Lucy McConnell's Blog

Book Besties,

I finally get to tell you about a story that feels like it was stitched together from the real fabric of my life—dust storms, rodeo arenas, friendships that feel like family, and the kind of messy, beautiful love that only grows after life knocks you down a few times.

"Leather and Lies" isn’t a book I dreamed up in an office chair. It came straight from the dirt under my boots and the quiet moments when you look at someone you love and think, “We’re doing our best, even if the world is falling apart around us.”



If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’m a rodeo mom. I’ve wrapped fingers, hauled horses, prayed over my kids and cows, and stood in more arena dust than is medically advisable. There’s a raw, unspoken kind of love that comes from living in that world—equal parts fierce and fragile—and it shows up in these pages.

And writing this story with Erica, who is not only an incredible writer but also a fellow cowgirl and one of my dearest friends, brought a whole new kind of magic to the process. Every chapter of this book carries a little piece of that bond.

What I love most about "Leather and Lies" is that it leans into the truth I’ve learned after raising kids in the arena and watching cowboys and cowgirls break and rebuild themselves over and over: people are flawed, and love is complicated, but when two hearts decide to stay—really stay—it can change everything.

The characters in this story aren’t perfect; they carry wounds, pride, secrets, and stubborn streaks a mile long. But they also fall deeply, unshakably in love in that way you feel in your chest long after the last page.

If you’re craving a western romance that feels lived-in and real, with family drama, high-stakes emotion, ranch grit, and a love story that refuses to let go, then Gritstone Ranch is waiting for you.

Readers are already telling us the book feels addictive, emotional, and vividly real—and honestly, that means the world, because this is a story born from the real heartbeat of the western life Erica and I know so well.

So if you’re ready to escape into a world of cowboys with storms in their hearts, women who know their worth, and a ranch that feels like its own character, "Leather and Lies" is officially out now. I hope you fall for these characters the way we did—and that, for a little while, Gritstone Ranch feels like a place you never want to leave.

Okay, Book Besties, you know how sometimes you stumble onto a series that feels like sunshine, sand between your toes, and your favorite oversized sunglasses all rolled into one? That’s Diamond Cove for me.

And guess what? You can grab the first book FREE right now.

The Secret Seven kicks things off with a group of retired friends who decide matchmaking is their new favorite sport.

Picture golf carts zipping down palm-lined streets, secrets flying faster than sea gulls at a boardwalk fry stand, and romance brewing where no one expects it.

It’s chaotic.

It’s hilarious. It’s basically the definition of “main character energy” for anyone who thought retirement meant bingo night instead of meddling in love lives.

Lucy McConnell (hi, that’s me!) and Ellie Thornton teamed up to bring you a story full of laugh-out-loud mishaps, swoony moments, and the kind of cozy Florida vibes that make you want to pack a beach tote and declare: “I’m in my beach read phase and I’m never leaving.”

So if you’re ready for small-town secrets, found-family feels, and romance served with a side of sunshine, Secret Seven is waiting for you.

Because Diamond Cove isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place where you’ll want to stay, fall in love, and maybe let a few retirees play Cupid with your heart.

Grab your free copy today and let’s start this adventure together.

There’s something about a man on skates that makes your heart beat faster. Maybe it’s the roar in the arena, the intensity of the game, or the way a defenseman plants himself like a wall between you and the chaos. Whatever it is, hockey heroes have their own brand of swoon—and I’m so excited to introduce you to the first one in the Frost Hawks Hockey Romance series.

Meet Dave Thompson

Veteran defenseman. Single dad. Quietly magnetic.

Dave isn’t the flashy type. He doesn’t need the spotlight to make his presence felt. He’s the man who sees danger before it hits, the one who steps in before you can flinch, and the one who makes the world feel safe again. Strong, steady, instinctive—and yes, a little bit possessive in the way that makes you want to melt—Dave is the kind of hero you can lean into without fear of falling apart.

And then there’s Olivia

She’s a pediatric nurse, rebuilding her life piece by piece after heartbreak. She’s determined, independent, and stronger than she knows. What she doesn’t expect is to find a man who looks at her as if she’s already his—and who’s willing to wait until she realizes it, too.

Why This Story Will Steal Your Heart

Power Play blends the thrill of professional hockey with the warmth of a small Colorado town called Bluebell Falls. You’ll get the high-stakes intensity of the arena, the found family feels of a loyal team, and the cozy small-town backdrop that makes every romantic moment even sweeter.

Most of all, you’ll get a love story built on trust, quiet intensity, and the kind of protective devotion that leaves you swooning long after the last page.

Pre-Order Power Play Today

This is where the Frost Hawks journey begins—with a slow-burn, closed-door hockey romance you’ll want to binge.

Pre-order your copy now and be the first to fall for Dave Thompson and the Frost Hawks.

Ten years ago, I sat down to write a story that started with a contract and ended with a kiss.

I was completely taken with the idea of a romance born from forced proximity—the kind where two people have to navigate the closeness of marriage before love even gets a chance to bloom. It felt bold, heartfelt, and a little mischievous… and from that spark, the Billionaire Marriage Brokers series was born.

Since then, eight couples have said “I do” through the pages—five unforgettable brides and three grooms who never saw love coming. Along the way, a spinoff bloomed with the Dating Mr. Baseball series (because who doesn’t want to fall for a swoony Redrocks player after reading The Athletic Groom?).

To celebrate this milestone, the entire series has been given a fresh new look—with gorgeous new covers that reflect the heart, humor, and hope inside.

But I didn’t stop there.

I went back to where it all began and gave the first book a full rewrite. We’re talking extended scenes, deeper emotional layers, and a brand-new B-plot that brings fresh depth and dimension to the story. If you’ve read it before, this is your chance to experience it again for the first time. And if you’re brand new to the BMB world—welcome. This is the perfect place to start.

Grab the updated version of book one for free here:
Read the reimagined first book

This series has grown with me. Ten years later, I still believe in unexpected matches, quiet moments that mean everything, and the kind of romance that doesn’t need fireworks to feel explosive.

And while the Billionaire Marriage Brokers are still hard at work behind the scenes, I’ve got a brand-new frontier ahead. My newest venture—Gritstone Ranch—delivers authentic cowboy romance straight from a cowgirl’s heart. It’s real, rugged, and deeply emotional.

Thank you for being part of this love story. Whether you’ve read one book or all of them, your support means the world. Here’s to ten more years of matchmaking magic.

With all my heart,
Lucy

You know that feeling when you get so caught up in a book that the rest of the world fades away?
When nothing matters except the characters you’re falling in love with, the journeys you’re taking, and the happy sigh that comes with a perfect ending?

That’s not something you need to explain to someone who knows the benefits of binge reading.
And around here, we celebrate the benefits a good binge read can do for your soul!

Binge-reading is the ultimate self-care.
It’s how you refill your heart, recharge your dreams, and remember the things that truly matter: courage, hope, faith, and love.

Bingeing Is Renewal

Life pulls at you in a thousand directions. Responsibilities stack up. Worries crowd the edges of your mind.
But when you dive deep into a good story, something amazing happens: you breathe differently. You believe differently.

Binge-reading isn’t about escaping your life—it’s about renewing your spirit so you can live it more fully.
Every story you devour strengthens the parts of you that hope, dream, love, and endure.

Books Heal Broken Hearts

Maybe you pick up a book because you need a good laugh.
Maybe it’s because you need a little courage to face something hard.
Or maybe it’s because your heart recognizes the universal truth that stories offer:

No heart stays broken forever. No dream stays lost. And love—always—finds a way.

Books don’t just entertain us.
They whisper, “You’re not alone. Keep going.“

Your Binge-Reader Superpower

If you’ve ever stayed up too late reading just one more chapter…
If you’ve ever finished a book and immediately reached for the next adventure…
If you’ve ever gotten that rush—the one where your heart lifts because you KNOW you’re about to fall in love with another story—
Congratulations.

You’re not “just” a binge-reader.
You’re someone who knows how to live with your whole heart.
You’re someone who knows how to choose joy again and again.

Ready to Fill Your Heart?

If you’re ready to escape into a world where love blooms, second chances are waiting, and happily-ever-afters are guaranteed, you’re in the perfect place.

At Binge Bliss, you’ll find full-length romance collections ready to sweep you away—whether you’re craving cowboys under wide-open skies, billionaires with guarded hearts, sports stars with tender souls, or cozy Christmas miracles.

Find your next favorite binge here. Binge Bliss

Because you deserve a love story that’s just as big, brave, and beautiful as you are.

The Kringles are the ultimate Christmas family.

But what happens in the real world when they get involved? Chaos, that’s what!

Lauren Hall has a secret Christmas wish. Jacob Morris has one, too. When their wishes collide, thanks to a freshly frosted Kringle, they’ll have to fall in love to save Christmas.

Nick Kringle can’t control his magic. He’s granting Christmas wishes all over town and unable to stop himself–or is he doing this on purpose? Read the books and let me know what you think!

Click here to get started.

It’s my birthday month and I’m giving away prizes to celebrate!!

Enter here: https://forms.gle/S84BhiHieUWFzrMVA

Good luck!

Hello Amazing Readers!

You’ve been waiting all year for this book to appear on your Kindle and today is the day.

(If you preordered, you can start reading right now.)

If you didn’t preorder, you can grab a copy–ebook or borrow it in Kindle Unlimited–and get started on this holiday romance novel.

Your copy is waiting.

Question: How do you hide a flying reindeer when there are cameras everywhere?

Answer: You put her in the movie.

Natasha Newberry arrives on Reindeer Wrangler Ranch with big expectations and high hopes. As the production company’s (almost) official) liaison, she’ll work closely with the wranglers to scout locations, hold reindeer auditions, and more. The one thing she doesn’t need is a handsome wrangler distracting her with sleigh rides and stary nights.

But she got one.

Ever since his twin married, Jack’s looked for an angel of his own. When Natasha arrives, wearing an elf costume no less—he’s smitten. When she charms the reindeer, he falls head over boots.

When things fall apart on set, and Natasha’s job’s in jeopardy, will Jack help her, thus giving her a ticket back to Hollywood and loosing his heart? Or will the movie business tear them apart?

Find out in this magical Christmas story.

Grab your copy and start reading for a dose of Christmas spirit this holiday season.

I hope you enjoy all the holiday fun and that it inspires you with a dose of Christmas Cheer!

I have to admit, this was a passion project. Yes, it falls within my regular genre of romance. BUT, it’s a total ROMCOM in all the best ways!

Imagine this:

Five military police continue a game of tag–only it has a Black Ops twist. Once a year they try to take one another out (i.e. land you flat on your back) in whatever way possible. Sneak attacks are encouraged!

Now imagine that one of the friends is getting married–and he’s it! The four groomsmen are out to get him and he has to hide it from his bride because:

She’s running for office and her image is at stakeShe’s asked you to suspend the gameYou’re the idiot who was dumb enough to make these guys your groomsmen

Will these two make it to the church or will they be waylaid for the sake of the game?

You’ll have to read the book to find out. BUT don’t worry, I’m not leaving you in total suspense.

There’s a short story — one that shows how the bride and groom fell in love, FAST. It’s a total love-at-first kidnapping story that you’re sure to swoon over.

You can grab a copy here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hrdghsx1ba

Hello Friends!

I have some exciting news! I’ve uploaded several audiobooks to YouTube so you can listen for FREE.

Head on over to YouTube and check out my channel. SMASH that SUBSCRIBE button so you don’t miss a single new audiobook.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Y2EoGZl53kCx5JzPz1m_g/videos

If there are lots of people who want to listen to them, I’ll add more.

Much loves and I hope you enjoy!

Lucy