Lucy Monroe's Blog, page 4

Affordable Bookmarks for Authors: How I Found a Budget-Friendly Option

The writing community is one of the most generous spaces I’ve ever been a part of. 🤗 The more time I spend connecting with other authors and writers, the more convinced I am that sharing what we’ve learned — big or small — makes a difference. I definitely don’t have all the answers, but when I find something helpful, I love passing it along. Today’s post is all about one of my favorite budget-friendly author tools: bookmarks!

✋ Please Read Before Continuing:

I have no affiliation with, nor am I officially endorsing, any specific product, site, or app mentioned here. This post reflects my personal experience. Yours may vary, and you use any site or service at your own discretion and full responsibility.

Step 1: Start with a Free or Low-Cost Design

Before you even think about printing, you’ll need a bookmark design — front and back. Here are two free (or low-cost) design tools I personally recommend based on experience:

📌 Canva

Free version available: Yes

Pros: You can design both sides of your bookmark and download in popular formats like PNG, PDF, and JPG.

Note: I personally use Canva Pro (paid) because it offers additional fonts, images, and commercial-use graphics — which is especially handy for promotional items like bookmarks.

📌 BookBrush

Free version available: Yes

Pros: BookBrush has easy-to-use templates specifically for bookmarks, along with lots of other author promo tools.

Note: I haven’t used BookBrush as much myself, but two of my author besties swear by it! I plan to use it more in the future, especially for box set covers.

Step 2: Where to Print? (And Why I Don’t Use VistaPrint for Bookmarks)

You might wonder, why not just use VistaPrint’s bookmark tool? The short answer: price.

VistaPrint is excellent for other promo items like full-color business cards and vinyl banners. Their quality is fantastic!

But when it comes to bookmarks, unless there’s a massive sale, their prices just aren’t competitive.

(Example: 500 bookmarks at regular price were around $190 the last time I checked.)

Step 3: The Best Affordable Bookmark Printer I’ve Found: Bizay

After a lot of research, I settled on Bizay — and I’m so happy I did.

You can order as few as 100 bookmarks.

100 bookmarks at Bizay costs about the same as 5 at VistaPrint.

500 bookmarks (regular price) are around $25 — compared to VistaPrint’s $190.

They often run sales and discounts (sometimes 20% off your first order, or even deeper discounts during promotions).

Shipping is reasonable, and sometimes free with special offers.

Real talk: Right now, as I'm writing this, 500 bookmarks on sale at Bizay cost $15.80. 🤯 You could literally pay for a full year of Canva Pro with the money you save on bookmarks!

Final Thoughts

I’m not listing every possible option out there — just the one that worked for me after lots of research and hands-on experience. So far, I’ve ordered six different bookmark designs through Bizay, and I’ve been happy with all of them.

Bookmarks are a fantastic, budget-friendly promo tool, especially when you know where to get a good deal without sacrificing quality. 🎀

And remember — whether it’s bookmarks, business cards, or banners — always shop smart and trust your gut. What works for me might not be perfect for you, and that’s okay! We’re all figuring this out together. 💖

Until next times!

Lucy

With more than 12.5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Lucy’s an award winning and USA Today bestselling author with 95+ published books. Her stories have been translated for sale all over the world and after a long career in traditional publishing, she’s gone indie. She loves the freedom to write the stories both her and her loyal readers enjoy the most. Her steamy mafia romance series, Syndicate Rules features the morally gray alpha heroes and spice she love to write. She also writes contemporary, historical and paranormal romance. Some of her books have action adventure and intrigue. All of them are steamy and deeply emotional. She’s a voracious reader and loves to talk about both her books and those she’s read (or should read…good recs are always welcome). Welcome to her world where love conquers all, but not easily!

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: lucymonroeromancePinterest: lucymonroebooks
YouTube: @LucyMonroeBooks
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Using AI Ethically as a Creative: My Take as an Author and Artist

People have strong feelings about AI. Some love it, some despise the very concept. Me? I fall into the “love AI for ethical use” category.

However, yesterday, I listened to a podcast by a social media expert and her guest, a visual marketing expert. Their callous disregard of the effect that the use of AI to create art that is based on the use of art (whether writing, music or visual) by and large without the permission of the artist really hit me on the raw. In fact, I was so disturbed, that I canceled my consultation call with the social media marketing expert for tomorrow.

Do you know who gives great advice and tailor made marketing strategy for the platform they specialize in? AI. I guess it’s fine with her if I use it to create my strategy rather than paying several hundred dollars for a strategizing phone call with her, not to mention the cost of an ongoing relationship.

Because if someone’s going to benefit from all the work I’ve put out into the world—my blog posts, interviews, writing and book marketing advice, even the shopping info Google shares with open AI—I believe it should be me.

So, how do I use AI ethically?

Well, for starters, I upload things like my own book covers—created using licensed stock photos and fonts I’ve paid for—and I make sure I’ve turned off memory settings so I’m not training AI on your artwork. Then I ask: Does this resonate with my brand? Will it connect with readers? Because those book covers on Amazon, B&N, and indie bookseller sites? They’re out there for everyone to see—including AI.

So I ask for insight. Does this cover match the emotional tone and genre of the book inside?

Let me tell you why this matters.

Lately, I’ve struggled getting traction on my billionaire romance books. Despite a strong backlist and proven readership, they’re just not finding their audience the way my mafia romances do. Even with advertising, KU reads and sales are lagging. And while these books earned me as much as my Harlequin Presents titles, I know they could do better.

So, I turned to ChatGPT and asked for feedback on the covers I designed myself. (And yes, I’ve spent thousands over the years on cover designers I love and respect—but I’m also an artist, and I enjoy designing my own covers. It’s part of my creative expression.)

The feedback was solid. Suggestions on fonts. Color palettes. Emotional resonance. Things I hadn’t even considered—like how the palette should reflect the tone of the book inside. And I should’ve! I’ve taken art courses. I know how important visual language is, but I hadn’t connected those dots for my marketing.

And that’s what ChatGPT helped me do.

I redesigned those covers in Canva, using fonts and photo licenses I pay for, plus a text effects tool I subscribe to. It’s all me—with helpful insight from AI.

But what about the actual writing?

There’s a huge debate about AI writing books. While it rages, entire forums on Reddit and Substack are devoted to so-called authors who use AI to write. They consider dictating or sitting at keyboard and typing out the story playing through your head old school. And most of us are aware of the major dust-up during NaNoWriMo over AI-written projects. It’s why so many of us deleted our accounts.

Let me be crystal clear: I do NOT support using AI to wholesale write your books.

Why?

Because writing—real writing—is magic.

I’m a discovery writer. I don’t outline every detail. My books change as I write. Characters grow. Ideas evolve. The ending I imagine rarely looks like the one I reach. And that fluid, ever-shifting process? That’s where the heart of the story comes from.

AI can’t do that.

Once AI is given a prompt, it sticks to it. It connects point A to point B based on the input. It doesn’t have epiphanies mid-scene. It doesn’t ask, “What if she says this instead?” It doesn’t suddenly shift tone because the character just whispered a secret to the writer’s subconscious.

Years ago, the legendary Kate Duffy (may she rest in peace) told me something I’ve never forgotten:

“I can help fix a bad book with revision notes. But I can’t put the magic back in after it’s been edited out.”

She was lamenting the technically perfect submission manuscripts that crossed her desk that she had to reject. Because the author had edited their human failings and passion right out of the story.

And that’s the difference. AI can write technically clean prose. But it can’t write with magic. It doesn’t have the human flaws, instinct, and emotion that lead to those beautiful, messy, and unforgettable stories we love.

So what can AI do for me as a writer?

Besides give marketing advice and book cover analysis…

It can help with research.

Y’all, I’m a research fiend—as five six-foot-tall bookcases filled with nonfiction in my office can attest. I also conduct interviews, watch documentaries and test out experiences. And my Google-Fu is strong. Of course, I’m going to add AI to my research toolbox.

It’s a good brain storming partner.

I’ve always been a little backward in the way I use brainstorming. In this regard my husband has always been the perfect partner to bounce ideas off of. Because when I would bring up an issue I needed to solve, he would give me the most ridiculous suggestions that would never fit in my book. (He wasn’t being ridiculous on purpose, and that’s what made us both laugh. A lot.)

The things is, his ideas that were so divergent from mine almost always sparked my own creativity and a solution. I find the same thing happens with ChatGPT and it doesn’t have a day job and evening projects I don’t want to interrupt.

It processes and formats data about my book sales, social media reach and the like way faster than I could do myself.

It gives great title suggestions.

What can’t AI do for me in my writing?

Spoiler alert, the answer is write.

One time, without me even asking to, ChatGPT tried to write a scene using one of its ideas. It was well-written. It even had my “voice.” But it lacked the edge, the grit, the moral nuance I bring to a mafia romance.

Because ChatGPT doesn’t share my values. It doesn’t get that my characters live in a morally gray world—and that’s where the story’s power comes from.

Could it write a passable scene? Sure.

Could it write a Lucy Monroe scene? No chance.

My readers would feel the difference. And honestly? So would I.

Let’s talk ethics for a second.

Was it ethical to dictate this blog post, transcribe it using Just Press Record, and have ChatGPT clean it up and format it? Absolutely.

My wrists are thankful, and I still got to share my thoughts—in my own words—with you.

But would I ever ask ChatGPT to write a novel “in Lucy Monroe’s voice”? Unequivocally no.

And here’s where legislation matters.

We need to protect authors and artists. It should not be legal to upload the plot from someone else’s book and ask AI to recreate it “but different.” It should not be legal to tell AI to write “like [insert author’s name here].” And we absolutely shouldn’t be able to generate “new” art based on stolen original images.

The genie is out of the bottle when it comes to AI in art and writing. But that doesn’t mean we have to let it run wild.

So what can we do?

We can hone our craft. Make our voices unmistakable. Pour our magic into the stories only we can tell.

We can use AI ethically—for research, formatting, market insight, or design critique. And we can refuse to let it become a replacement for real, human creativity.

Because if AI was trained on our work—on my work—then we of all people should be able to use it in ways that support our careers, without hurting readers, fellow authors, or artists.

Whatever your publishing path—traditional or indie—AI can be a tool in your creative toolbox. Just make sure it’s used with integrity.

And above all, protect your magic. No one—not even the best-trained algorithm—can replicate that.

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
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Why We Love Small Town Romance (And one of mine on sale for only .99!)

There’s just something irresistible about a small town romance, isn’t there?

Maybe it’s the tight-knit communities, the quirky townsfolk, or the way everyone knows your name (and your business!). But when it comes to falling in love, there's nothing quite like the charm of a slower pace, sweet traditions, and love stories rooted in everyday magic. 💕 Whether you're reading about a second chance at love, a single parent finding their match, or a city slicker falling for the local farmer, small town romance has a way of warming the heart and reminding us that sometimes love blooms best in the places we least expect.

That’s why I had so much fun writing Wild Heat, set in the quirky town of Cailkirn, Alaska. And I just learned yesterday that the publisher has it on sale for just $0.99 for a limited time! This book is not in KU and I don’t know how long the sale will last but the regular price for the ebook is 9.99. 📚❤️

Seeking solace after a painful past, Kitty Grant returns to her hometown, her eccentric grandmother , aunts and a citizenry as offbeat as when she left for the bright lights of LA . But facing Tack MacKinnon—the man whose heart she once broke—wasn’t part of the plan. Old flames reignite, but Kitty’s trust has been burned to cinders. Two people skittish about love must decide if it’s worth taking the risk again.

I’m also excited to spotlight a brand-new small town romance from my friend Kate Davies—No Way, Rosé plus a few more of my favorite small town love stories. Because you can never have too many cozy, feel-good reads on your nightstand!

Don’t forget to scroll down to see the other small town romance books I wrote, flavored with some delicious spice.

💕 Must-Read Small Town Romances

🍷 No Way, Rosé by Kate Davies
A fresh, funny, and heartfelt story that hits all the right notes. With a heroine you’ll want to invite to brunch and a romance that sparkles like your favorite glass of bubbly, No Way, Rosé is the perfect small town escape. Think sassy banter, unexpected feelings, and a community you’ll want to move into by chapter three.

🐾 The Sergeant’s Matchmaking Dog by Carrie Nichols
A small town, a soldier, and a dog with a matchmaking streak? Sign me up. This story is sweet, touching, and exactly what I reach for when I want a little love and a lot of feels. (Carrie’s entire series set in Loon Lake is on my reread shelf. She really shows the best parts of living in a quirky small town.

👨‍👧 Wanting a Family Man by Dani Collins
This one tugged at my heartstrings. It’s a story about longing, healing, and the family we choose. Dani Collins delivers emotional depth with the perfect touch of romance.

💌 183 Reasons by Alanna Grace
So many reasons to love this one! It's got all the small-town goodness, slow burn tension, and characters you want to root for. A new-to-me author I’ll definitely be reading more from.

🌸 Cheyenne’s Lady by Mindy Neff
Classic small town romance vibes with a heroine who doesn’t back down and a cowboy hero with a protective streak a mile wide. What’s not to love?

Despite my love for writing morally gray mafia men and billionaires in the big city, I have written a few small town romances myself!

❄️ Hot Alaska Nights
Set in the delightfully offbeat town of Cailkirn, Alaska, this heartfelt, steamy romance with a suspense twist brings the heat to the frozen north. He’s grumpy and gorgeous, she’s stubborn and sunshiney, and together? Let’s just say things get very warm under all that snow.

💘 The Real Deal
Opposites attract in a small town on an island in the Puget Sound. He’s the immovable boulder in the way of her doing her job, but that doesn’t stop the sparks flying in this oh so steamy romance between the big city girl and the billionaire recluse.

🐴If you’ve got a soft spot for cowboys and community, you might enjoy my Harlequin titles:

✨ The Rancher’s Rules
He’s used to being in charge—on the ranch and off—but she’s not one to follow someone else’s rules. Sparks fly in this clash of stubborn hearts.

🧹 Housekeeper to a Millionaire
She’s just there to clean up the mess, not fall in love. But in a town like this? Even the best laid plans get upended by a handsome smile and a kind heart.

If you love stories where love grows like wildflowers on the roadside and the town itself feels like a character, small town romance might be your perfect escape.

What are your favorite small town romances? I’d love to hear them—and add a few to my TBR pile. 📚💞

Until next time,
💖 Lucy

For info on all of my books, visit my website.

Find me on social media:
BookBub: Lucy Monroe
goodreads: Lucy Monroe
Facebook: LucyMonroe.Romance
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YouTube: @LucyMonroeBooks
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Beyond Show vs. Tell: Staying True to Your Characters’ Voices

You know how everyone talks about "show vs. tell" like it's all about describing a tear rolling down a cheek instead of just saying someone is sad? Well, lately I've been thinking about another layer of it. One that sneaks into my drafts when I'm not paying close attention. 😉

Confession time. Sometimes, when I’m deep in a story, I realize my characters — who should sound nothing like me — suddenly start thinking and talking like a middle-aged, suburban woman who loves coffee, books, and cozy afternoons. (Wonder where they picked that up. 😂) Not exactly the streetwise and dangerous persona I meant to create and the story needs!

It’s not on purpose! And it’s something I’ve learned to watch for — because staying true to a character’s background and voice is a huge part of authentic storytelling.

Look, you all. This is going to come as a huge shock to some (or not), but I am NOT a mafia princess, socialite, down on her luck twenty-something, or brilliant scientist. Much less a mafioso, military special forces with a chip on my shoulder, shape shifting pack alpha or duke living in the Regency era.

All of those characters and more demand their own voices…not a reflection of mine.

Sometimes, without realizing it, I even code-switch my characters’ voices to make them feel more comfortable for myself — softening their language, adjusting their attitudes.
Not because it's true to who they are, but because it feels safer or easier to write. Especially when I can still hear reader voices from years past saying things like, "Don't use that word so often, it ruins the book for me."

But here’s the thing: those readers most likely share my demographic — not my character’s. And if I sand down my character’s rougher edges just to make the story more palatable to my comfort zone...or that of my readers, I’m not telling the character’s story anymore. I’m telling mine.

Only you can decide whether to code-switch your characters’ voices to fit certain readers’ sensibilities.

But for me? One of the biggest reasons I DNF (did not finish) a book is when characters who are supposed to be dangerous, raw, or rough around the edges sound like they should be ordering a non-fat latte after their book club meeting. 😂

Characters are supposed to sound real — even when their reality isn’t our own.

Every character we create is a little spark of life we’re setting loose on the page. They deserve the dignity of their own voice — not one that's been edited down to match our comfort zone.

So, how do we write authentic voices? Research. Research. Research.

You can absolutely tell the difference between an author who researches people, subcultures (like the mafia world), times in history, etc. from the one whose knowledge comes from fictional stories about those things, whether in books, on T.V. or in the movies. Take time to get to know the type of person your character is supposed to be and stay true to that person. Watch documentaries. Listen to local dialects on YouTube. Read nonfiction. Take notes. Interview when and if you get the chance.

The times our characters sound most like us is when our only reference to the world they live in is in our imagination. If your world is a fantasy one you built, you can still research personality types, character archetypes, language codes for people in different places in society. It would be a lot of fun to turn some of these expectations on their head, but intentionally. Not because we don’t know any different.

At the end of the day, writing is all about connection — between the story, the characters, and the reader. Staying true to each character’s authentic voice, even when it feels a little uncomfortable or different from our own, honors that connection. It’s not about writing for every reader’s sensibilities; it’s about letting our characters live and breathe as who they truly are. And honestly? That’s where the real magic of storytelling happens. ✨

When we trust our characters to be fully themselves, we don’t just tell better stories... we tell truer ones. And that's the kind of writing that lingers in a reader’s heart long after they’ve finished the last page. 💖

Until next time!

Lucy

P.S. I'd love to hear from you — have you ever caught yourself slipping into your own voice when writing a character? (Tell me I’m not the only one! 😂) Let's chat in the comments!

With more than 12.5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Lucy’s an award winning and USA Today bestselling author with 95+ published books. Her stories have been translated for sale all over the world and after a long career in traditional publishing, she’s gone indie. She loves the freedom to write the stories both her and her loyal readers enjoy the most. Her steamy mafia romance series, Syndicate Rules features the morally gray alpha heroes and spice she love to write. She also writes contemporary, historical and paranormal romance. Some of her books have action adventure and intrigue. All of them are steamy and deeply emotional. She’s a voracious reader and loves to talk about both her books and those she’s read (or should read…good recs are always welcome). Welcome to her world where love conquers all, but not easily!

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: lucymonroeromancePinterest: lucymonroebooks
YouTube: @LucyMonroeBooks
Threads: lucymonroeromance

Subscribe now

Fated, Denied, and Destined: Rejected Mate Romances That Wreck Me

Rejected Mate Romance: Heartache, Heat & Happily Ever After

Okay, full disclosure—I didn’t even realize rejected mate was a full-on romance trope until I binge-read Cate C. Wells’ wolf shifter series and joined her FB group. 😅

Spoiler alert: I devoured them. Every single one. These books hit all the emotional high notes: pain, longing, rage, redemption… and yes, a grovel or two that absolutely wrecked me (in the best way).

There are currently seven books in the Five Packs series, and they’re all incredible:

The Tyrant Alpha’s Rejected Mate

The Heir Apparent’s Rejected Mate

Derwyn’s Rejected Mate

The Lone Wolf’s Rejected Mate

His Curvy Rejected Mate

The Stone Wolf’s Rejected Mate

The Wild Wolf’s Rejected Mate

This is the kind of series that makes you feel everything. Cate doesn’t just give you angst and heartbreak—she gives you healing and love that feels earned. Her books have become the gold standard for this trope in my world.

💔 But wait, there’s more...

🐺 True Wolf by K.C. Mills flips the trope on its head in the best way. Instead of one rejected mate, both the hero and heroine have been cast aside by the ones they believed were their fated mates. Wounded, betrayed, and completely disillusioned with the idea of true mating, they find something neither expected—each other. It’s a slower burn, rich in emotional healing, and full of those “we’re broken, but we fit” moments that make rejected mate stories so satisfying. A fresh, beautifully done take on the trope.

🦇While technically not a rejected mate book, Dark Legend by Christine Feehan gives serious vibes. He doesn’t reject her outright, but he doesn’t see her—and she suffers for centuries waiting for him to recognize her as his mate. The emotional resonance? It’s all there.

🦁Jacob’s Faith from Lora Leigh’s Breed series also hits hard. It’s an “I-didn’t-know-I-was-hurting-you-but-I-was” story with that powerful regret and raw vulnerability that makes rejected mate books so gut-wrenching and good.

😭The Pack Darling duet by Lola Rock is an omegaverse, reverse harem romance with all the feels a rejected mate story can give you. It will take you through the emotional ringer for real. It is SO good.

Turns Out... I Write This Trope Too

Honestly, I didn’t even realize I’d been writing the rejected mate trope until I had the “ohhhh” moment while rereading my Children of the Moon fantasy shifter romance series. And yep—turns out I’m deep in it. 😏

If you crave emotional tension, primal bonds, and mates fighting fate (and each other), here’s a quick guide to the books in the series—and why they belong on your trope radar:

🐺 Moon Awakening

She’s sent to Scotland to marry a laird by the king’s edict—only to be kidnapped by his enemy. He’s a Chrechte wolf shifter who doesn’t want a human mate, no matter how much his wolf demands he claim her.
“A mesmerizing journey into a world of passion and power.”

🌕 Moon Craving

After her sister ends up wed to the wrong laird, Abigail is sent to Scotland with a secret of her own—one almost as big as his ability to shift into a wolf. The pain he causes her by refusing to acknowledge their true mating!
“An epic tale of love and loyalty. Monroe captures the heart of the reader effortlessly.”

🔥 Moon Burning

She’s sworn to hate him—he’s part of the deadly wolf shifter tribe that decimated her people. But fate doesn’t care about history. He’s her mate.
“Dark, dangerous, and deeply romantic.”

🐉 Dragon’s Moon

He killed her brother with fire—literally. The dragon king of the Chrechte can’t believe his destined mate is the sister of the man he turned to ashes on the battlefield.
“Emotionally intense, beautifully written, and impossible to put down.”

🗡️ Warrior’s Moon

He rejected her when she was pregnant—with his child. Now she’s back in Scotland, running from a man who wants to kill her son and claim her. This time, her mate will fight to keep what he lost.
“An unforgettable tale of second chances, redemption, and wild devotion.”

⚔️ Viking’s Moon

His father slaughtered her entire pack. She’s vowed never to let a male claim her. But destiny doesn’t care about revenge—and the dreams don’t lie.
“Heart-wrenching, steamy, and soaked in myth and magic.”

If you're anything like me and this trope is your catnip (seriously, why is it so good when it hurts so bad?), give these books a try and let me know which ones hit you hardest.

Got a favorite rejected mate romance? Drop it in the comments or send me a rec—I’m always looking for my next emotional wreck-with-an-HEA read. 💌

For info on all of my books, visit my website.

Find me on social media:
BookBub: Lucy Monroe
goodreads: Lucy Monroe
Facebook: LucyMonroe.Romance
Instagram: lucymonroeromance
Pinterest: lucymonroebooks
YouTube: @LucyMonroeBooks
Threads: lucymonroeromance

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Second Chances & First-Class Grovels

💔 They Had Their Chance… and Blew It (Until Now)

One of the most emotion-driven romance tropes out there? Second chance romance.
I swear, just thinking about it gives me a little flutter in the chest.

This trope splits into two kinds of stories:
💔 Lovers reunited (YES PLEASE)
💔 Characters finding love again after losing someone

And while the second one is beautiful in its own way, I am all about the lovers reunited. Gimme the angst, the tension, the simmering resentment masking that undeniable chemistry. Especially when two people who once deeply loved each other—and now can barely be in the same room without snarking or sparking—are shoved back together by circumstance (or delicious meddling from others). 👀

These stories ache in the best way. We know they’re going to get their HEA, but the road there? Is paved with regrets, misunderstandings, and so. much. tension. This trope delivers big on emotional payoff—and feeds our craving for all the drama and delicious angst.

And seriously, who doesn’t love a good grovel? (Okay, probably someone out there. But it’s not me. 😇) I adore watching someone realize the love of their life is standing in front of them again—and this time, they won’t let them walk away. Not without showing just how sorry they are. Not without earning that second chance.

💥 My Second Chance Romance: Heat Seeker

Back in print! Both the primary and secondary romance arcs in Heat Seeker bring all the second-chance energy.

📖 When elite operative Kaden Marks is sent to extract an undercover agent whose identity has been compromised, he doesn’t expect it to be the woman he left behind—his ex-fiancée, Rachel Gannon. The same Rachel whose heart he broke. 😬

Now, all those old feelings are rising to the surface—and so are the reasons they fell apart. Add in the danger, secrets, and life-or-death stakes of their mission, and you’ve got a reunion story that’s as hot as it is emotionally gripping.

🔥 Lovers with a messy past
🔥 Enemies-to-lovers vibes (again!)
🔥 Action, betrayal, passion—and one heck of a grovel

Start Reading Heat Seeker »

❤️ Other Second Chance Romances I Love:

If you're craving more spicy, swoony, second chance romance, here are some of my top-tier faves—books I keep going back to because they hit every emotional note:

📚 Forty by Cate C. Wells
Spicy, gritty, and filled with real-life emotion. The heroine’s strength? Chef’s kiss.

📚 Wanted Bride for the Cruel Mafia King by Posey Parks
What happens when the man who once broke your heart becomes the man you’re forced to marry? 🔥

📚 After the Night by Linda Howard
This one is peak tension + small town scandal + unforgettable redemption arc.

📚 Ain’t She Sweet by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Enemies with history. A southern belle with a bad rep. And the guy who never forgot her.

📚 Duarte’s Child by Lynne Graham
Secrets. A lost love. And a baby bombshell? This one has drama in spades.

📚 Damiano’s Return by Lynne Graham
A powerfully emotional journey of love lost and regained. Damiano is a groveling king.

So tell me…
Do you love a second chance romance with all the fire and feels?
Drop your favorites in the comments—I’m always looking for more emotional wreckage (with HEAs, of course). 💌

For info on all of my books, visit my website.

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When Your Publisher Loves Your Book as Much as You Do 😭✨

✨SURPRISE REEL ALERT! ✨

My amazing Spanish publisher, Coralia Press, completely blew me away with this reel for Convenient Mafia Wife—not just in Spanish, but in ENGLISH too! 🥹💖
I’m beyond touched and totally obsessed with how it turned out. They captured the drama, the romance, and the sizzling tension perfectly! 🔥

This marriage may have started as a convenience… but he never expected to crave her like this. 💍🔥

Hit play to see why this story of an arranged marriage, loyalty, and love in the shadows of the mafia is one of my all-time favorites to write.

💍💔🔥
#ConvenientMafiaWife #LucyMonroe #MafiaRomance #CoraliaPress #BookReel #RomanceReaders #SurpriseAndDelight #BookTok #Bookstagram

Love. Danger. Passion. Two Must-Reads Now Available!

🎉 They’re Back! Two Heart-Pounding Romances Rereleased Today!

Dear Reader,

I’m so excited to share that two of my romantic suspense favorites are back and ready for you to fall in love with all over again!

💥 Heat Seeker
He’s a former special forces Marine haunted by his past.
She’s an undercover operative on the edge of danger.
Together? They’re explosive.

In Heat Seeker, Kaden and Rachel navigate a mission packed with secrets, passion, and second chances—because sometimes the biggest risk is opening your heart.

🚨 Tight Spaces
She’s a brilliant, independent woman caught in a deadly conspiracy.
He’s a protective hero forced to share close quarters.
One apartment. One danger. One undeniable attraction.

In Tight Spaces, Danusia and Max must outwit a ruthless enemy while trying (and failing!) to resist the heat simmering between them.

Whether you’re new to these stories or revisiting old favorites, I hope they bring you all the thrills, feels, and swoons your heart desires. ❤️

📚 Both books are now available in paperback wherever you like to buy your books, and in Kindle, & Kindle Unlimited.
Let me know what you think—I love hearing from you!

Big hugs,
Lucy

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Read Tight Spaces Now »

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Arranged to Burn: Mafia Romances I Can’t Stop Rereading

I’ll Take an Arranged Marriage with a Side of Danger, Please

(Why Mafia Romance Does the Forced Marriage Trope Best)

If there’s one trope that hooks me every single time, it’s the forced or arranged marriage. There’s just something deliciously irresistible about two people who have no choice but to marry—and then slowly, agonizingly, fall in love. Throw in some smoldering chemistry, emotional tension, and power plays? Yep, I’m all in.

And you know what world delivers this trope perfectly?
🔥 Mafia romance. 🔥

The mafia subculture practically begs for arranged marriages—alliances, betrayals, family duty, honor, revenge… all excellent reasons to marry for anything but love. And that, my friends, makes the journey to true intimacy all the more intense.

These are some of my all-time favorite mafia romances with forced or arranged marriages. I’ve reread every single one of these beauties, and every one of them kept me up way too late the first time I read them.

📚 My Must-Read Forced/Arranged Mafia Romance Recs

💍 Bound by Honor by Cora Reilly
The OG! There’s a reason this book is iconic. It set the bar for so many of us.

👑 Taken by a Sinner by Michelle Heard
Arrogant, broody Greek don? Yes, please. Add a bride with backbone? Chef’s kiss.

🖤 Broken Whispers by Neva Altaj
So emotional and so HOT. The way Mikhail was with Bianca made me swoon.

🎭 Mistaken by Arianna Fraser
This book surprised me in all the best ways. The twists, the angst, the tension—it delivers.

🤫 Silent Vows by Jill Ramsower
The dynamic between Conner and Noemi kept me turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning.

🔥 Cassio by Eva Winners
This one just drips with chemistry and emotional intensity. Total binge-read.

🚗 Nicky the Driver by Cate C. Wells
IYKYK. This book is weirdly perfect. Nicky is just so all in and the exact right guy for Zita. I’ve reread it more times than I care to admit.

💔 Brutal Vows by JT Geissinger
This book is fierce, fiery, and just… ugh, so good. If you love enemies-to-lovers inside a forced marriage, do not miss it.

✍️ Of Course, I Had to Write It Too…

I mean… how am I not going to write what I love reading so much? 😏
My Syndicate Rules series dives deep into this trope:

💥 Urgent Vows She’s the sacrifice when her sister leaves the powerful don standing at the altar.

🖤 Brutal Capo When he makes a mistake, he has one choice: marry her, or die.

💣 Forced Vows They sign the contract in blood for a marriage that will bring two powerful crime families together.

Each of these brings something different to the forced marriage dynamic—whether it’s high-stakes drama, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, or a reluctant bride with an even more reluctant heart.

And I’m extra excited about what’s coming next...

🌞 Coming This Summer: Sins of Arrogance

The first book in my brand new Syndicate Sins series is a double-whammy: marriage in peril and arranged marriage in one spicy, emotional ride. Mick and Kara have all the angst, heat, and danger I love to write—and I cannot wait for you to read their story.

So if you’re like me and crave that forced proximity, reluctant yearning, and power-play passion that only an arranged mafia marriage can deliver... I hope you find a few new obsessions in this list. 💋

Tell me—what’s your favorite arranged marriage book of all time? I’m always looking for my next late-night read. 😈

For info on all of my books, visit my website.

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Once Upon a Trope

Give Me a Steamy Fairytale Retelling and I'm All In

One of the most prolific and popular romance tropes out there—and one of my absolute favorites—is the fairytale inspired romance, or a fairytale retelling. There's just something about those familiar stories, reimagined with all the heat, heart, and depth that modern romance brings, that makes them completely irresistible.

Give me a steamy romance inspired by Beauty and the Beast and it's pretty much a guaranteed one-click for me. The emotionally wounded hero, the brave and kind heroine, the tension, the transformation, the slow burn that turns into a raging inferno? Yes, yes, and absolutely yes.

But it's not just Beauty and the Beast that gets me. I also love steamy romances inspired by Cinderella, Peter Pan, Snow White (hello, reverse harem anyone?), Rapunzel—honestly, the list goes on and on. These classic tales give us that delicious blend of the familiar and the unexpected. You think you know the story, but in the hands of the right romance author? You’re in for a whole new world.

Some of my favorite fairytale retellings that have seriously lived rent-free in my mind:

Finding Forever by Natasha Anders – A beautifully emotional Cinderella-inspired romance that brings the angst and longing I adore.

Ravished by Amanda Quick – This one’s Beauty and the Beast reimagined with Quick’s signature wit, intelligence, and sexual tension that sizzles.

Owned by the Lost Boys by AJ Merlin – Peter Pan has never felt so dark and seductive. Seriously, the vibes in this one? Chef’s kiss.

Bollywood and the Beast by Suleikha Snyder – A gorgeously diverse take on Beauty and the Beast with Bollywood glam, deep emotion, and yes, all the steam.

Silenced by Serena Akeroyd – Dark, powerful hero meets light, fierce heroine, and the sparks? Oh, they fly. Inspired by Persephone & Hades (which I know is not technically a fairytale, but I’ve always thought Beauty and the Beast was a bit of a retelling of their story with a twist).

I also asked my readers to give me a list of some of their favorite retellings and here they are:

Hooked by Emily McIntire is more than one reader’s favorite fairytale retelling. Amanda C. says it’s a contemporary dark Peter Pan inspired romance. Yum!

According to Jolene E, Wonder by Evelyn Flood is Alice in Wonderland meets The Hunger Games. (Yes, it did make it onto my TBR.)

Lori S. recommends Cold Queen by K Webster, which is in her words, “a dark fantasy romance. Inspired by Snow Queen/Frozen and with all the sexy times goodness and of course good storyline.”

Beauty by Robin Mckinley is “a truly awesome version!” according to Barbara C.

Beautiful Beast by Neva Altaj would have been on my list above but Jackie A. recommended it too.

Of Song and Sceptor by Liesl West is a dark Little Mermaid retelling according to Manda K, who recommended it.

I really believe part of the magic in these stories is how they give us a sense of comfort—familiar archetypes, known story elements—but with fresh twists, empowered characters, and all the grown-up stuff we didn’t know we needed when we first heard these stories as kids.

Also, the romantic fantasy of fairytales? Still alive and very well, thank you. Castles, curses, hidden identities, forbidden love, dangerous rescues, epic sacrifices—it all blends into the kind of high-stakes romance that makes your heart race in the best way. Which is why I enjoy writing fairytale inspired romance so much myself.

If you want to check out some of them, give these a try:

Brutal Capo from my Syndicate Rules series is a mafia romance take on Beauty and the Beast. She’s his captive, but he grows orchids instead of roses and he’s definitely not too tamed at the end.

Take Me from my Regency Scandals series is steamy and emotional with a strong Beauty and the Beast vibe. (I told you that was my favorite, right?)

Cinderella’s Jilted Billionaire kinda says it all in the title. 😅 (Yes, I was playing with titles and visibility on Amazon, etc. when I went Indie. Not sure I’ve figured it out yet, but I’m working on it.)

So yeah, if it's fairytale-inspired and steamy? It's probably already on my TBR. And if it’s got a Beast who’s only partially tamed by love, I’m definitely clicking that “Buy Now” button.

Got a favorite fairytale retelling? Tell me! I’m always ready for another magical, sexy adventure. 💫

For info on all of my books, visit my website.

Find me on social media:
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