I was about ten years old when I finished reading my way through the children’s and young adult section of my local public library, though admittedly, tiny sections as compared to today, and I crossed over to the adult book section. No librarian stopped me, and I eventually found myself among shelves lined with pocket-sized books with similar spines. Each bore a diamond-shaped logo with a caricature of a jester playing an instrument. I would come to learn that these were Harlequin romances. Soon after, I picked up my first Harlequin, and now, more than three decades later, I get to be one of those authors on those shelves.
Though the Harlequin logo has since changed, long-time readers adore what the brand has promised them throughout its 75-year history: sweeping romances with happy-ever-afters. With their current category, or series, lines — Presents, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Heartwarming, Romance, Special Edition, Intrigue, Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense and Medical Romance — readers are sure to walk away from their Harlequins enamored with their book’s compelling characters and on-point pacing, and ready for the next book in series. It Started with a Secret, my first book in the Spirit of the Shenandoah Series, is under the Special Edition line, which blends family drama, friendships, and the main event — the romance — all around 70,000 words, or under three hundred pages.
So, don’t sleep on category books! Many big box bookstores shelve them separate from what is currently in the spotlight at endcaps and tables, which are the large trade-sized novels. Harlequin mass-market paperbacks are true testaments that a book’s content, and not its size, is what matters.
Why not try the Special Edition romances below, which are sure to bring joy into your lives? I’ve listed the first book in their respective series, to set you off on your category experience.
Her Man of Honor by Teri Wilson
(Love Unveiled series) In this friends-to-lovers story, and set in New York City, Everly is jilted at the altar and Henry is the friend who stands by her side. When this friendship turns to more, and with the stakes raised after one passionate night, will the two take that next step?
The Five-Day Reunion by Mona Shroff
(Once Upon a Wedding series) Though divorced, Anita and Nikhil reunite at Nikhil’s sister’s wedding only to find out that Nikhil’s mother never told of their break up to their tight-knit family. And though this accidental reunion might have been only for five days, it reveals more about Anita and Nikhil and they have to decide: was their divorce a mistake?
The Cowboy’s Claim by Nina Crespo
(Tillbridge Stables series) Chloe, an actress determined to land her next movie role arrives at a ranch to learn how to ride a horse. Enter Tristan, the ranch manager and her instructor, who feels that the endeavor is a waste of his time. That is, until Chloe settles into ranch life, and the two find that they both could learn so much more about one another.
Home for the Challah Days by Jennifer Wilck
(Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah series) Ten years after breaking up with her first love, Aaron, Sarah returns home for the High Holy Days, only to see him once more. She was already unsure about her current boyfriend, and after more time spent together after acts of vandalism in their community, their romance rekindles. Will the two lean into the reasons why they broke up in the first place, or will their love take priority?
Rivals at Love Creek by Michelle Lindo-Rice
(Seven Brides for Seven Brothers series) In this enemies-to-lovers romance between two principals, Shana has her sights set on the superintendent position. But when a scandal rocks the school hallways, she’s placed under the supervision of her ex and rival, Lynx. Will the two be able to work together? Or will the close proximity of work lead to more fun than they had imagined?
