Real Deal

From Booklist
Years after a disastrous marriage destroyed any semblance of self-esteem, all Amanda Zachary has left is her career. She scores a major coup in being assigned the task of negotiating a merger between her firm and a computer company, but one of the owners, Simon Brant, refuses. Over six feet of exotic looks, rock-hard abs, and sexy ponytail, Simon is a genius-recluse ensconced on an island near Seattle. Said genius has a few flaws, including stunted social skills and a tendency to become so engrossed in his work that he disappears for hours, even days. Overcome with a sudden idea, he abruptly ends his first meeting with Amanda and suggests that they reconvene at his house, which is how they end up living together. She keeps trying to convince Simon; he keeps disappearing; she is afraid she's falling in love, and the only way Simon can think of to keep her around is to delay making a decision. Monroe's wonderfully written, must-read romance features characters you ache for as though their emotions were your own. Maria Hatton
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Romantic Times Bookclub September 2004
A sizzling romance with well-developed plot. Mix in snappy dialogue and dry humor, and you have one red-hot,passion-filled read. 4-Stars

Road to Romance - September 2004
The BEST Brava story of the Year! Hot, exciting, wonderfully written and should not be missed! RTR Reviewer’s Choice Award

The Romance Readers Connection - September 2004
If you like intense sexual tension and well-written, explosive love scenes, THE REAL DEAL delivers. And delivers!

Fallen Angel Reviews - September 2004
Monroe touches on issues that all women can relate to when dealing with men and relationships. FAR Recommended Read

CataRomance Reviews - September 2004
Should be on the shelf of every woman. This is such a rich, emotionally-charged, sensual and highly satisfying book.

Book Description
Like a classic Spencer Tracy-Katharine Hepburn/Doris Day-Rock Hudson movie-but with plenty of steamy heat-Lucy Monroe's debut novel introduces a pair of delightfully sparring opposites whose undeniable attraction is about to take them beyond the edge of reason...and right into the throes of delicious passion... 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...

About the Author
Lucy Monroe's books have hit national bestsellers lists in both the US and England. Her highly charged, sensual stories touch on the realities of life while giving the reader a fantasy story not easily forgotten. Whether it's a passionate Harlequin Presents, a sexy single title for Kensington or a steamy historical for Berkley, Lucy's books transport her readers to a special place where the heart rules and love conquers all. Visit her website and read about all her upcoming books. Or email her at lucymonroe@lucymonroe.com.


Buy from Amazon     Compare Prices

The Barnes & Noble Review
The art of mergers and acquisitions is taken to new heights in this entertaining spin on the battle of the sexes. In one corner: Amanda Zachary, a young, ambitious business ace but a dropout from love. (Blame it on a really despicable ex-husband.) In the opposite corner: Simon Brant, the brilliant, reclusive genius behind family-held Brant Computers, who is clueless about women. He's the only roadblock to the merger between Extant Corporation and Brant Computers. What won't Amanda do to sell the merger? What won't Simon do to stop the merger? PDAs and cell phones ready? The final showdown at the shareholders' meeting and the sparks that fly between this fiery new couple will satisfy and delight, as will Amanda's last encounter with her loathsome ex. Ginger Curwen


Buy from Barnes & Noble     Compare Prices