It’s my absolute pleasure to be featuring paranormal and historical romance author Monica Burns on the blog today. Monica is one of my favorite people in the romance world. Not only is she a super-talented writer, she’s a strong and courageous woman who has overcome a lot of adversity in her life – I mean, a lot. And she’s not shy about talking about these challenges because she knows that being up front about her experiences is a way to both heal and help others.
In a word, Monica is a survivor. She survived date rape at the age of 19 and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder many years later. But rather than giving into a sense of victimhood, Monica used her indomitable will and her belief in happy endings to craft a good life – a life which includes fabulous romances. In fact, Monica will tell you that writing erotic romance aided in her life-long process of healing and reclaiming her self-worth. Her courage leaves me awestruck, and very grateful that she has poured her creative energies into writing such wonderful romances.
And let’s talk about those books, shall we? The first Monica Burns novel I read was Kismet, and I loved it. It’s a historical romance which builds on that beloved old romance trope, the desert sheikh book. Monica brings several interesting twists to the sheikh myth, and the result is an adventurous, very sexy, very emotional book.
Kismet won the 2010 CAPA from The Romance Studio for Best Erotic Historical, and garnered oodles of great reviews. Like this one from RT Book Reviews:
“Burns’ story is hotter than the desert sands! She succeeds with a classic captive/captor romance akin to a Johanna Lindsey classic. Relax and enjoy the sizzling show — complete with a lesson in bananas and seduction.”
Bananas and seduction? How can you resist that?!
As I mentioned, Monica also writes fantastic paranormal romance, and she has a new novel out next month, which will be the third book in her acclaimed Order of the Sicari series. This series (which is SO cool) explores a very old and very deadly feud between the Roman Praetorian Guard and the legendary Sicari assassins. The first two books—Assassin’s Honor and Assassin’s Heart—received rave reviews and picked up some awards, too. You can check them out and also read the first three chapters of the books on Monica’s website.
The third book in the series, Inferno’s Kiss, will be released by Berkley Books on October 4th.
Already, Inferno’s Kiss is getting great reviews, just like the other two books in the series. Here’s the blurb:
The laws of desire…
Dante Condellaire, heir apparent to the Sicari Lords, knows that being a true leader means sacrifice. For Dante it was relinquishing all erotic pleasures. But he never expected his willpower to be tested so fiercely by Cleopatra Vorenus, expert assassin of the Order, and daughter of the man he is positioned to succeed.
The rules of battle…
Cleo prefers working alone—until she meets Dante who shares her goal: to destroy a Praetorian stronghold where Sicari women are imprisoned for devious purposes. Bringing the mission off without a hitch pumps up more than their resolve. It sets off a sexual spark too combustible to ignore.
Are all made to be broken.
As their attraction flares like an inferno, the stakes are raised. So are the risks. Before the mission is over, Dante and Cleo will be plunged into a dangerous conspiracy where a traitor threatens the very foundation of the Order, as well as the fiery bond between Dante and Cleo—warriors and lovers now torn between duty and desire.
Sounds great, doesn’t it? I’m really looking forward to this book! You can read the first three chapters of Inferno’s Kiss on Monica’s website. And while you’re there be sure to check out the other features – including some great articles – and also make sure you stop by her blog. There’s always something interesting going on in Monica’s house!
For my readers, Monica is giving away a copy of her historical romance, Pleasure Me, and a copy of Inferno’s Kiss. Just tell me what your favorite romance movie is—old or new! Two people will win the books!
Monica…Welcome!! I LOVE your books…. after I read my first “Monica Burns” I had to have more.
Like so many others over the years, my all time favorite movie is “Gone With The WInd”.
GWTW is always a classic choice!
Wasn’t Clark Gable a hunk? …and a 4 hour movie?? I remember my grandmother taking to “town” (Philly) for the re-release of the movie. I was very young (maybe 5 or 6) and felt like such a big deal to be going to the movies with my grandmother. I have no idea how she got me to sit still that long. lol
Just realized I didn’t reply to your comment here Betty. Or maybe that was me trying not to say that GWTW is not one of my fav movies. I just found Scarlett way to spoiled and even in the end she didn’t learn much. And Melanie, well…well, I just don’t wanna say it. ROFL
LOL… you do understand the characters. I still loved the movie though. Maybe its my age… or my up-bringing. But I can understand the characters and even relate… a little. LOL …and Rhett!!
uuummmm.. I am a definately Clark Gable fan. ;o)
Ok, I’ll DEFINITELY give you Rhett!! Growing up I had a huge crush on him and he had probably 40 years or more on me!! LOL But I LOVE the scene where he’s standing at the foot of the stairs smiling up at Scarlett. The ultimate wicked alpha hero! LOL HE made that movie better than it would have been. Also proved he was really smart to leave SO at the end. LOL
Did you know that CG had bad breath because of bad teeth? Vivian Leigh apparently hated to be close to him because his breath was so bad. I’ve heard that the drunk scene with the handkerchief was filled with perfume for Leigh to keep to her nose cuz she was so close. Not sure if that’s an urban legend or not.
I LOVE that scene too, And yes, I agree that he made the movie better… just by being in it. I can still see him carrying Scarlet and taking those steps two at a time. (I read somewhere that they shot and re-shot that scene many times.) That was one of the best scenes in the movie.
I read about his problem breath and Vivian Leigh’s problem with it. I was so surprised that such a movie hunk would have a problem like that. Aaahhhh… but a girl can still dream!
Another trivia piece for you. Did you know that staircase was built based on the design at The Jefferson Hotel here in Richmond. Apparently someone had seen the staircase here and modeled the one on the set after it, although the staircase in the hotel doesn’t have that second set of steps. THJ stairs go straight up to the second floor. The hotel has wonderful events and I took my Baby there for dinner at the 5-star restaurant this past December when the hotel was decorated. I think I enjoy my Tripps restaurant better LOL
Pretty Woman, I can watch it over and over again!
That’s a really sweet movie, Ann.
Wow! That’s some buildup you gave me, Vanessa. I’m not sure I’m THAT fabulous, but its nice hearing that YOU think so. You know I <3 you oodles!! I'm still without power so I'll be popping in here at work, and I might be able to access from my phone later this evening. Thanks so much for having me.
I only tell the truth, Monica!
Oh Monica you are THAT fabulous, <3 You!!!
Ok, ok, so I’m rawking awesome. Happy now!?!?! *blush*
Betty, Thank you for reading. It’s always such a delight to hear that readers love my work. I love giving people a HEA with a little drama mixed in. 😀
I am looking forward to reading many more of your books in the future!
Thanks Betty
Ann, I ADORE Pretty Woman. My fav part is when Roberts, looking drop dead gorgeous, goes back to that snotty sales clerk and says, “Remember me? You wouldn’t wait on me. You work on commission don’t you. BIG mistake. HUGE!” And the ending is awesome. Did you know they filmed two endings. One was no HEA. The focus groups demanded the HEA.
Wow! I didn’t know that there was an alternate ending with no HEA. Thank goodness the focus group had its way.
Absolute, Vanessa! I can’t imagine how anyone would think that movie shouldn’t have had a HEA! Isn’t it nice to know too that there are still a lot of romantics in the world!
OMG that movie wouldn’t be a keeper if it weren’t for the white limousine!
I agree Eileen!! The limo and the Italian opera blaring out of it was AWESOME!! But then I’m partial to Italian opera as it’s part of my heritage. 🙂
Oh wow…I a chance to win Inferno’s Kiss!! I am all over that, lol. This series is one of my favorites and so is Monica. I met her in Cincinnati at Lori Foster’s event and she was so incredible. I happened to be reading Assassins Heart at the time so she had to tease me a little after she checked where I was in the book. She was definitely a pleasure to spend time with 🙂 I am super excited to have a chance to win this book.
I would say that my favorite romance movie would have to be “Dirty Dancing” I think I have seen it a dozen times and will watch it at least a dozen more. I love the dancing, it is so sexy and intimate 😉
Leagh,
Trust me, right now. You want to WIN this book, because you don’t want to have to PAY for it. I wrote this book with a LOT of personal stress going on in my life regarding my youngest daughter, and it’s not up to the standard that I like to achieve. So I’m letting people know up front not to have high expectations. 🙂
As for Dirty Dancing, can you believe they’re actually going to do a REMAKE!! Sacrilegious, that’s what it is. And Justin Timberlake is one of the actors being suggested to do Patrick Swayze role!!! Are they insane!! Swayze was a Broadway dancer before hitting the big screen, and there is NO ONE IMHO who could ever say, “No one keeps Baby in the corner.” like Swayze.
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/news-dirty-dancing-remake-draws-outrage/story?id=14266880
Color me red at the moment just thinking about the idea of a remake! I’m a die hard fan and Had the Time of My Life is one of my fav songs!! See, I’m as passionate about my movies as I am my writing.
My favorite movie would have to be Titanic.
Debbie, while I loved the dynamic chemistry between DiCaprio and Winslet, the movie itself was just too heartbreaking for me to love it. That scene at the end when the world is so quiet as everyone’s in shock and the camera pans across a woman holding her baby. *shudder* that just tears at my gut.
I agree it was heartbreaking, but they loved so…totally, it was a forever kind of love. That’s the kind of love everyone should have.
Which is the ONLY reason why I enjoyed it overall. They did give me a HEA even if it was in the after life. *grin*
Monica,
I usually read historical romance and I loved Kismet and Pleasure Me but I also like venturing into other genres as well. I haven’t read any of the Assassin’s books and they sound like the perfect diversion from facing that summer is almost over!
My favorite romance movie was The Way We Were with Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford in 1973. I can still remember sitting and watching the movie with my husband of 2 years in Cranston, RI. He had gotten out of the Navy (Vietnam) and I had met him when I was working in Jacksonville, Florida where he was stationed at NAS Cecil Field and we moved to Rhode Island when he got out. I grew up in Schenectady, NY and imagine my surprise when all of a sudden I see Union College on the screen. The college was two blocks from where I had lived! My husband didn’t believe me at the time but a few months later we met my parents, who had moved several years earlier, at Union College my Dad’s reunion week-end. We still laugh at the expression on his face when he saw the campus for himself!
Jeanne, What a GREAT story!! I really hated that the two characters didn’t last. But I certainly can see how they grew apart. I LOVE Babs….I’m hoping to score tickets if she follows through on her plan to do another concert tour. I know her voice isn’t the same as it was 10-20 years ago, but I’m a die-hard fan, and just want to be able to say I saw her in concert. If you’ve ever seen The Nanny on a regular basis, you can consider me a mini-Fran Fine who adores Streisand! Although I do not want Elliott Gould’s left over gum. Babs shoes on the other hand….LOL
Okay, let’s get one thing straight. You are that awesome. Just seeing the cover of Kismet made me smile.
Favorite romance movie has to be The Way We Were. But Dirty Dancing is clsoe behind.
Well seeing the cover of Kismet making you smile would be because YOU helped me immensely with horse research!! Made that escape/capture scene realistic! And as I recall, I think you did the same for me with Mirage!
Oops. I really do know how to spell ‘close’!
My first Monica Burns book was Kismet as well and like Vanessa, I was hooked. There is something to be said about a man with that much power in his touch.
As for my favorite movie, Anna and the King with Jodi Foster. Yeah, I know the ending is a heartbreaker but that kind of love and respect never dies.
Amanda, I’m so glad you enjoy my books, and I LOVED the Jodie Foster version of the movie. Although I have a penchant for guys with no hair, and Yul Brynner has always made me smile when he said etc., etc. etc.
Did you know that in Siam they abhor the movies. the JFoster version came under attack when it came out as they don’t believe that Anna’s bio and the story of her relationship with the King is true. They say she lied, but I love the idea behind the movie.
I liked all of the movies referenced so far but one of my all time favorite movies is “Mostly Martha” – a German romantic commedy (which was later made into an American film that wasn’t as good). Even with the subtitles it’s a great film and it made me laugh and smile and not feel so bad about having some control issues..lol…I love all of Monica’s books and can’t wait for Inferno’s Kiss to come out!
Maria,
Ahh, I’ll have to see if it’s on Netflix! I’ve found a lot of new treasures using their service. Subtitles don’t bother me, although my husband always snorts with incredulity whenever he comes in and sees the text on the screen. Want’s to know why I’m watching foreign films. Uh…duh….they’re good??? LOL
Hi Monica! Congrats on the new book. I love Sweet Home Alabama. I can sit down and watch that movie all day long. It is one of my absolute favorites.
Thanks Sherie,That’s with Reese Witherspoon and the lightning into glass theme. Correct? I like it too. Great story about coming to accept your past and who you are.
I don’t care how many times you say Inferno’s Kiss won’t be good, I don’t believe it! It will be well worth the money I will pay for it! 🙂 I love Romancing the Stone, which I hear they might remake as well. Sigh.
Well at least I’m not raising people’s hopes. LOL
And I enjoyed Romancing the Stone too. Truthfully, I love Danny Devito the best. I think it’s the baldness. LOL
Ack! The idea of a Romancing The Stone remake makes my blood curdle!
I am adding to my list of movies I must see. Must confess to being a Pride and Prejudice fan! I can watch any of them. Colin Firth fiddling with his gloves as he proposes for the first time, is wonderful.
Sigh. Sooo good, Maggie, isn’t it? I love the Gwynth Paltrow version of Emma, too.
Maggie, if you’ve not seen P&P with Matthew MacFaydhen, you MUST. There’s a brilliant filmmaking scene where Darcy helps Lizzie into the carriage and he walks away. The camera focuses on his hand and he flexes his fingers as if shaking off an electric shock. Right then and there you know he’s in love. Might not be willing to admit it, but the man was lost at that precise moment.!! Brilliant piece of filmmaking IMHO with how much it conveyed in that single moment.
Yes, I agree that was a brilliant piece of filmmaking. It really stuck in my mind, too.
My favorite romance movie is Dirty Dancing. Love the story.
IT is a good story isn’t it, Crystal
Favorite romance movie is hands down What Dreams May Come with Robin Williams.
That is a wonderful movie! Love the past life, reincarnation theme! Hmmm….could be why I love Assassin’s Heart so much. LOL
Does Titanic count!? I cried to very hard! Thank you for the contest!
Ok, ya’ll are totally into sobbing movies aren’t you!! Robin, note above that Titantic is one of Debbie’s favs too.
My favorite romance movie of all time is Beauty and the Beast. I know…it’s a disney movie, but it’s the sweetest ever!
I love Disney movies. I think I like Entangled better. Maybe because it’s more modern….oooohhhh but then there’s Enchanted!! LOVE the rodents, cockroach scene cleaning house! ROFL
LOVE B & B. And dh and I just watched Entangled. I thought it was brilliant. And Enchanted is great, too.
Ooo!! I can’t wait for both titles to come out. I’m such a bug fan of yours’ Monica 😀
Two of my favorite movies is An Affair to Remember ( the original) There’s just something so sigh-worthy about them. And Made In Heaven with Timothy Hutton and Kelly McGillis…ugh talk about drama! I think the real draw is the theme song, “We Never Danced” there is something just so haunting about it.
Stephanie, I hope you enjoy Inferno’s Kiss and Kismet has been out in trade for a while, but will be out in mass market in Feb. I’m hoping for a whole new readership at that point. *grin*
An Affair to Remember is a wonderful movie, both versions. I’m not sure I like either one over their other because I love all the actors.
I thought it might be fun to post some of my favorite romance movies. Some have already been mentioned here, but there are a couple that haven’t been.
Dangerous Beauty with Rufus Sewell LOVE this movie. Just LOVE it
Kate and Leopold Hugh Jackman is ultimately sigh worthy
Sense and Sensibility if only for the scene with Alan Rickman sinking to the floor outside the bedroom of the woman he loves! *swoon*
Emma with Jeremy Northam the man is 2die4
North and South – Richard Armitage, nuf said!
Just some of my favs, and I KNOW I’m forgetting some too!
Oh, how could I forget Sense And Sensibility? Rickman will forever be Col. Brandon to me!
I think that’s when I truly fell in love with Rickman as a hero. And I soooo didn’t want him to be bad in HP, but as Snape he’s wonderful
Monica – I read Pleasure Me and loved it; really differnt concept. I’d love to try your paranormal series. What do you do differntly when you swith genre?
My favorite older romance is a Musical ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’. That is a happy romance. My newer favorites are TJ’s: Ghost, Titanic, Somewhere in Time (love the soundtrack to that one). Also Love Austins moveies P&P, S&S, Emma. Angst but an HEA. Then there’s the Adventure Romances: Last of the Mohicans (w/ Daniel Day Lewis), Romancing the Stone, Robin Hood (both of the ones with Kevin Costner & now Russell Crowe).
O-M-G!!! How could I forget 7Brides4 7Bros!! AWESOME movie and I love the music. Have Jane Powell’s Wonderful Day on mp3 player!!
So glad you enjoyed Pleasure Me, Diane. As for what I do differently when I switch genres the answer is not much. The Sicari series relies on a LOT of historical facts and the world building is firmly rooted in ancient Rome’s traditions, culture. It’s just been brought into the present. Sort of like a historical in the present. Assassin’s Heart, which took Best of the Best in the PRISM contest this past June, has a reincarnation story in it with extensive flash backs into ancient Rome and the hero/heroine living in that time period. I just LOVE that book. It’s probably one of my fav of all the books I’ve written, although I love Dangerous. Lucien is sooooo emo. LOL
Last of the Mohicans. Word. Daniel Day Lewis made me swoon!
Vanessa….”I will come for you.” Nuff said. LOL
Ever After or ghost would be my choice for best romance movies.
I can’t believe the book is almost here, I cannot wait to read it. I’ve loved all the books from you that I have read so far and I’m sure *No matter what you say :P* we will love this one just as much.
Mary, I LOVED, LOVED Ghost. Another Swayze movie!! So poignant and wonderful
Gawd, between you and Julie on the IK will be good message….I’m letting it go and just letting reader. LOL
Well, the last time I checked the comment thread this morning there were only 4 comments. Then I come back to this! Monica, I can barely keep up!
Obviously, the combo of Monica and movies is a great one.
Well, you know me…I rarely shut up!! LOL
LOL! Thank God for that!
hi monica,
i hope you well 🙂
my romance movie is a walk to remember and because i said so.
Yanti,
I’m doing well, now that we got power back in almost a week since Irene hit the coast.
I’ve not seen Walk to Remember, so I’ll have to add it to my ever-growing Netflix que. But the title triggered another movie I loved A Walk in the Clouds. Soooo romantic and I loved the whole Italian thing there too! LOL
I think I’m the only one here that hasn’t read any of Miss Monica Burns’s book. But after reading the book description of Inferno’s Kiss and I know I have to get some of those book….soon.
I’m a real fan of Jane Austin’s work and the movies and TV-series of her work, Pride and Prejudice & Sense and Sensibility.
I’m also a huge fan of the TV series “Sisi” Empress Elisabeth of Austria. This was a huge hit here in Europe and as a little girl I was thrilled to see the beautiful dresses, the ball rooms and that sort of things.
Natasja, I JUST, literally, watch Sissi this past week. I got it from Netflix, but didn’t realize it was subtitled. Since the other half of me is German, I found a lot of words I heard very familiar from my one year stay near Weisbaden, Germany many years ago, and I LOVED the story and the costumes. I’m looking forward to the remaining discs in the series.
Wow, what a coincidence. Have fun with the remaining discs in the series, you will love it.
My favorite movie is When Harry Met Sally. Love the movie!
Marjana, I confess I’m not a fan of WHMS, I don’t know why, it just never sang to me. Maybe because I can’t ever see Billy Crystal as any type of romance hero??? Although I adored him in City Slickers. He’s so awesome with comedy!
Hi Vanessa,
I have been a fan of Monica’s for awhile now and a great fan of regency romance. I’m not sure if I have read any of yours or not. I will check into it. I have 2 movies that are hard to pick between, they are both good movies. French Kiss with Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline and You Got Mail with Meg Ryan and Tom
Hanks.They have some really hilarious moments in them.
Thanks for stopping by, Earlene. I love You Got Mail. One of my favorites!
Earlene, you MUST, MUST read Vanessa. She’s got a delicious voice!! I know you’ll enjoy her books.
As for movies, I love You’ve Got Mail. It was soooo close to the heart with big bookstores putting independent bookstores out of biz and now look at the big stores and smaller, specialty bookstores might be the next thing on the horizon in conjunction with eBooks. YGM so captured the heart of the whole industry
Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley! 🙂
Yep! Matthew MacFayhden is awesome as Darcy
I lovelovelove your new Sicari series, Monica! Have had a blast reading it and look forward to Inferno’s Kiss.
I love The American President with Michael Douglas and Annette Benning. Such fun.
Thanks for the contest
Sandra, I’m so glad you’re enjoying my Sicari series. Inferno’s Kiss brings the whole thing to a close unless I decide to pick it up down the road and self-pub a new book. We’ll see, I do love the culture in the book.
And American Prez….LOVE it!! Richard Dreyfuss was the ultimate political villain in the movie!! although I’m not so sure he’s all that bad when we look at some of the congressional members of the moment! LOL
Ha! True enough, Monica!
Ok, my movie faves are just about ANY old movie musical (and yes, that DOES include “7 Brides…”). More modern ones include “Saturday Night Fever” (dancing was fantastic, and the young, ripped John Travolta {who did all his own dancing, BTW}. sigh – le drool! The sequel “Staying Alive” sucked big time. Even the dancing was mediocre!), “Somewhere in Time,” “Immortal Beloved,” “Dead Again,” the Branagh/Thompson version of “Much Ado ABout Nothing,” “Pretty Woman,” “Runaway Bride” (Roberts and Gere have great screen chemistry!) …. I could go on and on, but my brain has gone wind surfing.
Many thanks for the contest! Monica’s books are top-drawer!!
Later,
Lynn
OMG OMG!!! Dead Again!!! I knew I was leaving off a movie earlier, but couldn’t put my finger on it!! It’s up there in the top 10 of my favs all time! Weren’t Thompson and Brannagh wonderful <3 them
And I forgot to mention Love Actually!
And thank you for the top-drawer comment Lynn, I can hear someone in some movie saying that in a British accent! LOL
My favorite romance movie is Pride & Prejudice.
Yes, but which version Jeanette? LOL
My favourites tends to change from time to time, depending on my mood, the movies I’ve watched thus far, the phase of the moon, etc… anyway, my favourite romance movie at the moment is The Wedding Date… I think Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney are just wonderful actors! 🙂
Cherry, that was a fun, sweet movie.
Cherry, is that the movie where she pays Dermot to be her date at her sister’s wedding, and he teaches her to dance to the tune Sway?? I love that movie!!!
My favorite is French Kiss with Meg Ryan.
“Why weren’t you the one, Charlie? The one who turned on this big shiny Kate-light that burns so bright?”
You can tell readers love Monica Burns, by their glowing responses. Will have to add another author to my TBR. 🙂
Gayle, you’re going to love Monica’s books!
Gayle, I’ve never been able to sit through French Kiss. Must try one more time, because it’s been mentioned here a lot. And thanks for adding me to the TBR pile.
I wonder if French Kiss will seem dated now? Also, the enjoyment is increased if you have just broken up with a idiot that closely resembles the two timing Charlie. 🙂 Many moons ago. Don’t feel bad if you don’t love it. I also love anything with Hugh Grant so my taste is questionable.
Gayle, since I’ve been married for 25 years and we’ll have been together for 28 this November, I don’t think I’d get the movie. LOL
And unfortunately or fortunately (not sure which), I never broke up with an idiot. They always dumped me until the DH came along and decided he’d keep me. *grin*
My favorite romance movie is Gone With The Wind…there has never been another quite like it. Although some have come close like the Way We Were….but not yet topped GWTW.
Jackie,
A couple of others above love GWTW too. I loved the Carol Burnette take off with her and Harvey Korman. WAY too funny. And Way We Were. Redford was so handsome then!
Oh, man. That Carol Burnette take off was superb. Hey, did you know I once babysat for Harvey Korman and Tim Conway’s kids? Years ago!
SERIOUSLY!!! You baby sat for the two of them??? We’re they as funny off screen as on??? That is soooo cool!!
Plugging a New Release
A couple of people here have mentioned they’re not familiar with my work. I just thought I’d throw out a plug for my upcoming indie historical erotic romance release, Love’s Portrait.
It’s a reissue of a novella I did with New Concepts back in 2005. I’ve revised and improved on it. It’ll be up for sale sometime in the next three weeks (provided Katia doesn’t kick my butt like Irene did!). It’ll be on all the major sites for .99 cents. If you need a reminder, just pop over to my Facebook page, like the page, and you’ll see the release news there when I upload the book.
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMonicaBurns
Here’s the blurb…
Love’s Portrait
When Julia Westgard commissions a nude portrait of herself, the painting is much more than a rebellious act. It’s an attempt to regain her self-worth after years of a loveless, repressive marriage to her late husband. But the private portrait puts her directly in the path of Morgan St. Claire, one of the Marlborough Set’s most notorious seducers. A man who doesn’t take no for an answer.
From the first moment Morgan sees Julia’s portrait, he’s determined to have her. But the woman he meets is a far cry from the image on canvas. What starts out as a simple exercise in seduction quickly evolves into a quest to reveal the true Julia. With each sensual encounter, he employs every erotic weapon at his disposal in hopes of making Julia see she really is the woman in Love’s Portrait.
Sounds divine, Monica! Can’t wait to read it!
Oh, I ‘m loving this one already. lol Thanks for the tip Monica. 🙂
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
My favorite is Love Actually. It’s such a sweet, funny and romantic movie!
Mariee,
I love this movie. It makes me laugh every time, and when Colin Firth proposes in Portuguese, I think that’s SOOOOO romantic!
Gorgeous movie!
I’m going to be signing off now. We only just got power back on before noon today, and we’re still without internet. I’m praying Katia will make a break for the middle of the Atlantic rather than sweeping over the lower part of the southeast US! If I can get on via my phone, I’ll answer folks as I can! Thanks for having me today, Vanessa. Clearly I love to talk books and movies! Mwah!
Thanks so much, Monica! It’s been great having you!
Readers, feel free to keep commenting, both on movies and on Monica’s books.
My favorite romantic movie is a toss up. I LOVE “Sleepless in Seattle”. Other favorites are “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, “Notting Hill” and “Ghost”. i look forward to reading ‘Inferno’s Kiss’.
Great list, Jacki!
Jacki, LOVE My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It reminds me of my Italian side of the family. They do the same thing too! LOL
Monica, it appears you are not just a survivor (an admirable feat in itself) but also a thriver! Thank you for sharing your talent with others and giving them a bit of happiness in their day. In fact, that is what all romance authors do, they brighten up my day with their stories 🙂
I’m not much of a movie buff but my favourite movie is TITANIC. Stunning effects and a great look into the time period. I also like THE SOUND OF MUSIC (a heartwarming classic) and THE NOTEBOOK.
Na, The Sound of Music was my favorite movie as a child.
Na, Thanks for the compliment. And I LOVE the Sound of Music. My aunt and mom took me to see it on the big screen when it first came out years ago, but I’m dating myself!! No wait I was just a kid! LOL
My favorite movie is Forever Young (Mel Gibson when he was still sane) and Jamie Lee Curtis. It has the best ending ever and I cry and laugh every time I watch it.
Ah, yes. Mel was great when he was young and sane. I loved him in Braveheart.
Catslady, I enjoyed Forever Young, but have to agree that I loved Braveheart. That and the fact that until he lost his mind he was a decent actor. Can’t bear to watch him now.
Great story. My daughter suffered date rape and it really messed her up. She is doing much better now
I’m glad to hear your daughter is better, Debby. Monica is a great example of overcoming adversity.
Debby, I’m sorry your daughter had to endure the trauma of violence that she did. I hope she’s gotten a lot of good therapy. It wasn’t until my mom found out seven years later that I got help. She was insistent I go. Healing is a lifelong process and will never end, but it does get easier with each passing day.
GONE WITH THE WIND: I so want Rhett to give a damn at the end of the movie.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
And he doesn’t, the big lug!
Mary, I thought Rhett was one smart cookie. I would have dropped Scarlett like a hot tomato after everything she put him through. LOL
An Affair to Remember – the original one with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, not the remake. Any movie with Cary Grant are my favorites.
Lovely movie, Betty, and I agree with about Cary Grant!
Betty, I LOVE Cary Grant. So suave and debonair. He was awesome to listen too, and to think his parents named him Archibald!! ACK! So glad he changed his name. He was swoon worthy.
Hi Monica, Hi Vanessa, There are so many good ‘oldie’ romance movies. My favorite romance movie(s) have to be a HIGH SOCIETY with Bing Crosby and SABRINA (the one with Humphrey Bogart). They just don’t make them like they used to 🙂
Monica, I love your books…hot, Hot, HOT 😀 Your determination to move forward is a inspiration. Thank you.
Love both those movies! I have to say, enjoyed the newer version of Sabrina, too, although not as good as the Hepburn version.
Gail, I love the original Sabrina with Bogie. He was a wonderful actor, so crusty, and he made for a wonderful leading man, especially with Bacall. What a romance those two had!
I love Monica’s books! My favorite romance movie is probably Titanic.
Thanks fro reading Robin. I’m thrilled that you enjoy my books. I see you’re another Titanic lover like a number of readers up above.
Loved the Star is Born with Barbara Streisand! tWarner419@aol.com
Teresa, as a die-hard fan of Babs, I love all of her movies, although I have my favorites. Yentl I love and I think Nuts was a brilliant piece of acting, but I think her best romance work every was The Mirror Has Two Faces. It was romance at it’s best.
Love Monica’s books. She’s definitely a survivor.
For me A Walk To Remember is it and then Titanic. Love those movies. I’m looking forward to reading the latest Monica Byrns book. 🙂
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Carol, thanks for reading. Another lover of Titanic. It’s GOT to be the chemistry between DiCaprio and Winslet that makes everyone love that movie so given how sad the ending is. Well sort of. I love the final scene where Kate and Leo meet on the ship again.
You’re right Monica. They didn’t get their HEA until she died. If they hadn’t have shown them meet up on the ship at the end I’d probably hate it lol That’s what saved it for me. 🙂 You knew he lived through her her entire life because he gave her the courage to “live”.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Oh my goodness, I just saw my mistake. Sorry, I meant to say The Notebook. I loved A Walk To Remember but absolutely adored The Notebook.So emotional. sorry.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
It’s so hard to pick one movie! IF I go with the classics, I, too, would have to pick Gone With The Wind AND The Sound of Music. I loved them both…Newer releases would be Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing and the Twilight movies. I loved French Kiss too…
Monica, as you know as I’ve been one of your Facebook friends seemingly forever, I LOVE your books…
Thanks for the giveaways!
lindalou(at)cfl(dot)rr(dot)com
Hi Linda, yes you have been on Facebook with me for a while now! Thank you so much for your support, and out of your favs, Dirty Dancing is one of mine too. LOVE the dancing, and Swayze’s stoic performance. A Wonderful Hero he was
I really like Possesion about 2 academics who discover that the poets they love had a romantic affair. Very nice blend of modern day and historical settings. Very sweet and just as enjoyable as the book.
My favorite romance movie pretty women, very like this movie
Dirty Dancing will always be one of my favorite movies although I just caught Last of the Mohicans the other day and was amazed and moved all over again.
I just can’t pick so many movies so many, but than again I’m a sucker for funny so Sweet Home Alabama.
Love your books Monica
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