Lucy Monroe's Blog, page 52

Weekly Contest Winners!

Weekly Contest Winners!

Heart of a Desert Warriors
Congratulations_  you will receive an advanced copy of Lucy's Monroe's Summer Release - Heart of a Desert Warrior.  Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail. 


52 Weeks of Romance from Lucy  

Congratulations _  you will receive a copy of Lucy's Monroe's book Deal With This. Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail. 

Guest Blogger - Bronwen Evans

New Zealander Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She’s always indulged her love for story-telling, and is constantly gobbling up movies, books and theatre. Her head is filled with characters and stories, particularly lovers in angst. Being able to write her characters stories is never work, it’s a dream come true. Is it any wonder she’s a proud romance writer. She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes.
Readers can contact Bronwen via email at romance@bronwenevans.com. For more information on all of Bronwen’s books, including updates on novels yet to come, visit Bronwen’s website at www.bronwenevans.com
Regency – the romance of historyBy Bronwen Evans
History was one of my favorite subjects at school. I don’t know why, maybe it’s because when we look back we can find answers. We can see what happened. I like certainty. I’m a planner and a plotter. To me the future is so unknown and I find it both exhilarating and scary. But I take comfort from the past.
My favorite romance genre is historical romances. I think I’ve always loved reading historical romances because it gives me a glimpse of a world that’s familiar. It’s not a coincidence that I write Regency romances. As a writer I can see what happened in the past, and use it to form tension filled story ideas.
Many things trigger my imagination about the past, such as a painting, a place name, a person or as in the idea for my latest Regency romance, INVITATION  TO SCANDAL (Kensington Brava, May 2012), a poem.
A poem by Daniel Defoe about the dreaded town of Deal. Deal is in Kent, England, and was a notorious smuggling strong hold in the 17th and 18th centuries, mainly because of its close proximity to France. 
“If I had any satire left to write,Could I with suited spleen indite,My verse should blast that fatal town,And drown’d sailors’ widows pull it down;No footsteps of it should appear,And ships no more cast anchor there.The barbarous hated name of Deal shou’d die,Or be a term of infamy;And till that’s done, the town will standA just reproach to all the land”
Daniel Defoe 17th Century
Daniel Defoe’s poem is about how the town of Deal, Kent, is a haven of illegal activity—smuggling. How fascinating that a town should be so infamous, a poem was written about it. I immediately knew I wanted to write a story about smuggling set in Deal.
But, to make it more interesting, the smuggler would be female. There were so few ways a LADY could make a living in the early 1800′s and it seemed logical, given Rheda Kerrick lived near Deal, that she’d devise a means to save her brother’s inheritance—smuggling.
Of course she’d not counted on the devilishly handsome, Viscount Strathmore, Rufus Knight, deciding that the smuggler called Dark Shadow, was the key to clearing his father of treason. Nor did she expect his wicked attempts at seduction to have her craving his touch…
Here’s an excerpt – Rufus has just helped free Rheda who had been trapped by a very large barrel of French brandy. He thinks she’s a local country lass who can help him capture Dark Shadow…His eyes darkened, reminding her of the hot chocolate she’d drunk this morning. They locked with hers, causing heat to sear along her nerve endings, where previously she’d had no feeling at all.
“Your legs may experience some tingling once the circulation starts working properly.”
Oh, she tingled all right.
“That is enough, thank you.” He did not loosen his grip on her ankles. “My legs are perfectly fine.”
“Now that I have freed you,” he said in a voice as smooth as the fine French brandy she held in her barrel, “you will return the favor by helping me.”
The hairs on her arms prickled. This could not be good. If he discovered her true identity, it would get back to Daniel. If that happened, Daniel would definitely put an end to her activities. She needed more time . . . Not only that, they could be in serious trouble, accused of participating in free trade.
His next words threw her off balance.  “You’re very tempting, you know.” His voice and the fire in his teasing eyes were having a similar seductive effect as the alcohol would have.
Who was she fooling? She’d been off balance the minute he’d gazed upon her.
“Your beauty cannot be disguised by these rags. I see someone has given you fine silk stockings, your lover perhaps. He must be a wealthy man.”
“I have no lover.”  Rheda could tell by the quirk of his brow that he did not believe her. A woman dressed as she was, with hidden silk stockings. No wonder he had jumped to the wrong conclusion. She shook her head. “Besides, I had nothing to do with the face God bestowed on me. It is not meant to entice you. I cannot help how I look.”
He nodded. “No more than I can help wanting to glory in it.”
With those husky words, he rose over her, slowly pressing her back into the fresh green grass. She felt every inch of his lean, hard body, and his masculine scent filled her nostrils. Rheda’s body betrayed her, welcoming the feel of him; the aroma of sandalwood and virile man became a heady rush that enhanced all her senses.
His lips hovered by her ear as he ran his hand slowly up the inside of her leg. His fingers found the top of her thigh, and with a small cry, she pushed her hands against his shoulders and squirmed beneath him. She tried to twist away from his touch, but he captured her wrists in his other hand and thrust them on the ground above her head.
“Come now, do not play coy with me. You are old enough to know the games men and women play. I would give you great pleasure. I would satisfy you more than any of your other lovers.”
 She’d had no other lovers. How could she make him believe that?
Before she could respond, his lips found hers in a drugging kiss. The slight stubble around his chin was abrasive on her skin—Rheda decided she liked the feeling. She’d never experienced a kiss like it. 
Finally he drew back. “What is your name?” he murmured as he lightly tickled the back of her knee.
Rheda’s brain spun. She could not give him her name; things had gone too far. She could barely think with his hand stroking her leg. 
“Do not . . . Get your hands off me.”
Ignoring her words, Lord Strathmore’s lips pressed lightly to her neck and he whispered, “Where did you get the barrel?”
One commenter, who tells me what their favorite period in history is and why, will win a copy of INVITATION TO SCANDAL. Open internationally. 

52 Weeks of Romance by Lucy Monroe!

I thought it would be fun to giveaway the entire Goddard Series in the week's leading up to     Close Quarter's Rerelease in July!


Week 25's Featured Book
Deal With Thisby Lucy Monroe

2nd book in The Goddard Project series
Trade Paperback
Kensington Brava - November 27, 2007
ISBN 0-7582-1180-5




A Video Review of Deal with This by Bookend Book Reviews!






Contest 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.)



Deal with This is a love story between Allan and Jillian.  Jillian is not new to my books, what previous novel did Jillian appear?

Humpday Hottie!

A nice romantic walk on the beach to set the tone for summer loving!Happy first day of summer. 

Weekly Blog Contest - June

Heart of a Desert Warrior
By Lucy MonroeHarlequin Presents #3071 - July 2012ISBN-10: 0373130775ISBN-13: 978-0373130771
Buy the book:  B&N ~ Chapters ~ Books-a-Million ~ Amazon
An Excerpt from Chapter One
No matter what, she would be fine. She would. She was no longer a naïve university sophomore, but a professional geologist with an eminent private survey firm.
“So, why the long face?” Russell asked, taking another step down as if coaxing her to do the same. “I know you tried to get out of doing this assignment.”
She had, but then she’d realized how foolish she was being. She couldn’t go through her career refusing the more than lucrative assignments in the Middle East just because she’d once loved a man who came from this part of the world. Besides, her boss had made it clear that this time, she didn’t have a choice.
“I’m fine. Just a little jet lagged.” Forcing her feet to move, she started down the stairs.
Russell falling into step beside her when she reached him, he put his arm out for her and she took it.
She wasn’t dwelling on the possibility that Sheikh Asad was her Asad. Not at all.
After all, what were the chances it was the same man who had done such a good job decimating her heart six years ago that she hadn’t gone on another date until after she graduated? That it was the one man that she had hoped to live the whole rest of her life without ever seeing again?
Small. Almost nonexistent.
Right? Right.
So, her Asad had been part of a Bedouin tribe and, she’d found out at the end, slated to be sheikh one day.
It didn’t have to be the same man. She was praying it wasn’t the same man.
If it was her Asad, or rather the Asad — he’d never really been hers and she had to stop thinking of him that way — she didn’t know what she would do. Working toward the coveted position of senior geologist with Coal, Carrington & Boughton Surveyors, Inc., she couldn’t refuse this assignment based on personal reasons. Not when she was back in the office and definitely not now that she was already in country.
She wasn’t about to commit career suicide. Asad had taken enough from her, her faith in love. Her belief in the rosy, bright future she’d ached for and dreamed of. He didn’t get her career too.
“What did the diamond say to the copper vein?” Russell’s youthful voice pulled her out of her less than happy thoughts as they made their slow way down the stairs.
She rolled her eyes. “That joke is as old as the bedrock in Hudson Bay. The answer is: nothing, minerals don’t talc.”


It was a hoary old joke, but when he laughed, she found herself joining him.

“I’m glad to see you still have a sense of humor.” The deep voice coming from the hall below didn’t sound happy at all.

In fact, it sounded almost annoyed. But Iris didn’t have the wherewithal to worry about that little inconsistency. Not when the rich tones that still had the power to send her heart on a drum roll and little pops of awareness to spark along her every nerve ending belonged to a man she had truly believed she would never see again.

She stopped her descent and stared. Asad looked back at her, his dark chocolate gaze so intense, she felt the breath leave her lungs in a gasp.

He’d changed. Oh, he was still gorgeous. His hair still a dark brown, almost black and with no hint of grey, but instead of cropped close to his head like it had been back in school he wore it shoulder length. The different style should have made him seem more casual, more approachable. It didn’t
Click Here to continue reading.

Contest 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.
Last Friday Anthea Sharp was our guest blogger.  She talked about the type of heroes she enjoys writing about.  What type of hero can you find in her books?

James Bond Meets the Geek Squad

Cue the James Bond music and call the Geek Squad! If you like your espionage with thrills, romance and a touch of humor look no further.  You'll find sensuality and sass in my high-tech action romance, Deal With This. 
It’s lights, camera, action as this novel brings you inside the Vancouver film industry. It’s a fun look at the industry itself while taking you through a rollercoaster ride of spy action and hot romance. And maybe just a little humor.
Michelle Buonfiglio of Lifetime TV's Romance: B(u)y the Book says, "Lucy Monroe excels at creating alpha bad boys and authentic erotic romance."  And Romantic Times gave Deal With This four stars calling my characters "sexually empowering."  Truth is, the love scenes sizzle and I worked to make the characters the highlight of every scene.  My “alpha bad boy” Alan goes undercover to find out who is trying to auction off international secrets and finds himself on the set of a scifi TV show with the star of the show, Jillian, set to help him whether he likes it or not!
I am especially pleased with this novel because of the character development of both the hero and heroine. Alan isn’t a typical “alpha male”, but has layers of complexity to him that allow him to appreciate Jillian’s independence and accept himself without having to be in charge all the time - though he certainly takes his turn. (I'll leave it to your imagination or reading the book to figure out what that means. ::g::)  Jillian is strong, sassy, fun and loveable.  She won't faint at the sight of a gun and she doesn’t mind talking about sex, needs and what she really wants. 
Throw in a scifi TV show, producers, spies, anti-gravity planes and really hot love scenes and you’ve got Deal With This!  Deal With This will be this week's giveaway in my 52 Week's of Romance!

Weekly Contest Winners!

Weekly Contest Winners!

Close Quarters
Congratulations lidia  you will receive a copy of Lucy's Monroe's Close Quarters.  Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail. 


52 Weeks of Romance from Lucy  

Congratulations bluegray you will receive a copy of Lucy's Monroe's book Satisfaction Guaranteed. Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail. 

Guest Blogger - Anthea Sharp

An author friend of mine was scheduled to blog with us today but unfortunately had to cancel.  She introduced me to her friend Athena whom I've invited to blog with me today.  I'm excited to get to know her a little better.  Welcome Athena.
Making her home in the rainy Pacific Northwest, Anthea is a RITA-nominated author of Victorian-set historical romance, writing as Anthea Lawson (www.anthealawson.com). She’s also returning to her geek-girl roots and writing young adult urban fantasy, as Anthea Sharp (www.antheasharp.com). Her books are available in print and digital formats from all online retailers.
The Underdog Hero
Who doesn’t love rooting for the underdog? The guy who’s up against impossible odds, the one from the wrong side of the tracks, the one who doesn’t trust in love, but ultimately realizes in the end that it makes him stronger.
I’ve recently branched out from writing Historical Romance and started a Young Adult fantasy series—but one thing has stayed the same. My heroes. I love writing about guys who have it rough, and the strong and sympathetic women who believe in them. Whether the setting is a Victorian botanical expedition, or a futuristic fantasy game world, I’m drawn to heroes who have to overcome long odds.
In my most recent release, Feyland: The Bright Court, my teenage male protagonist, Tam, is a reluctant hero. He’s from the wrong side of the tracks, and has had a rough upbringing. But behind his shell, he’s a remarkably chivalrous guy. Tam does the right thing, every time, no matter how hard. Even though he may not gain from it—in fact, even if he thinks he’s pushing the girl he loves into some other guy’s path—he’ll man up and do what’s necessary for the greater good.
The best thing about putting my heroes through the wringer is, finally, giving them the happy ending they’ve fought so hard for.  It’s always been my favorite kind of story.
Who is your favorite underdog hero, and why? 
Feyland: The Bright Court   ~ Book 2 in the Feyland trilogy ~

What if a high-tech computer game was a gateway to the dangerous Realm of Faerie?
INSIDE THE GAME...
Jennet Carter escaped the dark faeries of Feyland once. Now, fey magic is seeping out of the prototype game, beguiling the unwary and threatening everyone she cares about.
MAGIC...
Tam Linn may be a hero in-game, but his real life is severely complicated. Still, he'll do whatever it takes to stop the creatures of Feyland, even if it means pushing Jennet toward the new guy in school—the one with an inside connection to sim-gaming... and the uncanny ability to charm everyone he meets.
ALWAYS WINS...
Despite the danger, Jennet and Tam must return to Feyland to face the magic of the Bright Court—and a powerful new enemy who won't stop until the human world is at the mercy of the Realm of Faerie.

52 Week's of Romance by Lucy Monroe!

Week 24's Featured Book
Satisfaction Guaranteedby Lucy Monroe

1st book in The Goddard Project series
Kensington Brava - May 2007
ISBN 0-7582-1178-3
Mass Market Paperback re-release
Kensington Brava - May 2009
ISBN-10: 0-7582-1179-1
ISBN-13: 978-0758211798


I thought it would be fun to giveaway the entire Goddard Series in the week's leading up to     Close Quarter's Rerelease in July!




 Buy the book.
Contest 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.)



Beth, who believes her pursuit of Ben is just a fantasy, has a huge strike against her.  What does Beth's father do that would intimidate Ben from going after her?

Humpday Hottie!

A little fun on the beach!