Have you read a Harlequin Romance lately?

If you follow me on any of my social media, you’ll probably know this is the Harlequin series that I write for. And yes, I suppose that’s part of the reason for this post. But the truth is, long before I was a writer, I was a reader, and there’s always been something special that has drawn me to the Harlequin Romance line…

Is it the Harlequin Romance brand promise?

Harlequin promises “uplifting escapes featuring real, relatable women and strong, deeply desirable men” with Harlequin Romance. For anyone who reads to escape (and who doesn’t?), having a line that specifically offers this is incredibly appealing. Especially because of these aspects:

The Setting

These books are often set in the most beautiful and exotic of places. Italy, the Alps, South Africa – reading a Harlequin Romance will transport you all over the world. Moreover, the settings are romantic. That’s the purpose of the beautiful and exotic – to make sure that what you’re reading sweeps you off your feet in every way possible.

A first kiss is so much more romantic when it’s on the hero’s yacht on the Amalfi Coast. A declaration of love is so much more powerful on the top of Table Mountain. Harlequin Romance authors go out of their way to make sure their readers experience the escape of an aspirational setting.

The Heroine

I realised early on that the heroine is the key to a good romance. If I couldn’t understand why she was doing what she was doing, it would instantly put me off. But the Harlequin Romance heroines are relatable. They have the same struggles that I do. The same insecurities, the same reservations. It makes reading about them being wooed by a dreamy hero so much more rewarding. And it makes me believe that maybe, just maybe, it could happen to me, too.

The Hero

The Harlequin Romance hero is pretty much the perfect man. Not because he has no flaws, but because despite those flaws, he’s a good guy (strong and deeply desirable is right!). He’s the home of the alpha male with a heart. And that immediately appeals to me because I’ve read too many inconsiderate, borderline mean heroes who use their “alpha” status as an excuse to behave badly (read my post about that here). While he might do things we don’t agree with, he’ll make up for it and make us fall in love with him in the process.

Perhaps the best thing about him is that he’s a man you’d want to be with in real life. Because while I love a ruthless billionaire businessman, he’s not really the type I’d want to come home to after a rough day.  A reformed bad boy who wants to redeem himself, on the other hand…

If you want to experience the rush of falling in love, read a Harlequin Romance. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh and cry, read a Harlequin Romance. If you’re looking to be swept away by romance and emotional depth… well, you get the picture.

So when I ask you whether you’ve read a Harlequin Romance lately, your answer really should be yes!

What do you enjoy most about Harlequin Romances? Let me know in the comments, or on Facebook or Twitter!