Lucy Monroe's Blog, page 32

Throwback Thursday - Willing

WILLING
by Lucy Monroe
2nd Book in Mercenary Trilogy Ready, Willing & And Able
Trade Paperback
Kensington Brava - January 2006
ISBN 0-7582-0876-6
Mass Market Paperback
Kensington Brava - August 2008
ISBN-10: 0758208766
ISBN-13: 978-0758208767

Josie McCall has been raised to be a soldier, and she could be the best—if she wanted it. Instead, she left her dad’s mercenary school behind for a normal job in computers. But now that someone has torched the school and her dad is MIA from the hospital, Josie’s going to use every bit of her merc training to find him and hunt down the culprits who took him. Josie knows a lot about explosives, hand-to-hand combat, and tracking. What she doesn’t know about is sex. She has no idea what to do with the volcanic attraction she feels for her dad’s new partner, Daniel Black Eagle. And that feels more dangerous than any bomb…
Daniel knows exactly what he’d like to do about that attraction. The brooding explosives expert can’t get within five feet of Josie without wanting to touch, taste, and protect her—even if he’s sure she would happily drop-kick him if she knew one sizzling moment of his fantasies. But he’ll save it for later. Right now, he’s got his hands full figuring out who set that bomb and took Josie’s dad. Daniel’s sure of one thing, though—he’s not letting Josie McCall out of his sight for a single second. Convincing the cutest, most desirable trained soldier he’s ever met that she needs a bodyguard isn’t going to be easy. But if she’ll let him, he’ll show her he’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, and along the way, he’ll make her feel every inch a woman…Click to watch Book Trailer ~ Buy the book.

Humpday Hottie - Celeb Month

Tim McGraw - Here's one for all my country girls!
Thanks everyone for your great suggestions.  We may have to do Celeb Hotties again. 

Throwback Thursday - Ready

Readyby Lucy Monroe1st Book in Mercenary Trilogy Ready, Willing & AbleTrade PaperbackKensington Brava - July 2005 ISBN 0-7582-0864-2Mass Market PaperbackKensington Brava - July 2008ISBN-10: 075820874XISBN-13: 978-0758208743


As a writer, Lise Barton is used to coming up with wild scenarios for her characters, but the one that’s playing out for her right now is no fiction—it’s frighteningly real. Someone is stalking her, someone who knows where she lives and what she does. Someone who has even threatened her family—her brother, his wife, and their precious baby girl. Lise isn’t about to let someone hurt them, so she packs up and leaves Texas for the anonymity of Seattle. And then the threats start again…
Joshua Watt’s mission is simple: Go to Seattle and bring Lise home for Thanksgiving or he’ll never hear the end of it from his sister. It’s not like “Aunt Lise” to stay away from their adorable niece, and Joshua’s pretty sure he’s the reason for it. He’s spent months trying to forget the taste of her lips, the feel of her soft hair in his fingers. Yeah, okay, he wants her—badly—but family comes first. But the minute he sees the fear in Lise’s eyes, his survival instincts kick in. The former Army Ranger isn’t about to let some creep terrorize an innocent woman—not on his watch. He’s going to do what it takes to protect Lise and try to keep his personal feelings out of it. Because if there’s one thing he’s learned, it’s that sex and work don’t mix. Not ever. So far… Click to watch Book Trailer ~ Buy the book. 

Humpday Hottie - Celeb Month

Mark WahlburgSo many pictures to chose from, hope you enjoy!

RFC 2013 Prize Winners!

As we come to the close of another great Reader Fitness Challenge, I want to personally thank each of you for participating in this event.  Living a healthier lifestyle is a challenge my family and I took on over a year ago and we are committed to reaching our goals and being healthy.  I would also like to thank each of the sponsors this year for keeping us motivated and sharing their amazing books.


Drum roll please....and the winners are.....
mona schmuland receives a copy of Susan Anderson's That Thing Called Lovebarkergirl33 receives a ebook copy of Ashlynn Monroe's GivenJai Clark receives a copy of Cynthia Eden's Die For MeTerra Vaughn receives a copy of Cynthia Eden's Die For MePat Viglione receives a coy of Alexis Morgan's My Lady MageSusan Falkler receives a coy of Serena Zane's Dark DiamondsGinger Robertson receives a copy of Allie K Adams' NASSD SeriesTeresa Glenn-Harrellreceives a copy of Allie K Adams' NASSD SeriesBarb Wright  receives a copy of Debra Parmley's A Desperate JourneyLoretta Sharbono receives an ebook copy of Rick Reed's RentSusanR receives a copy of Allure Van Sanz's Candied CaneMary Preston receives a copy of Jami Davenport's Forward PassesLoretta Sharbono  receives a copy of Savanna Fox's The Dirty Girls Book ClubBrenda Coser receives a $25.00 giftcard to Barnes and Noble from Becke DavisJenny Muraski receives a coy of Kay Stockam's Blind Man's BluffChristy receives a copy of Erin Nicholas' Everything You've GotZ receives a copy of Kate Davies' Challenging Carter
And the Grand Prize (an ereader) goes to....
Christy
Congratulations to all the winners! 

How to collect your prize:
If your name/username is listed above as a prize winner, you will need to email me with your name and mailing address (email if you won an ebook).  Since people's online names are not always the same as their real name it is important to include the prize you won in the email.  If I cannot match your name/username to the corresponding prize, you may risk not receiving your prize. My PA will then contact the author with your information.  Please allow 30 days from the date of your email to receive your prize.

In the event that one person wins two prizes (real name and username are different), only one prize will be awarded and we will redraw for the second prize. All names were drawn at random. No substitutions.

Emails must be received by March 30th or you will forfeit the prize. 

RFC 2013 - Sponsoring Authors

Kay Stockham Website
Buy the bookBlind Man's Bluffby Kay Stockham
Can you love someone and still be free?
Emma Wyatt agrees to tutor a recently blinded, embittered soldier because of the $50,000 paycheck his brother offers. Blind herself, Emma dreams of independence and freedom. She wants to own a large kennel and live away from her overprotective family. But when she's attracted to her student, she fears falling for him means giving up her dreams.
Can you protect someone when you cannot see?
Good soldiers show no weakness. Ian MacGregor holds his battle with claustrophobia close to his chest, unsuccessfully trying to cope on his own. He’s lost in the dark and struggling to accept his fate. Ian knows duty, honor, serving his country. But his desire for Emma is overshadowed by the danger lurking around them. Emma would be better off with someone else. Someone sighted.
Someone able to protect her from the person determined to keep them apart.
Kay Stockham will donate a copy of Blind Man's Bluff (reader choice of format)


Erin Nicholas Website
Preorder bookreleases April 30thAnd she thought the bridesmaids dresses were her biggest problem...
The Promise Harbor Wedding, Book 4
Allison Ralston would rather be anywhere other than this wedding. Even if the wedding is hers. Especially since the wedding is hers.
But Allie's determined to restore her family's happiness, and if tying the knot with longtime family friend, Josh Brewster, is the way to do it, then she'll walk down that aisle, toss that bouquet and drink that champagne.
Oh, she'll definitely drink the champagne.
There’s only one thing that could get Gavin Montgomery back to Promise Harbor. And she’s about to say I do to another man. Now he’s back to claim what’s his—even if he has to do it in the middle of her wedding.
Allie is shocked—and okay, a little turned on—when Gavin literally sweeps her off her feet. Safe in his arms, she succumbs to fatigue, stress, and yes, the champagne, only to wake up in his bed. In Alaska.
Now that he’s put four thousand miles between Allie and all her responsibilities, Gavin’s determined to show her that they can make a life together. If he has his way, the next wedding Allie will be planning will be theirs.
Warning: Contains a guy so in love he’s willing to break up the wedding of the season, a bride who just needs to get to, well, anywhere else, and enough hot sex to take them from New England to Alaska and back again.
Erin Nicholas will be giving away a print copy of Everything You've Got

Kate Davies WebsitePreorder the book
Releases March 25th Book one in the Girls Most Likely to…
Ten years after being voted Most Likely to Succeed, Kelsey Moore is still living in her hometown, still working in her family's flower shop, and too embarrassed to attend her high school reunion. Only the chance to reconnect with her study buddy—and secret crush—Nathan Barrow tempts her to go.
Nathan isn't sure why he came back for the reunion after spending the past decade working abroad. But when he runs into his former lab partner, Kelsey, he's sure glad he did. The chemistry between them is as potent as ever, and when she offers him a weekend of wild, no-strings-attached sex, Nathan knows he'd be a fool to say no.
Nathan can't be tied to one place for long. But the more time they spend together—in and out of bed—the more Kelsey wonders if their reunion could become something more permanent. That is, if Nathan is still interested when he finds out she's been less than honest with him about her life since graduation…
Kate Davies will be giving away an ebook copy of Challenging Carter

Throwback Thursday - Meagan's Chance

Meagan's Chance
by Lucy Monroe
Samhain Publishing
May 1, 2008
ISBN - 10: 1599987910
ISBN-13: 978-1599987910
Buy the book.

Humpday Hottie - Celeb Month!

Tatum Channing

Reader Fitness Challenge 2013 - Week #6

Congratulations on reaching week 6 of the challenge.  Although the challenge is ending, I want to leave you with some motivation to stay on track to a healthier you.  Here's a great article on 50 Ways to Stay Motivated.  I've shared the top 10, but added a link to the full article.  I hope you'll check them out and stay motivated to reach your goal!
50 Ways to Stay MotivatedJessicaSmithTV / JANUARY 16, 2011 5:02 PM / Read More: Weight Loss, Inspiration, Motivation, How To Lose Weight, Expert Weight Loss Advice
Well, it's the middle of January, is your motivation starting to wane? Never fear! We asked some of the nation's top experts – doctors, psychologists, fitness experts, life coaches – to give us 50 of their best inspirational tips for staying motivated to lose weight. Here’s what to do when you are losing steam, not pounds:  1) Think wellness not weight loss. Do you only make good food choices when you are trying to lose weight? This could lead to rebound weight gain if you go back to your old habits once you’ve reached your goal. “You have to eat every day, so why not eat better every day?” advises Rania Batayneh, MPH.
2) Set reasonable goals. Ask yourself if what you are trying to accomplish is reasonable. “Trying to achieve too much in too little time can actually set you back” warns Dr. Andrew Weil, Director of Integrative Health and Healing at Miraval Resort & Spa. Losing 50 pounds in 2 months is unreasonable, but losing 10 pounds in 2 months is.  3) LIMIT but do not ELIMINATE. “Eliminating your favorite foods will just make you want/crave them more,” says Rania Batayneh, MPH. Instead, Batayneh suggests allowing yourself those less healthy choices, but finding a way to limit your intake (in portion or frequency) to avoid feelings of deprivation.
4) Pace yourself. Taking on too much at once is a recipe for disaster. Instead of taking on a bunch of new tasks you aren’t exactly looking forward to (a new exercise plan, new strict eating regime), why not take bite-sized action steps? “Work on a task you've been postponing for ten minutes and then decide whether or not to continue. If you discontinue the task, schedule another time to get it done” suggests Dr. Andrew Weil, Director of Integrative Health and Healing at Miraval Resort.
5) Try tipping your scales with blue. Did you know that the color blue is a known appetite suppressant? Why not use a little color to help you stay on track? “Eat your dinner on a blue plate and you'll discover that you need less to feel full,” advises color intuitive expert Elizabeth Harper.
6) Take stock of any and all of the positive changes new eating habits have brought you. Instead of focusing only on the changes you aren’t seeing yet (i.e. a drop in your scale weight), focus on the benefits you are noticing, like saving money by not wasting it on junk food, or your increased energy level from exercising, advises Valerie Berkowitz, author of The Stubborn Fat Fix.
7) Celebrate the small victories! “Remember that fitness is more like a marathon than a sprint,” advises certified trainer Stacy Berman. “By setting small weekly or monthly goals you will be able to track your progress which will keep you motivated to continue as you reach them and step by step” says Berman. And once you’ve achieved a goal, no matter how small, celebrate it! You don’t always want to feel like you are far away from the finish line – celebrate each milestone as you achieve it along the way. 
8) Wear red to get going! “If your energy is low and you feel lackluster about a project or event (or working out?) then wear red,” suggests color intuitive expert Elizabeth Harper. According to Harper, red energizes your system, boosts your confidence and empowers you to action.
9) Trick out your tracksuit! “Buy yourself some stylish workout gear that makes you look good”, suggests Kate Brown, Community Director for Daily Burn. “When you look good, you'll feel good,” says Brown. Plus, you’ll be much more likely to put on your new gym outfit on those rough days (when its cold out/you are tired/its that time of the month, etc). 
10) Drop the "perfect" mentality. Did you slip up? Have a moment of weakness? That’s OK, says Valerie Berkowitz, Director of Nutrition for The Center for Balanced Health. “Use any splurge as motivation to get yourself back on track,” recommends Berkowitz. Rather than using it as an excuse to have a donut for breakfast, as in I cheated last night, I might as well keep cheating, simply tell yourself that you will recommit, and make up for it.
Click here to link to the full article. 
***articles on blog are meant for discussion purposes only, please consult a doctor when seeking medical advice. 
Remember to leave a comment to be entered into the drawing.  Prizes will be announced on March 16th!

RFC 2013 - Sponsoring Authors

Alexis Morgan Website
Buy the bookThey are cursed by the gods, and war is their salvation. Love is their deliverance.
For centuries, five legendary warriors have braved their battles shoulder to shoulder. But now, they must divide and conquer as lone champions against evil.
Duncan, a scholar at heart, is drawn to an isolated abbey rumored to hold the answers to countering the terror unleashed by Duke Keirthan. Inside the cloistered walls lies the hidden collection of forbidden lore on dark magic. But the real key to the salvation Duncanseeks—both for the people of Agathia and his soul--is the abbess herself, Lady Lavinia.  Hunted by the duke who seeks to harvest her powers, Lavinia knows Duncanwants to help her. But can she trust the tortured warrior with her secrets?
In the end, it is only by joining forces that they can save not only those they are sworn to protect, but each other.
Alexis Morgan will be giving away an autographed copy of My Lady Mage.

[image error] Serena Zane Website
Buy the book
A combustible combination, Rusty couldn’t seem to convince the feisty brunette that his friends weren’t involved. And if she didn’t stop giving him those heated looks when she thought he wasn’t looking he was going to show her just how hot Cajun spice could be…
Serna Zane will be donating a signed copy of Dark Diamonds. 




Allie K. Adams Website
Buy the book
When a NASSD double agent steals the technology for a deadly virus, counter-terrorist agent Dan Weber is more than ready to take on the complex and potentially deadly mission to hunt down the technology he once protected with his life, even if it means babysitting a gorgeous, yet reckless tomboy agent.

Rookie JT Turner is hungry to prove her worth in a profession dominated by men.  Even though she can hold her own against a dozen trained agents, she's been labeled a screw up after too many mishaps.  JT would do anything to redeem herself, even accept a shady mission to track down a phantom disc NASSD denies ever existed.

Undermanned and unarmed, can they unravel a madman's plot and remove the threat before it is unleashed?  In a race against time, the line between desire and destiny will blur, and their true desires will finally be met.

Allie K. Adams will be giving away her NASSD series - second book featured above.