by Lucy Monroe, author of The Sicilian’s Marriage Arrangement (Harlequin Showcase, May 2010, with The Greek’s Virgin Bride by Julia James)
As a series author, the short shelf-life of a book can be frustrating. Online retailers like eHarlequin help, by making a book available beyond the sell-by date bookstores, supermarkets and department stores must adhere to in order to make room for the next month or mid-month’s offerings. Yet, once the print run has been sold out, there’s no going back to press for the series title. So, when Harlequin decided to launch a new imprint where they re-released series books as 2-in-1 single titles, I couldn’t have been happier! When they chose to use The Sicilian’s Marriage Arrangement in one of their May launch titles, I was over the moon!
So many readers that have started reading me in the last couple of years can’t find my earlier books, even in the USB venues. Sure, they’re mostly all available in a digital format, but not everyone wants to read an ebook (though I love them). Being able to point readers to the re-release has been such a joy and a blessing for me. Because I like being able to say, “Yes, you can buy that book,” to readers, but mostly because this story is one of my favorites and I’m truly happy to see it once again available to a new group of readers. I truly, just love Luciano and Hope. 
Would you like to see my hero and heroine inspiration for these two?
I don’t remember where I got this picture, but this guy just looked like a Sicilian tycoon to me. What do you think?
And this picture embodied Hope’s shyness, quiet beauty and inner strength. I found it in a bridal magazine. Inspiration truly is everywhere.
It’s your turn: if you could pick the inspiration for a Presents hero, who would it be? Share links to pics if you like…chances are, he’ll end up in my Hero Inspiration folder and maybe even a book someday. If he does, you’ll get mention on the book’s page on my website.
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The Sicilian’s Marriage Arrangement:
Hope Bishop is stunned when darkly sexy Sicilian tycoon Luciana di Valerio proposes marriage. Brought up by her wealthy but distant grandfather, she is used to fading into the background. But Luciano’s sensual lovemaking makes her feel vibrantly alive. Hope falls in love with her husband and is blissfully happy—until she discovers that Luciano married her to fulfill his own ruthless agenda…!
The book also includes the fabulous “The Greek’s Virgin Bride” by Julia James.
Look for Showcases in the single title romance section of your favorite bookstores!
Click here to read an excerpt, or watch the book trailer.
Award winning author Lucy Monroe published her first book in September of 2003. Since then she has sold more than 50 books to four publishers and hit national bestsellers lists in the US and England. Whether it’s a passionate Harlequin Presents, a sexy action adventure, or a steamy paranormal historical, Lucy’s books transport her readers to a special place where the heart rules and love conquers all. You can find Lucy on the web at: http://lucymonroe.com, http://www.lucymonroeblog.blogspot.com, and Facebook – http://tiny.cc/0HRGW
Thanks so much for letting me share my excitement about the new imprint here, Amy! You’ve no idea some of the hoops I’ve jumped through to get backlist on some of my favorite Presents authors once I “discovered” them. We won’t discuss how much one of Helen Bianchin’s earliest titles cost me at a book auction several years ago, but suffice to say that as a reader, I’m really anticipating seeing what other books will be released as Showcases.
I loved this book and the trailer is wonderful but they do such a fantastic job. You’re review of the book is also up at The Pink Heart Society Review blog.
How fun, Lucy! I love seeing what inspired authors when they write
I’m not so good about finding photos/actors to inspire, but I sure do love reading the books that result! And Lucy, I’m thrilled to learn about this program where we can snag some titles from your backlist to fill in the gaps on our shelves 
Hooray!
Thanks so much, Marylin. You’re always such a true support and friend – I hope you realize how very much I appreciate you.
Love your hero inspiration and good luck with the re-released of The Sicilian’s Marriage Arrangement which is one of my favorite Presents books by you.
I hope more and more of your books will be re- released so I’ll be able to own them all in print.
just the voice of Sean Connery works for me lol
Riard Gere, Will Smith they work to I know my taste run from one end to another but thats me lol
can’t wait to read it
I am always happy to see reprints in stores. Sometimes I will find a new to me author and go crazy trying to find all their previous releases. Also, I constantly re-read my favorite books and wear my original copies out so the reprints are great to have as back ups.
I love the inspiration pics, Lucy. I was very lucky when it came to finding your older books and able to locate all of them. I remember how excited I was each time I found one of those little treasures at a USB. I practically danced in the aisle. Ok, well, I did do a little Snoopy Dance in the aisle. But it was worth the momentary blushing. LOL I’m looking forward to the upcoming ones. Just a few months to go now…
I ran across this picture and thought he would be inspiring:
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/7184/00003vkr6.jpg
An inspirational hero. Hmm, that’s a toughie. Well, to be honest, it would be the men close to me. They’re not “perfect” but they do have their “hero” moments. It is these normal men who may not stand out much, but in a “hero” moment, they do “shine”.
For example, my cousin, C-Lo, is a sweet guy. He’s charming in a geek/nerdy but endearing way. He’s been in a relationship with his gf for a long time, and just like Prince William and Kate, there is the feeling of an engagement coming soon.
In the same note, maybe the two princes, William and Harry. They can be inspirational heroes. Why, I can see two brothers based on them, one the “reliable” one and the other the “wild” one.
Here’s links of the two brothers: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/01/06/article-1241013-07C5E90F000005DC-855_964x883.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/01/06/article-1241013-07C5F5C6000005DC-301_964x742.jpg
http://www.princeharry.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/prince_harry_prince_william.jpg
I hope they work.
I’m glad their reissuing your book I missed it the first time around. Great trailer and I love the picture he is very sexy and yes he does look like a Sicilian tycoon.
Lucy, that’s great news about the book being re-released! I loved this book (I have mine on Kindle) but I love all of your books!
Hero inspiration? Mr. Andy Whitfield is my (and several other authors…) hero inspiration at the moment…http://www.maiseyyates.com/?p=390 You can see some pics on my site.
Maisey
Hi, Lucy! Once again, it was great meeting you at RT — I hope to catch up with you again some time!
Congrats on the re-release! I have bought this book for my Kindle, and can’t wait to read it.
Oh the photos! Gorgeous! Here was my inspiration photo for my Russian hero (Prince Voronov’s Virgin, January 2010 UK):
http://www.femmefan.com/new/site/images/lookerspics/lookers5/Fabulous_Fabio_Cannavaro.jpg
He’s Italian, I know, but he had that brooding look I wanted. And he’s gorgeous!
Lucy, Congratulations on the re-release! I loved Hope’s and Luciano’s story. I bought it from M&B when it was first released. (Just couldn’t wait for the NA release!) You know that I am a huge fan of your books. One thing that realy stood out about Luciano (even though there were times when I wanted to give him a HUGE shake) was the fact that he accepted his feelings for Hope BEFORE he found out the truth about his misconceptions. That went a long way towards forgiving him for the angst that he caused her.
Any thoughts about writing an EPI for them? Perhaps you could include a bit about them in another book with a Sicilian hero. I would love to “see” what they are up to 3-5 years from the end of their story.
Presents heroes always make me think of daytime soaps, and when I think of daytime soaps..I always think of Sonny from General Hospital
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh291/pinkjbaby/gh_benard_9.jpg
Maisey & Lynne…yummy inspiration. No wonder you both come up with such delish story ideas! And Lynne…a very sincere ditto on RT and meeting up again in the future.
Thank you so much, Lidia! The epilogue is such a great idea. I’m not sure when my next Sicilian book will be, but I love it! I did that for Savannah & Leiandros from TGTU in a later Greek tycoon book and really had fun giving myself and readers a glimpse into the couple’s life a few years on.
Andrea…great suggestion! Very hero-inspire-y!
Wow…it looks like some comments must have been in holding pattern (i.e. waiting for moderator approval lol). Thanks, all and some fun ideas for inspiration.