this one’s for you. 🔥
📦 Grab it now on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, or in paperback!
Psst…I’ll be including the flash fiction featuring Catalina & Severu and a new friend in my Jun 23rd email only newsletter.
USA Today bestselling author Lucy Monroe has published 90+ romance novels with over 12.5 million copies in print. Now indie, she writes the bold, emotional, and steamy stories she's most passionate about—including her latest mafia romance series, Syndicate Rules.
For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.
Find her on social media:
BookBub: Lucy Monroe
goodreads: Lucy Monroe
Facebook: LucyMonroe.Romance
Instagram: lucymonroeromance
Pinterest: lucymonroebooks
YouTube: @LucyMonroeBooks
Threads: lucymonroeromance
June 17, 2025
Luxe Micro Weddings: Small Guest List, Big Emotion
There’s something magical about an intimate wedding. Fewer guests. Deeper meaning. Luxe details chosen with intention and care. This trend isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about creating a wedding that feels personal, powerful, and deeply romantic.
And if anyone understands the ache of missing out on that kind of experience, it’s Catalina from Urgent Vows.
When she married Severu De Luca, the entire Cosa Nostra showed up—hundreds of guests at the ceremony, even more at the reception. There were speeches, traditions, photos, and expectations. It was beautiful, but it wasn’t her.
It wasn’t even her wedding. Her younger sister left the ruthless don standing at the altar and to save her, Catalina had to agree to take her place.
Catalina is introverted, quiet. She values connection and calm, not spectacle. And though she never voiced her regrets, there’s a part of her that mourns the wedding she didn’t get to have. Maybe a bonus scene in the making?
Her dream wedding?
Something small and sacred. A handful of guests.
A garden strung with fairy lights.
A long dinner under the stars with people who truly know and love her.
Soft music.
No cameras.
Just Severu, holding her hand, and loving her like he does now—with fierce devotion.
That’s the heart of the Luxe Micro Wedding trend. Fewer people. More intention. Deep, emotional moments you’ll actually remember—not just perform.
If you’ve ever wanted a wedding that’s about you and not everyone else’s expectations, you’ll feel Catalina’s quiet longing. Her story is layered with duty, passion, and love—the kind that changes everything.
👉 Read Urgent Vows now.
And tell me… if you could plan a dream wedding your way, would you go big—or go intimate?
USA Today bestselling author Lucy Monroe has published 90+ romance novels with over 12.5 million copies in print. Now indie, she writes the bold, emotional, and steamy stories she's most passionate about—including her latest mafia romance series, Syndicate Rules.
For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.
Find her on social media:
BookBub: Lucy Monroe
goodreads: Lucy Monroe
Facebook: LucyMonroe.Romance
Instagram: lucymonroeromance
Pinterest: lucymonroebooks
YouTube: @LucyMonroeBooks
Threads: lucymonroeromance
June 16, 2025
Obsession or Love at First Sight? Why We Can’t Get Enough...
Some people say love takes time. And sure, sometimes it does. But there’s something deliciously irresistible about stories where love—or something a lot like it—hits like a lightning strike the moment two characters lock eyes.
Call it fate. Call it obsession. Call it the moment everything changes. Whatever you call it, I love a good instalove romance. And from the way other readers devour these stories, I’m not the only one. 😏
So what makes this trope so addictive?
⚡The Emotional Jolt We’re All Secretly CravingThere’s a rush when one character sees the other and just knows. Whether it’s the grumpy billionaire who falls first and hard, the brooding mafia boss who sees her once and decides to make her his, or the alpha shifter whose instincts go haywire the second they scent their mate, we get that instant spark that promises danger, intensity, and a whole lot of longing.
It’s more than attraction—it’s fate colliding with obsession in the most deliciously dramatic way.
There’s something wildly appealing about the fantasy of being chosen at first glance. When the hero sees her and every instinct in his body screams mine, it hits that deep, primal part of us that wants to be loved not just fully—but fiercely. Especially when the one doing the obsessing is powerful, dangerous, or emotionally closed off to everyone else.
👉 Property of Riley by Landry Hill – Axle doesn’t hesitate—he claims. From the moment he meets Riley, his possessive streak kicks in, and it’s all heat and high stakes from there. Protective, dominant, and emotionally intense, this is love at first sight with grit and heart. Landry writes a lot of obsession/instalove books I love them all.
💞 When He Falls First (and Hard)There’s something so satisfying about a hero who doesn’t fight his feelings—he just falls. And when he falls first? Whew. That hits every button.
These men might be cold-blooded killers, emotionally stunted billionaires, or growly alpha types who’ve never believed in love… until her. The second they see her, something shifts. She becomes their center of gravity, even if they don’t quite understand it (yet).
And we love it. Why? Because it flips the emotional vulnerability script. The heroine may be guarded or hesitant, but he’s already emotionally gone. Watching him try to hide it, control it, or—let’s be honest—flaunt it is half the fun.
This is one of my favorite flavors of instant obsession romance. And yes, both of the heroes in my upcoming Syndicate Rules Books 4 & 5 box set fall first. And hard. 🖤
👉 Ruthless Enforcer – Atlas is a brutal Greek enforcer who falls for the woman who owns the club he’s supposed to get under his mafia’s “protection”. He’s gone from the moment he sees her though and for the first time in his life, he puts his duty to his mafia on the back burner.
👉 Brutal Capo – Salvatore sees Bianca across the empty club and immediately ensures his waitstaff manager hires her. Bianca’s a hard sell but even she can’t deny their attraction when she’s trapped in his penthouse recovering from an attack outside the club.
You can grab both books together in the Syndicate Rules Books 4 & 5 box set releasing this week! 😍
💔 The Wound Behind the Want: Hidden Past or TraumaOne of the reasons obsession at first sight hits so hard is because it’s not just about attraction. It’s about pain. Grief. A wound that never quite healed. The instantly attracted character (or characters) sees something in the other that touches that wound. Maybe a reminder of something lost, maybe they represent a future they thought they couldn’t have.
Whatever it is, it triggers something deep. The instant need to protect, claim, or even just be near the other often comes from a place of long-buried hurt. The love interest becomes a symbol of redemption or salvation—not because she fixes him, but because she sees him, accepts him, and refuses to let his past define their future. (This is an example, but there is no gender binary dictating the roles the characters can play.)
For many of us, this kind of story becomes a safe space to explore our own trauma and longing. We process big emotions through the conduit of fiction, where even the darkest pain can lead to light.
👉 The Brash Brothers series by Jenna Myles – These men don’t tiptoe around their feelings. Each brother-by-choice has their own painful past but falls hard and fast, often before the heroine even realizes what’s happening. Packed with steam, humor, swoon, and emotional depth, this series delivers the full fantasy of being seen and wanted from the very beginning. But that slow unraveling? Jenna Myles writes it like a boss.
🔥The Tension. The Drama. The Slow Unraveling.Even when the character’s obsession comes fast and hard, their love interest rarely falls right into their arms, ready to build a life together. Sometimes she’s wary, sometimes he’s unaware, and sometimes they’re just plain stubborn (and we love them for it). That emotional imbalance? That simmering tension? It gives the story teeth.
Whether she’s the one thing he swears he can’t have, the only person who can break through her walls, or the first person they can’t walk away from—it makes for a romance that feels big, bold, and unforgettable.
👉 Nico by Eva Winners – He blackmails her into marriage. He’s planning revenge, but from their first intense confrontation, his need to protect her—and claim her—ignites in a potent mix of danger, desire, and devotion. If you crave spicy, emotional, morally gray mafia romance with a hero who goes all in, Nico delivers in every way.
(And if you’re in the mood for something darker...keep reading. 😏)
👀 When Love at First Sight Becomes Obsession: Stalker Romance CrossoverIf there’s one trope that cranks the “obsession at first sight” dial up to eleven, it’s stalker romance. In these stories, the moment the hero lays eyes on his obsession, he doesn’t just fall—he fixates. She becomes his everything. His reason. His obsession. His.
And yes, it walks a darker line, but that’s part of the appeal. These aren’t sweet glances across a crowded room. These are I saw you once and now I’ve memorized your schedule vibes. 🖤
What makes it work? The fantasy that someone could see you, truly see you, and love you so completely that they’ll do anything to have you—even if it means breaking all the rules. It’s primal. It’s twisted. And when done right? Utterly addictive.
Some of my all-time favorite reads in this deliciously dangerous sub-trope include:
👉 Bits & Pieces by Noelle Zane & Bijou Hunter – A gritty, emotional romance with a feral hero who’s obsessed from the moment he meets her. Protective, dangerous, and completely unhinged—in the best way. (My favorite book by this writing duo.)
👉 Brutal by AJ Merlin – This dark romance blends psychological tension and a very twisted love. The disturbed antihero is utterly fixated, and the line between devotion and obsession disappears fast.
👉 Bad Boy by Willow Winters – He's been watching her. He’s supposed to get rid of her. But when he finally makes his move, he puts his own spin on the mission. The connection between these two is instant, intense, and impossible to escape.
👉 Liars Like Us by JT Geissinger – The twists! The tension! The dangerously magnetic hero! Geissinger writes an unapologetically morally gray stalker who’s equal parts seductive and terrifying—and yet you can’t look away.
Whether the heroine ends up scared, intrigued, or turned on (or all three—let’s be honest 😏), the intensity of these stories makes them unforgettable.
Here’s one of mine that fits this trope so perfectly, it practically wrote itself:
👉 Assassin’s Obsession – Angelo doesn’t fall in love. He targets. And from the first moment he sees Candi—an untouched dancer with haunted eyes—he knows she’s his. He watches her dance night after night while making plans for a future she has no clue is coming. This is a romance where the obsession is deep, the hero is deadly, and love is as inevitable as his kill count.
💭Final ThoughtsWhether it’s love, lust, or obsession, there’s something wildly compelling about that moment when everything changes at first sight. It’s the spark that lights the fire—and the kind of story that sticks with us long after the final page.
What are your favorite instalove/obsession romances? Drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for my next book to devour. 😉
Happy reading until next time!
Lucy
USA Today bestselling author Lucy Monroe has published 90+ romance novels with over 12.5 million copies in print. Now indie, she writes the bold, emotional, and steamy stories she's most passionate about—including her latest mafia romance series, Syndicate Rules.
For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.
Find her on social media:
BookBub: Lucy Monroe
goodreads: Lucy Monroe
Facebook: LucyMonroe.Romance
Instagram: lucymonroeromance
Pinterest: lucymonroebooks
YouTube: @LucyMonroeBooks
Threads: lucymonroeromance
For more book recs and writing chit chat from an obsessed reader and author…
June 14, 2025
Keep It Hot, Not Hilarious: Writing Realistic Steamy and Action Scenes
You all, one of my favorite books has a scene that makes me laugh every time, but it’s not supposed to be funny. It features lettering in a tattoo that is so tiny, even the best tattoo artist on the planet wouldn’t do it. Honestly, I’m not sure that size of lettering is even possible. But if it were done? The tattoo would bleed and turn into nothing but a blob of color sooner than later, regardless of the cream used to keep it fresh. (It’s chemistry and physiology, folks.) Do I still love the book? So much!
So, please hear this: this post is not about criticizing anyone’s writing or the amazingness of their books. It’s a friendly little writer-to-writer PSA. A reminder that while fiction lets us bend a lot of rules, physiology generally isn't one of them—unless you're writing paranormal, and then all bets are off.
Honestly though? There are lots of authors and readers of non paranormal romance who are willing to suspend disbelief over physiology, biology and so much more. From the FMC who is miraculously no longer in pain the next day after extremely rough treatment before and during🦆ing, to the MMC who has an energizer bunny for a peen (which I’m totally guilty of writing), they don’t want to be bothered by anatomy or improbability.
If that’s you, please ignore this blog article because my view on storytelling is just that: mine. This is for authors and readers, like me, who get tossed out of a story by takes on physiology and anatomy that seem impossible, not to mention potentially damaging to the character.
1. A Shot to the Leg Is Not a "Minor Wound"The leg isn’t just a meaty limb for dramatic collapse scenes. It’s home to some serious arteries (looking at you, femoral), which means a bullet there can be fatal fast. If your character has any tactical training, they know this. Aim for disabling, sure—but not with a “just a leg shot” like it’s no big deal.
Unless you're writing a tragic bleed-out scene. In that case…carry on.
2. The Nose Won’t Save You If the Throat Is BlockedIf the epiglottis is closed (whether by violence or swallowing a certain something down the throat), nothing is getting to the lungs. That’s right, not even a desperate breath through the nose. If the trachea is blocked, it’s game over—no “gasping through her nose as he—” Nope. No air. None. This can up the stakes both in an action scene and well…that kind of action scene. But having your character breathe through their nose while there’s something lodged in their throat is going to make it seem like you write from whence you do not know.
3. Let’s Talk About Abdominal Walls (and That 🍆)I promise you, no matter how well-endowed your hero is, unless she has some internal damage, your heroine cannot put her hand on her tummy and feel the bulge. Between the vaginal canal and the outer abdominal wall are muscles, organs, and reality. If she does feel something internally from the outside? That's not sexy—that's a medical emergency.
(Yes, I am aware of the p0rn star who manages this very feat with a fake 🍆 but all I have to say is: think prolapsed bladder and uterus, not to mention either a past laparoscopic surgery that separated her abdominal muscles, or forcing them to stretch and thin to the point this is possible. None of which I assume any of us want our FMCs experiencing. But hey, if I’m wrong and that’s your jam, don’t let me stop you.)
4. Bruises Are Basically Mood Rings for the Healing ProcessNope, bruises don’t show up purple in five seconds. Here’s a rough timeline for bruise drama with common overlaps:
Red – first 12 to 24 hours
Blue/Purple – 12 hours up to 2 days later
Green/Purple – between 4 to 10 day marks
Yellow/Green – between 7 to 14 day marks
Brown/Yellow – 10 to 21 day marks
Use this info to add a dose of realism—or to nail that timeline when your heroine is still hiding a hickey days later. There are always exceptions, but if you’re going to rely on them, do the research to figure out why they happen and make sure your character’s circumstances fit.
5. Wounds = Pain + TimeKnife wounds? Not tidy. Not quick. Not easily ignored unless your character is fueled by adrenaline, drugs, or over the top badassery. Even then, pain exists. Deep cuts require medical attention. Shallow ones hurt more than you'd think. Unless we’re suspending disbelief to the level of moving from contemporary/historical romance to PNR/fantasy, our characters don’t walk away from a stabbing with a sexy grimace and no chance of infection.
6. A Clean Break ≠ Instant RecoveryThere’s a myth floating around that because a clean break can heal faster than a sprain, it’s less serious. Um… nope.
That heroic character running into battle with a freshly broken rib or walking on a fractured leg? Could they do it? Maybe. Should they? Only if you want their next book to be about physical therapy and regret.
Even the simplest fracture takes weeks to heal properly. There’s pain, swelling, and a very real risk of worsening the injury if weight or any kind of pressure is put on it too soon. Don’t even get me started on broken ribs. If your character is throwing punches two days after cracking one, or getting down with their partner only hours later? They’ve definitely got a full set of internal bruising, shallow breathing, and a prescription for denial to go with it.
7. Big Height Differences = Positioning PuzzlesIs there a 6+ inch height gap between your couple? Then even kissing requires angling, tilting, and probably a step stool or two. (Kidding. Kind of.) As for the bedroom gymnastics? Some positions are simply not happening without flexibility, creativity, and maybe a yoga background. It’s not unsexy; it’s a challenge! And that makes it even more fun to write.
In Conclusion...Yes, we write fiction. Yes, we can make the world feel a little bigger, a little more magical. But unless we’re dealing with shifters, fae, or magic peens of legend, the human body has limits. Respecting those limits makes the story richer, more immersive—and honestly? Way hotter and more engaging. Because real stakes matter and pulling readers into an immersive experience works a lot better when they aren’t bursting out in laughter over fake physiology.
Hugs and happy writing!
💖 Lucy
USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lucy Monroe has over 90 published novels and more than 12.5 million copies in print worldwide. Her stories—rich with emotion, heat, and high stakes—span contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance.
Now publishing independently, Lucy writes the bold, deeply romantic stories she’s most passionate about. Her latest series, Syndicate Rules, explores the dark and decadent world of mafia romance with morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, and all the spice fans crave.
A voracious reader and longtime romance fangirl, Lucy loves connecting with fellow book lovers online.
For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.
Find her on social media:
BookBub: Lucy Monroe
goodreads: Lucy Monroe
Facebook: LucyMonroe.Romance
Instagram: lucymonroeromance
Pinterest: lucymonroebooks
YouTube: @LucyMonroeBooks
Threads: lucymonroeromance
June 11, 2025
Brown Weddings: The Unexpected Romance of a Bold New Trend
Okay, confession time... I’m officially obsessed with the brown wedding trend. And no, I’m not talking burlap and boots (though if that’s your vibe, rock it!). I’m talking rich chocolate tones, warm amber lighting, touches of copper and gold, and velvet everything.
It's romantic. It's moody. It’s modern.
And in the world of my mafia romances? It’s exactly the kind of unexpected glam Candi (from Assassin’s Obsession) would choose for her big day.
When I imagine Candi’s dream wedding with Angelo—yes, that Angelo—it’s not a soft pastel affair. This woman has walked through fire and come out fierce. She’s got elegance, edge, and enough sass to fill a cathedral. A brown-themed wedding as delicious as an Italian espresso? Absolutely her style.
Picture this:
· A candlelit ceremony on Long Island (yes, hosted at their home - do you really think Angelo would trust the security anywhere else?), the sky just turning twilight, deep purples reflecting off the bay.
· Candi in a champagne lace gown with brown velvet ribbon at her waist.
· Earth-toned florals with peonies, dried grasses, and deep burgundy roses.
· Gold-accented tables, chocolate silk napkins, and flickering votives.
· Angelo in black tailored perfection, watching her like she’s the only thing that’s ever mattered. (Because she is.)
Sound swoony? I think so too! 🖤
I wrote a bonus proposal scene just for Candi and Angelo, and it’s all the things: tender, protective, a little chaotic (hello, family Christmas dinner), and full of the intense devotion we all love in a stalker-turned-softie hero.
👉 Want to read it?
Sign up for my newsletter and get the exclusive bonus scene straight to your inbox:
Subscribe for free to receive all my book news, recommended reads and gain access to bonus scenes from several of my books. (Not to mention a free novella only available to subscribers.)
And tell me—would you go bold with a brown wedding? Let’s talk color palettes, favorite details, and dream fictional weddings in the comments. 💍
