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... Lucy Monroe
knows her romance and
The Real Deal is it.
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Awards:
Monroe's wonderfully written, must-read romance features characters you ache for as though their emotions were your own. - Maria Hatton, Booklist Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Monroe pens a sizzling romance with a well-developed plot. 4 Stars - Romantic Times This delightful, witty story of an attempted corporate takeover blends just the right amount of sexiness with a well-written plot. - Affaire de Coeur A PERFECT 10 - First-rate characterization, clever dialogue, sustained sexual tension and a couple of jaw-dropping surprises make Lucy Monroe's debut single title, THE REAL DEAL a real steal...even at trade paperback prices. ~ Romance Reviews Today Awarded The Road to Romance Reviewer’s Choice Award, The Real Deal is just that from a talented author who really had her readers in mind when writing this one. Hot, exciting, wonderfully written and should not be missed! - Road to Romance The Real Deal is sweet, funny, sexy, and satisfying to the very last page. I really didn’t want to let Amanda and Simon go and trust me neither will you. 5 Stars - A Romance Review THE REAL DEAL has one of the best, funny, opening scenes that I've read in a long long time that still makes me chuckle whenever I think of it! 4 Stars - The Romance Readers Connection A FAR Recommended Read, The Real Deal opened with a scene that had me absolutely howling with laughter and it only got better. Ms. Monroe touches on issues that all women can relate to when dealing with men and relationships and as a result has earned both my respect and a place on my auto buy list. - Fallen Angel Reviews Whatever else you do this fall you don’t want to miss the fabulous hot romance called THE REAL DEAL, which is the best deal you’ll ever read. Lucy Monroe’s characters jump off the page right into your heart. - ReaderToReader This fine cast of characters, a wonderful plot that goes deeper than the actual merger, and the coming together of two people completely ideal for each other all play together to make THE REAL DEAL a fantastic book, one headed for my keeper shelf. - Sizzling Reviews THE REAL DEAL is definitely finding a home on my keeper shelf, in fact, I think I'm going to have to create a whole new shelf for future Lucy Monroe books. - The Best Reviews The Real Deal is a wonderful book about a woman overcoming an emotionally abusive past, while finding herself and finding love. It is interjected with just the right amount of humor and plenty of hot love scenes. I give it the very highest recommendation. ~ Laurie, Sensual Romance The sensual, steamy scenes shine in this skillfully written story. Set the air conditioning to cold and grab a pitcher of ice water. You’ll need it! - Blue Ribbon Reviews THE REAL DEAL should be on the shelf of every woman. This is such a rich, emotionally-charged, sensual and highly satisfying book. - CataRomance Reviews The Real Deal is a delightful story. The
plot is well developed and Lucy Monroe once again displays her
talent for developing three-dimensional characters that are unique
and likable (I loved the butler!). -
Sensual Reviews
what other AUTHORS and BOOKSELLERS are saying... "I love this book. I love this book. I love this book." - Vickie Denney, Bookseller "I read it -- consumed it, really -- in one day and absolutely adored it. What a fabulous book! I highly recommend it!!!!!" - Kati Carthum, science fiction author "Lucy - I am groggy today, and it is all your fault! I went to bed last night at about 11:30, hoping to read for thirty minutes and then fall asleep. Hubby was out of town, so I could indulge myself in The Real Deal. When I looked at the clock it was 1AM! Augh... can hardly keep my eyes open today...yawn...Love your setting... can't wait to read more..." - Janice Maynard "Hi Lucy, I am a first time reader of your books. I just finished reading "The Real Deal" and I was not disappointed. It's been a very long time that I have read straight up romance - all I have been reading is romance/suspense/action adventure type books. I thought I would just change for a little bit and I was pleasantly surprised. This book was fabulous. I got so caught up in it - I love both the hero and heroine. Simon - what a great guy. This book held my interest from the first page to the last page. You are a great writer. You write some of the BEST romance/sex scenes I have ever read - HOT, HOT. Your characters are so real plus the dialogue between the Simon and Amanda was great. Jillian was awesome -will she have her own story? I hope so. Again, I love this book and will be reading more your books. Thanks..." ~ Debbie "The Real Deal" was my introduction to your writing and I just fell in love with Simon. What a wonderful character and so different from any other hero I've ever read about. He wasn't stupid about Amanda's hangup's and was very honest about the feelings he had for her. I thought it was so great a story that I gave out several as Christmas gifts." ~ Kathy "It’s absolutely a terrific book. Simon is very unique in his perceptions & the way he expresses himself. I just “get” him, know what I mean? And Amanda, she has the same insecurities that I have & yet she pushes herself to do better, as frightening as that may be to her. You’ve done a superb job at making me feel both of them. " - Jana "Well, The Real Deal
was....the real deal. I loved it. I have a soft spot for hunky nerds. Thanks for a great read." ~ HelenB "Hi Lucy – Thoroughly enjoyed 'The Real Deal'! <snip spoilers> Can’t wait to read more of your books – you’re on a roll, Lucy!!" ~ Laura "I just read your book, The Real Deal. It is so well written, and I really enjoyed it. I know I'm late with this, but, great writing, Lucy!" ~ Peggy Brown "Just had to send you a quick e-mail to let you know how much I enjoyed your book, The Real Deal. It was great and I look forward to more of your books in the future. Thanks." ~ Kayne “Dear Lucy, Oh wow! I can't put into words the way "the Real Deal" made me feel. I can honestly say that I have become more of a woman after reading it. <snip> I cried at the end I wanted to rush home to read but I also wanted to put it off because I knew that if I kept reading I would finish it and it made me sad. I am rambling now... anyways- thank you for writing this book... I absolutely love it... off to read it again...” ~ Katie "I finished your book this weekend!!! It was great! The characters were very real and the love scenes were awesome! I'm just tickled for you with this book and all the wonderful attention it's getting! Plus, you've turned me into a Brava reader! ;) Thanks for a great book!" ~ Erin "Lucy, I got done with THE REAL DEAL and you did a fabulous job! I stayed up late to read it. I really enjoyed Simon and Amanda. I can so relate to Amanda." ~ Patti "THE REAL DEAL is FABULOUS. Simon is both Sexy & Smart... is there anything better? yeah... a REAL guy too...I enjoyed both him and Amanda. Also enjoyed Jacob :-) I'm looking forward to your next!!!" ~ Loretta "Lucy, Hi, in the past week, I've finished reading The Real Deal and I also read The Italian's Suitable Wife. I loved them both. Your books are the kind I love to read. I love all the emotions you make me feel when I read your books. I can't wait for your next one to come out." ~ Lorrie "Lucy, I don't know that I've taken the time to tell you how much I enjoyed The Real Deal! I LOVED Simon. What a hottie. ;o) And I particularly enjoyed Amanda--what a great heroine! She was so real, and I really appreciated how when she set her mind to do something, she did it. Congratulations on a wonderful book, Lucy! I'm really looking forward to The Italian's Suitable Wife and Merry Christmas, Baby." ~ LadyB "Lucy, I read The Real Deal in like 3 hours. It was beyond words. It was one of those books that I reread the day after I finished it the first time. It was witty and emotional and sexy and I really cheered for the heroine and adored the hero. I loved the way it started and the way it ended. It is a MUST READ!!!!!!!!" ~ Pat "Finished the The Real Deal last week and loved every solitary page of it! That Simon...such a complex but oh so sexy babe!!! I about spit out my Pepsi when I read the beginning office scene! I kept asking myself...does that really happen?? And later when you finally revealed who the third person was in the office scene...I would have never guessed! You done good Luce!!!" ~ Joni "I just wanted to tell you that I love your books! I just finished The Real Deal this morning and it was incredible!" - Caroline in Montreal "Just finished The Real Deal. I liked it. Can't wait for Merry Christmas, Baby. It's been pre-ordered." - Jen "I just finished reading The Real Deal and I really loved it!!!!! Your characters were fantastic esp. Simon and Amanda and of course, Jacob. I can't wait for your next book with Brava." ~ Tess "Good Afternoon! I finished The Real Deal! It is a keeper that is for sure. I could not put it down and ended staying up until 2:00. Yes now I am very tired, but it was worth it. If you have not read it, go buy it! You will love it." ~ Theresa "Hi Lucy - I discovered The
Real Deal to be a fascinating and a memorable reading experience. The
book was beautifully written. What inspired you to write the book?
Good success with your future writings and endeavors. Have a marvelous
week!" ~ Best, "Hi Lucy, I wanted to chime in here and "second" what everyone else has been saying. The Real Deal was fantastic! And Simon was one of the most interesting heroes I've ever read about. His intelligence was fascinating, and how he grew up with it was as well. And he was also just plain HOT, HOT, HOT!!! Amanda deserved to have such a wonderful man fall in love with her. The way he saw her was sigh-worthy. I was really impressed by this book, and so sad to see it end. I'm thrilled that you have many more stories for us on the way. You deserve all the praise and success coming your way! :)" ~ Stacy "Hi Lucy, I just had to let you know how much I loved your book. I knew it was going to be great and it was. I just adored Simon and Amanda. The sexual tension was so explosive. I really liked how they both came out of their shells, esp Amanda. They both needed each other more then they knew. Are you going do to a story for Jillian? She was a riot. Thanks again." ~ Hugs, Judy F "Lucy, I just finished The Real Deal, and wanted to let you know how much I loved it. There were some great steamy scenes -- you have a way with bathing -- but also a lot of really tender moments where Simon and Amanda's past hurts and vulnerabilities show through. They were a perfect couple. Simon was one of those low-key quiet types that I just love. He and Amanda brought out the best in each other. And the supporting characters were great too. I really liked Jacob, and hated Lance (the slime!). It is a great book Lucy, and you can be really proud of it. I'm so glad that you have lots of releases coming up -- more good stuff to look forward to." ~ Barb V. "I just finished reading The Real Deal today. Simon was so wonderful! I love a big man (BIG in all ways, lol) and he was just so special! It was steamy plus it had a wonderful plot and love story! I was up late reading it last night. I didn't want to put it down! Thanks and happy writing!" - Sara "Lucy, I just loved this book, and the title is perfect because this book is "the real deal"! And the dedication made me proud to be a Bookjunky." ~ Kelly "WOW! The Real Deal is sooo good. TRD came in the mail Saturday and I read it cover to cover by Saturday afternoon. I enjoyed Simon and Amanda's story...I got a kick out of ole Jacob. Thanks for a great read---this goes to my keeper shelves. Thanks." ~ Kathryn "Oh my! Lucy - it's a hot one! Amanda and Simon <sigh> - perfect....there's a bath scene and a shower scene....but I won't say more...I don't want to be a tease like Bad Barb :) Thanks Lucy for a great read!" - Lois Amazon and Barnes & Noble both have some neat reader and editorial reviews. Just click on their links if you would like to read them. 
Text and image composition © 2008 Lucy Monroe
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