Lucy Monroe's Blog

Do you ever wonder why some stories feel perfectly paced while others seem either way too short or to drag, even when you love the characters? The difference often isn’t talent or genre. It’s structure. Writing a 50,000 word book versus a 100,000 word one requires a different rhythm, a different layering of conflict, and a very different sense of when and how your characters grow.

Why Word Count Isn’t the Real Issue

Recently, I read a novel by one of my favorite authors and found myself unexpectedly frustrated. I adored the characters and the setup, yet the story felt repetitive and stalled for several chapters. It reminded me of another book years earlier that had left me with the same unhappy reaction.

Both writers began their careers crafting delicious shorter novels, yet the stories that didn’t quite land for me were their longer ones.

And because I’m me, I wanted to know why. Why didn’t I love a story that had all the right ingredients? Why did I feel restless instead of satisfied at the happy ending?

After some reflection, I realized both stories stumbled in the same place: the handling of conflict. What worked beautifully for a 50,000-word book fell apart when stretched to double that length. The same intensity that fuels a short novel can become repetitive or exhausting in a long one if the writer doesn’t evolve the story’s emotional and structural layers.

This led me to asking myself why some of the shorter novels I’d tried reading this past year ended up as DNFs. And in almost all of them, there was too much and too convoluted of a plot for the length of the story, making it read like a synopsis rather than a novel.

In this article, we’ll look at three key elements that must be handled differently in shorter and longer novels: internal conflict, external conflict, and characterization.

For clarity:

A short novel runs between 35,000 and 60,000 words.

A long novel starts around 70,000 words and up.

The 10,000 word gap between them is a creative gray zone that can lean either way depending on how complex your story elements are.

To illustrate, I’ll reference two of my own books:

Cinderella’s Jilted Billionaire – 52,000 words (Contemporary Romance)

Ruthless Enforcer – 110,000 words (Mafia Romance / Romantic Suspense)

1. Internal Conflict: Layering the Onion

In a shorter novel, one or two layers of conflict keep readers engaged. Anything more can make the story feel crowded. Readers expect intensity, but not a marathon of emotional back-and-forth.

In a longer novel, though, relying on the same unresolved issue for hundreds of pages creates an exasperating sense of repetition for the reader. That’s where layering the onion comes in. You begin with a core conflict, then gradually reveal or add layers that deepen motivation and raise the emotional stakes.

Example from Cinderella’s Jilted Billionaire
Annette left Carlo at the altar, and he’s never forgiven her. She wants reconciliation. He wants closure. Their emotional tug-of-war sustains the story without layering additional emotional conflict or letting that conflict morph into something new.

Example from Ruthless Enforcer
Lucia is haunted by loss and afraid to connect. Atlas, damaged by childhood trauma, has shut down his emotions entirely. Their sexual chemistry pierces both their defenses, paving the way for initial resolution of their emotional conflict. When Lucia discovers Atlas’s secrets halfway through the book, the core conflict evolves from fear of loss to fear of trusting again. Atlas goes from not feeling emotions to not knowing what to do with the ones now roiling through him. That shift keeps a 110,000-word story emotionally alive.

Takeaway:
Short novels can thrive on a single emotional wound. Long novels require transformation. The conflict must grow, shift, or evolve to satisfy readers throughout the story.

2. External Conflict: Expanding the Web

Just as internal conflict must deepen, external conflict must also expand in a long novel. Plot tension in shorter novels works best when it’s focused and direct. Long novels, on the other hand, need subplots and complications that add both weight and meaning.

Example from Cinderella’s Jilted Billionaire
Annette’s sister is marrying Carlo’s brother. Family obligations force Annette and Carlo into close contact again. The tension escalates twice: first when Annette returns to New York to help her sister, and later when an accident forces them to share childcare and living space.

The few branches of this story all grow from one trunk: family obligation.

Example from Ruthless Enforcer
Atlas’s Greek mafia expansion into new territory collides with a rival bratva faction and Lucia’s determination to run her club independently. Each verbal confrontation and physical skirmish raises the stakes for Atlas and Lucia, intertwining professional survival with emotional risk. By the time the final showdown arrives, the external and internal conflicts collide in a way that demands both emotional and physical resolution.

The abundant branches of conflict in this book connect logically to the main trunk, mafia life versus independence, but themselves can have offshoots and vibrant foliage.

Takeaway:
Short novels benefit from a single driving plotline. Long novels need secondary problems that connect logically to the main one but allow for new tension and growth.

Note: each subplot should contribute to the overarching stakes rather than simply fill pages.

3. Character Growth: When it Happens Matters

Readers don’t just want things to happen; they want characters to change. The emotional payoff of a story, whether short or long, depends on believable transformation. The difference for the short and long novel lies in pacing.

In a short novel, the bulk of the character’s growth can happen in the final third of the book because the story itself moves quickly and the reader often expects a concentrated burst of revelations. If it happens to early, the tension in the story can fizzle and pop, leaving the reader unsatisfied.

In a long novel, growth happens in stages and should be recognizable to the reader in both actions and internal narrative. If the hero or heroine remains unchanged through most of the book, readers will probably feel like the story is circling back over and over rather than advancing. This is often the source of complaints about the story dragging.

Character growth impacts how the characters respond to the emotional story arc (driven by internal conflict) and plot (driven by external conflict).

Example from Cinderella’s Jilted Billionaire
Annette has already done some emotional work before the book begins. Her growth lies in standing firm in her new confidence. Carlo’s growth is recognizing that his resentment masks love and that it’s not enough to feel it. He has to show and verbalize it too. Both arcs complete within a concise timeframe, keeping pace with the story’s shorter structure.

Example from Ruthless Enforcer
Atlas starts nearly emotionless, then gradually rediscovers feelings: joy, fear, and finally love. Lucia begins fearful of letting anyone in but then trusts Atlas with parts of her she has never let anyone else see. When Atlas betrays her, she reacts very differently to the way she did when her former family let her down. And even though she’s fighting her feelings for Atlas, she continues to embrace friendships she hadn’t before.

Takeaway:
In long novels, growth must progress rather than appear all at once. Readers want to see change hinted at, resisted, and finally embraced. The journey matters as much as the destination.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Repeating the same emotional beats without escalation.

Saving all character growth for the last chapter in a long book.

Over-complicating short novels with too many subplots.

Every story has its natural length. Writing more words doesn’t mean writing a better novel and cutting out multiple repetitions of the same scene could be the difference between a wall-banger and a great book. Keeping within a shorter wordcount doesn’t always mean the story is tight; sometimes it means part of the story is missing and it should be longer.

Learning which way to go with a story is one of a writer’s most valuable skills.

Final Thoughts

I’m going to leave you with one last analogy.

For most of us, the size of suitcase we take is determined by how long we will be gone on a trip when we travel. (My hubby - the weirdo - perfected the art of minimalistic travel years ago and took the same small suitcase on his six week trip to China as his three day trip to Los Angeles!) What goes into that suitcase are primarily the same things: clothes, toiletries, and books (who travels without books?). The difference is how many and what type of those things we take.

For a long trip, I’m taking multiple pairs of shoes and clothes for different occasions. For a short one? I might stick with the shoes I wear onto the plane and pack nothing but a couple of tops to go with the a single pair of pants, plus maybe a dress that works for both day and evening.

If I try to cram everything I would take on a long trip into a carryon bag, it’s not going to fit no matter how hard I try to cram it in. And conversely if I put the few items I need for a short trip into a larger check-in bag, I’ll end up paying a luggage fee I don’t need to and might well open my suitcase to damaged items taht got tossed around too much in transit.

The difference between a 50,000 and a 100,000 word novel isn’t just the number of pages (or the size of the suitcase), but the diversity and layering of the story elements inside. It’s about structure, pacing, and the evolution of conflict and character.

Whether your book is a swift, satisfying sprint or an immersive marathon, your readers want the same thing in the end: a story that feels complete, true to its characters, and worth every page.

Until next time happy writing & reading!

Lucy

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lucy Monroe has over 90 published novels and more than 12.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her stories—rich with emotion, heat, and high stakes—span contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance.

Now publishing independently, Lucy writes the bold, deeply romantic stories she’s most passionate about. Her latest series, Syndicate Rules, explores the dark and decadent world of mafia romance with morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, and all the spice fans crave.

A voracious reader and longtime romance fangirl, Lucy loves connecting with fellow book lovers online.

For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.

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

Thanks for reading Notes from Lucy! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

I love, love, love the built-in sexual and emotional tension of an arranged or forced marriage. When something forces a character to accept an arranged marriage, that's even better.

That kind of pressure—external circumstances pushing two people into a union before their hearts are ready—creates the perfect storm for romance. The stakes are high, the emotions raw, and the opportunities for explosive chemistry? Off the charts.

Which might be why readers have bought and/or downloaded in KU my latest release, Sins of Arrogance, more than any of my other mafia books in its first month. Mick and Kara’s arranged marriage on the rocks resonates with readers and I had a blast writing it.

As a romance author, I’ve always been drawn to those moments where characters are forced out of their comfort zones, and nothing does that quite like a marriage they didn’t choose. Whether it's a dynastic arrangement made by powerful families or a last-minute decision to protect someone’s honor or inheritance, these situations put love and survival on a collision course.

Maybe it’s a billionaire hero who needs a wife to secure his inheritance. Or a mafia don looking for an alliance. Or a prince who agrees to an arranged match for the sake of his country. Or even a small-town girl who ends up in a marriage of convenience to protect her family’s land. The key is that the emotional journey from strangers, enemies, or reluctant allies to real, heart-deep partners is so satisfying to read (and to write).

Forced and arranged marriages strip away the dating phase and jump straight into physical (and often emotional) intimacy. These characters are living together, sharing space, facing challenges as a team (even if grudgingly at first). There's tension and vulnerability, but there's also opportunity for growth, forgiveness, healing... and, of course, toe-curling passion.

The forced or arranged marriage trope is a playground for everything I love about romance: messy feelings, fiery arguments, tender reconciliations, and the hard-won happily-ever-after. When the characters are married first and fall in love later, discovering that the person they were “forced” to be with is actually their perfect match, I’m here for it. Every. Single. Time.

For a list of my recommended reads with this trope, check out these related posts:

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

Arranged to Love: Historical Romances I’ll Never Stop Rereading

USA Today bestselling author Lucy Monroe has published 90+ romance novels with over 12.5 million copies in print. Now indie, she writes the bold, emotional, and steamy stories she’s most passionate about—including her latest mafia romance series, Syndicate Rules.

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

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

Subscribe now

Back in 2011, I published For Duty’s Sake with Harlequin Presents. To this day, it’s the book that created more reader uproar than any other I’ve written. I thought I understood why, but it turns out the truth was hidden in plain sight for more than a decade.

Readers were livid that Zahir seemed too soft toward his ex, Elsa (the other woman), in one of the final scenes. They felt he showed her affection that undercut his relationship with Angele (his love interest). At the time, I chalked it up to readers bringing their own experiences to a story and interpreting it through their own lens, which is something I’ve always respected.

Fast forward to recently, when I reread the book for the first time since publication. Suddenly, I saw what readers had seen all along. Except…it wasn’t what I wrote.

A copyeditor had changed the dialogue in the scene. In my original version, Zahir and Angele share a lighthearted, couple-centered exchange that shows their growth and unity. The published version, however, shifted Zahir’s words toward Elsa, making it sound like he was still showing her tenderness. That one change completely altered the tone of the ending and left many readers upset.

In the original document I sent to Harlequin after doing the revisions and final edits before copyedits, this is what my story said:

“Oh, stop harping.” Angele frowned at him. “I had better reason to keep it to myself at first than he did.”
“I did not say anything, Aziz.”
Elsa gasped and then glared at them both. “So, that’s it. You’ve tricked me into naming my brother and providing you with evidence against him.”

Zahir is clearly talking to Angele and they’re sharing a jokey moment referring to the fact that unlike her father, she had paid the blackmailer and *not* gone to Zahir at first.

This is what the copyeditor changed it to:

Zahir returned his gaze to Angele. “Yes. Cemal came to me immediately with the demand.”
“Oh, stop harping.” Elsa frowned at him. “You make Hans sound like a criminal when he was just trying his luck.”
“I did not say it was Hans, Aziz.”
Elsa gasped and then glared at them both. “So, that’s it. You’ve tricked me into naming my brother and providing you with evidence against him.”

By applying that endearment (beloved or darling in English) to the ex instead of Angele, that copyeditor changed the entire tone of the scene. In the original, the moment showed the matured and closer relationship between Angele & Zahir where she was more confident and they shared an “in” joke. The copyedit changed it to something that made it seem like Zahir still had soft feelings toward his ex-mistress.

Confused by how this could happen? So am I. But here’s a quick run down on the editing process with traditional publishing (which is similar to one I follow today with my indie published novels - I guess you go with what you know 😉).

Understanding the Editing Process

The first editor who will read your manuscript is the substantive editor and it’s their job to offer suggestions for improvement in the substance of the story in what is usually referred to as a revision letter (even if it’s just an email). Depending on the author’s relationship with the publisher, she may, or may not have the freedom to turn down the revisions she doesn’t agree with while making others, or changing the manuscript in a different way but with the same outcome for the solidness of the story.

During my 20 years in traditional publishing, some editors collaborated with me and respected my sense of story, others did not. Happily, until the final couple of years in trad publishing, most of my editorial relationships were positive. (With one exception, but she had an issue with sex and I write steamy, so that was always going to be a problem.)

Three editors especially will always live in my mind as the golden standard as they always knew how to pull the best out of the my stories: Kim Young (now a publisher for Harper Collins), Tessa Shapcott (former Editorial Director for HM&B) & Kate Duffy (former Senior Editor for Kensington Books and who sadly is no longer with us).

Substantive (or developmental) editor: This is the person who works with the author on the big-picture elements of the story—plot, pacing, character arcs, themes. They don’t touch commas and spelling; they help shape the story itself.

After the revision process is complete (and it can take more than one pass at rewrites), the manuscript goes to copyedits.

Copyeditor: This is the person who focuses on grammar, punctuation, style, and consistency. Their job is to polish the text at a sentence level. They are not supposed to change characterization, dialogue, or story tone. A copyeditor should never change the substance of a scene, whether action, dialogue, internal narrative or who is talking to whom.

Once the manuscript is copyedited it is formatted for publication and the finalized draft/AAs is sent one last time to the author for going over. This is also when proofreaders are brought into the process. (Honestly, I’m not sure my trad editors were using proof readers by the time I went indie. It seemed like they were trusting the copyeditor to catch everything.)

Proofreader: This role comes in after typesetting, when the book is formatted into pages. Proofreaders look for typos, missing words, or layout errors. They don’t revise sentences; they catch mistakes that slipped through.

AAs (Author Alterations): These are the final formatted pages an author receives before a book goes to press. They look like the book will look in print. The author’s job is to check for typos and last-minute fixes, not to make big changes.

In my trad publishing days, I paid a freelance editor to review my AAs for typos and errors. By that point in the process, my brain only “saw” what I thought I had written, so a fresh pair of eyes was needed. For some books, we were so tight for turn around time, the copyedited manuscript went straight to AAs before I saw it again.

Since the substantive editor had requested almost no revisions, it didn’t occur to me the copyeditor would take it upon herself to make them at her level. So, I sent my AAs as normal to my freelance editor for a proofread, never dreaming anything had been changed substantively.

It was a system that worked—until this book.

Out of dozens of titles, this is the only one where a copyeditor changed a scene in a way that altered characterization and harmed the story so spectacularly.

Words Matter

Which only goes to show that a single word in a line of dialogue can change how readers view an entire relationship. In For Duty’s Sake, what should have been a moment of intimacy between the two main characters became a source of doubt about the hero’s loyalty. No wonder readers were distressed.

This is one of the many reasons I’m so happy as an indie published author. My team is hand-picked, and I have final say on every word. Mistakes can still happen—publishing is a human process—but no one makes changes to my manuscript without my approval.

While I’m tremendously grateful for the insight and coaching I received from some great editors while publishing with Harlequin, Kensington, Berkley, Grand Central & Samhain, I cannot imagine going back to a format of publishing where something like this could happen.

Until next time happy writing & reading!

Lucy

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lucy Monroe has over 90 published novels and more than 12.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her stories—rich with emotion, heat, and high stakes—span contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance.

Now publishing independently, Lucy writes the bold, deeply romantic stories she’s most passionate about. Her latest series, Syndicate Rules, explores the dark and decadent world of mafia romance with morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, and all the spice fans crave.

A voracious reader and longtime romance fangirl, Lucy loves connecting with fellow book lovers online.

For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.

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

Thanks for reading Notes from Lucy! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Labor Day has always been about more than just picnics and the end of summer. From its very beginnings, the holiday carried the weight of solidarity, loyalty, and connection, values that run deep in Irish culture and, yes, in Irish organized crime. When I was writing Sins of Arrogance, I couldn’t resist tying those threads together. For the Shaughnessy Mob, Labor Day isn’t just a day off. It’s the holiday when every soldier, cousin, and friend comes together the boss and his family. Not out of obligation, but because they’re family.

The Real Roots of Labor Day

Let’s start at the beginning: Labor Day became a U.S. national holiday—signed into law on June 28, 1894, by President Grover Cleveland, following the Pullman Strike unrest. It’s celebrated on the first Monday in September, a strategic date probably chosen because of its distance from the radical clashes associated with May Day.

Its creation is often credited to two union men: Peter J. McGuire and Matthew Maguire, both Irish-American labor leaders (with alleged ties to the mob). Their vision was simple: honor the dignity of work and the strength of community. From the very first parades in New York City in 1882, the holiday was about marching shoulder-to-shoulder and saying, we belong to each other.

The Mob and Loyalty in Action

History shows that mobsters often tangled with unions, sometimes exploiting them, sometimes protecting them. Figures like Jerry “Big Tim” Horan in Chicago and the Westies in New York left their fingerprints all over labor organizations. But what stands out to me isn’t just the corruption. It’s the way these groups, however flawed, emphasized loyalty and belonging. For mob families, a holiday like Labor Day became a natural moment to show that bond.

That’s exactly what makes the Shaughnessy Labor Day gathering so important. Every soldier knows that their loyalty to the boss is returned in kind. Their children play together, their wives and sisters catch up, and their men stand side by side as more than colleagues. They’re kin. And while there’s always an undercurrent of tension in a world where betrayal can cost you everything, for one day the focus is on family.

Why I Bring Real History Into Fiction

One of the joys of writing is digging into history and culture, then weaving those threads into stories that feel authentic. Research lets me layer in details that make the worlds I write feel lived-in, whether it’s the way Irish mobs ran their neighborhoods or the fact that Labor Day itself was born out of Irish-American labor movements.

In Sins of Arrogance, Labor Day isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a heartbeat moment. The Shaughnessy family, blood and chosen alike, gather in the kind of solidarity the holiday was always meant to represent. Loyalty flows both ways: soldiers show up for their boss, and the boss shows up for them. For one day, before danger and politics pull them back into the darker side of mob life, everyone knows where they belong.

My Top 5 Favorite Irish Mafia Romances

You know I can’t leave without recommending some of my own favorite Irish mob romances in celebration of Labor Day. These books gave me all the feels, emotional intensity, loyalty, obsession, and yes, plenty of spice. (They’re all part of series that I highly recommend as well.)

Brutal Vows by J.T. Geissinger – This one hits so many of my favorite tropes: a hot Irish mobster, a strong and whip-smart heroine, a bride swap at the altar, and an arranged alliance marriage that spirals into an unforgettable enemies-to-lovers romance.

Silent Vows by Jill Ramsower – Emotionally intense and gripping from start to finish. The heroine is in real peril, and I loved the dynamic between the main couple. Plus, the family connections were so compelling I couldn’t wait to dive into the rest of the series.

Reaper by A. Zavarelli – An all-time favorite of mine. The relationship between these two broken characters is jagged and raw in the best way. Their edges fit together perfectly. It’s also one of my favorite stalker romances—intense, obsessive, and completely addictive.

Filthy Sex by Serena Akeroyd – I was so happy Camille got her own story, and Brendan is the perfect Irish mobster hero to match her. He’s morally gray, possessive, protective, and everything I love in a mafia romance lead.

Deviant Hearts by Jagger Cole – This one has it all: an unhinged hero, a strong and resilient heroine, delicious mafia intrigue, and spice that kept me glued to the page. Dark, decadent, and oh-so-satisfying.

Raising a Glass Together

So this Labor Day, while the grills fire up and families gather, I’ll be thinking about the Shaughnessys and about the way fiction and history dance together. At its heart, Labor Day is about belonging. Whether you’re marching in a parade, reading a mafia romance, or simply soaking up time with loved ones, it’s a reminder of how deeply we all need connection and loyalty. And that’s something worth celebrating. with a toast, a story, and maybe just a little mischief on the side. 🥂

Until next time, happy reading!

Lucy

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lucy Monroe has over 90 published novels and more than 12.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her stories—rich with emotion, heat, and high stakes—span contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance.

Now publishing independently, Lucy writes the bold, deeply romantic stories she’s most passionate about. Her latest series, Syndicate Rules, explores the dark and decadent world of mafia romance with morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, and all the spice fans crave.

A voracious reader and longtime romance fangirl, Lucy loves connecting with fellow book lovers online.

For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.

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

Thanks for reading Notes from Lucy! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

SINS OF ARROGANCE is here! 🎉 I can hardly believe I finally get to put this story into your hands. And because of Haley & Dee’s generous willingness to get proof edits back to me lickety-split, the paperback is available at B&N etc. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart!

Writing Mick and Kara’s journey to their hard fought HEA has been one of the most intense, emotional, and yes, even nerve-wracking experiences of my career. It’s a dark, passionate ride full of obsession, betrayal, and a marriage that may be crumbling…or transforming into something even more powerful.

This isn’t a simple love story. It’s a battle of wills between two people bound by family, vows, and a dangerous world that wants to tear them apart.

An obsessive alpha husband who refuses to let go.

A marriage in peril: Kara wants her freedom, but Mick isn’t about to let her go.

Dangerous family ties and the mob politics that can unravel lives in an instant.

Jealousy, manipulation, and desire.

A love that cuts as deep as the betrayals threatening to destroy it.

Excerpt: Divorce, Mob Style (Step 1: Kill the Mistress)

He broke her heart. She’s about to break the rules.

KARA

My heels clack a staccato rhythm on the marble floor of the hallway leading to my father's office. There's no hesitation in my steps, nothing to indicate the turmoil inside me.

Am I really going to pull the lever on this?

Do I have a choice?

A normal woman, from a normal family would have this discussion with her husband and then an attorney. But I'm an Irish mob princess and my father's word is law.

I have to convince him that a divorce between me and Mick is the best thing for the syndicate as well as myself. Beyond that, I want him to kill the woman my husband calls friend.

Neither are going to be easy sells. The former because my father doesn't believe in divorce and the latter because Mick is going to oppose killing Dierdre.

Unfortunately, he has a stronger position with my father than I do.

Mick is da's right hand man. I'm just his daughter.

But I'm not giving in on either. My marriage is ending and Dierdre will no longer be a threat to me and my son.

One way, or another.

Early Reader Love

This is such a fun read and I absolutely hated for the book to end. I wanted more of this story. — ★★★★★ goodreads Review

Grab your copy now:
👉 https://mybook.to/SinsOfArrogance

Celebrate with Me

I don’t take release days for granted anymore. Every book is a piece of my heart and soul, and I couldn’t do this without you. So let’s make this fun! If you download your copy today, reply to this email or better yet post in my FB group Lucy Monroe’s Book Nook and share the reader love. I’ love if you’d comment on the trope post I just shared yesterday and tell me your favorite trope from the book. Is it the jealousy games, the obsessive love, or the dangerous secrets? What makes your heart beat faster.

Even More to Celebrate

It’s release day for my friend Arianna Fraser too, and I’m so excited to share her newest spicy mafia romance with you! Most of you know by now that Arianna is an autobuy for me and I’m delighted she and I are releasing books on the same day.

🔥 Rekindled is a second-chance Scottish mafia romance full of danger, passion, and the kind of morally gray hero we all secretly adore. Lucas broke the cardinal rule of a bodyguard: never fall for the woman you’re sworn to protect. So, he left Scotland and Cat behind. But when Cat is kidnapped, nothing will stop him from coming home to save the only woman he’s ever loved. If you love protective men, fierce heroines, and swoony HEAs, Rekindled is a must-read.

📖 Grab your copy!

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for celebrating with me today. SINS OF ARROGANCE wouldn’t exist without the love and loyalty of readers like you.

Hugs and happy reading,
Lucy

Today we’re going to talk about something a lot of authors forget to do: celebrate your successes both big and small.

This Thursday, Sins of Arrogance releases, and I am very excited about it! But it wasn’t always this way. For years, I let deadlines, revisions, promotion, and reader expectations crowd out my joy. Every time I released a new book, I was already deep into the next project. There were release days when I had to be reminded by family, friends, or readers that my book was out in bookstores.

It took a few of those release day nonevents for me to realize how much joy I was stealing from myself. I wasn’t letting myself pause and be proud. And that pause matters—because those moments never come again. Now, I make celebrating a priority.

The cost of forgetting to celebrate is real. When we’re caught on the hamster wheel of productivity, chasing the next deadline or project, we lose sight of the incredible gift we’ve been given—the chance to share our stories with others. That exchange between author and reader is why we write for publication (as opposed to writing solely for our personal gratification), and if we never stop to embrace it, we risk burning out and letting the joy of storytelling slip away.

But releasing a new book is only one of the many things I find to rejoice in as an author.

I have a weekly goal check in with a dear friend and we take time to acknowledge what we accomplished that week. This “what I did check in” has helped us both keep going when we’re struggling to find motivation. When we look back over the year, seeing what I’ve accomplished reminds me who and what I am and what I am capable of.

I celebrate finishing a draft. I give myself a heartfelt attagirl when revisions are done. And I definitely celebrate release day with every single book now.

Sometimes the celebrations are big, but often they’re small. Last year, my husband gave me an adorable Hello Kitty mug with a yellow interior (my favorite color!) to celebrate the release of Forced Vows. It holds a full 20 ounces of tea for my morning cuppa. Every time I use it, I’m reminded of that book—the work it took to bring it to life, the readers who love it, and the fact that I’ve been a published author for a long time. That mug is a daily reminder not just of my career, but of his support and pride in me.

And one of my favorite ways to celebrate is with my readers. That’s why, despite my frustrations with Meta and social media in general, I stay on Facebook for my reader group. Spending time there—posting snippets of my WIPs, talking about characters, reveling in memories of past releases and sharing excitement about the ones to come—isn’t just marketing. It’s celebration. It’s me pausing to enjoy the moments that matter with the very people I write for.

This Thursday, when Sins of Arrogance goes live, you better believe I’m going to celebrate. 🎉

So here’s my encouragement for you: whatever stage you’re in—first draft, first book, or fiftieth—take a moment to celebrate every win you can. It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be yours.

Until next time!

Lucy

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lucy Monroe has over 90 published novels and more than 12.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her stories—rich with emotion, heat, and high stakes—span contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance.

Now publishing independently, Lucy writes the bold, deeply romantic stories she’s most passionate about. Her latest series, Syndicate Rules, explores the dark and decadent world of mafia romance with morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, and all the spice fans crave.

A voracious reader and longtime romance fangirl, Lucy loves connecting with fellow book lovers online.

For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.

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

Thanks for reading Notes from Lucy! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

I recently went through an entirely unexpected medical emergency that required me taking time off.

Completely.

That is unusual for me because even when I am sick, or on vacation, I will check email and social media at the very least. When vacationing, I often write in the early mornings while my husband is still sleeping.

But for the last several weeks I have been unable to do any work at all. And this led me to thinking about how we as authors, especially those of us who write full-time, need to figure out ways to accommodate unexpected life events.

This is part of keeping work-life balance, but for the perpetually positive among us (raising my hand), it can be really difficult to insert extra days into the schedule because we live in the belief nothing bad is going to happen.

Only, it's not just challenging things that require time off. Sometimes, it's unexpected but wonderful life events.

Regardless, when you are a full-time writer, there is no such thing as PTO (not vacation time and not sick leave). Even if you have someone to help with promo and admin, you are the only person who can write your books, articles, etc. This means when you have to take unexpected time off, there is no one else there to finish the writing and keep your deadlines

Whether you are an indie or traditionally published author (and I've published many books as both) it is imperative to incorporate extra time in your schedule for all the creative aspects of the writing process.

Prepping your book. Writing your book. Revising your book. Polishing your book. They all require time and you to do them.

If you don't give yourself at least a little extra time, chances are you are going to end up with late books, losing your pre-order slot, angry editors, frustrated publishers, and so much more.

It took me a long time to realize this. That no matter what my writing pace was, stuff would come up that would prevent me from writing. Sometimes it's a day, or two. Others, like recently, last several weeks.

Life happens. You get the flu. Your kitchen floods. Your best friend gets married. Family or friends need to talk and you're the one they need to talk to. The power goes out. Your partner surprises you by taking the day off to spend with you or taking you away for a long weekend.

Life.

I'm a lot more wary nowadays when I create my writing schedule and set deadlines for different aspects of the writing process because I've suffered severe burnout. And I never want to go back there. A big part of that burn out was trying to keep every deadline despite having one publisher want more revisions on a book than expected, or another one asking me to write a novella for an anthology "between projects."

And well…life.

I have never been more grateful for that caution as I was over the last few weeks when I was unable to do a single thing for my writing career. Thankfully, I already had some social media posts pre-scheduled and my inbox was caught up. Doing these things is my way of protecting my future self and I've been very happy I did many, many times over the past few years.

I did have to cancel a couple of things and unfortunately was unable to follow through on a couple more. I've worked out fulfilling those obligations now because it's important to me to keep my commitments. But with the best will in the world, you cannot write and post a newsletter when you're under anesthesia for surgery.

However, because I had scheduled myself more time to do my revisions than I knew I needed, and because I actually had scheduled myself a week of vacation this summer (which will not happen now), the impact to my commitments and schedule was minimal.

This was not me relaxing on the sofa to recover when I got home, checking my email and social media. These were literally weeks I could not do anything. And if I had scheduled myself as tightly as I used to, I would have had to cancel my August 28 book release and lost my pre-orders on Amazon.

But I'd given myself an extra two weeks between getting my book back from the editor and when I needed to send the revised manuscript to copy and proof editors. Added to my week of hoped for vacation, that covered three of the four weeks I was out.

The end result is that it's possible my paperback will release a few days after the ebook and there was no time for copy edits, only proof edits. Which meant I had to pay extra attention during the revision process to fix any errors I could find.

There's also no time to send the book out to ARC readers for review.

This may, or may not, impact book sales. That's where the no PTO comes in. There's nothing to make up for the lost income for a fulltime writer when there isn't time to do all the things that help our books sell well. Or when we have to write one less book in the year because…yes, life happens.

My readers are pretty wonderful, and I'm confident many of them will post their reviews quickly, but there are several promo and advertising efforts I could not schedule or prepare for because of my unexpected time off. I'm doing my best to catch up now, but as with most fulltime writers, I have another project to work on, now the last book is finished.

If I don't want to exist in a never-ending cycle of being behind, I must simply let some things go and focus on what is supposed to come next.

That might be the hardest lesson of all.

For all my fellow authors out there, I wish you all the best and hope that me sharing my experiences will help you avoid some of the traps I've fallen into.

Until next time, happy writing…and taking the time you need to live!

Hugs,

Lucy

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lucy Monroe has over 90 published novels and more than 12.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her stories—rich with emotion, heat, and high stakes—span contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance.

Now publishing independently, Lucy writes the bold, deeply romantic stories she’s most passionate about. Her latest series, Syndicate Rules, explores the dark and decadent world of mafia romance with morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, and all the spice fans crave.

A voracious reader and longtime romance fangirl, Lucy loves connecting with fellow book lovers online.

For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.

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

Subscribe now

I fell in love with shifter and vampire romances about the same time (over two decades ago now) and for many of the same reasons. Paranormal romance has surged and waned in popularity, but it has never disappeared. What’s old becomes groundbreaking again as new generations discover the elements that keep these worlds thriving and on library & bookstore shelves.

Here are the top ten reasons I believe paranormal romance will always draw in new readers (and keep long-time fans like me hooked):

1. Power

Power is seductive, and when it’s wielded to protect the characters we’re rooting for, it becomes downright irresistible. What’s more intoxicating than a supernatural being with inhuman strength, preternatural speed, and atavistic cunning?

2. Immortality

Most shifters live extended lives, and some are immortal like vampires. For diehard romantics (pun absolutely intended), the promise of a happily-ever-after that lasts longer than a human lifespan is pure catnip.

3. Danger

You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to crave a little danger in your romance. Peril heightens emotional stakes, and when characters fight for their love against overwhelming odds, that happily-ever-after feels even sweeter.

4. The Bite

Whether it’s a vampire sinking his fangs into her neck, drawing life while giving unimaginable pleasure, or a werewolf biting his mate to form an unbreakable bond, the erotic symbolism of the bite captivates us every time.

5. The Fantasy

In the world of shifters and vampires, real-life rules don’t apply. The physicality, the drama, the obsessive love—all unfold without the pesky constraints of “acceptable” behavior. We get to revel in the forbidden and the fantastical.

6. Alpha Dynamics

Vampires and shifters often exist within structured societies, those of alphas, betas, & omegas, or hierarchies based on age and power. These dynamics create endless conflict, emotional angst, and delicious drama.

7. Protection & Loyalty

Who doesn’t love the fantasy of a lover who will protect their mate at all costs? Shifters and vampires don’t fall in and out of love lightly. Their devotion is absolute, and while the road there may be rocky, the loyalty at the end is fiercely satisfying.

8. Fated Mates

Few tropes are as addictive as the idea of a fated mate - the other half of your soul, destined to be found and cherished. For both shifter and vampire romances, this bond transcends choice, making it all the more irresistible.

9. Found Family

Vampire clans and shifter packs are built on loyalty, blood bonds, and chosen alliances. Birth family often fades into the background as readers are invited into new circles of belonging. It’s affirming, hopeful, and endlessly heartwarming.

10. Outsider Appeal & Representation

Shifters and vampires are almost always outsiders. They’re rebels, misfits, or minorities who carry immense power yet must remain wary of the world around them. Their stories remind us that difference isn’t a weakness; it’s a source of strength.

Conclusion: Fangs, Fur, and Forever Love

At its heart, paranormal romance taps into our most primal desires: safety, passion, belonging, and love that lasts beyond time itself. Whether it’s the bite of a vampire or the protective growl of a wolf shifter, these stories let us explore power and vulnerability in equal measure.

Shifter and vampire romances aren’t going anywhere. They’ll keep evolving with every new wave of readers and writers, but the core of their appeal, danger wrapped in devotion, fantasy bound to forever, remains timeless. That’s why we’ll always come back for more. 🖤🐺🩸

Want some recommendations for mouthwatering shifter and vampire romance reads? Some other PNR romance authors and I have gotten together to curate a couple of lists of must reads on your paranormal romance journey:

🔥 Hot & Steamy Shifter Romances in KU

Ready to turn up the heat? This collection of stories brings you sizzling shifter romances filled with passion, danger, and heart-pounding adventure. Best of all, every book is waiting for you in Kindle Unlimited, so you can binge to your heart’s content. Don’t miss your chance to dive into these hot & spicy stories that will keep you up way past bedtime!
👉 Check out the lineup here

🦇 Vampire & Shifter Romance Sale

Whether you crave brooding vampires, protective shifters, or a mix of both, this multi-author sale has exactly what your TBR pile needs. Sink your teeth into pulse-pounding paranormal romance at irresistible prices. These deals won’t last long, so grab your next favorite book before the moon sets.
👉 Shop the sale here

Hugs and happy reading until next time!
Lucy

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lucy Monroe has over 90 published novels and more than 12.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her stories—rich with emotion, heat, and high stakes—span contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance.

Now publishing independently, Lucy writes the bold, deeply romantic stories she’s most passionate about. Her latest series, Syndicate Rules, explores the dark and decadent world of mafia romance with morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, and all the spice fans crave.

A voracious reader and longtime romance fangirl, Lucy loves connecting with fellow book lovers online.

For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.

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

Subscribe now

A Mafia Christmas to Remember… 💋🎄

Dear Readers,

Love. Loyalty. Family. Fire. You know how the De Lucas do Christmas. It’s never simple, but it’s always unforgettable. And now you can spend the holidays with them, no matter the season.

✨ A De Luca Family Christmas Carol (Expanded Edition) is HERE!
Read Now »

This heart-twisting, heat-laced mafia holiday novella brings all the emotion, passion, and chaos you’ve come to expect from the Syndicate Rules world. In this heavily expanded edition (first published in Sin & Snowflakes), you’ll discover brand-new scenes, more heat, and the long-awaited happily ever after for reader-favorite Nerissa.

💘 Sal & Ilaria—Rediscovering love after decades together.
🔥 Nerissa & Ernesto—A love she never dared to dream of.
💣 A Christmas only the De Luca family could deliver.

If you’ve ever wanted your holidays with a little more danger and a lot more desire… this one’s for you.

Get Your Copy Now »

💬 What readers are saying:

“No one writes mafia romance with more heart, heat, or raw emotional power than Lucy Monroe.”

“Lucy Monroe’s characters feel like family. Dangerous, chaotic, fiercely loyal family—but family all the same.”

📣 Spanish Readers: ¡Una historia imperdible!
Una Esposa Adecuada para un Mafioso salió el 11 de julio y ya está disponible. Esta novela da inicio a la serie Syndicate Rules en español, con una mezcla explosiva de pasión prohibida, secretos familiares y un amor que desafía las reglas más crueles de la mafia.

🇪🇸 Disponible en Kindle Unlimited y formato digital:
Leer ahora »

🔥 Don't Miss my Summer Specials:
Grab these sizzling eBooks—up to 65% off!

Convenient Mafia Wife – $0.99

Urgent Vows – $2.99

Moon Awakening – $2.99

Come Moonrise – $0.99

Hot Alaska Nights – $2.99

Satisfaction Guaranteed – $2.99

Masquerade in Egypt – $2.99

Let your Kindle burn hot all July long. ☀️

With love & spice,
💋 Lucy

P.S. Already read it? I’d be so grateful if you left a review on Amazon or Goodreads—it helps more readers find the De Luca family. 🙏

USA Today bestselling author Lucy Monroe has published 90+ romance novels with over 12.5 million copies sold worldwide. Now indie, she writes the bold, emotional, and steamy stories she's most passionate about—including her latest mafia romance series, Syndicate Rules.

For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.

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

Subscribe now

Did you know Christmas in July started not in retail aisles—but at summer camp? In July 1933, co-founder Fannie Holt introduced festive merrymaking at Keystone Camp in Brevard, NC. With cotton “snow,” carols, Santa 🎅, and gifts hung in laundry bags she brought Christmas magic to campers in the dog days of summer. Hollywood and wartime mail drives cemented the tradition. But by the 1950s, advertisers and retailers had picked it up, turning it into the retail phenomenon we still embrace.

Now we have Hallmark’s July movie marathons and my personal favorite: the celebration of holiday romance books to make our summers sizzle.

Christmas in July resonates so deeply with romance readers because it returns us to the emotional magic of reading our favorite holiday romances. These mid-year celebrations offer a temporary escape from the everyday, a sparkling pause that reminds us magic is still possible.

And at the heart of it all is the promise of a second chance. At a favorite holiday. At love. At happiness. At connection.

Whether it’s December or July, romance thrives on hope, and that’s a gift worth unwrapping anytime.

Which is why I’m so excited to share the expanded edition of A De Luca Family Christmas Carol with you all. I hope you’ve gotten a chance to read it! This story holds a special place in my heart, and revisiting it to deepen the characters’ journeys made it even more meaningful to me. With everything going on in the world, I think many of us are craving a little comfort, connection, and cheer. That’s what this book brings: found family, love that won’t let go, and a holiday season full of laughter, healing, and second chances—mob-style, of course. 😉

🎄 A De Luca Family Christmas Carol: Holiday Magic, Mafia-Style

The De Luca family gathers for a holiday unlike any other—complete with laughter, tension, tradition, and a few unexpected gifts. Catalina and Severu prepare for the birth of their child, Nerissa is navigating a new beginning, and her dad Big Sal? He’s rediscovering Ilaria, his mafia queen, and all that she means to him. Full of heart, heat, and a little mafia mayhem, A De Luca Family Christmas Carol brings you back to the world of Syndicate Rules with all the holiday magic you didn’t know you needed.

❄️ 10 Featured Holiday Romances

Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with heartwarming romances and the magic of mid-year holiday cheer. These recommended reads promise swoon-worthy warmth.

A Billionaire’s Holiday Love by Posey Parks
Hope moves into a rustic cabin beside grumpy billionaire Noah, intent on winning him over—to Christmas and herself. He begrudgingly offers help with renovations to get some peace, but her bubbly holiday spirit—and undeniable chemistry—break through his icy exterior. Can Ms. Christmas soften his Grinch heart before the season ends?

Melt With You by J.H. Croix
Firefighter Harlow thought Max Channing a one-night stand...until he reappears a year later as a brooding billionaire just before Christmas. Their worlds collide again, and while opposites, their chemistry is undeniable. In a festive small-town setting, these two break all the rules for a love that warms like a holiday hearth.

Under the Marquess’s Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor
Tristan planned to propose to Sophia at Christmas—until fate intervened. Two years later they meet again at a holiday party as enemies. Trapped together during a heated hide-and-seek, they make an impulsive marriage pact. Now Tristan must prove their love is worth more than past heartbreak under the mistletoe.

Head Over Hooves by Erin Nicholas
Drew wants a no-strings holiday fling. Rory’s just trying to survive Christmas with green hair and a chaotic family. Neither planned on colliding—literally—or catching feelings. But amid sleigh theft, reindeer trouble, and one too-small elf costume, sparks fly in the most unexpected (and hilarious) holiday romance.

A Novel Christmas by Charity Shane
Best-selling romance author Saira Wright is in a slump, professionally and personally. To revive her spark, she travels to a festive town where firefighter Dorian Black, grieving his wife’s loss, stirs her muse and her heart. As snowstorms and holiday events unfold, two wounded souls might find inspiration and love in each other.

Home for Christmas by Kate Davies
Widowed Sophia plans a solo Caribbean Christmas cruise. But Ethan—her late husband’s best friend and business partner—boards unexpectedly to stop her from disappearing. Tropical nights and stolen kisses show there's more to their bond than friendship. But can this holiday romance survive back home?

Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills
When illness ruins Noel’s holiday travel plans, she’s forced to share her apartment with a grumpy businessman. She’s festive. He’s frustrated. Their clashing personalities spark conflict—and unexpected chemistry—in this cozy, enemies-to-lovers romance that proves opposites might just attract during the most magical time of the year.

Love at the Icicle Café by Denise N. Wheatley
Lawyer Mina returns to Gosberg, Germany, to sell her childhood café—but chef Scott, her childhood crush, has other plans. As they team up for the café’s Icicle Fest, old feelings simmer anew. Could saving the café mean rediscovering their shared past—and a future together?

The Wolf I Want for Christmas by Abigail Owen
Cade returns just before Christmas to reclaim his pack—and his destined mate, Shyla—who’s now a fiercely independent, dog-allergic loner. Bound by fate’s bite, he’s determined to break through her defenses. With holiday magic lingering in the air, Cade hopes this Christmas brings destiny and devotion.

A Very Montgomery Christmas by Carrie Ann Ryan
The Boulder Montgomerys gather for the season, facing change with traditions intact. Between family dinners, cheese boards, and surprise announcements, they reaffirm what binds them together—love, loyalty, and the enduring spirit of Christmas.

Whether you're sipping something cold under the summer sun or cranking up the AC and pretending it's snowing, there's no wrong time to fall in love with a good holiday romance. I hope one (or several!) of these Christmas romances brings a smile to your face and a little warmth to your heart.🎄💕

In case you missed it! Hottest FREE Summer Book Boyfriends – Newsletter Edition ☀️💋

Looking to add a few more book boyfriends to your summer fling list? 😘 We’ve got you covered. The Hottest FREE Summer Book Boyfriends event features steamy, swoony reads from some of your favorite romance authors—and they’re all free when you sign up for each author’s newsletter. That’s right: no cost, no catch—just hot heroes and happily ever afters.

👉 Click HERE to check out the full list and start claiming your freebies!

Looking for more spicy, heart pounding romance reads? Check out:

🔥 Dark Romance in the Summer 🔥He didn’t steal her heart… he conquered it.
These stories bring all the heat and high stakes you crave, from morally gray anti-heroes to fierce heroines who don’t go down without a fight. So many delicious books at He Didn't Steal My Heart, He Conquered It.

Happy reading, and happy Christmas in July!
Lucy

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lucy Monroe has over 90 published novels and more than 12.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her stories—rich with emotion, heat, and high stakes—span contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance.

Now publishing independently, Lucy writes the bold, deeply romantic stories she’s most passionate about. Her latest series, Syndicate Rules, explores the dark and decadent world of mafia romance with morally gray heroes, fierce heroines, and all the spice fans crave.

A voracious reader and longtime romance fangirl, Lucy loves connecting with fellow book lovers online.

For info on all of Lucy’s books, visit her website.

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

Subscribe now