Blogging with Lucy Monroe

Weekly Contest Winner!

2012-01-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Patti P you will receive a copy of Lucy's Monroe's For Duty's Sake plus a $5.00 gift card for Amazon.com.

Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail.

For additional information on For Duty's Sake, please visit my website.

52 Weeks of Romance from Lucy

Congratulations patches22 you will receive a copy of Lucy's Monroe's award winning book The Real Deal. Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail.

Guest Blog - Annie Rayburn

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

Annie Rayburn author of “sizzling romance that tugs at your heart.”

As a reader of romance and erotic romance, I want to be sucked into a book and live in the world the writer has created. I want to laugh and cry with the characters as they live their journey.

Judy Blume says, "The best books come from someplace deep inside.... Become emotionally involved. If you don't care about your characters, your readers won't either."

Her quote resonates with me. Not just because I’m a writer, but because I’m sometimes more empathetic than is comfortable. Yep, I’m one of those people who weeps over Hallmark greeting card commercials, sappy movies and even a few Folgers ads. I’d like to think my ability to connect through empathy makes me a better writer when it comes to feeling and expressing the emotions of my characters, but my readers will have to judge that for themselves.

Sometimes it really sucks that I have to torture my characters before they can have their HEA (Happily Ever After).

The world I’ve created with Insight, Phantoms & Fantasies and Bittersweet Obsessions is contemporary with a big twist: We’ve humanoid aliens living among us and they’ve been here for decades. They’re as much a part of society as any other immigrant. My books take place in Dallas, Denver, Atlanta and Geneva, Switzerland. My “aliens” are from the planet Crainesian and their main difference from us is in the way they mate. When a Crainesian encounters their ‘life-mate,’ they experience an overwhelming surge of pheromones. To say they’re attracted is putting it mildly. They also communicate telepathically and have the ability to share dreams, both platonic and erotic.

But what happens if a half-Crainesian has been raised by his Human mother, knows nothing of his Crainy heritage and has never communicated with his thoughts? (Insight)

What if the woman has suffered through a brutal attack that’s left her distant and distrustful of the opposite sex? How would her mate go about winning her heart? (Phantoms & Fantasies)

Yes, when a writer is crazy enough to create characters who immediately recognize their intended life-mate, you have to put powerful obstacles in their path to happiness. Sometimes even taking away the one person they’ve been waiting for all their life, as I did in my latest release, Bittersweet Obsessions:

Three men. One woman. Who will trigger her obsession?

When it comes to love, they believe in one perfect mate,

but putting the centuries-old belief to the test 

could bring them everything they desire.

In a culture where it’s believed each person has only one life-mate, what happens when yours is beyond your reach? Teriza feels the mating call to a man married to a Human. Unwilling to be the cause of infidelity, Teriza distances herself from her mate after an intense pheromone-charged encounter that leaves her in precarious health. She requires treatment and is sent to a clinic in Switzerland, where sexual surrogates are employed to heal such conditions.

After Paul Craddock’s life-mate died, he turned to surrogacy to ease the pain of loneliness. His reaction to Teriza surprises him by being more than a casual attraction. He’s intrigued to discover she feels the same. They experiment with the Human way of courtship, but the ultimate bond that Crainesians experience eludes them.

Teriza fears Paul cannot be content with her since he’s experienced heartglow during his previous marriage. Paul worries that the existence of Teriza’s life mate makes him the consolation prize, good enough, but not her first choice.

Though they are falling in love, they’re in uncharted territory without the engulfing pheromone storm of life-mates to guide them. Will they learn to trust their feelings and listen to their hearts before it’s too late?

If these premises resonate with you, or you’d like to learn more about my writing, you can connect with me on my website, Facebook and Twitter.

As a reader of romance, what do you look for? Alpha or beta heroes? Independent heroines? Do you have favorite story lines, eras or settings?

52 Weeks of Romance from Lucy Monroe!

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Week #4's Featured Book:

Taken: The Spaniard's Virgin

Book 2 in the Mediterranean Brides series

Harlequin Presents - July 2007

ISBN 0-373-12644-1

Excerpt from Chapter 1

"Drop your head a little to the left. That's right. Good, Amber, good."

Amber Taylor moved to the direction of the photographer, the hot Spanish sun baking her skin despite the high factor sunscreen slathered on under her body sheen. She didn't complain though. The shoot was her first truly big ad campaign as well as her first big international contract.

At twenty-four, she was either on the cusp of making it big in modeling, or sliding into mediocrity. Mediocrity was not an option. She'd been modeling since her early teens and had sacrificed sleep, chocolate and a social life for her chosen career. She was determined to make it big.

It helped that her mom was on her side. A widow, who had raised Amber on her own, Helen Taylor was an amazing woman. She'd sacrificed herself for Amber's career and loved her only daughter enough to remind her when to exercise and when not to eat...too much.

Amber had been living on a low calorie diet so long, she didn't even get hungry anymore. Helen was careful to make sure that the food Amber did eat was uber nutritious. She'd even given up her own comforts so that she could afford to hire a personal trainer for Amber. Helen Taylor had provided Amber what she needed to hone her body into the perfect form for modeling.

Her mom's support of her dream meant everything to Amber and she had every intention of repaying it with success.

"Okay...lift the phone like a victory fist and smile."

Amber lifted the trim flip phone high in the air and gave her signature smile, one that her agent said promised the world and everything in it.

A whistle sounded from her left and unexpected tingles traveled up her spine and down her arms. It was if someone with an electric gaze was watching her. Which was just plain silly. Superman might have x-ray vision, but he was fiction and no real person actually had the ability to touch someone else with a look. Only, she felt touched. Caressed even.

Doing her best to mentally shrug off the odd feeling, she turned up the wattage on her smile and the whistle sounded again. This time low and suggestive. It was all Amber could do not to clench her thigh muscles. She never reacted like this.

Never.

Click to continue reading.

Contest Question
(Write your entry in the comment section below - winners will be posted on Saturday. Answers to the questions can be found on my webpage.)

This book is very special to me and I chose to dedicate to some very special people. This week's question challenges you to reread the dedication to this book and hopefully you will find it as special as I do. Who did I dedicate this book to? (...and for those of you thinking it was my mother, yes she was VERY special to me, but this book is dedicated to a special group of people - you'll just have reread it to see.)

This book is available for purchase on Kindle.

Humpday Hottie!

2012-01-25T00:01:00.001-08:00

Up for a little dinner and then maybe dessert?

Retro Release January Contest!

2012-01-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do you have this book yet? This is your last chance this month to enter to win a copy of For Duty's Sake - January's Retro Release. To enter, simply answer a question from the previous week's blog posts.

For Duty's Sake

USA Today Bestseller List

Mass Market Paperback

Harlequin Presents #2993 - June 2011

ISBN - 10:0373129939 ISBN -13: 978-0373129935

Review by Judy Flohr
For Duty’s Sake is an absolute compelling story of love and second chances. Zahir and Angele are both willing to fight for this relationship after they realize its depth and power in their lives. I just love Lucy Monroe’s Sheikh’s series just when I think I have read my favorite another one comes along. You won’t be sorry to pick up this delightful book

Contest Question:
Leave a comment with your answer to the question and you will be placed in the drawing - winners will be announced on Saturday)

Last week Dani Harper stopped by to chat with us. She gave a great interview. What exciting thing did she do to research her new book Fourth and Goal?

Some Big Changes for Me This Year

2012-01-23T00:13:00.000-08:00

I am a Type II diabetic and have been for a few years. Did diagnosis change my lifestyle? For a while it did, but then I got complacent and well...lazy. There were so many other things to worry about, my sedentary lifestyle, often eating only once - maybe twice - a day, sugar binges and blood sugar levels within the normal ranges *for a diabetic* didn't really make it on the list.

But then a couple of weeks before Christmas, my blood sugars started going dangerously high. Scared the crap out of me, honestly. So, what did I do? Stop testing them. Yep, real effective that. ;-) Not! Then, the week of Christmas, the mother of one of my daughter's friends learned she was going to lose the bottom half of her leg...due to complications from her diabetes.

Wake up call? A resoundingly loud one with the ringtone of archangels, if you really want to know.

I knew I had to do something because, see...I want to be walking in ten years. I want to be healthy. Bending over to tie my own shoes, still running after the grandkids.

I won't be, if I don't do something now. My mom was a Type II diabetic. She didn't let the disease beat her though. That's all down to the Hep C that ravaged her body until the last flicker of light died in her eyes.

But caring for Mom during more than a dozen years of her fighting fatal liver failure taught me something. If I have the choice, I don't want my own children in that same space. I can't know what the future might bring, but I know that I do have a choice about some things.

Like my weight. Like my Type II Diabetes. Like my overall health. I may not be able to prevent cancer or some unknown disease, but I can make choices now that exponentially increase my chances of living a productive, healthy life for decades to come.

The week after Christmas, my baby sister told me she'd signed up for the Hillsboro Fitness Challenge. Did I want to do it to?

Did I? Oh, yes!!!

So, I told my kids and my husband and they *all* enthusiastically agreed to pursue health with me. They've not only joined the challenge, but we're all using MyFitnessPal to track our food, exercise and weight loss progress.

I started on January 9th and so far, I've eaten WAY better, exercised every day but 2 and lost 7.4 pounds. I've learned I absolutely LOVE water aerobics! :) I'm already stronger and more able to run up and down my stairs at home. My blood sugars have dropped to much more acceptable levels and I'm no longer at risk for going on insulin. I'm still on Metformin, but I'm hoping that will change once I lose enough weight.

I'm crying as I write this because I really want to give my children and grandchildren a healthy me. They deserve it. My mom, who never gave up for our sake, deserves it!

She didn't have a choice in so much, but what she had a choice in? She did her utmost to make work with her body. She nursed a Level 4 liver failure through more than a decade and stayed alive for us.

I *will* be that strong for my children. I will change my lifestyle and that of my immediate family get togethers to one that is healthier and more conducive to keeping us all active and strong in the years to come.

The Hillsboro Fitness Challenge ends in 2.5 months. I'm trying my best to win the weight loss portion, but I think my baby sister or husband might just beat me. If they do? I'll consider it a win for all of us. Because it will be.

I'll need a renewed commitment at that time. I'm usually smart enough to know my weaknesses and potential pitfalls, and I see this one coming.

So, look for a Lucy Monroe Reader Fitness Challenge coming in April. I'll post the details later, but know that I plan to provide prizes and parameters that will enthusiastically encourage the other people in my life I love best to be as healthy as I'm hoping my family will be. My readers.

Watch this space for more details and updates on my healthy lifestyle efforts.

Mega hugs and healthy days ahead to each and every one of you!

Lucy

http://www.lucymonroe.com/
http://www.facebook.com/LucyMonroe.Romance

http://twitter.com/#!/lucymonroe

Weekly Contest Winner!

2012-01-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Christy you will receive a copy of Lucy's Monroe's For Duty's Sake plus a $5.00 gift card for Amazon.com.

Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail.

For additional information on For Duty's Sake, please visit my website.

52 Weeks of Romance from Lucy

Congratulations Shelley B you will receive a copy of Lucy's Monroe's award winning book The Real Deal. Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail.

Guest Interview - Jami Davenport

2012-01-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

Thanks Lucy for having me on your blog today. I'm excited to get to know your readers and share my book Fourth and Goal. I've added a link below to the excerpt page on my website.

1. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing?

I have a full-time job in IT. I also ride horses in dressage. I live on a small farm, which requires quite a bit of maintenance. As you can see, boredom is never an issue for me. I enjoy working in the yard in what little other spare time I might have.

2. What books are sitting in your TBR pile right now? What book are you currently reading?

I’m reading a book by an RWA chaptermate, Anthea Lawson, titled Five Wicked Kisses. I also have J. A. Jance’s Betrayal of Trust, Jill Shalvis’s Animal Attraction, and Jo Davis’s Ride the Fire.

3. Please, share something you found most interesting or fun that you did to research for a book.

To research my latest release, Fourth and Goal, I attended the Seattle Seahawks Football 101 camp at the Seahawks headquarters in Renton, Washington, on beautiful Lake Washington. I spent the day there, listened to coaches and players talk, attended a session on football basics, and ran through football drills on the practice field.

4. How did you come up with names, setting, character occupations or plot for Fourth and Goal?

I’ve been a football fan almost as long as I’ve been a horse lover. Over the years, I’ve toyed with writing a football romance. I wanted a book with football scenes as realistic as I could make them. My husband played College football so he helped me write the football scenes. A local female sportscaster, Jenn Mueller, also answered my questions relating to professional football. I wanted my heroine to have an unusual career goal as a football talent scout. There are very few women in this profession, and I was able to find some good information online.

5. Action adventure or romantic comedy? What is your favorite TV show lately?

Actually I’m a reality TV-show addict. I love “House Hunters” on the one of the home improvement channels. Unfortunately (or not), it’s inspired me to do some redecorating, which is needed in my 17-year-old house but cuts into my time. My husband and I also love to watch football (of course), and we’ve been watching old re-runs of JAG.If we’re talking movies, one of my all-time favorites is “Pretty Woman.” A good romance story doesn’t get much better than that.

Fourth and Goal

Seattle Lumberjacks Team Roster

In a game played on and off the field, only one of them will emerge the winner.

Armed with an uncanny ability for evaluating football talent, a dogged determination to succeed in a man’s world, and an empty bank account, Rachel McCormick agrees to help struggling wide receiver Derek Ramsey get his game back. Rachel believes Derek, her former best friend and lover, knows the truth behind the points-shaving scandal which ruined her father. She vows to expose the secret even if it destroys Derek in the process.

When Derek’s coach suggests sex as an excellent tension reliever the night before a game, Rachel takes one for the team. The next day, Derek has the best performance of his not-so illustrious pro football career.

As Derek and Rachel rack up nights in bed and other places, the team racks up wins on the field. Rachel is torn between her loyalty to her father and her growing affection for Derek. Now it’s fourth and goal, one second left on the clock. Their hearts are on the line. Do they trust each other enough to go for the long bomb or do they get dropped for a loss?

Click here to find a link to chapter 1.

52 Weeks of Romance from Lucy Monroe!

2012-01-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

A full year of Lucy Monroe books! Did you know that you could read a new book every week and still not complete the collection? This year I'm taking a trip down memory lane and giving away then entire collection. Stop by every Thursday to see what book is being featured. Answer the question and you could win your own copy of the book.

Featured Book Week #3

Bought: The Greek's Bride

Harlequin Presents - June 2007
ISBN 0-373-12636-0
© 2007 Lucy Monroe

Greek billionaire Sandor Christofides was born in shame, and has fought his way to the top. Now he has wealth and acclaim—all he needs is Eleanor to be his bride.

The scene is set, vintage champagne, red roses—a dazzling diamond ring! But does Sandor really want to cherish Ellie...or is she just a pawn in a ruthless game?

This book is still available for purchase in paperback.

Contest Question:

(Write your entry in the comment section below - winners will be posted on Saturday. Answers to the questions can be found on my webpage.)

Bought: The Greek's Bride is part of the Mediterranean Brides Series. Which Book is this in the series?

Humpday Hottie!

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

You're looking a little stressed.....can I help ease your tension?

Retro Release January Contest!

2012-01-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do you have this book yet? Here's your chance to win a copy. Each week during the month of January, I will be giving away one copy of For Duty's Sake. To enter, simply answer a question from the previous week's blog posts.

For Duty's Sake

USA Today Bestseller List

Mass Market Paperback

Harlequin Presents #2993 - June 2011

ISBN - 10:0373129939 ISBN -13: 978-0373129935

Read an excerpt below:

Angele slid around the partially opened door to Zahir’s office. He had disappeared from the wedding feast and she’d known she would find him here.

“Shirking your duty, Prince Zahir?” Her arms crossed over the sweetheart neckline of her short-short Juicy Couture original. “Tsk, tsk, tsk. What would your father say?”

The room was very much like Zahir, masculine, rich and imposing. And yet there was something in the artwork and the old world furnishings that reflected more, something special — an appreciation for beauty that she knew few were aware of.

But while Zahir didn’t pay her any particular attention, she had watched him closely and probably knew more about the real man than most. She still wondered at her ignorance of the secret revealed short months ago.

She’d decided it was willful blindness on her part, but that had not made her feel any better. Only mind-numbingly stupid.

She was a twenty-three year old virgin with no prospects and she knew she was to blame for that fact and no one else. She had clung to hopes and fairytales that never came true in the real world. Her parents’ marriage should have made her realize that.

Zahir looked up from some papers on his desk, his grey eyes widening a fraction at the sight of her. He quickly stood to his full, imposing six-feet, four-inches. He wore the traditional robes and head covering of a crown sheikh over a tailored Armani suit that did nothing but make him look mouth-wateringly attractive to her.

Not that he was even remotely aware of the effect he had on her. She would have to be on his radar as an actual woman for that to happen.

Click here to read more of Chapter 1

Contest Question:

Lucy has published over 50 books with three more coming out this year. What is your favorite Lucy Monroe book or series? and Why?

How Reading Can Help Relax Your Mind

2012-01-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do you sometimes find that your mind never shuts off? I often do. Just when I think I'm ready to go to sleep, I lay down and find that my mind is still going 100 miles an hour. I read this article that discusses how reading can help relax the mind and relieve the stress of the day. I found it interesting and thought I would share with all of you.

Click here to read the article.

Besides reading, what else do you do to help you relieve the stress of the day?

Weekly Contest Winner!

2012-01-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Retro Release Contest!
Congratulations BooksandPolish you will receive a copy of Lucy's Monroe's For Duty's Sake plus a $5.00 gift card for Amazon.com.

Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail.

For additional information on For Duty's Sake, please visit my website.

52 Weeks of Romance from Lucy

Congratulations patches22 you will receive a copy of Lucy's Monroe's award winning book The Real Deal. Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail.

Lucy's Fans create our own Top 10 List - need your input

2012-01-13T00:01:00.001-08:00

Hi all - this is Prom-gal here! Have you ever seen late night TV and their top 10 lists? I thought it would be fun for Lucy's fans to put together our own Top 10 list and I need your input. Coming up with the right topic wasn't as easy as I thought, but decided I would go with....

Lucy Monroe Fans Top 10 reasons to read romance.

Let me know your reasons (keep it clean!) and your response may just end up on Lucy Monroe Fans Top 10 list. I'll post the list on her Facebook Fans page next week. I'm excited to create our own list!

52 Weeks of Romance from Lucy Monroe!

2012-01-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Featured Book Week #2

THE REAL DEAL
by Lucy Monroe
September 2004 (tradesize) ISBN 0-7582-0860-X
June 2005 (mass market) ISBN 0-7582-0861-8

Like a classic Spencer Tracy-Katharine Hepburn/Doris Day-Rock Hudson movie-but with plenty of steamy heat-Lucy Monroe's debut novel introduces a pair of delightfully sparring opposites whose undeniable attraction is about to take them beyond the edge of reason...and right into the throes of delicious passion...

SHUT UP AND KISS ME

The most important thing in Amanda's life is negotiating a successful merger between her company and Brant Computers, a family-held competitor. It should be a done deal: Company president Eric Brant is on board with the idea. But when Amanda arrives in Eric's office, it is his cousin Simon Brant who greets her-and Simon is anything but agreeable. He's not about to give up control of the family company or lay off loyal workers. Squaring off against the sexy, brilliant, sexy, obstinate, sexy, eccentric, not to mention sexy Simon is completely frustrating-and a total turn-on. And when he walks out on her presentation, sidetracked by another one of his brilliant ideas, Amanda is shocked...and intrigued...no, furious!...and...and...and so attracted she can barely enter data into her Palm Pilot...

Simon has never met a woman as passionate and driven as Amanda, or as devastatingly attractive. He can't decide if he wants to put her on the next plane home-in the cargo hold-or kidnap her and spend a long weekend showing her exactly the kind of negotiating he likes best. Come to think of it, if the lady wants war, maybe they should engage in full-on battle...in the bedroom...and see who will be the victor. But when intimacy leads to an explosive passion, it might be time to think of a different, more permanent kind of merger...one that's less about business and all about pleasure...

This book is still available for purchase in paperback.

Contest Question:

(Write your entry in the comment section below - winners will be posted on Saturday. Answers to the questions can be found on my webpage.)

This book won multiple awards, list one of the awards given to The Real Deal.

Humpday Hottie!

2012-01-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

He's thinking, "What kind of trouble could we get into together?" I'm thinking, "Any kind you want!"

Retro Release January Contest!

2012-01-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

For Duty's Sake

USA Today Bestseller List

Mass Market Paperback

Harlequin Presents #2993 - June 2011

ISBN - 10:0373129939 ISBN -13: 978-0373129935

Here's a great review...check it out!

For Duty's Sake, clearly showed Lucy Monroe's sense of humor and I couldn't wait to continue along with Zahir's and Angele's journey at finding happiness. After he found the blackmail pictures she left behind for him, he knew Elsa had not only betrayed him with a lover, now these picture and the lengths that Angele would go to protect him, proved to him how much she loved him.......

.....Love is about trust and Angele trusted her future husband and in the end realized, he cherished her. Oh, I cannot begin to convey how much I've loved this Royal Brides series and this book was no exception. How Zahir discovered his love was amazing to read and so was their beautiful royual wedding. It was just the perfect ending, to a perfect royal romance thanks to the brilliant Lucy Monroe. (Click here to read the full review)

Contest Question:

Many of Lucy's Harlequin books are connected to other through stories or series. What series is For Duty's Sake connected to? (answer can be found on the "connected stories" page on my website)

Weekly Contest Winners!

2012-01-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Retro Release Contest!
Congratulations Sunnymay you will receive a copy of Lucy's Monroe's For Duty's Sake plus a $5.00 gift card for Amazon.com.

Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail.

For additional information on For Duty's Sake, please visit my website.

52 Weeks of Romance from Lucy

Congratulations desitheblonde you will receive a copy of Lucy's Monroe's first published book The Greek Tycoons Ultimatum. Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail.

Need a little flirting advice?

2012-01-06T00:01:00.001-08:00

Everyone can use a little flirting advice, right? Maybe Rebecca Larue, flirting expert, can give you some pointers.

I can't understand why she is still single...it's a mystery!

52 Weeks of Romance from Lucy Monroe!

2012-01-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Featured book week 1 - The book that started it all:

The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum

by Lucy Monroe

The Greek Tycoons Miniseries

UK ISBN 0-263-833-21-6 ~ US ISBN 0-373-12353-1

My first sale to Harlequin Mills&Boon Modern Romance/Presents/Sexy

September 2003 - UK/ October 2003 - North America/November 2003 - Aus/NZ

Savannah has returned to Greece with the intention of making her peace with the Kiriakis family. But Leiandros Kiriakis has other ideas. He still believes the lies about Savannah, and is set on making her pay for the past.

Savannah is reluctant when Leiandros demands that she share his home. There's an unbearable sexual tension already throbbing between them. As for Leiandros, now he has Savannah right where he wants her - and in a short time he'll be giving her an ultimatum: if she doesn't want to lose everything she holds most dear, she'll agree to be his wife!

This book is still available for purchase in paperback or Kindle format.

Contest Question:

(Write your answer in the comment section below - winners will be posted on Saturday. Answers to the questions can be found on my webpage.)

The Greek Tycoon's Ultimatum was my first published book. Who did I chose to dedicate this book?

Humpday Hottie!

2012-01-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

If this guy worked at the office I wouldn't care that vacation is over.

Can you say Yum!

Retro Release January Contest!

2012-01-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

For Duty's Sake

USA Today Bestseller List

Mass Market Paperback

Harlequin Presents #2993 - June 2011

ISBN - 10:0373129939 ISBN -13: 978-0373129935

Angele has longed for her betrothal to Crown Prince Zahir to be consummated within wedlock. She naively hoped her promised husband would wait for her, as she would him—but compromising paparazzi photos have dashed those youthful dreams....

She cannot become Zahir’s wife out of duty and endure a loveless union; she must let him go free...but on one condition. Without taking Angele’s hand in marriage, will the proud sheikh agree to give her the wedding night she has long dreamed of?

Contest Question:
(Answers may be posted Tuesday through Friday - winners will be announced on Saturday.)

Last week Dani Harper stopped by to share her new book Changeling Dawn. This is part of a series. How any books are there in Dani's Changeling series?

What I've learned from email.

2012-01-02T11:13:00.000-08:00

Do you get lots of emails telling you not to eat this or spend your money on that? I received the following in an email from a friend...I thought it was hysterical! Hope you can relate.....

Thank you for the educational emails.

I no longer use Cling Wrap in the microwave because it causes seven different types of cancer.

AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW I can’t boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face.. Disfiguring me for life.

I no longer go to the movies because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS when I sit down

I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.

I no longer receive packages from UPS or Fed Ex since they are actually Al Qaeda agents in disguise.

And I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore , and Uzbekistan

I no longer buy cookies from Neiman-Marcus since I now have their recipe.

THANKS TO YOU I can’t use anyone’s toilet but mine because a big black snake could be lurking under the seat and cause me instant death when it bites my butt.

AND THANKS TO YOUR GREAT ADVICE I can’t ever pick up $2.00 coin dropped in the parking lot because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting to grab me as I bend over..

I no longer drive my car because buying gas from some companies supports Al Qaeda, and buying gas from all the others supports South American dictators.

I can’t do any gardening because I’m afraid I’ll get bitten by the Violin Spider and my hand will fall off.

If you don’t send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, and the fleas from 120 camels will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor’s ex-mother-in-law’s second husband’s cousin’s best friend’s beautician . . .

Oh, by the way.....
A German scientist from Argentina , after a lengthy study, has discovered that people with insufficient brain activity read their e-mail with their hand on the mouse. Don’t bother taking it off now, it’s too late.

PS: I now keep my toothbrush in the living room, because I was told by e-mail that water splashes over
6 ft. out of the toilet.

Guest Blog - Dani Harper

2011-12-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

In my new paranormal series from Kensington-Brava, I've created a world in which werewolves live as humans among us, hiding in plain sight. They have jobs, pay bills, drive cars... they could be your neighbor, your boss, your banker. The only thing that's certain is that you will never, ever know. They call themselves Changelings and they regard their innate ability to become a wolf at will as a gift. This shapeshifting power complicates their lives, however, when love is involved!

Check out the book trailer for a quick overview of the series.

Changeling Moon and Changeling Dream came out earlier this year.Changeling Dawn has just been released this week (and I’m SO excited!). Readers will want to know that each story has been designed to stand alone, so it isn’t necessary to read the 3 books in order.

Here’s the back cover blurb for Changeling Dawn:

Werewolf, monster – those are the names given her kind by the humans who hate them. Kenzie Macleod has spent her whole life hiding what she is, and she’s not about to open up to any man, even one as powerfully attractive as wildlife expert Josh Talarkoteen. But legend says

that a Changeling cannot escape the call of her true mate, even in the wilderness of backcountry Alaska.

An isolated archeological site, a terrified Changeling cub, a secretive research center – as Kenzie and Josh face the ultimate betrayal, his obsidian eyes promise untold pleasure and hint at dark secrets of his own.

To find out more, visit my website at http://www.daniharper.com

Thanks so much, Lucy, for allowing me to share my new series! I hope you and your readers enjoy a lovely holiday season. And because December is a month of gifts and giving, I have a giveaway! Just leave a comment answering this question: “Who’s your favorite paranormal character from books, TV or movies?” plus an email address so you can be reached if you win. Residents of US and Canada are eligible to enter. I’ll draw the winner on Jan. 10^th and the prize is a signed copy of one of my 3 Changeling books (reader’s choice) and a tote bag to put it in!

Humpday Hottie!

2011-12-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

A New Year's celebration for two...just what I was thinking!

Last Call on Twelve Days of Christmas Winners!

2011-12-27T14:10:00.000-08:00

Looking for information on two winners.....

Please email me with your name and address by the end of the week or I will need to choose two new winners...thanks!

Day 3 James Whitwam

Day 4 Leni

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T11:43:00.001-08:00

We (I) wish you a Merry Christmas,

We (I) wish you a Merry Christmas

And a Happy New Year!

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

(Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, I wish you a Holiday Season filled with Peace and Joy.)

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Giveaway! Winners

2011-12-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Thank you for participating in the Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Giveaways! Below is a list of all our winners. If you haven't already email me with your name an address please do so today and I'll get your prize in the mail. Thank you for your patience, prizes will be sent out by the first of the year!

I hope you had fun playing the game. I enjoyed reading your comments and I'm excited that so many of you learned something new about Christmas. I'm sending you all warm hugs as you celebrate the season.

Day 1 Michstjame

Day 2 Tessa

Day 3 James Whitwam

Day 4 Leni

Day 5 girlygirlhoosier52

Day 6 Jennywen20

Day 7 Kathryn Merkel

Day 8 hcnathan

Day 9 Cathy M

Day 10 Estella

Day 1 1bluegray

Day 12 Laney4

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Giveaway! Day 12

2011-12-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations bluegray you have won the prize for Day 11 for correctly answering June 26, 1870. Please email me with your name an address and I'll get your prize in the mail.

On the Twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, twelve drummers drumming...here's today's trivia question:

After twelve days of Christmas giveaways we've come to the end. If you were given every gift in the song Twelve Days of Christmas, how many presents would you receive?

(Disclaimer: Trivia questions were taken from multiple Christmas Trivia websites and answers have not been verified for accuracy. Questions are for entertainment purposes.)

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Giveaway! Day 11

2011-12-21T00:01:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Estella you have won the prize for Day 10 for correctly answering 1882. Please email me with your name an address and I'll get your prize in the mail.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eleven Piper's piping...here's today's trivia question:

Did you know that Christmas was not always a National Holiday? Alabama was the first state to recognize it as a such, but on what date did the United States first recognize Christmas as a National Holiday?

(Disclaimer: Trivia questions were taken from multiple Christmas Trivia websites and answers have not been verified for accuracy. Questions are for entertainment purposes.)

Humpday Hottie!

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

An early Christmas gift ladies - two hunks for the price of one!

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Giveaway! Day 10

2011-12-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Cathy M you have won the prize for Day 9 for correctly answering I'll be back again some day! Please email me with your name an address and I'll get your prize in the mail.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, ten Lords a leaping....here's today's trivia question:

Putting up the Christmas tree used to be something I loved doing, but has now fallen to my youngest daughter to put up every year. She enjoys it so much and I enjoy watching her. In honor of the Christmas tree, what year were electric lights first put on Christmas trees?

(Disclaimer: Trivia questions were taken from multiple Christmas Trivia websites and answers have not been verified for accuracy. Questions are for entertainment purposes.)

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Giveaway! Day 9

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations hcnathan you have won the prize for Day 8 for correctly answering Happy Birthday. Please email me with your name an address and I'll get your prize in the mail.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, nine ladies dancing....here's today's trivia question:

I love Frosty so much I decided to have another question about him. As the weather heats up and Frosty has to leave, what are his final words?

(Disclaimer: Trivia questions were taken from multiple Christmas Trivia websites and answers have not been verified for accuracy. Questions are for entertainment purposes.)

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Giveaway! Day 8

2011-12-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Kathryn Merkel you have won the prize for Day 7 for correctly answering 36. Please email me with your name an address and I'll get your prize in the mail.

On the Eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eight maids a milking....here's today's trivia question:

Who doesn't love Frosty the Snowman! Such a fun movie that I love watching with my grandchildren. When Frosty came to life, what were his first words?

(Disclaimer: Trivia questions were taken from multiple Christmas Trivia websites and answers have not been verified for accuracy. Questions are for entertainment purposes.)

Guest Blog - Margaret Rowe

2011-12-16T00:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome Maggie. I'm excited to have you join us today to share about your new book and give us an interview. Agony like a yummy book and I can't wait to read it.

1. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing?

Hanging out with my family on the lake! We live on a pond in Maine and summers are pretty spectacular. I do some gardening and sit in the sun to read.

2. What books are sitting in your TBR pile right now? What book are you currently reading?

I won’t tell you how many hundreds of books I have downloaded to my Kindle and my Nook, mostly historicals and mysteries. My book-buying is really out of control. Right now I’m reading P.D. James’s Death Comes to Pemberley. I’ve been glomming Josh Lanyon and am

looking forward to Cecilia Grant’s A Lady Awakened.

3. Please, share something you found most interesting or fun that you did to research for a book.

Women used to shave off their eyebrows and glue on mouseskin. Really.

4. How did you come up with the plot for Wicked Wedding Night?

My story in Agony/Ecstasy is “Wicked Wedding Night.” I am a sucker for alliteration, and Lucien and Maida’s wedding night starts wickedly to say the least. It’s a Regency featuring a truly tortured hero and his scheming bride, who both get much more than they bargained for.

5. Action adventure or romantic comedy? What is your favorite movie lately?

Romantic comedy, of course! I saw Tower Heist recently. I guess that’s more action adventure, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. Anything that makes me laugh is good!

Thanks Lucy for the interview. I wanted to give your readers a little more information about the Agony:

All new stories of punishing extremes and unbearable pleasure…

With historical, contemporary, and futuristic backdrops, this outrageously diverse collection of original stories explores every conceivable variation of BDSM erotica—from knitting circles to the Titanic to a retelling of The Little Mermaid.

Featuring all-new stories by Meljean Brook, Jean Johnson, Bettie Sharpe, Jill Myles, Margaret Rowe, Sara Thorne, and more, this book has everything a reader could hope for in an erotic romance.

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Giveaway! Day 7

2011-12-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

I see there was some confusion with the question as I didn't clarify which country. You guys are always thinking and that's why I love my readers. The question I asked was referring to the United States, but I see that some of you researched and found earlier Christmas Stamps. I entered everyone who responded into the contest. Thanks for your comments!

Congratulations Jennywen20 you have won the prize for Day 6 for correctly answering 1962. Please email me with your name an adddress and I'll get your prize in the mail.

On the Seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven swans a swimming....here's today's trivia question:

Here is a math question for all you analytical people out there! Including Rudolph, how many reindeer hooves are there?

(Disclaimer: Trivia questions were taken from multiple Christmas Trivia websites and answers have not been verified for accuracy. Questions are for entertainment purposes.)

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Giveaway! Day 6

2011-12-15T00:01:00.001-08:00

Congratulations girlygirlhoosier52 you have won the prize for Day 5 for correctly answering White Christmas. Please email me with your name an adddress and I'll get your prize in the mail.

On the Sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, six geese a laying....here's today's trivia question:

Have you sent your holiday cards yet? Sending cards in the mail has been a long standing tradition until recently (yet another area of our life where technology is taking over...lol). In what year did the post office issue its first Christmas themed stamp?

(Disclaimer: Trivia questions were taken from multiple Christmas Trivia websites and answers have not been verified for accuracy. Questions are for entertainment purposes.)

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Giveaway! Day 5

2011-12-14T00:01:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Leni you have won the prize for Day 4 for correctly answering Montgomery Wards. Please email me with your name and address and I'll get your prize in the mail.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, five golden rings....here's today's trivia question:

Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, I'll be Home

for Christmas..oh there are so many Christmas songs - and

I love all of them (ok, most of them lol!). Today's question asks, of all the Christmas Songs out there, what is the biggest selling Christmas single of all time?

(Disclaimer: Trivia questions were taken from multiple Christmas Trivia websites and answers have not been verified for accuracy. Questions are for entertainment purposes.)

Humpday Hottie!

2011-12-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Ready for a little traveling...where would you like to go?

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Giveaway! Day 4

2011-12-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations James Whitwam, you have won the prize for Day 3 for correctly answering Parson Brown. Please email me with your name and address and I'll get your prize in the mail. I was surprised to learn there are other answers. Thank you for taking the time to research and share.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, four calling birds....here's today's trivia question:

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer is not mentioned in any of the

classic Christmas songs. He was actually created as part of a

promotional campaign. What Department Store introduced

this lovable little reindeer to our Holiday tradition?

(Disclaimer: Trivia questions were taken from multiple Christmas Trivia websites and answers have not been verified for accuracy. Questions are for entertainment purposes.)

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Giveaway! Day 3

2011-12-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone that emailed to let me know the comments weren't posting on Day 2. Those that emailed were entered in the contest! The correct answer to Day 2's question is An Angel Gets it Wings...such a cute movie don't you think?

Congratulations Tessa you are Day 2's prize winner. Please email me with your name and address and I'll get your prize in the mail.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me three French Hens....here's today's trivia question:

Christmas songs are a big part of the holiday experience. I have so many Christmas CD's that I start listening to Christmas Music in

October! In the song "Winter Wonderland", who do

we pretend the snowman is?

(Disclaimer: Trivia questions were taken from multiple Christmas Trivia websites and answers have not been verified for accuracy. Questions are for entertainment purposes.)

Contest Winner!

2011-12-10T00:01:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a great week! The winner of this week's blog contest is...

Carol L.

Thanks for visiting my blog this week! Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail.

Don't forget the Twelve Days of Christmas Daily giveaway. Check back each day from 12/9 through 12/23 (excluding Sundays), answer a trivia question and be entered in the contest!

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Giveaway! Day 2

2011-12-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Michstjame you have won the prize for Day 1 for correctly answering England as the country that first created eggnog. Please email me with your name and address and I'll get your prize in the mail.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two turtle doves....here's today's trivia question:

In the Christmas Classic, It's a Wonderful Life, what happens every time a bell rings?

(Disclaimer: Trivia questions were taken from multiple Christmas Trivia websites and answers have not been verified for accuracy. Questions are for entertainment purposes.)

Guest Interview - Sofia Hunt

2011-12-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

Welcome Sofia. My readers and I are so excited that you stopped by today to share a little about yourself and your latest release, The Bride Bargain.

1. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing?

I like to go out with friends and socialize. I love to dance. I also love to cook for groups of people. I’m a football and hockey fan also.

2. What books are sitting in your TBR pile right now? What book are you currently reading?

I’m reading Mercy Celeste’s Wicked Game. I’m a sucker for hot football players, always have been. I just finished a JA Jance novel titled Betrayal of Trust. I also have in my pile Ride the Fire by Jo Davis and Negligee Behavior by Shelly Stevens.

3. Please, share something you found most interesting or fun that you did to research for a book.

While researching for the Bachelor Bay series, Eve Adams and I took a trip to Port Gamble, an old company logging town in Washington State on north Puget Sound. We spent the day taking pictures, touring the old buildings, visiting the museum, and talking with the lady who works in the museum. Port Gamble has a very unique history. It was founded in the 1860s and is still owned by the company which founded it. I have pictures posted on my Facebook of that trip.

4. How did you come up with names plot for The Bride Bargain.

Last summer I started toying with an idea for a ménage series based on a bit of Seattle history. The basic plot revolved around a group of two dozen women who answered an ad in a Boston newspaper for brides wanted in 1860s Washington Territory. The women who answered my hero’s ad were willing to leave civilization behind and journey to an unknown land in the hope of finding a new life and a new love. The Gallagher brothers, who owned a logging company and sawmill, placed the ad in order to pacify their lumberjacks who were threatening to leave because of the lack of women in the area.

Figuring there was safety in numbers, I talked to my good friends, Bella Grace and Eve Adams, to see if they’d be interested in joining me. The more we talked about the idea, the more excited we became. The three of us collaborated on characters, plots, conflicts, and threads that’d run through all the stories. I poured over old UW archives on historical logging and pioneer life in the Pacific Northwest.

And The Brides of Bachelor Bay was born.

5. Reality shows or dramas? What is your favorite TV show lately?

I love Criminal Minds. I’ve always been fascinated by what makes people tick, why they do what they do. I’m also addicted to true crime shows. Someday, I’m sure you’ll see my interest in crime stories reflected in my writing, but not so much now.

Thanks Lucy for hosting me today. I hope your readers enjoy the interview and leave a comment. I'll be posting throughout the day in response. Thanks again!

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Giveaway! Day 1

2011-12-09T00:01:00.002-08:00

My annual 12 Days of Christmas celebration will run from 12/9 through 12/23 excluding Sundays. Visit my blog each day to answer a trivia question about Christmas. I will chose a winner from the correct responses for a fabulous prize! Winners will be posted daily - Good Luck!

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, A partridge in a pear tree....here's today's trivia question:

One of my favorite Holiday drinks is eggnog. Not the kind you buy

in the carton at the store, but my homemade eggnog with the

nutmeg and frothy foam on top...hmmm, can't wait.

What country first created this yummy drink?

(Disclaimer: Trivia questions were taken from multiple Christmas Trivia websites and answers have not been verified for accuracy. Questions are for entertainment purposes.)

Guest Interview - Lavanda Dee

2011-12-08T00:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome Lavanda. I'm so glad you were able to stop by today for an interview. You new book sounds great, I'm sure my readers will want to get it on their Christmas wish list!

1. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing?

Other than reading, I love traveling. We’ve had the good fortune to be able to travel out of the country as well as in the U.S. We’ve been to China, New Zealand, Australia and Africa to name a few. Also on some great cruises one of my favorites was a Baltic one where the ports of call included St. Petersburg, Germany, and Finland. Recently we’ve take a couple of river cruises, the ships are smaller and they are more informal.

2. What books are sitting in your TBR pile right now?

What isn’t might be an easier question to answer. I read a myriad of different genre. Having so many is one of the reason’s I joined Goodreads. I was finding I was purchasing more than one copy. Just finished Margaret Mallory’s The Sinner, great story. It’s the second book in her The Highlanders series. So lets see, a couple of what’s in my massive TBR pile is Dangerous Desires by Dee Davis, and The Copper Beech by Maeve Binchy. Both of these authors are new to me. My favorite authors don’t seem to stay in the TBR pile very long.

3. How did you come up with the name and settings for Holiday Magic The Gift of Love?

This is a two story anthology I did with a dear friend and fellow author. Laurie

and I share an almost surreal connection. We didn’t know each other when we were younger and yet we named our children with the same or similar names. The other day we were at an event and even though our ticket numbers were miles apart. Mine was drawn and hers was drawn next. This was in a pot of around a hundred tickets. No wonder when we handed each other our stories for critique we found that they had the same flavor. Both are about family. Both have a heroine who is going it alone until . . . The one thing we did purposely decide was that it would be a Christmas book. We didn’t come up with the Priceless Love “For Richer, For Poorer” and Healing Love “In Sickness and in Health” until after the stories were well underway. Mainly because the one thing we do differ in is that Laurie is a plotter while I’m a seat of the pants author.

4. What is your favorite TV shows?

I seem to keep loyal to the ones that have been around for a while. Criminal Minds, and CSI. I like the new shows Body of Proof and Charlie’s Angels. I’m into a few of the reality shows. The Amazing Race for one. We find we’ve been to some of the places and it fun to see things a tourist wouldn’t see. Another is Survivor; I could never rough it to this degree. And I love watching The Biggest Loser. While I’m stuffing my face with popcorn J.

5. What is in works for the future?

I want to finish some of the stories I have started. And, I have the first book in a series called The Blackhawk Brothers coming out in February 2012. It’s a contemporary set in western Montana. This story is Coopers. I hope to have Grants contracted and out in 2012 as well.

Thanks Lucy for allowing me to stop by today! I hope your readers will leave a comment or two, I'll be checking in all day.

Humpday Hottie

2011-12-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Pearl Harbor Day! Thank you to all the men and women who have

made sacrifices for our freedoms.

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Prize Giveaway! - Teaser

2011-12-06T00:02:00.000-08:00

Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Prize Giveaway is coming this week! I will be starting my annual 12 Days of Christmas celebration this Friday (Contest will run from 12/9 through 12/23 excluding Sundays). Visit my blog each day to answer a trivia question about Christmas. I will chose a winner from the correct responses for a fabulous prize! Here's a little teaser....

The Pre-Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Prize Giveaway trivia question of the day is:

Who is the author of A Christmas Carol?

(please note that comments on this post will be entered into my weekly drawing for The Latin Lover)

Weekly Prize Giveaway!

2011-12-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

It has been so fun reminiscing about books from my backlist, that I thought it would be fun to continue with it this month. Just leave a comment on any post that is open to comments and you are entered in the drawing. This weeks title is (includes two stories in one book)....

The Latin Lover

Originally Published in October 2009

Harlequin Presents #2861

ISBN-10: 0-373-12861-4

ISBN-13: 978-0373128617

Rich, hot-blooded, passionate...These Mediterranean men are irresistible!

The Greek Tycoon's Inherited Bride by Lucy Monroe

Phoebe'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!

Back in the Spaniard's Bed by Trish Morey

Leah Mitchell had left Alejandro Rodriguez because she'd over-stepped the boundaries of a mistress and fallen in love! The Spaniard's arrogance angers her, but his touch ignites her, so when Alejandro storms back into her life, how can Leah deny him?

This book is still available for purchase.

Contest Winners!

2011-12-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great week! The winner of this weeks blog contest is.....

marybelle

Thanks for visiting my blog this week! Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail.

Twelve Days of Christmas is coming soon! Check back this week to learn the details - daily prizes will be given out.

Guest Author Interview - Liz Fielding

2011-12-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Thanks Liz Fielding for stopping by today for an interview. Your new books looks great and I can't wait to add it to my TBR pile!

1. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing?

Favourite pastimes include cooking, knitting for my granddaughter and tiffling in the garden, although I confess to being a fair-weather rather than an all weathers, up to my knees in mud gardener. I also love to curl up and watch old movies on the television. Something with Cary Grant or Doris Day (definitely need to watch To Catch a Thief and the Pajama Game again very soon).

2. What books are sitting in your TBR pile right now? What book are you currently reading?

I’ve just read Busted in Bollywood by Nicola Marsh – exotic India, Sex in City New York and some seriously great men!

I’m now reading Giles and Florence by John Harding, which is rather strange but deeply engrossing.

On the pile I have The Dress by Sophie Nicholl, White Lies and Custard Creams by Susan Alison, the latest Kate Hardy and a Donna Leon that I picked up at the library. I also have the new Barbara O’Neal pre-ordered.

3. Please, share something you found most interesting or fun that you did to research for a book.

Research is one of my favourite things. I learned a lot about plant breeding for The Five Year Baby Secret from the Fuchsia Society. I’m still up to eyes in ice cream and vintage ice cream vans for the second of my books about the Amery sisters — the wip. I especially love researching department stores where I’ve set several books; shopping as research — could anything be more fun! And then there was Italy. Rome. The Appenines. All of it absolutely vital in writing Flirting With Italian, you understand. We’re already planning another trip to Italy so that I can set another book there.

4. How did you come up with names and setting for Flirting with With Italian?

For Flirting With Italian I needed an Italian hero with an appropriate name, so I searched the web for names and places in Lazio where the book is set. (I’d already used the name of a friend who lives there in another story!) I based the hero’s Roman palazzo on the hotel where we stayed at in Rome – an old palazzo with Roman mosaics in situ. For the village of Serrone, I used the area where we’ve stayed with friends who live south of Rome in the foothills of the Appenines. There is nothing like feeling the heat coming out of the stones, the smell of a place to make it real.

5. Action adventure or romantic comedy? What is your favorite movie lately?

Neither. The best movie I’ve seen in a long time was The King’s Speech. Quiet, tender, moving. Loved it. And I’m getting really excited about watching My Week With Marilyn right now.

Be sure to leave a comment or question, I will be giving away a copy of Flirting with Italian to one lucky winner.

Thanks Lucy for the invitation, it was a great interview!

Guest Blogger Heidi Rice - Excerpt

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Wow! I'm so excited to be invited on Lucy's blog today. It was great to chat with all of you a few weeks ago and as promised, here's an excerpt from the opening scene of my latest book On the First Night of Christmas... which is set in my home town of London (my favourite place to be come Christmas time, so the setting was a no-brainer).

I'd love to know what people think and will give a copy of the book away to one lucky commentator.

In this opening scene London book illustrator Cassidy Ryan has just been gazing at the Christmas window display outside Selfridges on London's Oxford Street and dreaming about finding her own personal 'candy man' when she gets soaked by a sleek black Mercedes.. Little does she know that the man inside is going to be Jace Ryan (aka Jace the Ace) the devastatingly attractive bad boy she once had a major crush on in secondary school!

Excerpt....

Cassie gasped. The warm, fuzzy glow replaced by ice-cold shock. ‘What the…!’

The driver hadn’t even stopped. What a prize jerk.

Flinging her bag over her shoulder, she glared as the vehicle braked at the crossing ten feet away. Dodging through the crowd, she drew level and rapped on the passenger window. ‘Hey, Ebenezer.’

The tinted glass slid down with an electric hum. She blinked, the zing tingling back to life as a man peered out from the shadows on the driver’s side. Dark hair swept back from a broodingly handsome face accented by a strong jaw and hollow, raw-boned cheeks. She felt the odd jolt of recognition as the scent of new leather wafted out of the car. Did she know him?

‘What’s the problem?’ he demanded.

Clammy water dripped down inside Cassie’s boots and kick-started her tongue.

‘You’re the problem. Look what you did to me.’ She held up her arms to show him the extent of the damage, ruthlessly silencing the zing. He might have a striking face, but his manners sucked.

He swore softly. ‘Are you sure that was me?’

The blare of a car horn had Cassie glancing at the lights. Green. ‘Of course I’m sure.’

The horn blared again. Longer and angrier this time.

‘I can’t stop here.’ He straightened back into the shadows and Cassie saw his hand grasp the gear shift.

No way, Pal. You are not driving off and leaving me in a puddle on the pavement.

Yanking the heavy door open, she launched herself into the passenger seat.

‘Hey!’ he said, as she slammed the door behind her. ‘What the hell do you…’

‘Just drive, Sir Galahad.’ She pinned him with an indignant glare. ‘We can discuss your crummy behaviour when you find somewhere to stop.’

His dark brows drew down, the piercing emerald of his irises glittering with annoyance.

‘Fine.’ He slapped up the indicator, shifted into first. ‘But don’t drip on the upholstery.’

The car purred to life, and a blast of heat wrapped around Cassie engulfing her in the subtle aroma of man and leather. Her heart careered into her throat as the flicker of Selfridges’s fairy lights disappeared from her peripheral vision.

‘Actually, forget it.’ She grasped the door handle. Leaping into a stranger’s car probably rated a perfect ten on the ‘too stupid to live’ scale, even if he did look vaguely familiar.

The driver pulled to a stop at a loading bay. ‘So it wasn’t me after all.’

Cassie’s fingers stilled on the handle at the accusatory tone and her common sense dissolved in a haze of outrage. ‘It was definitely you.’ She glared at him over the gear shift. ‘Don’t you know it’s Christmas?’ She announced. ‘Show a bit of respect for the season and stop being such a jerk.’

Typical. When Cassie Fitzgerald is on the hunt for a candy man, what does she get? A candy man with a crappy attitude.

Jacob Ryan cranked up the handbrake, slung his arm over the steering wheel and stared at the furious pixie in his passenger seat whose wide violet eyes were shooting daggers at him.

How the hell did I end up with Santa’s insane little helper in my car?

As if it wasn’t bad enough that Helen had manoeuvred him into accepting an invitation for her ‘little soiree’ tonight, now he had a mad woman in his rented Mercedes. A mad woman who was dripping all over the custom finished leather upholstery.

He’d never been a fan of the season to be jolly, but this was getting ridiculous.

The sight of the drenched splatter on her coat, though, had the tiniest prickle of guilt surfacing. The car had hit a rut in the road.

Hoisting his butt off the seat, he pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. Okay, maybe he had been the culprit. He’d been so irritated by the situation with Helen, he hadn’t been paying attention.

‘How much?’ he asked. A hundred ought to cover it.

Her full Cupid’s bow mouth flattened into a grim line and the daggers sharpened. ‘I don’t want your money,’ she announced. ‘That’s not what this is about.’

Yeah, right.

He counted five crisp twenty-pound notes out of his wallet and presented them to her. ‘Here you go. Merry Christmas.’

She gave the money a cursory glance, and the line of her lips twisted into a sneer. ‘I told you. I don’t want your money, Ebenezer.’

The sarcastic name grated, but then she tightened her arms under her breasts, and his gaze dipped —distracted by the creamy flesh exposed by the V in the lapels of her coat.

Jesus, is she naked under that thing?

Humpday Hottie!

2011-11-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Ya, he's hanging out...doesn't care who's looking and ooooh are we looking!

Weekly Prize Giveaway!

2011-11-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

Be sure to enter November's contest each week for your chance to win a title from Lucy's backlist. Just leave a comment on any post that is open to comments and you are entered in the drawing. We are bringing back some oldies but goodies. This weeks title is....

The Rancher's Rules

Originally published December 2007

ISBN: 0-373-82057-7

Just friends…just married!

What Zoe thinks…Loving your best friend is never easy – and when he’s sexy and turned you down flat once before…it’s even harder! Loving Grant is what Zoe has always done best…but now it’s time to move on. She already feels like she’s the oldest virgin in America – so she vows to find herself a man!

What Grant thinks…Grant can’t keep his eyes or his hands off Zoe – but she’s his best friend – a no-go zone! The fact that Zoe looks at him like she wants to rip his clothes off isn’t helping the situation… So he implements some important rules for them to obey. First is the No Kissing rule – well, that’s broken before it’s had a chance to be written… Then the Strictly No Sex rule…and that’s out of the window (well, on the kitchen table, actually!).

Then the best rule of all: some rules are only made to be broken!

This title is still available for purchase.

Contest Winners!

2011-11-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great week and wonderful Thanksgiving. This week's blog winner is ....

Heather Woods

Thanks for visiting my blog this week! Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail. Happy Reading.

Guest Blog - Christina Hollis

2011-11-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Thank you for inviting me to blog today, Lucy!

With my latest Modern Romance for Harlequin Mills and Boon and Harlequin Presents/Extra, Weight of the Crown, I’ve invented an exotic desert kingdom especially for

my hero Lysander. He’s determined to do what is right, despite the cost to his private life. But when Alyssa Dene goes to work for him, his veneer of cold, calculating isolation is ripped clean away.

To whet your appetite, here’s what it says on the back cover:

Now duty is his only mistress

For notorious playboy Prince Lysander Kahani, playtime is over...Left with a country to run, he draws the line at playing nanny to his orphaned nephew!

Instead he sends for a professional. But one glance at buttoned-up Alyssa Dene and Lysander’s

wicked side re-emerges! Wary of Lysander’s scandalous reputation, Alyssa tries to keep her distance - but Lysander draws her like a moth to a flame.

Lysander is fighting a battle between public duty and private desire, but he is determined to make Alyssa a royal offer she won’t refuse...(Copyright Harlequin Mills and Boon Limited, 2011)

Alyssa's first loyalty is to the child in her care, who is Lysander’s little nephew. She is the best woman in the world for that job, but brilliance doesn’t stop her making a serious mistake, and believing mischievous palace gossip...

‘...Like a fool I let you seduce me despite the fact I’ve always known what you were like.’

Lysander said nothing to begin with, but she could tell he was angry. He betrayed it in the rigid set of his jaw and the iron intensity of his stare. It was a long time before he could trust himself to answer. He stood, trying to collect himself while her nerves stretched to breaking point

‘That’s why you’re different, Alyssa,’ he said in a ragged voice. ‘You’ve always seen the man in me, not the image.'

‘Really? And which bit of you do all those women in all those glossy magazines get to enjoy?’

‘What can I say?’ He hitched a weary shoulder. ‘I’ve told you - I like women. They like me’

Alyssa’s voice was carbon steel. ‘I’ve noticed. I wonder how Princess Peronelle will feel about that?’

He looked at her askance. ‘Why should she care? ‘

‘When she’s your wife, she’ll do more than care. Be careful she doesn’t stab you through that wicked black heart of yours, Lysander Kahani.’ (Copyright Harlequin Mills and Boon Limited, 2011)

I loved the freedom that writing about the invented country of Rosara gave me. It meant I could combine bits from all my favourite countries in one place, giving it perfect weather, stunning countryside and delicious cuisine.

Writing must be the best job in the world. I’m not sure I’d swap it for anything else - unless a gorgeous prince came to call, of course! Even then he’d have to be out of this world to compete with my lovely, patient, handsome husband. There aren’t many men who are as understanding as my OH is - beekeeping and gardening take up most of my time when I’m not writing, so he gets to do a lot of heavy work despite the fact they’re my hobbies. To add insult to injury, each winter I store all my kit in his beloved shed, so for part of each year he isn’t even monarch in there!

What are some of your favorite hobbies? Leave me a comment and enter to win a signed copy from my backlist!

Christina Hollis writes Modern Romance for Harlequin Mills and Boon, and her titles appear as Harlequin Presents/Extra in the US.

You can catch up with Christina here:

Website: http://www.christinahollis.com

Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/christinabooks

Facebook: http://bit.ly/9rv4df

Blog: http://www.christinahollis.blogspot.com

Tumblr: http://christinahollis.tumblr.com

Humpday Hottie!

2011-11-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Just Chillin....

Weekly Prize Giveaway!

2011-11-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

Star Quality

with Moon Magnetism

by Lucy Monroe

Originally published December 2008

Mass Market Paperback

Kensington Brava

ISBN-10: 0758210086

ISBN-13: 978-0758210081

Moonstruck by Dianne Castell

For years, Julia Simon has had the worst luck, married to a man who cheated on her left, right, and center. Now, the pretty divorcee is ready for her luck to change, and it is…big time. Ever since she unknowingly performed a Blue Moon ritual, Julia’s wishes seem to be coming true. So why not wish for wild, unbridled passionate sex with hunky P.I. Marc Adams? Well, because when it happens, it’s so amazingly good, that’s why. Now, with the blue moon due to end in three days’ time, Julia can only wonder if it’s just a spell or the start of a whole new life…

Be careful of wishful thinking. It just might get you everything…

This title is still available for purchase.

Insomnia, the new Nook, DWTS & Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

So, I've had trouble sleeping at night for the past few weeks and it's driving me nuts. I've tried (repeatedly - nothing like a can-do attitude ::g::) re-reading books I love - but know well - in the hopes that the reading will help my brain get tired without me getting so involved in the story that I have to stay up to finish it. Again. It doesn't work! There's a reason the books are on my re-read shelves (either in my library downstairs or the digital one on my computer). They're good. :) I mean, I'm not going to re-read a book that's boring, right?

Okay, so that doesn't work. Neither does reading new books (though I've gone through dozens of them in the last weeks). In the unlikely event I actually get tired, the story calls to me and I finish it before falling into slumber. And while my brain may work well enough to read, it's not up to writing anything coherent at 3 AM. The problem with insomnia is that I can be so physically tired my body aches and my mind is barely functioning, but I *cannot* go to sleep.

I've started light therapy and taking 5HTP again - hopefully I'll be sleeping at night again VERY soon. :)

But lets say I don't...staying up reading in an empty house is lonely. Only I prefer the eBook readers with liquid ink. Less strain on my eyes. Can't read them in bed with Hubcap though. I've tried reading lights and they fall off, get in the way and never give off enough light. If they're bright enough, they keep him awake. Sigh..

So, I'm thinking about getting the new Nook Tablet. It's soooo cool! Then I could read in bed without keeping Hubcap awake. Right? *That's* why I want it. LOL Also, I can keep *all* my eBooks on it (except those on my Kindle, but it's not like I'm going to toss it our right?). The only other place I can do that is my computer. The Nook Tablet comes with more onboard memory than other eReaders and tablets,. it's sleek in design and weighs almost nothing. Okay, okay, okay...I'll admit it, my inner geek is so wanting this piece of technology. :) It's definitely on my hope-with-my-fingers-and-toes-crossed-I-get-it-for-Christmas list! What do you think of it? Does anyone have it yet? I'm not sure waiting for Christmas is going to work...

I mean if I got it, I could even keep up with news on my favorite shows, like Dancing With the Stars. Who do you think is going to take home the Mirror Ball trophy? I honestly don't know and all three of the finalists are favorites for different reasons. Ricki Lake is an inspiration to me personally on so many levels and JR Martinez is both a heroic inspiration and a really nice guy. Then there's Rob Kardashian who has worked his tushy off (not literally of course - he's got a very nice perdonkadonk - just don't tell Hubcap I said so) to improve and is now dancing at par with the other two. I'm just amazed by all three of them and won't be disappointed no matter who walks home with the trophy. Or dances rather. ;-) We'll know tomorrow night, will you be watching with me?

Regardless of who wins, I'll have plenty to say, "Thank you" to God for on Thanksgiving. My life is filled with the blessing of love. It's not perfect, it's not always easy - but I have love and that's the most important thing to me. My family fills my life with joy, despite my stupid agoraphobia and borderline social phobia. So, even if it's hard to leave the house to go shopping and maybe I struggle with being online every once in a while - I'm so grateful to be me, because being me means I have 4 amazing children (by birth, adoption & marriage) and 2 young men I share with their families in Korea as sons, 2 healthy, loving, adorable and intelligent granddaughters and the best husband any woman could ever ask for. Mom may be waiting in Heaven for me, but the rest of my family is here and will be showing up at my house on Sunday for our Thanksgiving-slash-winter birthdays celebration.

My Family at DQ's Wedding

Little Fashionista & Miss Sparklepants w/ Grandma :)

I am also extremely grateful for my friends, my readers and a publishing industry that lets me make a living doing what I adore!

The holidays are overwhelming to me, but they are worth every moment of stress as I share my delight in life, my gratitude to God and for my family with the ones whom I love and who love me most. :)

It's your turn: what is on your Christmas wish list this year? If I could have absolutely anything? It would be a few hours to chat with my mom again from before her stroke - when she remembered everything. :)

Contest Prizes for this Week's Give Away!

2011-11-19T00:01:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a great week! The winner of this weeks blog contest is.....

Nas Dean

Thanks for visiting my blog this week! Please email me with your name and address so I can get your prize in the mail. Happy Reading.

Thanksgiving Party with TRS!

2011-11-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

Be sure to stop by The Romance Studio's Thanksgiving Party! There will be lots of giveaways and chats with authors! Check it out - I'll be giving away a copy of The Spy Who Wants Me!

Bodyguards In Bed - Review

2011-11-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Bodyguards In Bed offers three stories by three great authors - here is one review of Lucy's story Who's Been Sleeping in My Brother's Bed?

Reader Review from Amazon.com

Bodyguards In Bed has three delightful and compelling stories. Each has an element of danger and intrigue to make these bodyguards jump into action to protect those they care about. The chemistry between all three couples is tantalizing and all out sexy. Lucy Monroe and Jamie Denton are auto buys for me. Elisabeth Naughton is a new author for me and I will be looking for her books from now on as well. Great job ladies.

BODYGUARDS IN BED

by Lucy Monroe

(with Jamie Denton & Elizabeth Naughton)

Kensington Brava - June 2011 (05-31-11)

Trade Paperback

ISBN-10: 0758210337

ISBN-13: 978-0758210333

Whose Been Sleeping in my Brother’s Bed?

Roman Chernichenko’s baby sis is in trouble. She shows up at his apartment needing help and a safe place to be right now, but Roman is in Africa. Only the apartment’s not empty. One of his Atrati team is staying at Roman’s place while *his* apartment is under renovation. They’ve met — at Beau & Elle’s wedding. She thinks he’s freaking hot, he thinks she freakin’ off limits, being Roman’s baby sister and all. She might be an academic geek, but she knows what she wants and she sets out to get it — Mr. Hottie Super Soldier won’t know what hit him ... and beat him to the mattress after.

Buy: Borders ~ B&N ~ Chapters ~ Books-a-Million ~Amazon

Guest Author Interview - Margaret Mallory

2011-11-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Margaret Mallory has stopped by today for an interview. We welcome the opportunity to learn more about you and your new release.

Let's get started....

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing?

My favorite things to do are reading and watching movies. Unfortunately, I’ve found I have a lot less time to do either since I became an author. When I can get away, I love to hike or travel with my family.

What books are sitting in your TBR pile right now?

The Viper by Monica McCarty, In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks, The Heir by Grace Burrowes, Taken by the Prince by Christina Dodd, Midnight’s Wild Passion by Anna Campbell, Lord Langley is Back in Town by Elizabeth Boyle, and Tempted by Fate by Kate Perry. That’s just one pile. I’m way behind on my reading!

How did you come up with the setting for THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS series?

Since I write adventurous romances, I look for a period with a lot of conflict. I found exactly what I wanted in the year 1513, in the wake of the Scots’ disastrous loss to Henry VIII’s forces at the Battle of Flodden. My four Highland heroes return from France to find their king and chieftain dead, a rebellion brewing, factions fighting for control of the crown, and their clan in grave danger.

I still had to decide where in the Highlands my heroes would call home, which meant finding a clan for them. When I discovered that the first chieftain of the MacDonalds of Sleat had six sons by six different women and that the animosity among the six sons led to two generations of murder, I knew I had found my clan. Consequently, my heroes return home to the beautiful Isle of Skye.

Please share something you found most interesting or fun you did to research your book?

I was very lucky to be able to take a trip to Scotland with my daughter to do research for this series, and the trip was amazing! (I have slide shows with photos from my trip on my website.) I turned in the manuscript for the first book, THE GUARDIAN, just before I got on the plane, but I knew I would have the opportunity to make changes if I found th

at the places in the book did not look like I had imagined them.

Seeing the ruins of “my” clan’s castles that I was using in my books was so incredible I wanted to weep. The Isle of Skye was gorgeous, and I kept finding new places I wanted to put in my books.

I had not planned to include Edinburgh in any of the books. After exploring Edinburgh Castle and going on an underground tour of medieval Edinburgh, I decided I had to send the hero and heroine of THE SINNER on a journey there. Thanks to my trip, my hero gets tossed into a cell in the bowels of Edinburgh Castle by the Duke of Albany. Such fun!

Action adventure or romantic comedy? What is your favorite movie lately?

I’ve seen one of each kind lately that I’d happily see a second time. I absolutely LOVED the young heroine in Hanna, a futuristic action-drama. (Eric Bana, who plays Hanna’s father, was a bonus.) I laughed my head off watching Bridesmaids. These two movies couldn’t be more different, but I enjoyed them both.

I’d love to respond to comments or questions! I’ll give a signed copy of THE GUARDIAN, Book of THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS, to one of the commenters. Thanks for having me as a guest, Lucy!

Humpday Hottie!

2011-11-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

A little dip in the hot tub with a hottie is sure to keep you warm on

these cold November nights!

Art, Bullies & Myths

2011-11-15T17:28:00.000-08:00

I just got done reading Marathon Cowboys by the very talented Sarah Black. She poses an interesting dilemma that many artists (be they painters, writers or musicians) face. That is: when does art get too real? I've read books where authors use actual men or women in their lives to people the pages, seen paintings done of real life that are heart breaking and soul affirming, listened to music that cuts so close to the bone, you know its about something personal for both the songwriter and singer. We all have.

I'll admit it was really disconcerting the first time I read a book where the heroine was named and styled after a mutual friend of the other author and myself. I think there's a legal issue in there I'd never want to deal with and reading the love scenes was in a word - awkward, but I'll admit freely to seeing bits of my sisters and daughters in different heroines and my husband in all my heroes. I explain it like this: characters are like people in real life. We rub off on each other the better we know each other. Sometimes I'll say something that sounds just like my sister; sometimes I'll accuse my niece of channeling her older brothers. It's life...we leave bits of ourselves on the people we touch and vice versa. So too with characters, my characters are touched by my life and vice versa. :) [Which is a Latin phrase meaning the other way around, by the way.]

But when does borrowing (subconsciously or wholly aware) from life to make art work become invasive and unacceptable? I can't answer as either an artist or inspiration for anyone else, only myself.

I've had people ask me to write them into a book and I've always refused because my characters are too real to me to be carbon copies of people I know. I've used names that are similar to or exactly that of my children or nieces and nephews, but with characteristics wholly different from their namesakes. I'm not sure I could do that now they're all adults (or close to it)...it's too hard for me to write feeling the constraints of what a character is supposed to be rather than what they simply are. And Heaven forbid someone thought I was saying they were like that, when the character is nothing like them at all. :)

The exception? Villains (both male and female). I've used the names of people who have hurt me, or those I loved to moniker the least likable of my characters, the ones I don't try to redeem. It's pretty cathartic really. :) Seriously...it helped me works through some of my deepest abandonment issues with my dad and the stepfather I called Dad until he walked out of my life without a backward glance.

But it's kind of like reality TV...at what point does the artist (or viewer) need to step back because courtesy and compassion are not dead anachronisms in our society? I love Dancing With the Stars, but was wholly unprepared to do a search on reaction to the show one week only to find this incredible amount of animosity and hatred being directed toward Kim Kardashian, who isn't a contestant even - just the sibling to one. Whether or not reality stars are what I like to think of as celebrities, I was absolutely appalled by the bullying going on and the clear numbness to it in evidence. Really? In the name of art...or public reaction to it - we're going to turn a blind eye to behavior that would have made my mother cry.

She was such an amazing woman, my mom and some days I miss her so bad, I can barely breathe...but she taught us that bullying was wrong. As a customer (who might always be right, but who should darn well be courteous), as a student, as a person - full stop, period.

When I was in the fourth grade, my mom got called to my school. (Mom got called to school more often for me - her straight A student - than my pot smoking brother or kleptomaniac sister. Thank goodness my two oldest siblings and the youngest weren't quite as demanding, or Mom would never have survived our school years.) Anyway, back to my story...mom got called because I was boycotting my classroom. Why? Some of the kids were bullying my best friend and the teacher hadn't made them stop, or apologize. A favorite teacher, she was not spared my wrath however. Not when it came to tolerating meanness. Mom refused to tell me to go back to class. The principal and my teacher were beside themselves, even more so when Mom gave them a lesson in teaching morals, not just the three Rs. ;-) The kids were made to apologize and you know - they never bullied my friend again. Some meanness can be stopped and should.

I don't think boycotting certain websites is going to stop the cyber trolls from their nasty work, but it will stop at least one person from feeding it...me. :) Yep, I still boycott bullies. There are fan sites for shows I no longer visit because the other fans spend way more time stirring up animosity toward others than focusing on why they love the show. There is one book review site I won't ever link to or even link to other sites that link to it. There are others I visit rarely because of their tendency toward bullying and I've stopped reading reviews (of my books and others) that start with any sort of bullying language. Maybe it won't make a difference to the bullies, but it will to me...it will to the writer or personality I stand up for verbally or with my own reader review.

And to bring this full circle, have I ever named a villain after these particular bullies? Nope. Mom taught me that too...don't give bullies recognition of any kind. They thrive on attention and I won't be giving it to them.

Where do myths come in? Well, it's the myth that people in the public eye should have to put up with anything and everything because they chose their lifestyle. Mom said malarkey on that and so do I. Is a celebrated actor under more scrutiny than a grocery clerk? Most certainly. Should we be rude to either just because we can? Certainly not.

It's your turn: going back to the beginning...how would you feel about finding yourself starring as the lead in a book, or the focal point of a well-known painting or the subject of a song that thousands of others are going to hear on the radio?

Weekly Prize Giveaway!

2011-11-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Ready

Originally published July 2008

1st Book in Mercenary Trilogy Ready, Willing & Able

Mass Market Paperback

Kensington Brava

ISBN-10: 075820874X

ISBN-13: 978-0758208743

Reader Review:

"Just wanted to drop you a line and tell you I LOVE your book 'Ready'. I can't put it down, I can't wait for the other two books to come out. You make the characters come to life, and I like that you make them with a soft side to them and not all hard and uncaring. I like a little mystery in combine with romance in an well written book. Keep up the good work and I'm counting the months until 'Willing' & 'And Able' come out. Thank You for the great escape from reality for a little while." ~ Michele

All Three books in this series are available for purchase: Ready, Willing, And Able

Contest Winners!

2011-11-12T00:01:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a great week! The winner of this weeks blog contest is.....

Gail

Thanks for visiting my blog this week! Please email me with your name and address so I can get your copy of Take Me in the mail. Happy Reading.

November Events - Be Sure to check them out!

2011-11-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone - Promo Gal here. I wanted to take a moment and remind you of two amazing events that Lucy is participating in this month! Stop by and join in the fun and maybe even win a prize or two.

Click here November 19-22 to join the party.

Click here throughout the month of November.

Guest Author Interview and Excerpt - Serena Zane

2011-11-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome Serena! I'm excited to learn more about your newest release Moonlight in a Pickup Truck. Sounds like a great book that I need to get in my TBR pile.

Moonlight in a Pickup Truck by Serena Zane

One more night… is it worth the risk to lose everything for a chance at love? Placing your heart on the line is hard to do, especially when there is doubt that the love is returned in the same way. Her best friend is leaving for the Navy and this is her last opportunity to reveal her true feelings, but will she have the courage?

Excerpt from the novel:

Anticipation. Wasn’t there a saying somewhere, anticipation only makes things better? I could only wish. And what was it anyways?

My stomach felt tied in knots. I tried to dim down the feeling of apprehension that threatened to overwhelm and make me toss my cute little outfit back in the closet never to be seen again. Three years was an eternity for anyone to wait when there was no end in sight.

With a quick look in the mirror, I adjusted the green silk corset I wore pulling the strings tighter. My breasts plumped up and I smiled at the result. I actually looked like a girl. Not that he'd

notice. I groaned. If he hadn’t noticed in three years, then he wasn’t about to notice now. Slipping the jade necklace I borrowed from Mom over my head, I couldn’t help but feel good as the heavy brooch fell right at the top of my cleavage. Not anything to write home about, but I’d made my best effort to impress.

One more night, one more night to catch the attention of the man I’d dreamt about almost every time I closed my eyes for the last three years.

Serena, Let me ask you a few questions before you leave....

1. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing?

When I am not writing my favorite thing to do is participate in the Society of Creative Anachronism, Inc. We research and recreate the Middle Ages. I specifically study the lat 16th century and play a lady-in-waiting in Queen Elizabeth’s court. It has taught me how to sew elaborate costumes, I get to play my violin with other musicians with English Country Dances, and I sing songs by 16th Century composers. I also fight in armor and learn rapier fighting like the cavilers from late period England. I have been participating in the SCA for 17 years.

2. Please, share something you found most interesting or fun that you did to research for a book.

The most intriguing thing that I have done since beginning my writing career, was my research for my second book, Crystal Clear. The book is based in Bend, Oregon and my husband and I decided when we got married that we would honeymoon there. We investigated the lava caves where my heroine gets kidnapped, hiked through the same forest, and went white water rafting just like she did. Also, since Cindy Hawke the heroine was a small aircraft pilot, so to experience what she did, my friend Annie took me up in a Cessna. She had me take off, fly, and land. It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had, and would love to do again sometime.

3. How did you come up with setting for Moonlight in a Pickup Truck?

Moonlight in a Pickup Truck is pulled from a very personal experience that I had as a young woman. The setting is real, which was the cab of an old truck on the boat ramp up at Waha Lake in Lewiston, Idaho late one night and created my story around that night. Each of my settings is based in a place I have either been, or researched carefully so I can create a visceral place for my readers.

Thanks Serena for sharing your newest release with us and giving a great interview! I want to remind my readers that Moonlight in a Pickup Truck is available now on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, Outblast, and Bookstogonow.com

Guest Author Interview - Heidi Rice

2011-11-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

Heidi Rice has stopped by today for an interview. She is the author of some amazing books such as Bedded by a Bad Boy, The Mile-High Club, Pleasure Pregnancy and a Proposition and Public Affair, Secretly Expecting she is about ready to release her latest book, On the First Night of Christmas this November 30th.

Welcome Heidi, we look forward to the opportunity to know you better.

1. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing?

Probably researching about my next American Road Trip with my best mate Catri. We take a two-week break every couple of years, leaving our husbands and kids behind, get a cheap flight to the US, hire a car and hit the road. We met in college on an American Studies course when we bonded over our love of James Dean, Jack Kerouac and western movies, and we spend a huge amount of time surfing the internet and coming up with places off and on the beate

n track to visit for our next trip. Over the years a few of our top spots have included Monument Valley, Shoshone Death Valley, Nantahala National Forest in the Smokies, St Michaels in Maryland, Big Sur and Marfa Texas, but we’re always on the lookout for somewhere new that will blow our minds. Thelma and Louise eat your hearts out!

2. What books are sitting in your TBR pile right now? What book are you currently reading?

Very soon to be sitting in my TBR pile (once I persuade her to send me a copy) will be Kimberly Lang’s The Power and the Glory, the second in her Marshalls trilogy for HP. I’m currently reading JD Robb’s New York to Dallas. I’ve devoured all Nora’s Eve Dallas books and me and Roarke have a bit of a thing going now. (But don’t mention it to Eve or I’m liable to get my butt kicked!)

3. Please, share something you found most interesting or fun that you did to research for a book.

By far my favourite research for books is interviewing people with interesting occupations. People can be so fascinating, especially if they’re doing something they love. I interviewed a gorgeous Italian-Argentine architect for Unfinished Business with the Duke and a fe

male lifeguard for the opening scene in Surf, Sea and a Sexy Stranger — who pointed out that if my heroine strapped my hero to a rescue board before she got him ashore (as I’d originally written the scene) she’d probably break his back. Good to know!

4. How did you come up with the setting for On the First Night of Christmas?

London is my home town. I was born and bred here and I really feel the city comes into its own at Christmas time, so as a setting for this book it was a no-brainer really. And I couldn’t resist having Jace and Cassidy do a lot of the things my family and I now consider Christmas traditions – going to the funfair in Hyde Park, window--shopping along Oxford Street, watching the fireworks on the Thames for New Year, ice-skating at Somerset House, to name but a few.

5. Action adventure or romantic comedy? What is your favorite movie lately?

Being a hopeless romantic I lean more towards rom-com than action movies but my favourite movie lately has to be a wonderfully random (and rather rude) little indie comedy called Cedar Rapids about a convention of insurance salesmen in Iowa. It has a lovely message about the value of true friendships, was laugh out loud hilarious in places and has a great in-joke for devotees of the HBO show The Wire, of which I am one, so it ticked all my boxes.

Thanks Heidi, this was a fun interview! I wanted to let readers know that Heidi has agreed to come back after Thanksgiving to give us an excerpt of her newest release, On the First Night of Christmas.

Humpday Hottie!

2011-11-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Care to go for a ride...?

Weekly Prize Giveaway!

2011-11-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

TAKE ME

Originally published October 2006

by Lucy Monroe

Book 3 in Historical Trilogy Touch Me, Tempt Me & Take Me

Berkley Sensation

ISBN 0425212211

"Ever since Lucy Monroe started this series I have been waiting for Jared's story, and TAKE ME more then makes up for the wait. Ms Monroe is one of the few authors who I will read no matter what she writes and TAKE ME is a good reason why. You do not have to read the first two books in this series in order to read TAKE ME, but after you finish you will be running to the store to get the other two." —Barb Hicks, The Best Reviews

This book is still available for purchase.

Weekly Contest Winner!

2011-11-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

It has been a fun week on the blog with two great authors guest blogging with us. Thank you Kate Hardy and Lori Foster for your interviews.

The winner of this weeks blog contest is.....

Melissa

Thanks for visiting my blog this week! Please email me with your name and address so I can get your copy of The Greek's Innocent Virgin in the mail. Happy Reading.

Guest Author Interview - Lori Foster

2011-11-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! We have a special guest with us today - Lori Foster! Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a Waldenbooks, Borders, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette and Samhain. She is currently with Berkley/Jove.

Let's dive into some questions!

1. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing?

[Lori said:] I’m very involved with my family, so anything fun with them is perfect. Every Sunday is dedicated to “family day” and the kids come by with their significant others, and my grandson... it’s always enjoyable. But other than Sunday, I love to be near water. I love to boat and water ski and swim... You can probably tell by the number of lakes I write into my books that I love life near a lake. J Coffee tastes better while watching the sun rise over the water. Evenings are more peaceful seeing the moon reflect on the lake. Water is such a calming influence.

2. What books are sitting in your TBR pile right now? What book are you currently reading?

[Lori said:] I recently located some oldies by some of my favorite authors, so I’m re-reading a bunch of those! Linda Howard, Catherine Coulter, Jayne Ann Krentz, Elizabeth Lowell... I love revisiting characters. But I also keep up with Kresley Cole. LOVE her work.

3. Please, share something you found most interesting or fun that you did to research for a book.

[Lori said:] I’ve taken police seminars to learn about current threats, procedures, etc... I also did a ride-along (more than one, actually) with police to see the happenings, to sort of soak up their routines and how they react to things. I’m very, very nervous around guns – and especially nervous around tasers! But I love talking with police officers and fire fighters and getting their take on things.

4. How did you come up with names - or - setting - or - character occupations - or - plot, etc. for Buckhorn Beginnings?

[Lori said:] Buckhorn Beginnings is a reissue of two older books (part of a 5 book series – others will be reissued soon) and back when I first wrote those books, coming up with original but “normal” names was easier. Sawyer, Morgan, Gabe, Jordan, and Casey... those were the original titles – just names, and I LOVE those names still. They were probably favorites left over from back when I chose names for my sons. These days, after 80 some books, it is MUCH harder to find names I love.

The setting... well, see question #1. I LOVE lakes. Growing up, I spent every summer on a lake in Williamstown, Kentucky. When we woke in the morning we put on our swimsuits and left them on until we changed into our PJs at night. It wasn’t really a summer house, more like a tiny fishing cabin – one bedroom (Mom and Dad slept on a fold-out couch) with a small, L-shaped kitchen, dining, sitting area. We lived on the deck and the dock. LOL.

Now I have my own lake house and I STILL love it. So often, when I’m plotting, the characters just somehow end up near lakes. My muse must like lake-life as much as I do!

Occupations for the Buckhorn Brothers (original series name for Sawyer, Morgan, Gabe, Jordan and Casey) was easy too, because they were influential to their small town. That meant doctor, sheriff, vet... and then a handyman. J All vital to the denizens, all “go to” guys.

5. Action adventure or romantic comedy? What is your favorite movie lately?

[Lori said:] Horror! Always my #1 pick. The scarier the better. A cheesy scary movie is better than an okay adventure or comedy.

But after horror, I’d go with action adventure, and then comedy, and then romantic comedy. Dramas are out – I have no patience for them. Anything that I KNOW will make me cry? Forget it.
But hubby and I are huge movie buffs and we go at least once a week, often more if there are movies we want to see. Twice a week is the norm for us. About the only time I’m not plotting on a book is when I’m sitting in a theater watching a GOOD movie. (If the movie isn’t good, odds are I’ll be plotting again. LOL)

Thanks for the great questions! I have one for readers: Which of my secondary characters would they like to see have a book? It’s not uncommon for characters to resonate with readers in a way that they don’t with me. I see them strictly as supporting characters, and readers will see them as a lead.

Along the same lines, which of my series would they like to see continued with other characters? Seems every time I end a series, readers ask me for more – when I don’t have more. So I’m curious, if you could see me continue a series, which one would it be?

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Lori

Guest Author Interview - Kate Hardy

2011-11-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

As many of my readers know, I love getting to know new people and learning about their stories. I'm excited that Kate has dropped by today for an interview. Welcome Kate Hardy.

1. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing?

If it’s a weekend, my favourite thing is to go for a walk on the beach with my husband and children. (It usually involves ice cream – and it doesn’t matter if it’s winter, either!) We’ve had a real Indian summer this year; normally, paddling in the North Sea in October would be unthinkable, but this year it was fun! I also love cooking, and I’m having a great time teaching my littlest to bake at the moment.

2. What books are sitting in your TBR pile right now? What book are you currently reading?

I have to confess that I own TBR bookcase rather than a TBR pile! They include the newest releases by Susanna Kearsley and Rachel Hore, and I’m also waiting for the new Kristan Higgins to arrive. I’m currently reading one of Julie Cohen’s backlist that I’ve been meaning to read for a while but managed to mislay it – Nina Jones and the Temple of Gloom. I love Julie’s books and they make me laugh out loud for the right reasons.

3. Please, share something you found most interesting or fun that you did to research for a book.

One of my very favourite research experiences was when I was writing Champagne With a Celebrity – which is actually about a perfume house (and I so regret that I couldn’t talk my ed into keeping my working title of ‘Scents and Sensibility’). The way I saw it, I couldn’t write about a man who makes perfume without having any idea how it was done. So I went on a course to make perfume; best of all, it was a one-to-one, so I could grill my teacher about all the bits I wanted to know. There were eighteen different ‘notes’ (card strips dipped into the perfume) and I had to sort them into ‘love’, ‘hate’ and ‘maybe’ piles. Then it was a matter of blending the ones I liked – and I ended up making something quite similar to own favourite perfume (Dior’s Addict – I just LOVE the vanilla and amber notes). And I had great fun imagining my hero and heroine in that situation, and taking it much further!

4. How did you come up with the setting for A Moment on the Lips?

This is my gelati book (mainly because I bought an ice-cream maker last summer and thoroughly enjoyed experimenting, and the kids worked out immediately that I was planning to write an ice-cream book). Originally I was going to set it in my part of the world; there’s an amazing shop that does over 50 flavours, and I had plans to combine my favourite relaxation with a bit of research, i.e. a walk on the beach and then visit the shop. Several visits, in fact, so we could work our way through all the flavours. (The lavender one was really unusual!) Then my ed said she wanted it set in Italy, not England. We’d recently visited Sorrento, so I jumped at the chance to set the book in Naples (we climbed Vesuvius, which is one of the most awesome places ever, so when I finally saw the UK cover and realized Vesuvius was on it, I was so thrilled).

The only thing was, I was planning the book during half term - when we were on the train to Paris. (We had a bit of a mad travel year, last year!) So I couldn’t resist whisking my hero and heroine off to Paris and making them do some of the things we did in Paris – including standing under the pyramid in the Louvre to get rainbows in our hair, and climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe to see the Eiffel Tower sparkling on the hour. (It was bitterly cold when we did it, and I insisted we stayed up until the hour but refused to tell my husband and children why, only that it would be worth it. And it was!)

5. Action adventure or romantic comedy? What is your favorite movie lately?

I love the cinema, but most of the time we go it’s as a treat for the children during school holidays – which means most of the time it’s going to be a comedy (though I did manage to talk my daughter into seeing Inception last year – she hated it, whereas her brother and I thought it was great). We do still enjoy animated films, but it’s getting harder to find films that both of them like; my littlest prefers musicals (she’s just a little too young to enjoy romcoms), whereas my eldest likes sci-fi and action movies.

My favourite film this year, by a very long way, is ‘The King’s Speech’ – beautifully acted, beautifully scripted, and a wonderful score.

BOOK GIVEAWAY

Kate is giving away a signed copy of A Moment on the Lips. Just leave her a comment below and she will contact the winner. Good luck!

Humpday Hottie!

2011-11-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

A little midweek inspiration from a hottie.

Just a minute longer and then I'll be ready for the rest

of the day....sigh!

Weekly Prize Giveaway!

2011-11-01T00:02:00.000-07:00

The Greek's Innocent Virgin

Originally published May 2005

ISBN: 0-373-12464-3

Greek tycoon Sebastian Kouros thinks he knows all about Rachel Long: she’s a scheming money-grabber who deserves nothing from him or his family. Rachel has come to Sebastian’s island to claim her inheritance – but although the bitterness between them is ripe, neither is expecting their searing sexual chemistry. Sebastian takes Rachel to his bed, but it appears she’s not the virgin she claims to be. Perhaps now is the time to take her as his mistress, and discard her when he sees fit…

Only Rachel is telling the truth – she’s an innocent and a virgin…

This title is still available for purchase.

Year End Splash Party! Event is here!

2011-11-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture to participate - Lucy is a participating author!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T12:10:00.000-07:00

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The girls getting their pumpkins for carving/painting. :)

Motivation, Motivation, Motivation!

2011-10-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

While I'm blessed to not have to do a lot of revisions, the most frequent one I'm asked to make is to flesh out my character's motivation. As the author, I know my characters intimately and because of this - sometimes I forget to clue the reader in on what they are thinking, or the most important of elements: why they do the things they do.

When you think of a character as TSTL (too stupid to live) or hugely unsympathetic, it's almost always because the author hasn't shown you sufficient or acceptable-to-you motivation for their actions. Why did the girl go into the basement when she suspected the ax wielding psychopath was down there? Too often the why is so spurious, the girl is pronounced TSTL. But what if she weren't? What if she were a former Marine carrying a weapon? Or a mother who believed she could convince her son to stop?

I've been a teenager...so have you. I've raised a few of my own as well and I can say honestly, I've never known any as stupid as the ones that seem to populate horror movies.

Otherwise intelligent characters can come off looking criminally stupid when their actions aren't properly motivated. So, what are some of the common "motivation mistakes" we see in writing?

The character who acts based on the simple misunderstanding. We've all heard of this one, yes? We're told that the "big misunderstanding" is a rotten reason for conflict in a book. Our teachers and mentors are oh, so right. A misunderstanding that would easily be remedied by discussion with someone else (doesn't even have to be the other protagonist) won't motivate behavior that is otherwise unbelievable.

Nothing is more annoying than slogging through pages of conflict between two otherwise likable people simply because one of them has the wrong end of the stick and refuses to grasp hold of the right one.

The hero or heroine whose actions are driven by faulty and unreasonable assumptions. Assumptions that make no sense to your readers will not float your story...not even in the name of humor. Your readers need to be rooting for your characters and their happy endings, and that's not as likely when they consider your hero or heroine too ridiculous for words.

Properly motivated spurious assumptions can make for really good reading though. Think about the heroine who thinks he would never be interested in her when in reality he fancies her something rotten. If she believes this because she's been rejected by boys all her life as being too boring or because he has a well known type and she'd antithetical to it, well that can work, yes? But if she simply believes it to move the story forward another 20 pages, readers are going to know that and get mightily irritated.

The character who pops up out of nowhere and disappears the same way when they've played the prop they need to your plot. If you have a villain, or a well-meaning matchmaker pushing your characters together, please take the time to figure out the how and why and explain that to your readers.

Something to remember when its relevant to the type of story you are writing: your protagonist is only as strong as the villain they're facing and if that villain isn't motivated or fleshed out, the protagonist comes off looking weak and ineffectual - even when they win.

The character that is unsympathetic. This character is often motivated by things that readers by and large find less than heroic or understandable. My super alpha heroes are often unlikable in the beginning of a book, but I plant the seeds for their redemption as early as the first page, if I can. This is also where my editors often ask me to go back and reveal more of his reasons for doing what he does to the reader.

Someone suggested I watch "Doc Martin" (a British medical show that I think is supposed to be funny), so I did. I find pretty much all of the characters incomprehensible and somewhat unlikable. The final episode I watched (I gave it more than one chance) that absolutely turned me off the show had the local school teacher who was interviewing for the position of head mistress treat a child whose mother was in hospital like a total bother. Since children and their welfare is a hot button for me, that was the final straw for me. I've no interest in watching another episode.

When this happens in a book, I'll end up adding an author to my "Do Not Buy No Matter How Intriguing the Story Sounds" list. I know I've had a character, or two, hit a reader in the same place. One of my heroes, I realized I could have done a better job of revealing his inner workings throughout the book and his transformation at the end...another, I stood by.

The woman who thought I would love "Doc Martin" really enjoyed the show herself and was hugely disappointed when it got cancelled after 5 seasons. So, we have to acknowledge that what is unlikable for one reader may well be adorable to another. This is where it becomes hugely important to understand your market and the heroic archetypes that work (and conversely don't work) for your readers or potential readers. It's not enough to say, "Well...she's just not my reader," when her viewpoint is reflected in the vast majority of your target market.

The character whose behavior is obviously driven by plot or word count. I'll admit these books are my least favorite and most likely to get an author on my "Do Not Buy" list. But we've all read them, haven't we? The story that could have been over on page 50 but drug on to 397 because the characters just kept doing things that made no sense so the story could be longer. Even worse is the character who plainly doesn't fit the plot. The author is intent on writing a certain story, but she chose the wrong characters to tell it with and this is apparent in Chapter One and never, ever gets better.

In short, when writing the complex or the simple, one thing remains paramount: motivation!

It's your turn: what's your favorite new television show? Are the characters likable, or interesting enough to be unlikable and still watchable?

Weekly Contest Winner!

2011-10-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

This weeks prize goes to......

Jenna Bayley-Burke

Thanks for visiting my blog this week! Please email me so I can get you, your prize! Enjoy the books and tote bag!

Guest Interview - Maggie Cox

2011-10-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Maggie Cox! So excited you dropped by today so we can get to know a little more about you!

1. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing?

I love to go the cinema. I think going to see a movie is one of the keenest pleasures next to reading a book. I especially love cinematic stories that take the main character/characters on a journey. I recently saw ‘The Way Back’ directed by Peter Weir. It’s based on an incredible true story about a group of disparate men that escape from a Russian gulag during the Stalin regime and who arrive in British-ruled India after walking 4,000 miles from Siberia! It’s a truly epic and heartrending story of survival and optimism against all the odds and what I loved about it was that it had kindness and humanity towards each other as its main theme. Not only that but it has a stellar cast too: Ed Harris, Jim Sturgess, Saoirse Ronan and Colin Farrell. I highly recommend it.

2. What books are sitting in your TBR pile right now? What book are you currently reading?

As is usual for me (I’m an avid reader) I have several books in my TBR pile. One book that I’m about to read for the umpteenth time is Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher. Her storytelling and writing are so wonderful that reading this book makes me feel like I’m visiting a very dear and much loved wise friend. Because of its winter setting and also because it brings a family hit by tragedy together at Christmas - it’s the ideal story to lose myself in as Autumn comes to an end and the chilly and less mellow temperatures of winter arrive.

The other books on my bedside cabinet waiting to be enjoyed are quite an eclectic mix and the titles are as follows: The Law is a Lady by Nora Roberts, Practising the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, Saved by a Poem by Kim Rosen (and I really was saved by this inspirational woman’s reading of her own and others poetry when she gave a performance in London at the end of the summer) and Radical Forgiveness by Colin Tipping, which is about letting

go of anger and blame in order to heal relationships – grist for the mill for a romance author as well as sage advice for anyone who truly wants to have better relationships.

3. Please share something you found most interesting or fun that you did to research for a book.

During the writing of my title Reputation in Tatters I attended a workshop about learning to make healing remedies from plants with a friend who is a therapist and it took place in Monflanquin in the south of France. As I went on expeditions for the necessary plants in the woods close to the stunning stone-built house we were staying in and sat round the pool in the glorious sunshine after our trips, the characters of PR expert Nash Taylor-Grant and actress Freya Carpenter fleshed into vivid life. So much so that I used the gorgeous setting I was staying in as the very evocative location for Nash’s personal hideaway that he whisks Freya off to when she is being hounded by the Paparazzi. I was so inspired that when I wasn’t learning to concoct ancient remedies in the house’s huge kitchen or avidly listening to our tutor – I was busy filling my notebook with conversations and scenes from the story. Writing romance surely doesn’t get much better than this?!

4. Action adventure or romantic comedy? What is your favorite movie lately?

When it comes to choosing between action adventure or romantic comedy, I definitely err on the side of action adventure. I love movies like ‘Hidalgo’ with Viggo Mortensen (doesn’t hurt that he’s in it!), ‘The Mummy’ with Rachel Weisz and Brendan Fraser (great chemistry between them and funny too), ‘The Painted Veil’ with Naomi Watts and Edward Norton (a lot more serious but heartrending epic love story set in wartime China). Currently my favourite movie is ‘The Adjustment Bureau’ with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. I honestly didn’t expect it to be so wonderful. It’s got quite an unusual premise involving deja vu and unseen forces moving people together or keeping them apart and the chemistry between the two leads is totally believable and sizzling. It’s also got a completely uplifting and happy ending and I left the cinema when the movie ended feeling like I was walking on air.

Personal perspective on my Harlequin Presents title One Desert Night published in the U.S.A on February 7th 2012.

I loved the challenge of writing a ‘Sheikh’ book as I’d never tried writing one before. My inspiration was the atmosphere of magic and legend created by the famous ‘One hundred and One Arabian Nights’ and I wanted to create a similar kind of mythical setting in ‘One Desert Night’. My hero Sheikh Zahir is definitely a modern man but because he has inherited a fabulously rich and ancient kingdom, he also has the kind of ‘old-fashioned’ values regarding his responsibility to home and family that perhaps a less ‘duty bound’ man in the corporate world might not so readily want to embrace. My heroine Gina is also a woman that feels great responsibility to her family – her widowed father in particular – so much so that when she meets and falls in love with Zahir, she is prepared to give him up to help take care of her lonely and grief-stricken parent. When she finds herself incredibly making a return journey t

o Zahir’s kingdom a few years after their magical and passionate night together, she is stunned to discover that he is not just the wealthy urban man she thought he was, but a genuine Sheikh who has inherited a kingdom he is duty-bound to serve and protect.

This is the description of the story on the back of the book:

The coveted Heart of Courage jewel – when passed to each sheikh in the House of Kazeem Khan – is said to guarantee love. But Sheikh Zahir rejects this legend. After the bitterness he’s suffered, he sees emotion and marriage as two very separate things...

It’s down to Gina Collins to sell the jewel through her auction house. Returning to the desert plains of Kabuyadir, she’s horrified to realise the new Sheikh is the man who gave her one earth-shattering night years ago...

Hope you enjoy it!

Love Maggie

xxx

Bodyguards In Bed - Review

2011-10-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Bodyguards In Bed offers three stories by three great authors - here is one review of Lucy's story Who's Been Sleeping in My Brother's Bed?

Who’s Been Sleeping in My Brother’s Bed is an interracial romance I could not get enough of. Danusia is used to men backing off due to her being so smart, and she’s really tired of it too. Maxwell knows he’s a good soldier but he doesn’t think he has what it takes to seduce a classy lady like Danusia. But together, these two are on fire. Whew! There’s lots of heat and romance in this short story which make me want to see them again in the future. Two Lips Reviews

BODYGUARDS IN BED

by Lucy Monroe

(with Jamie Denton & Elizabeth Naughton)

Kensington Brava - June 2011 (05-31-11)

Trade Paperback

ISBN-10: 0758210337

ISBN-13: 978-0758210333

Whose Been Sleeping in my Brother’s Bed?

Buy: Borders ~ B&N ~ Chapters ~ Books-a-Million ~Amazon

I'm giving a FREE workshop on Romance University Today

2011-10-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

If you're a writer, interested in the process of writing or simply intrigued by the fact that scientists now recognize more than the five senses taught in primary school, stop by and visit my workshop, More than Five Senses: Writing for Visceral Impact, at Romance University. :)

Humpday Hottie!

2011-10-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

I love his eyes...I bet I know what he's thinking!

Weekly Prize Giveaway!

2011-10-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

Looking for some good reads? Enter this week's contest by leaving me a comment on any posting open to comments and you will automatically be entered in the contest!

One bag/tote will be given away each week.

Weekly winner will be posted on Saturday!