Lucy Monroe's Blog, page 44

Retreat Guest Blogger Kris Kennedy

Facebook ~ TwitterKris writes hot medieval and Elizabethan romance about dangerous alpha heroes who transform for their heroines, but only after lots of sexy drama.  Her current release DECEPTION, received 4 1/2 stars from RT Book Reviews and the hero, Kier, received its K.I.S.S. Hero Award.  Visit her website for excerpts, updates, newsletter sign-up, or just to drop Kris a note! 

A Hero Should Always . . . .

Danger has a powerful allure.  The men capable of that danger are, well, hot.   
The heroes I love to write about (and read about!) are powerful, dangerous men, capable of great harm.  But it’s that very capability, tethered by great restraint, that makes them so sexy. Because in the end, there’s bad and then there’s Bad.   We have a pretty high moral tolerance for actions that fall under Wrong Thing For The Right Reason category.   People who mean to do ‘good’ but they way they’re going about it, well, they’re bad boy. B.A.D.  All caps.I think, in part, this is because we detect a sense of honor.  The hero who risks everything because it matters that much to him.  We might disagree with what he’s doing, but why he’s doing it?  We respect that.   I think readers can tolerate a whole lot from our heroes, as long as they change for us. (And that goes for heroines too.) Because in the end, we’re suckers for redemption.   So our bad boy heroes can be pretty bad, as long as they transform right in front of our eyes.But still . . . they are heroes, after all.   That means there’s a line in the sand.  The thing they will not do.  The thing they cannot do. Buy the bookI write what I call the ‘good alpha’ hero, which has nothing to do with how ‘good’ or kind they are to the world.  It’s about them using their not-insignificant powers for good.  It’s about them being confident enough in their own abilities that they’re not scared of other people’s strengths, not even the heroine’s.   Especially not the heroine’s.  And at heart, they have (or develop) a code of honor that they stick to even when things get messy.  Really messy.   In my latest release, DECEPTION, the hero is a half-Irish con man who’s lead a dangerous life doing underhanded things.  He’s got a history of staggering successes and one truly awful failure.  For years he served as the 'Piper,' enticing wealthy, unscrupulous men into dealings with other wealthy, unscrupulous men.  It was a highly lucrative way of life for a man without a conscience, and he was very, very good.  
But now, he's on a mission of revenge, and the men who once betrayed him are about to pay.  Everything has been put in place, every move scripted, from how he'll lure them out, to how he'll hammer the last nail into their coffins. 
He's planned for everything. Except the appearance of the woman who can bring the whole thing crashing down around him.
Now it’s simply a question of how bad Kier really is.  So, let’s do our own little Mad Libs on those dangerous, alluring heroes we love so much.  
How would you answer this: 
Heroes should always _________ and should never _________.
My answer: A hero should always be capable of mayhem, and never use it on the heroine.What’s yours?

Retreat Guest Blogger Shaunna Gonzales

Shaunna GonzalesWhy should we read Dark Days of Promise?? I've toyed with writing since a teenager but have only written in earnest since 2005. Like most authors, the first attempts were awful but this one was different. In an effort to give Dark Days of Promise an authentic feel I endeavored to include some experiences of veterans I know and could often be found discussing the realities of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) in their lives and how it could honestly be shared in this project. On the evening of this books first promotion, a woman approached me, excited to find someone who knew enough that she could have a listening ear. I realized that the scope of PTSD reaches deep into the core of our society and includes infants, children, housewives, the working and unemployed as well as veterans; in short, all of us. In an effort to treat this subject fairly, I altered my writing course from "romance with a twist" to helping our society, sufferers and innocents alike to becoming aware. It is more than those who experience the violence, more than the victims who experience this debilitating disease that are affected. It is their families, the bystander of violent crime and all of us who dare to care for and love them.


Thirty-four year old Vicki Laramie must learn to trust before she can love, but she might die trying.
While Vicki’s children grapple with the death of their father -- a man whom she’s successfully fabricated as loving, a lie her rebellious teenager recognizes -- she must find a way to support her family and find a role model for her boys. She never intends to fall for Staff Sergeant Chase, her best friend’s son, who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She’d much rather choose a safer man to love, but her children have a voice in the decision she makes. With two deaths to deal with, a suitor after her money, a rebellious son, and Sergeant Chase’s repeated attacks, she can only hope to survive the danger she faces. If she doesn’t, her children will be left without either parent.


Let's Chat:
Leave me a comment below as I'll be stopping by to chat with readers.

Retreat Guest Blogger Mia Marlow

Website ~ Facebook ~ TwitterMia Marlowe’s work has been featured in PEOPLE magazine. One of her books is on display at the Museum of London Docklands. Her TOUCH OF A ROGUE was named one of the Top Ten Romances for Spring by Publishers Weekly. But the accolades she really loves come from her readers. 


Georgian Era Rock Stars

Move over, Kate Middleton! Eat your heart out, Paris Hilton! Courtesans were the original prey of the paparazzi. These darlings of the London tabloids provided the cartoonists of their day with juicy on dits and outrageous exploits to lampoon. My heroine Daisy in HOW TO VEX A VISCOUNT thinks she’s struck gold when she uncovers a French courtesan’s very candid journal. 
Here’s why. These high flyers flaunted convention and lived a life of freedom few women of their day could imagine. Top-tier 'birds of paradise' demanded and received generous stipends, clothing allowances, jewels, houses, a box at the opera and endless diversions from their well-placed protectors. When the relationship ran its course, these astute businesswomen often had negotiated an annuity to comfort them in retirement.     A few even managed to marry their wealthy and powerful patrons. After a ten year affair, Mrs. Elizabeth Armistead wed Charles James Fox, a well-connected Member of Parliament, in 1795. However, the scandalous marriage was kept secret until 1802.

So what did a courtesan do?Other than the obvious.  Buy the book: Kindle or NookShe most likely slept till noon. Folk of quality always kept late hours and a courtesan mimicked the nobility as much as possible in lifestyle and deportment. She'd rise and have a leisurely breakfast en suite, probably a pot of chocolate and a plate of scones. She'd read the tabloids, hoping for a mention. Like men who often kept their eyes peeled for a younger, more beautiful companion, a courtesan hoped to entice an ever more wealthy, politically well-connected patron. In the 18th century, childbed was no light matter. And pregnancy would interfere with a courtesan's ability to be an ornament to her patron's arm. So a clever courtesan would be armed with the best available contraceptives of the day. Condoms, also known as French letters or English Riding Coats, were originally made of fine linen and later from sheep entrails. They were designed to be cleaned and re-used. (I know. Ew!)
Some women used oral remedies--seeds of Queen Anne’s lace, pennyroyal, giant fennel, and many other concoctions as contraceptives or methods of inducing miscarriage--but these were often dangerous or even fatal brews. Bearing the child in a obscurity and then fostering it out was the usual solution to an unwanted pregnancy.The main difference between a common prostitute and a top-tier courtesan was her education. Refined, possessed of exquisite taste, these women knew how to entertain both in and out of the boudoir. They weren't necessarily the greatest beauties of their age, but they were without doubt the wittiest, most engaging company. At the opening of most chapters in HOW TO VEX A VISCOUNT I've included a quote from Mlle. La Tour's memoirs. Here are a few of her observations:

“There comes a point in every chase when the vixen must slow her pace, lest the hound lose the scent.”
“Anticipation is the whetstone of desire.”
“It is said the gods asked the Greek sage Tiresias which gender had the most capacity for pleasure during the act of love. “Women,” he answered.And was promptly blinded for his candor.” 


Let's chat:
Imagine you’re a famous courtesan. What advice would you share with my heroine? 

Retreat Guest Blogger Helen Scott Taylor

Website
Facebook ~ TwitterHelen Scott Taylor’s first novel, The Magic Knot, won the American Title contest in 2008, was a Golden Heart® finalist, and was chosen as one of Booklist’s top ten romances of 2009. Since then, she has published other novels, novellas, and short stories in both the UK and USA.Her published works have been finalists in a number of contests including the Holt Medallion, the Lories, the Prism Contest, the Write Touch Award and the Maggies.

Helen lives in South West England near Plymouth in Devon between the windswept expanse of Dartmoor and the rocky Atlantic coast. As well as her wonderful long-suffering husband, she shares her home with two Shih Tzus and an aristocratic chocolate-shaded-silver-burmilla cat who rules the household with a velvet paw. She believes that deep within everyone there’s a little magic.


Take a Romantic Trip to Europe
Love travelling? Then do it vicariously with Jack and Melanie in Finally Home, my new release from Carina Press.
Take a trip to South West England, visit the wilds of Dartmoor, and a beautiful Edwardian manor house hotel in the heart of Devon. Then attend a wedding on the picturesque Amalfi coast in Italy.
Finally Home Blurb
Excerpt ~ Amazon ~ B&NAs manager of the charming Greyfriar House Hotel, Melanie Marshall loves her job and spending time with her young son. But she can never forget what she ran away from: her late husband's crimes and her own terrible guilt. Though lonely, Melanie can't afford to let another man into her life.
But when her boss, gorgeous hotel owner Jack Summers, returns from his supposed wedding without a ring or a wife, Melanie discovers there's more to him than she ever thought. For one, the ex-soccer star is her son's idol. But the closer she gets to Jack, the more she pulls away. She can't share her past. Ever.
For too long, Jack's protected his scarred heart by letting gold-digging women make him think love didn't matter. But a sweet single mother and a soccer-crazy little boy change everything. He knows Melanie has secrets. Secrets she'll have to share if he's to help her realize she's finally home.

Let's Chat:
Leave me a comment as I'll be stopping by to chat with readers.

Retreat Guest Blogger Annie Seaton

Website ~ ContactAnnie Seaton lives on the beautiful east coast of Australia, where she loves sitting in her writing chair, gazing at the ocean and writing stories. She has always been fascinated by all things historical and has found her niche writing contemporary romance and steampunk, where strong heroines and brooding heroes fight together to make their alternative world a better place.


Life events can occasionally take us down a very different path to that we planned for our lives. Sometimes good...sometimes not so good.  
As an author, one of the joys of writing is knowing that you can make a difference to someone’s day when they immerse themselves in your story and live the romance of your characters.

I have always been an avid reader, from the moment I could read. For many years, my family has heard...one day I will write my book. However, a very satisfying life as a wife, mother and with a full time career in education intruded on my dream and managed to fill up my days.
A couple of years ago I reassessed my priorities and decided to give up a career of many, many years. What on earth was I going to do with my day?
It was time to write that book!
...And now it is time to make you all envious. 
Buy the BookI have discovered that writing comes very easily to me, and the stories that have been in my head for years are just jumping onto the page. I sit in my writing chair and gaze at the tranquil Pacific Ocean as the stories flow. On the very rare occasion that they are a bit reluctant to be told, I go for a walk on the beach and the muse comes back with a vengeance!
Water is my element and feeds my creative process and so far, each one of contemporary romances has boats and islands as the central focus.  My sequel to Holiday Affair is set on the Italian coast and I really think a visit may be necessary to walk on that beach! After all, I do have to give you, my dear readers, an accurate representation of the setting!

Dream on...Annie. One day...

Buy the book One of the greatest pleasures I get from writing is creating characters and taking them on their journey to happily ever after in a variety of settings. I have written steampunk romance (Winter of the Passion Flower) paranormal romance (Blind Lust ) and my debut best selling contemporary romance (Holiday Affair.

Different careers, exotic settings, alternative worlds... but the joy of romance writing for me is creating the happily ever after. I also love to write books in series and follow the lives and loves of characters who appear in more than one book. Watch out for Italian Affair and Outback Affair.

I hope you get as much pleasure reading my stories as I do writing them.



Let's Chat:
Leave me a comment below as I'll be stopping by to chat with readers. 

Monday's Morning Cuppa and Daily News

A yummy homemade latte is
the perfect way to start the day!Welcome to the 2012 Online Reader Retreat!  I'm so excited that you are joining me on the week long adventure.  There are so many guest authors just waiting to connect with their readers.    So sit back with your morning cup of coffee and let's take look at the exciting things planned for our first day!

Guest Bloggers (please remember that all times are Pacific Daylight Time)Annie Seaton 8:00 amHelen Scott Taylor 10:00 amMia Marlow 12:00 pmShaunna Gonzales 2:00 pmKris Kennedy 4:00 pm

Hospitality Suite 6:00 pm
Featuring recent releases from Cassandra Carr, Amber Lin,
Donna Alward, Roz Lee and Gin Price.

Monday Night Activity
I will be hosting a Pajama Party on Twitter beginning 6:00pm (Pacific Daylight Time).   What's more fun that talking about beauty tips? You are invited to join our party by tweeting with participating authors your favorite beauty and/or spa tip.  Be sure to include @lucymonre  AND #PJParty in your tweet.

Cover Model Contest
Don't forget to vote for your favorite cover model on my Facebook Fan page or on the Cover Model Contest board on Pinterest.
Door Prize Hot Ride (ebook) by Kelly Jamieson
Daily Prizes (Prizes will be awarded throughout the day to registered participants - Each prize listed below is a separate gift, which means there will be as many winners for today as prizes listed.)
Fourth and Goal (print) by Jami DavenportHoliday Affair (ebook) by Annie SeatonA Night of Southern Comfort (ebook) by Robin CovingtonBaer Truth (ebook) by Linda McMakenUnder the Moon (print) by Natalie DamschroderWorth the Risk (ebook) by Robin BielmanJust a Kiss (ebook available on release day 10/30) by Erin NicholasYes...My Master (print) by Justus Roux The Sparrow and The Hawk (print) by Meg LaceyThe Murder King's Woman (ebook) by Jamie Leigh HansenOceans Between Us (ebook) by Helen Scott TaylorRuby Red (ebook) by Serena ZaneAll the Right Moves (print) by Tory RichardsPleasure Me (print) by Monica BurnsBodygurads in Bed (print) by Lucy Monroe
*All prize winners will be announced in a single post on Sunday!* No attendee shall be awarded more than 1 Blog Post Prize


And in other news.... Buy the book
Not Just the Greek's Wife has been out for a week and has received some amazing reviews.  Take a look at this reader review:

I loved reading this story! It had everything that I love about Lucy Monroe's books! A super Alpha male, a heroine who was in love with her man..and a conflict that took her away from him.Lucy knows how to write great love stories with Happily Ever Afters that make me feel great after reading them. Amazon Reader Review Hollie 

Online Reader Retreat Schedule

After months of planning, promoting and scheduling, I'm so excited it is finally here!  The Online Reader Retreat begins first thing in the morning.  I'm as giddy as a little child waiting for Christmas Morning.  Today, I wanted to give you a little preview of what's to come, but be sure to check the "Morning Cuppa and News" each day for the agenda so you are sure not to miss a thing!


If you haven't registered  yet, it is not too late, but you have to hurry, registration closes tonight (October 7th) at midnight.  Everyone can participate in all activities, but only registered readers will be eligible for prizes so be sure to register. Click here to go to the registration page. 
Each day we will begin bright and early at 6:00 am with a morning cup of coffee or tea and review the agenda for the day.  I'll share a little about my books, characters, or life in general while chatting with readers.  Then, once we have all had our morning caffeine, every two hours a new guest blogger with join the conversation.  New posts will go live at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. (please note all times are the Pacific Time zone).  Be sure to stop by throughout the day. 
Once the blog posts end for the day, don't worry, you can always stop by the Hospitality Suite beginning at 6:00 pm.  Each night 4 or 5 different authors will share their current releases.  
This retreat doesn't stop at the end of the blogging day, there will be many activities throughout the week on the different social media sites.  Be sure to check the morning agenda for details but here's the line up:*PJ Party* on Twitter*Movie Night* on YouTube*Game Night* hosted by various authors(Details and links will be posted on Lucy's blog.)*Masquerade Ball* on Facebook*Friday Night Social* Multi-Author Chat on Writerspace
If that wasn't enough, there will also be a Cover Model Contest where you can vote for your favorite/cutest/hottest cover model. Voting will be open all week so don't forget to vote!
Last, but certainly not least, there will PRIZES given away daily.  Not just one or two but over 70 prizes for the entire week.  (Remember, you have to be registered to win prizes.)
Get some sleep tonight and join for the fun starting tomorrow morning! (oh, I hope I can sleep)

52 Weeks of Romance Contest Winner

Happy Fall!Weekly Contest Winner!
52 Weeks of Romance from LucyCongratulations Winnie Lim you will receive a copy of Lucy's Monroe's book The Latin Lover. Please email me your name and address and I will get your prize in the mail.

Hurry only TWO days left to register! (Closes Sunday October 7th)Don't forget to sign up for my Online Reader Retreat (ORR) this coming October!  It is free, but you have to be registered to win prizes.  There are over 40 authors and industry professionals signed up!  There will be great activities all week on my blog and social media sites!  Hope you'll join us. 

52 Week's of Romance Week 40

The Latin LoverHarlequin Presents #2861ISBN-10: 0-373-12861-4ISBN-13: 978-0373128617October 2009 North America
Rich, hot-blooded, passionate...These Mediterranean men are irresistible!
The Greek Tycoon's Inherited Bride by Lucy MonroePhoebe's betrothal to his brother meant she was forbidden to him, and honour was the code Greek billionaire Spiros Petronides lived by. But with one kiss Spiros knew he had to claim her as his!


buy the book

Question: Please leave your answer in the comment section. Winners will be announced on Saturday. If you leave your email address in your comment I will contact you regarding the prize otherwise you may check back on Saturday to see if you are the winner and email me.

The Latin Lover is a two for one book.  It features Lucy's story The Greek Tycoon's Inherited Bride and what other story?






Have you signed up yet? Only 4 days left to register ~ Don't be left out!
Don't forget to sign up for my Online Reader Retreat (ORR) this coming October!  It is FREE but you have to be registered to win prizes.  There are over 40 authors already signed up!
                                      

Humpday Hottie!

Buy the bookNot Just the Greek's Wife - Be sure to pick up your copy this week!  Book was released this week - don't miss out.  
This story had me hooked from page one all the way to the end. I have a 22 month old toddler and I dont usually get a book read in one sitting but with this one I just could not put it down. Well worth staying up a losing sleep over. - Amazon Reader Reviews (palmersfan)