Lucy Score's Blog: Lucy's News, page 6

8 Terrible Titles

A few author pals (Hey, Kelsey Kingsley, Alley Ciz, and Kait Nolan!) tagged me in a Facebook author game called EIGHT TERRIBLE TITLES, which went terribly wrong awfully fast.

The rules: ”Scroll through your manuscript. Let your cursor fall where it may and bam—you’ve got yourself one terrible title. Repeat this seven more times. Let the good times roll. Tag eight others.”

Spoiler Alert: This game worked well for everyone EXCEPT ME. Also, I had to cheat a little because some of the lines I initially landed on were not public appropriate WINK WINK NUDGE NUDGE.

Here are eight terrible titles from my upcoming WIP for the moment titled Grumpy Grump Face, which is still better than all of the following:

Did I look like the kind of person who
would drop-kick a homeless dog?Fabulous and somehow classy in a
debauched, naked kind of way.“You’re blinking weird.”Are you taking me somewhere to murder me?Take the edge off of Vagina Exploding
Vest GuyI wasn’t asking you for a relationship,
you dipshit.Miscalculating the windspeed of an
excited chocolate labIf I get hemorrhoids from this I’m gonna
be pissed

Lucy Note: Grumpy Grump Face is tentatively scheduled for an April 2020 release. Protecting What’s Mine, my small-town firefighter romance will be out January 16, 2020!

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Fantastic AF Book Finds to Wrap Up Your 2019 Reading

A few author pals and I got to talking about some of the most enjoyable books we picked up this year. And since everyone and their third-cousin is doing Best Of lists, we thought we’d put together our own list of books from authors we think our readers would love. So fire up those Kindles and get ready to start downloading some new-to-you happily ever afters!

Side Note: None of us consulted each other on our picks to keep our list fresh and organic and uh… free range… so you might see a handful of repeats in the list!

Lucy Score Recommends:

Happily Ever His by Delancey Stewart

I picked Happily Ever His up on a whim and zoomed right through it. It’s a small-town romance with a Hollywood star who’s just about given up on finding something real. Tess is as real as it gets. The “normal, average” sister to a major movie star, Tess is used to not standing out. So when she and her sister’s famous FAKE boyfriend develop a case of instalust in the midst of a scandal, I was THERE FOR IT.

Plus, there’s a 90-year-old gamer grandma and a house chicken who falls in love with a bodyguard. I mean, just do yourself a favorite and pick up this book!

Lucy Score is a Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author of contemporary romance. Her favorite hobbies appear to include talking about herself in the third person on her own blog. Ahhhh, that kooky Lucy!

Kait Nolan Recommends:

Hometown Troublemaker by Brighton Walsh 

I love, love LOVE this series set in small-town Mississippi. It’s hot (seriously hawt), sweet, funny, and it gets two thumbs up and a Magnolia Seal of Approval from this real Mississippi girl. Hometown Troublemaker features a divorced mom of two, who gets the delightful lesson that perfect is not all it’s cracked up to be.

The hero, Nash, runs a construction company and it’s so incredibly fantastic seeing him…well, see the real her. After a lifetime of pleasing other people instead of herself, it’s delightful getting to watch her come into her own because of his support.

He’s exactly the kind of hero I adore. Also, the abs. And the toolbelt. Rowr. It’s second in the series but can totally be read as a standalone. 

Kait Nolan is a RITA ® Award winning MS native, who swears like a sailor, calls everyone sugar, & can wield a bless your heart like a saber or a Snuggie, depending on necessity.

Marley Valentine Recommends: 

Impact by Haley Jenner

A perfectly matched writing duo, Haley Jenner will blow you away with their words. While their writing in every book is stellar and evocative; it’s the way they’ve brought heartache and happiness to life in Impact, that really sets them apart. For many, this book will go beyond the pages. It’s true life. It’s an experience. It’s a well deserved second chance.  

A romantic at heart, Marley Valentine ‘s stories combine the sometimes ugly truths of life, with a well deserved happy ever after.  

Kacey Shea Recommends:

Waking Olivia by Elizabeth O’Roark  

Wow. You know that feeling of reading a story, so unique and well written, that you can’t put it down? That’s how I felt when I started Waking Olivia. Olivia is the headstrong, independent heroine with scars so deep you find yourself rooting for her even when she screws up. She doesn’t trust easily, but when a bond is forged between her and her coach, it blooms into so much more.

Beautifully written, this happy ever after is one this couple has to work for, but ultimately so satisfying. I can’t shut up about this book! No, really, I’ve been telling everyone to read it. I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to pick up an Elizabeth O’Roark book, but boy am I glad I did! 

Ridorkulous by Mary Frame 

Oh my goodness! This book has everything I love in a good rom com! Smart, witty dialogue, hilarious supporting characters, and laugh out loud shenanigans. Two college students, nerd girl vs. hunky athlete fight for the last available room on campus in a series of unconventional challenges, all while the slow burn romance builds between them. I could not put this book down, and as soon as I finished I binged Mary Frame’s entire backlist.  

Kacey Shea enjoys writing strong and smart heroines, heroes with hearts of gold, and stories that deliver a satisfying, well-earned happily ever after.  

Mae Wood Recommends:

Tombstones by KC Enders 

A Green Beret on leave has a holiday fling that results in a surprise pregnancy. With that one sentence, how could you not want to read this book?

This book stood out for me because there is a sweetness to our determined hero. His family didn’t want him to go to into the service. His high school girlfriend is still chasing him, but he’s intent on building a life for himself, a life that he wants, not a life that’s thrust upon him. He doesn’t want to risk anyone’s heart — especially his own — while he’s still active duty, but no one truly gets to make that decision, do they?

This the fourth book in K.C. Ender’s Beekman Hills series. Centered around an Irish pub in upstate New York, I’ve read them all. I think they are best read in order, so you can enjoy the entire universe of Beekman Hills. 

Mae Wood is a professional sassy pants and Amazon Top 100 romance novelist. 

Mia Kayla Recommends:

Game Changer by Sierra Hill

Gah! I love this author and I love this book. Looking for a single dad /nanny story that’s jam-packed with emotion? Look no further, because this is your next read.

I love the heart and strength of the hero, his love for his special needs child and the growth he makes within the book. He’s made some mistakes but to see the overall change of the hero was beautiful.

He has met his perfect match in Brooklyn, the nanny he’s hired to watch his son. This couple has off-the-charts chemistry, sparks that fly sky-high and steam so hot that you can feel it through the pages of the book. I highly recommend this book.  

Mia Kayla , writer of love, laughter, and happily ever afters.  

Jami Albright Recommends: 

Times Like These by Julia Wolf 

What a great book! Dalia and Nick’s story is stormy, super-steamy, and immensely satisfying! I loved this couple, and I also loved all the side characters. Julia Wolf not only made me fall in love with the moody lead singer of Blue is the Color, Nick Fletcher, but also with the other three members of the band. Times Like These grabbed me in the first chapter and didn’t let go until Nick and Dalia got their HEA! 

Jami Albright writes zany, sexy, pee your pants funny romcoms. If you don’t snort with laughter, then she hasn’t done her job.  

Kelsey Kingsley Recommends:

Times Like These by Julia Wolf 

It isn’t often that I find myself so completely obsessed with an author’s work that I proceed to binge the rest of their work after reading. But that’s exactly what happened here. The storyline is that addicting, the hero is that swoon-worthy, and the supporting characters are that compelling.

I am officially, 100% addicted to Julia Wolf and her Blue boys. And if you’re into compellingly hot and perfectly witty rock star romance, I bet you will be, too.  

Kelsey Kingsley is a contemporary romance author of nine books, living in New York with her family and a cat named Ethel.  

LJ Evans Recommends:

Alma Underwood is Not a Kleptomaniac by Lacey Daily

Lacey Dailey did a beautiful job with this story. It’s a gorgeous YA, coming-of-age romance with a physically disabled hero and a do-good heroine that is completely hard to resist.

It has a whole host of quirky, lovable secondary characters including some incredible LGBTQIA folks that make you laugh and want to hug them all at the same time. Lacey strives to be inclusive in her writing and ends up hitting a tone that is a mixture of Sarah Dessen, Rainbow Rowell, and John Green with a slice of humor that is extremely enticing. Can’t wait to read more of her words    

LJ Evans writes contemporary romance that should come with a WARNING label: “Do not read unless you are prepared to invest your heart and soul.”

Claire Kingsley Recommends: 

Nerdgasm by Kimberly Reese 

Nerdgasm is a light, sexy read that was a ton of fun. Super cute, nerdy hero? Yes, please! And the oranges conversation? HOLY HOTNESS. Trust me, you’ll never look at oranges the same way again. This book is a great choice when you want a fun storyline and a feel good ending.  

Claire Kingsley is an Amazon top 10 bestselling author of sexy and heartwarming contemporary romances and romantic comedies.  

Pippa Grant Recommends:

Scoring the Keeper’s Sister by Delancey Stewart

This book a) is funny, b) has a bet about cheese, c) includes a hero who’s more than he appears, and d) has all of my favorite tropes: enemies-to-lovers, athletes, and teammate’s/best friend’s little sister.

It’s like a bacon taco made by a unicorn, except it’s a romance novel, and it’s awesome, and everyone should read it yesterday. 

Pippa Grant writes romantic comedies that will make tears run down your leg.  

Jeannine Colette Recommends: 

A Scarcity of Condors by Suanne Laquer 

A Scarcity of Condors by Suanne Laquer can not simply be described as “a good read.” It’s an EXPERIENCE. With plots that intricate in design, scene rich in history and characters that move throughout the scene, Suanne has the ability to take you into a world unlike any other, and completely submerse you. A Scarcity of Condors is a M/M romance, historical suspense, an inspirational tale, and a familial love story all woven into one. It takes place over generations, and yet stays in the present. It takes you from the tortured souls to the ones finding love for the first time. Only a truly kickass author who knows the definition of humanity can achieve that.  

Not only is Suanne a superb writer, but she’s also a CHAMPION of the indie author. As an editor for brilliant minds like Emma Scott and Leylah Attar, she has helped craft some of the greatest novels of 2019. She never has a bad thing to say about another’s work, is always proud of your accomplishments, and will love you even if you differ in views politically. She is one of my favorite people in this industry, and I think she deserves ALL THE PRAISE! 

Jeannine Colette  combines angst and humor in her sexy, stand-alone romance novels. Her stories feature dynamic heroines, and swoon-worthy heroes, who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. 

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2020 Book Signings

As 2019 begins to come to a close (seriously, where did this year go? In my head it’s only March), I thought I’d post a list of my 2020 signings in case you’d like to come see my face!

Saturday, May 2: Music City with the Belles

Nashville, Tennessee

Event Page

Facebook Attendee Group

Friday and Saturday June 26 & 27: RARE Edinburgh 20

Edinburgh, Scotland

Event Page

Facebook Attendee Group

Saturday, November 14: Indies Invade Philly

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Tickets not on sale yet.

Facebook Attendee Group

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What’s Coming Next?

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Lady Billionaires: Romantic comedy heroines with a twist

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The Official Blue Moon Reading Order

“But, but, but the books are numbered!” — Imaginary Reader

You are correct! The hilarious and amazing Blue Moon series chock full of small-town romcom zaniness is numbered. However, there’s this sneaky little book called Where It All Began. It’s the prequel to the series and it tells the story of John and Phoebe Pierce.

If you’re new to the series that means absolutely nothing to you. But trust me. I’m protecting you here! Do NOT begin with Where It All Began. I forbid it.

You’re going to make me say it, aren’t you? Fine. In the main Blue Moon series, John Pierce, the family patriarch is… no longer alive. So you can imagine be-bopping into this romantic comedy series and trying to read Where It All Began first and then curling up on your living room floor sobbing “Why, Lucy? Why???” And then never reading any of the rest of the books.

I’m not even going to get into how I didn’t want to write the book in the first place. Yes, I am. This is how it went:

Readers: We really want John and Phoebe’s story.

Me: Ha! That’s hilarious. John is dead. I can’t write a romance novel where one of the main characters DIES.

Readers: Yes you can. Now go do it.

Me: Well, I’ll show you what a hot mess this will be. *starts writing* *instantly falls in love with John* *curses self and readers* *writes romance novel in which main character dies* *sobs uncontrollably throughout*

Look, I’m really glad I listened to you readers and wrote it anyway because I honestly think it’s one of my best books. And we get to go back to the 1980s in that hippie dippy little town. And meet tiny Carter, Beckett, and Jax! And we find out where Clementine came from! However, I do think new readers need a stern warning to NOT read the prequel first. So without further ado… (what is an ado anyway?)

The Official Lucy-Approved Reading Order of Blue Moon:

No More SecretsFall Into TemptationThe Last Second ChanceNot Part of the Plan Where It All Began , The PrequelHolding on to ChaosThe Fine Art of Faking It

Boring Fine Print: Should you decide to buck the rules and read Where It All Began too early in the series, the author wilst showeth upeth at your house and slap your Kindle out of your hand. And then probably ask to use your restroom, depending on how far away from her you live.

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Top 5 Reasons to Read Rock Bottom Girl

5. It’s a girthy standalone. That’s right. You don’t have to read 17 books before this one. There’s no commitment! It’s a once and done trip to small-town central Pennsylvania.

4. Jake and Marley are almost 40. Which means they’re good at sex and things like paying bills and navigating professional relationships. Sure, they’ve still got problems. Jake has never been in a committed relationship that lasted longer than a few orgasms. And Marley is still looking for her place in the world. But together, they make 38 look pretty damn good. Especially since they’re high school teachers and deal with teenagers all day.

3. I’m not going to call this an ugly duckling to swan story (there is an actual swan in Rock Bottom Girl), but there is a pretty great makeover. In fact, Marley’s entire character arc is an inside out makeover. And there’s a scene at Ulta that would make a great music montage.

2. It’s funny. Like really, really funny. Here are a few of my favorite snippets:

“I had rebelled and complained and limped my way through the minefields of popularity, academic achievements, and athletic accomplishment. None of those had I any actual personal experience with.”

“I couldn’t think of anything in this world that could compete with the feel of Jake’s palms on my boobs. Not a litter of golden retriever puppies. Not world peace. Not even triple chocolate fudge brownies with ice cream.”

“The Eighth Wonder of the World: Jake Weston’s Erect Penis.”

“I was buried inside Marley Cicero and trying my hardest not to explode. I thought about Homer and my grandma. Homer eating my grandma’s broccoli casserole at Thanksgiving. I thought about the gas bill I’d left laying on a flat surface somewhere in the house. Anything but the woman under me, around me. Damn it. I was thinking about her again. I could feel my pulse in the tip of my dick and knew I was one jerky thrust away from coming so hard my fillings would pop out.”

Numero Uno: This is a fake relationship that starts with a meet-puke, a girls soccer team, a rescue dog, a perfect sister, and the bad boy from high school. Oh and a high school nemesis who only got meaner with age. Did I mention the best bonus epilogue I’ve ever written? Two words: Wedding. Day.

If you’re thinking this book sounds like your cuppa tea, check it out on Amazon, my friends!

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Let’s talk about Luke Perry

There will be some people in your life who will judge you or question you or be completely confused by your sadness over the death of someone you never met.

That is their problem, not yours. So don’t feel like you need to apologize for being genuinely sad or happy for someone you don’t know. That actually makes you a really great human being.

And it means that Luke Perry was really great at his art. Because you connected with him through his roles. You rooted for him.

I hope someday when it’s my time, when I am dragged kicking and screaming and maybe a little drunk and full of tacos from this earth, that people I never met will feel sad. That I will have had a positive impact on them even without being at their dinner table or living in their neighborhood. I want that for all of us. I want our reach to extend beyond the circle of people we see every day. I want us all to matter well beyond our kids and cats and coworkers.

Your ability to care about others beyond your circle is one of your greatest talents. The fact that you can get up at 5 a.m. with me to watch a royal wedding, or cry over a fictional character who doesn’t exist anywhere but your head and the author’s heart, the fact that you can mourn the death of a child of a friend of a friend of a friend makes you beautifully, wonderfully human. Despite what Twitter and the news say, we are compassionate, loving, and beautiful.

Now, let me tell you why I am so sad over Luke Perry. His role as Dylan McKay on 90210 imprinted pretty fiercely on me. This was my first TV experience of watching a regular girl (Brenda) from a regular place (Minnesota) catch and keep the eye of the bad boy. The unattainable, devastatingly attractive, no-on-can-have him, can’t-stop-thinking-about-him guy. Not only did she catch his eye, she unlocked him to find a good (I’m totally ignoring the Kelly fiasco here), vulnerable man who loved her. Now, THAT is my kind of catnip when it comes to a love story. The regular girl unlocks the unattainable guy and they live happily ever after… again, minus Kelly.

Over the decades since that show, I’ve always thought of Luke Perry fondly because of the impact of his art.

So maybe it’s not Luke Perry for you.

Maybe it was Grace Kelly or Bernie Mac or George HW Bush or Mr. Rogers or the elderly lady who lived down the block that you always meant to visit but never got around to it…

My point is, there are people out there we don’t know that we can still be profoundly happy for and sad over. Those people won’t be the same for everyone, but as long as we’re not crapping all over someone else’s exaltation when a Kardashian has a baby or their devastation when their favorite poet passes away, it’s all good. It’s all beautiful. And it’s all worthy of feeling. Feel your feelings. Don’t apologize for them.

Oh, and you all better be clutching tissues someday when I head off to that great book signing in the sky.

Note: I originally posted this wall of text on Luke Perry in my reader group on Facebook.

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Book Signing with Nora Roberts

Me and Nora Roberts. Right before I hyperventilated and died.



My first book signing ever

On February 2, I attended my very first book signing. At Turn the Page Bookstore. WITH NORA ROBERTS. The following is my abbreviated (Yeah right, let’s be serious. I don’t abbreviate anything.) recollection of the happiest blur of a weekend ever.

Mr. Lucy and I arrived at our hotel Friday night. It just so happened that there were 25+ BRAs (Binge Readers Anonymous is my reader group on Facebook) also staying there. We ALL met spontaneously in the lobby in a screamy, squeally lovefest that the Hampton Inn of Hagerstown was incredibly tolerant of for several hours. Oh, and my admin and PA Joyce who was “so sad” that she “couldn’t be there” strolled through the dang front door of the hotel and surprised the everliving crap out of me! She’s a truly excellent liar. One of her many favorable qualities. There were hugs, gifts, and a lot of pictures! They presented me with a charm bracelet with charms representing EVERYTHING I’ve ever published.

Book Signing News

I will get to see your face live and in person! My very first book signing will be with Nora Roberts at her bookstore! And I’m so excited I might throw up.

Date: Saturday, February 2

Time: Noon-2 p.m.

Place: Turn the Page Bookstore in Boonsboro, Maryland

Event Information: Turn the Page Bookstore has detailed information about how their book signings work.

Authors In Attendance: The One and Only Nora Roberts, Darynda Jones, Donna Kauffman, Roni Lauren, Maria V. Snyder, K.L. Ramsey, and Sean Daniels.

Books Available at the Signing: Pretend You’re Mine, Finally Mine, and The Worst Best Man.

If you are interested in attending and are on Facebook, check out the Lucy Con group and coordinate your travels with other Lucy Readers!

 

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