Lucy Monroe's Blog, page 25
September 11, 2013
Humpday Hottie!
Can't quite leave my summer beach hotties...Fall's not officially here, so let's post a few more summer hotties.
September 9, 2013
Celebrating 10 Years of Publication!
It has been 10 wonderful years since The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum was published in September 2003. I thought I would share My Call story with you as we reminisce together.
The Call
The Call from Harlequin Presents came at 7:20 in the morning on September 27th, 2002...but that's not when it all began. Some authors write a selling book their first try. My friend and mentor Theresa Scott is such an author...I'm not. I wrote twelve manuscripts before the one I sold to Mills & Boon. I'd been seriously pursuing a career as a romance author for almost five years (and writing longer than that). That
equals three hanging file folders of contest judge comments, a rather full file of editor rejections and a matching one for agents. It also means I've attended many conferences, both regional and national, numerous workshops, listened to dozens of tapes and experienced the best and the worst the world of critique has to offer.
There were times over the years I wondered if I would ever sell...if I were capable of writing a selling novel. Those times of doubt would have devastated me if I hadn't had my "file of good thoughts" to fall back on. That file is a compilation of some very special mementos to mentorship that kept me believing in myself. My mom's email saying, "You will publish one day. Believe it." A pen from my critique partner with my pseudonym engraved on it, with the belief I would one day publish and use it to sign my first contract. An email from Sandra Marton saying she believed I would make it. A card from my mentor, Debbie Macomber that affirmed who I was as a person as well as a writer. A drawing my husband did that affirmed his belief in my vision.
If you are where I was, I urge you to make a memorial to future success...small and big mementos that remind you that others believe in your dream and so must you.
I met my editor at the RWA National Conference in Denver and pitched my manuscript "The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum" (October 2003 Harlequin Presents) to her. She was excited by the story idea and my knowledge of the line. She asked for a partial, which I sent to her on my birthday a couple of weeks later. A week after receiving the partial, she emailed, requesting the full. I sent it to her immediately. A week after she received it, I got another email saying she wanted revisions and would call to talk them over.
That phone call was one of the most exciting moments of my life...it wasn't just about possibly selling a book. It was about becoming the best author I could be, getting concrete editorial input to improve my story. I was ecstatic and did the revisions over the next two days. I sent them back and ... Kim called to buy the book that beautiful September morning.
A little over a year later, I got another Call from Kate Duffy at Kensington Publishing and believe me when I tell you that this call was no less exciting than the first. A lot of people believed I could sell a book, but almost everyone I told my dream of writing for more than one publisher right away warned me off of it. My dear friend, Lori Foster was one of the exceptions. She passed on my first published book, The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum, to her editor, Kate Duffy, to read. Kate read it and emailed me to say she planned to read everything I published from there on out. I emailed back to ask if that might possibly include what I hadn't published...I had a single title for her to look at. Incredibly in November 2003, Kensington bought that single title in multi-book contract along with four novellas for the Brava imprint. A month later they bought two more single titles for the Zebra imprint.
And in early 2004, I got the call from Berkley for my first historical. I have a Regency era trilogy coming out with them and then a Regency werewolf story. There are no words to express my joy in selling to the subgenres of romance I dreamed of writing in...I love my job! :)
I have no idea what the future holds, but I do know that the story doesn't end here. I've just started on this incredible journey and I hope you'll share it with me.
Take care,
Lucy
The Call
The Call from Harlequin Presents came at 7:20 in the morning on September 27th, 2002...but that's not when it all began. Some authors write a selling book their first try. My friend and mentor Theresa Scott is such an author...I'm not. I wrote twelve manuscripts before the one I sold to Mills & Boon. I'd been seriously pursuing a career as a romance author for almost five years (and writing longer than that). That
equals three hanging file folders of contest judge comments, a rather full file of editor rejections and a matching one for agents. It also means I've attended many conferences, both regional and national, numerous workshops, listened to dozens of tapes and experienced the best and the worst the world of critique has to offer.
There were times over the years I wondered if I would ever sell...if I were capable of writing a selling novel. Those times of doubt would have devastated me if I hadn't had my "file of good thoughts" to fall back on. That file is a compilation of some very special mementos to mentorship that kept me believing in myself. My mom's email saying, "You will publish one day. Believe it." A pen from my critique partner with my pseudonym engraved on it, with the belief I would one day publish and use it to sign my first contract. An email from Sandra Marton saying she believed I would make it. A card from my mentor, Debbie Macomber that affirmed who I was as a person as well as a writer. A drawing my husband did that affirmed his belief in my vision.If you are where I was, I urge you to make a memorial to future success...small and big mementos that remind you that others believe in your dream and so must you.
I met my editor at the RWA National Conference in Denver and pitched my manuscript "The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum" (October 2003 Harlequin Presents) to her. She was excited by the story idea and my knowledge of the line. She asked for a partial, which I sent to her on my birthday a couple of weeks later. A week after receiving the partial, she emailed, requesting the full. I sent it to her immediately. A week after she received it, I got another email saying she wanted revisions and would call to talk them over.
That phone call was one of the most exciting moments of my life...it wasn't just about possibly selling a book. It was about becoming the best author I could be, getting concrete editorial input to improve my story. I was ecstatic and did the revisions over the next two days. I sent them back and ... Kim called to buy the book that beautiful September morning.
A little over a year later, I got another Call from Kate Duffy at Kensington Publishing and believe me when I tell you that this call was no less exciting than the first. A lot of people believed I could sell a book, but almost everyone I told my dream of writing for more than one publisher right away warned me off of it. My dear friend, Lori Foster was one of the exceptions. She passed on my first published book, The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum, to her editor, Kate Duffy, to read. Kate read it and emailed me to say she planned to read everything I published from there on out. I emailed back to ask if that might possibly include what I hadn't published...I had a single title for her to look at. Incredibly in November 2003, Kensington bought that single title in multi-book contract along with four novellas for the Brava imprint. A month later they bought two more single titles for the Zebra imprint.And in early 2004, I got the call from Berkley for my first historical. I have a Regency era trilogy coming out with them and then a Regency werewolf story. There are no words to express my joy in selling to the subgenres of romance I dreamed of writing in...I love my job! :)
I have no idea what the future holds, but I do know that the story doesn't end here. I've just started on this incredible journey and I hope you'll share it with me.
Take care,
Lucy
Celebrating 10 Years of Pulication!
It has been 10 wonderful years since The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum was published in September 2003. I thought I would share My Call story with you as we reminisce together.
The Call
The Call from Harlequin Presents came at 7:20 in the morning on September 27th, 2002...but that's not when it all began. Some authors write a selling book their first try. My friend and mentor Theresa Scott is such an author...I'm not. I wrote twelve manuscripts before the one I sold to Mills & Boon. I'd been seriously pursuing a career as a romance author for almost five years (and writing longer than that). That
equals three hanging file folders of contest judge comments, a rather full file of editor rejections and a matching one for agents. It also means I've attended many conferences, both regional and national, numerous workshops, listened to dozens of tapes and experienced the best and the worst the world of critique has to offer.
There were times over the years I wondered if I would ever sell...if I were capable of writing a selling novel. Those times of doubt would have devastated me if I hadn't had my "file of good thoughts" to fall back on. That file is a compilation of some very special mementos to mentorship that kept me believing in myself. My mom's email saying, "You will publish one day. Believe it." A pen from my critique partner with my pseudonym engraved on it, with the belief I would one day publish and use it to sign my first contract. An email from Sandra Marton saying she believed I would make it. A card from my mentor, Debbie Macomber that affirmed who I was as a person as well as a writer. A drawing my husband did that affirmed his belief in my vision.
If you are where I was, I urge you to make a memorial to future success...small and big mementos that remind you that others believe in your dream and so must you.
I met my editor at the RWA National Conference in Denver and pitched my manuscript "The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum" (October 2003 Harlequin Presents) to her. She was excited by the story idea and my knowledge of the line. She asked for a partial, which I sent to her on my birthday a couple of weeks later. A week after receiving the partial, she emailed, requesting the full. I sent it to her immediately. A week after she received it, I got another email saying she wanted revisions and would call to talk them over.
That phone call was one of the most exciting moments of my life...it wasn't just about possibly selling a book. It was about becoming the best author I could be, getting concrete editorial input to improve my story. I was ecstatic and did the revisions over the next two days. I sent them back and ... Kim called to buy the book that beautiful September morning.
A little over a year later, I got another Call from Kate Duffy at Kensington Publishing and believe me when I tell you that this call was no less exciting than the first. A lot of people believed I could sell a book, but almost everyone I told my dream of writing for more than one publisher right away warned me off of it. My dear friend, Lori Foster was one of the exceptions. She passed on my first published book, The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum, to her editor, Kate Duffy, to read. Kate read it and emailed me to say she planned to read everything I published from there on out. I emailed back to ask if that might possibly include what I hadn't published...I had a single title for her to look at. Incredibly in November 2003, Kensington bought that single title in multi-book contract along with four novellas for the Brava imprint. A month later they bought two more single titles for the Zebra imprint.
And in early 2004, I got the call from Berkley for my first historical. I have a Regency era trilogy coming out with them and then a Regency werewolf story. There are no words to express my joy in selling to the subgenres of romance I dreamed of writing in...I love my job! :)
I have no idea what the future holds, but I do know that the story doesn't end here. I've just started on this incredible journey and I hope you'll share it with me.
Take care,
Lucy
The Call
The Call from Harlequin Presents came at 7:20 in the morning on September 27th, 2002...but that's not when it all began. Some authors write a selling book their first try. My friend and mentor Theresa Scott is such an author...I'm not. I wrote twelve manuscripts before the one I sold to Mills & Boon. I'd been seriously pursuing a career as a romance author for almost five years (and writing longer than that). That
equals three hanging file folders of contest judge comments, a rather full file of editor rejections and a matching one for agents. It also means I've attended many conferences, both regional and national, numerous workshops, listened to dozens of tapes and experienced the best and the worst the world of critique has to offer.
There were times over the years I wondered if I would ever sell...if I were capable of writing a selling novel. Those times of doubt would have devastated me if I hadn't had my "file of good thoughts" to fall back on. That file is a compilation of some very special mementos to mentorship that kept me believing in myself. My mom's email saying, "You will publish one day. Believe it." A pen from my critique partner with my pseudonym engraved on it, with the belief I would one day publish and use it to sign my first contract. An email from Sandra Marton saying she believed I would make it. A card from my mentor, Debbie Macomber that affirmed who I was as a person as well as a writer. A drawing my husband did that affirmed his belief in my vision.If you are where I was, I urge you to make a memorial to future success...small and big mementos that remind you that others believe in your dream and so must you.
I met my editor at the RWA National Conference in Denver and pitched my manuscript "The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum" (October 2003 Harlequin Presents) to her. She was excited by the story idea and my knowledge of the line. She asked for a partial, which I sent to her on my birthday a couple of weeks later. A week after receiving the partial, she emailed, requesting the full. I sent it to her immediately. A week after she received it, I got another email saying she wanted revisions and would call to talk them over.
That phone call was one of the most exciting moments of my life...it wasn't just about possibly selling a book. It was about becoming the best author I could be, getting concrete editorial input to improve my story. I was ecstatic and did the revisions over the next two days. I sent them back and ... Kim called to buy the book that beautiful September morning.
A little over a year later, I got another Call from Kate Duffy at Kensington Publishing and believe me when I tell you that this call was no less exciting than the first. A lot of people believed I could sell a book, but almost everyone I told my dream of writing for more than one publisher right away warned me off of it. My dear friend, Lori Foster was one of the exceptions. She passed on my first published book, The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum, to her editor, Kate Duffy, to read. Kate read it and emailed me to say she planned to read everything I published from there on out. I emailed back to ask if that might possibly include what I hadn't published...I had a single title for her to look at. Incredibly in November 2003, Kensington bought that single title in multi-book contract along with four novellas for the Brava imprint. A month later they bought two more single titles for the Zebra imprint.And in early 2004, I got the call from Berkley for my first historical. I have a Regency era trilogy coming out with them and then a Regency werewolf story. There are no words to express my joy in selling to the subgenres of romance I dreamed of writing in...I love my job! :)
I have no idea what the future holds, but I do know that the story doesn't end here. I've just started on this incredible journey and I hope you'll share it with me.
Take care,
Lucy
September 5, 2013
Throwback Thursday!
TEMPT ME by Lucy MonroeBerkley Sensation - April 2006ISBN 0-4252-0922-9
An Excerpt from Chapter 1
Irisa faced Lucas across the small library. The fog-dampened night could not intrude on the warm coziness of the room.
Lucas’s mouth curved in a loving smile. "You came."
She nodded, her throat too clogged with emotion to speak.
He extended his hand. "Come here, my love."
She moved forward as if in a daze, drawn by the warmth in her lover’s eyes as much as the implied command in his stance. She wanted him.
Desperately.
And he wanted her.
As soon as she was close enough to touch, he reached out and pulled her to him. The feel of his warm skin on her bare arms sent shivers down her spine. He did not stop pulling her until her body was an inch from his own.She knew he would kiss her now. Finally. She had waited so long, but instinctively knew the wait would be worth it. Lucas’s mouth settled on hers, his lips warm and vibrant against her own. She shuddered and he pulled his mouth a breath from hers.
"Are you all right, my love?"
"Yes. Please. Kiss me again."
He did so with alacrity while one arm moved around her waist. His other hand settled on her shoulder, his fingers sliding under the fabric of her gown. She blushed at the intimate touch, but did not pull away. He groaned low in his throat and tugged the tiny cap sleeves of her gown down until the swell of her breasts were exposed. Then he… Then he… click to keep reading.
View Flash Movie for Tempt Me
September 4, 2013
Humpday Hottie!
End of the summer beach Hottie!
August 29, 2013
Throwback Thursday!
Touch Me
by Lucy Monroe1st in Historical Trilogy Touch Me, Tempt Me & Take MeBerkley Sensation - September 2005ISBN 0-4252-0531-2
In her newest love story, bestselling author Lucy Monroe invites you into a world of dazzling beauty, daring adventure, and sensual delight...
Outspoken, opinionated Thea Selwyn is no ordinary lady. Raised in the exotic West Indies, she has none of the starchy propriety Pierson Drake is accustomed to—rather, there is a lush sensuality about this impulsive beauty that tempts him unmercifully. Her delectable curves and wide, innocent eyes are enticing enough, but her breathless response to his touch is a lure he can’t resist.On a voyage that takes them from tropical paradise to the glittering ballrooms of London, Thea and Drake are pulled into a firestorm of illicit passion. Thea knows that once they reach England, the secrets she’s been keeping will kill whatever Drake feels for her. But Drake’s own history has taught him the value of acceptance and the desolation of loss. Thea is the one women Drake has ever trusted with his heart, and he has no intention of losing her— not to the ghosts of the past or the threats of the present. But can he convince Thea to forget the hard lesson she’s learned and take a chance on love?
August 28, 2013
August 22, 2013
Throwback Thursday!
Heart of a Desert WarriorHarlequin Presents #3071 - July 2012
© By Lucy Monroe
ISBN-10: 0373130775
ISBN-13: 978-0373130771
Have you read HODW yet? Purchase Now!
Lucy Monroe pens another sweeping romance in Heart Of A Desert Warrior.
Iris Carpenter threw herself into her work as a geologist after her romance with Asad Hanif ended so abruptly several years ago. When her work brings her to the Middle East and their contact is Sheikh Asad, surely it can't be the same man who broke her heart. Iris is floored by the magnetic man who stands before her and her assistant. This Asad is more dangerous to her heart then the man from six years ago.
Sheikh Asad never forgot the young woman he left behind in the states. He knew he had to fulfill his duties to the people of Bedouin by marrying a neighboring princess. Now he is a widow with a young daughter in his care. Asad never forgot the woman who captivated him and he pulls every string he has to get Iris and her team on the project for his people.Iris has built some high walls around her heart and is convinced that nothing the Sheikh will do can tear those walls down. But Asad has grown into a man who knows what he wants and he wants Iris in his life and his bed.
Can these two strong willed people be able to bend to find a love that is worth keeping?
August 21, 2013
August 15, 2013
Throwback Thursday!
Read and excerptBuy the bookThe Shy Bride
BestsellerHarlequin Presents July 2010 ~ (c) Lucy Monroe
PROLOGUE
The Port of Seattle didn’t look so different from some of the hundreds of other ports Neo Stamos had been in since joining the crew of the cargo ship Hera at the age of fourteen. And yet it was unique from all the others because this is where his life changed. This is where he would walk off the Hera and never walk back onto it.
He and his friend Zephyr Nikos had had to lie about their ages to join the Hera’s crew six years ago, but that had been a small price to pay in order to leave behind the life they’d known in Greece. Neo and Zephyr had been Athens street thugs that found a common desire – that of making something more of their lives than rising to top ranks in their gang.
And they were going to do it, twenty-year-old Neo vowed as the sun broke the eastern horizon.
“You ready for the next step?” Zephyr asked in English.
Neo nodded, his gaze set on the port growing closer by the minute. “No more living in the streets.”
“We haven’t lived in the streets for six years.”
“True. Though some would not consider our bunks here on the Hera much of an improvement.”
“They are.”
Neo agreed, though he didn’t say so. Zephyr knew and shared his feelings. Anything was better than scavenging to eke out an existence that still required living by someone else’s rules. “But what is to come will be even better.”
“Yes. It may have taken six years, but we have the money to take the next step in our new lives.”
Six years of a hell of a lot of hard work and sacrifice. They had saved every drachma possible of their earnings. For two men who had grown up in an orphanage and then the streets when they ran away, that had been a lot. They knew how to come by clothes, books and other necessities through interesting if not necessarily illegal methods. Not unless one considered underage gambling a stumbling block to legality.
When they were not working, or gambling to augment their meager salaries, they had been reading everything they could get their hands on about business and real estate development. Each had become an expert in a different aspect of the field, combining their superior brain power rather than duplicating effort.
They now had a detailed plan to increase their assets through initially flipping houses and eventually full scale, high end real estate developments.
“Next it will be business tycoons Zephyr Nikos and Neo Stamos,” Zephyr said with conviction.
A slow, extremely rare smile curved Neo’s lips. “Before we are thirty.”
“Before we are thirty.” Zephyr’s voice was filled with the same determination Neo felt deep in his gut.
They would succeed.
Failure was not an option.
