Harlequin Books discussion

Every two weeks, I'll introduce a new topic to discuss. Join in when you can! Suggestions for upcoming discussions always appreciated.

How long will you wait for the descriptions of the hero and heroine before you begin to lose interest or get angry with the author's tale?

Do you want them right away, within the first 3 chapters, or is it ok for the author to only give you glimpses until further along in the story, i.e. The flaxen haired temptress skillfully hid her identity behind her fan.

Discussion duration: March 13-26

I've been thinking about this since I posted the question. For me, I can wait until it fits the author's story but I tend to get antsy for the description by the 5th chapter in a longer novel, chapter 3 for the quicker ones. It won't make me stop reading but I might thumb ahead until I find the missing description. Anyone else do this?

~ Kim

I think some description is needed as the character is introduced as an identifier - e.g. colour of hair or height or some particular characteristic. I am not particularly in favour of full descriptions because I find that I imagine the person based on their name. Sometimes I get annoyed when the description doesn't match up to the picture I had conjured up. This leads me to think a few pointers are needed fairly early on so that the reader's idea of the person does not stray too far from the author's conception. Then I conclude that if I was annoyed then the writer had not got the right balance in introducing the character, although that may be a justification of my own imaginings. And no I don't read ahead.
Rosemary

I personally...
If I don't get "caught" within the first couple chapters...I put the book down.
Need to have a reason to keep reading. If you are bored in first few chapters, eh!
At least introduce a few with details, and add to the suspense. Maybe like the villain, not the hero or heroine. How they link with the others. Get us interested in them, then onto the rest.

Carla wrote: "I personally...
If I don't get "caught" within the first couple chapters...I put the book down.
Need to have a reason to keep reading. If you are bored in first few chapters, eh!
At least introduce..."

same. i mean it's a romance not high lit. i need to care, either hate or love or just want to know more about the people introduced. so if it's a 200 page book by page 50 you need to grab me. i DNF books by skimming and skipping to the end. i am nosey enough to want to know how the story ends but not need details.

I like descriptions brief and relevant. I've read stories that never describe the heroine physically, but through the way she dresses, talks, and thinks, I can picture her.

Topic #2 (Mar 29-Apr 9)
Do you think there should be warning labels on books that have difficult subjects such as rape, abuse or drug addiction?

So it seems no one wants to tackle this subject. It can be a difficult one but I'll share a few thoughts on it.

I've been talking with romance fans ever since I joined the Harlequin.com community almost 15 years ago. At first, it was just a way to connect with people who I had something in common. I had recently been permanently disabled in a car accident and feeling very sorry for myself. I missed the people I worked with and the customers I used to have daily contact with. I needed to find a new way to meet people now that my life had changed. My husband suggested Harlequin.com and talking about the books I've always read. Genius! I met many people and have made life-long friends with some incredible people.

Why am I bringing this time in my past up?

Well, it was then that warning labels were first mentioned in my memory. There was a member who was violently against any abuse or rape being in a book she read. She was upset because so many times she would research a book before buying it. She would read reviews, blogs, etc. to make sure there wasn't anything offensive to her in the book. Sometimes one of her tabboo subjects wasn't really featured by the author, i.e. just a secondary character had an abusive parent, so it was never mentioned in any of her research. Even that small amount was enough for her to put the book down and rant about it not being in any review and wishing there were warning labels. It upset her so I understand why she wanted them but I wouldn't expect a warning label for basically one sentence in the entire book as she would. It made me and still makes me wonder if label were to become a requirement, where would the line be drawn? Others were so against labels at all. They felt it would restrict authors and their story development if they were always worried about getting a dreaded warning label on their work.

Then there was the time where I had a conversation with a woman who had recently lost a niece to drug abuse. She just wasn't ready to have that topic in the books she was reading as a way to escape the real world for a bit. We've all done it. Just grabbed a book off the shelf with the hope that we could forget all our worries for a bit and enjoy an hour or so of bliss in a HEA world. We know that things will work out in the end when Harlequin is in our hands. In this woman's case, she didn't want drugs mentioned. She wasn't ready for it yet. Some mentioned that when she was ready, she might also want to read books that dealt with the topic because it might help her understand her niece in some small way and labels would help her find those books. I'm not sure but I do know I've used a book to help me connect with hard topic, cancer and the loss of a loved one.

This was one Harlequin that can be a shocker. The heroine does not get her happy ending. The reader will probably being bawling their eyes out at the end. I know I was. But, I haven't read this book for years and I still remember the title without even thinking. I still remember the laughter it brought me. I still remember the happy memories it helped me recall about a very special aunt. Her spirit matched the heroine's and gave me peace in my heart. Do They Wear High Heels in Heaven? Awesome book for me but could it be very difficult for someone else? Absolutely. Would it get a warning label? Mostly likely not because there was no violence or drug abuse.

IMO, Labels just wouldn't work. Impossible to set limits, restrictive to stories, could never completely do the job they were supposed to do. I understand why some still wish for them but I see no way that it could ever be implemented. Is there a way to make both sides happy? I'd love to know of one but I don't. ~ Kim

i would like it for rape and graphic violence. i like how the movie ratings that say exactly why something is rated r. if it says brutal sexual assault or gory disturbing images, i know i will be skipping the film or skipping that scene. i like thrillers and mysteries but i can't do the ones that describe the murder/rape/autopsy in detail.

and some books that have sneaky sex scenes are just annoying. i don't mind sex in my books. i just read the Harper Connelly series by Charlaine Harris. in book 3 of the 4 book series she goes into details with the sex scene. there was sex in book 1 and 2 but no details about where hands went or grabbing body parts. it was weird and shocking. it was out of place for the tone of the series.

and a lil warning would be great since my job in the library requires that i recommend books all the time. folks ask these questions. is it gory? lots of cursing? lots of sex? etc. i had one customer- a lady who was 98 and liked literary books with no romance,no sex, no violence, and no mystery. (boring, i know.) since i never read those kind of books i just went by reviews. reviews do not mention if there is a graphic paragraph (or 3) of sex or violence.

so it would be helpful. it would save time having to wait for somebody on GR to answer the question for me. sometimes i never get a reply so i just guess.
i don't know how that would look or where theywould put it but graphic novels have alil bit of rating already. no details about why they are rated the way they are but since they are graphic novels you can just flip through them and see.

Graphic novels definitely need them because well, their graphic. LOL Once it can been seen by anyone flipping through the pages, it definitely has to be label. However, it is easier to label them because you can follow the already accepted age restriction guidelines the movie industry uses. Most everyone accepts and understands their meaning. ~ Kim

Harlequin Books wrote: "Graphic novels definitely need them because well, their graphic. LOL Once it can been seen by anyone flipping through the pages, it definitely has to be label. However, it is easier to label them b..."

so true. but i have read ebooks erotica and they have lil warnings sometimes. not everyone but lots of them. so if it has hardcore BDSM you know. sometimes it the publisher's own rating system and sometimes it's the author. normally the ones that look like regular romances from the blurb/cover are the ones the author leaves a note in t o let you know the sex scenes are way more than what you may think. Harlequin has a guide as well. i share all the time on FB whenever other library workers ask about

Oh no! i can't find it now. it would pop right up and it had hotness levels. now only this comes up.
romance books vs eroticas. http://www.harlequin.com/store.html?c...

Kimberle wrote: "Harlequin Books wrote: "Graphic novels definitely need them because well, their graphic. LOL Once it can been seen by anyone flipping through the pages, it definitely has to be label. However, it i..."

I don't know if this will be as helpful but I hope so.
http://www.harlequin.com/store.html?c...

Between the two links, it should make it easier to guess on the heat levels of a book.

Harlequin Books wrote: "Kimberle wrote: "Harlequin Books wrote: "Graphic novels definitely need them because well, their graphic. LOL Once it can been seen by anyone flipping through the pages, it definitely has to be lab..."

not as good as the one you used to have that would show all the imprints and genres and their hotness levels. then you could link to the genre page. hmm should have saved the pic but it always just popped up in my search. my coworker spent a good 45 min trying to find it because she remembered it too.

Not for labels . I also hate books with rape or violent acts to females (I am bias) but I want the choice to keep reading or put it down. If I saw a label I might give it a chance then miss a great read.(some paranormal are like this) .I do like to read others review hence good reads is great for that.

Due to the fact that I will not be home most of the day tomorrow, I'm going to put up our next topic for discussion early.

Topic #3 (April 18th-May 2nd)

What is your favorite theme, least favorite theme, and why?

Lately, my favorite theme (trope) has been Captive...and captive for different reasons~either a kidnapping, captive for their own protection, and/or captive as part of an arrangement. I seem to like stories where circumstances cause the couple to be in a very close proximity, as well as the partnership that evolves out of their endured stress, which eventually brings them to their HEA (or HFN if it's a serial).

(I haven't had a least favorite theme in a while).

I don't really like the Mail Order Brides type of story. I don't know whether it is because I find the idea of being one so horrific or whether, having read a few, that they seem too similar. On the other hand, there are some very powerful mail order bride stories such as The Piano.

Harlequin Books wrote: "Due to the fact that I will not be home most of the day tomorrow, I'm going to put up our next topic for discussion early.

Topic #3 (April 18th-May 2nd)

What is your favorite theme, least favori..."

I don't really have a favorite. I like most tropes, and for the ones I don't, I can be sold on them if the author is good enough. Megan Hart has made me love plots I never thought were for me. The only trope I don't like that makes me click out of a blurb on the double is the billionaire. This trope is so overdone it's not even funny.

Please remember anything I say here is strictly my opinion and in no way reflects Harlequin's.

I will probably read anything that is work-place romance themed. I do prefer it to be boss/assistant though. Equals starting a romance isn't as frowned upon and lacks the forbidden element.

I'm also an historical fanatic and will read just about any theme and time setting but there are a couple exception. Medievals needs to be by a favorite author or it must have a very interesting blurb. I like the knight in shining armor image but I find the heroes somewhat irritating. Hmmm, no, I think it might be the heroines I have the most issues with in Medievals. And North American set stories are a bit more tricky for me to pick out. I think it needs more diversification. I want more time eras and something besides the western theme. We have a rich history in the Americas and I wish they were reflected in my American Historical reading choices. So, being a bit burnt out on the westerns, I now need them to be mail-order, heroine business woman, or a favorite author. I do adore reading the western anthologies though. For some reason I've never been disappointed by them.

There is one theme that I rarely read. It must be written by a auto-buy author or I will pass by it no matter what, amnesia. I have a very hard time connecting with this theme. Just not my thing, but one I see so many rave about that I know it won't go away. I'm fine with that but please don't try to convert me. LOL So many friends have tried and I just don't enjoy them. The ones by my auto-buys are never rated over a 3 but I haven't ever been completely disappointed so I will continue buying them. ~ Kim

Harlequin Books wrote: "Please remember anything I say here is strictly my opinion and in no way reflects Harlequin's.

I will probably read anything that is work-place romance themed. I do prefer it to be boss/assistant ..."

I think you might enjoy Pamela Clare's MacKinnon's Rangers if you haven't read it. It takes place during the Civil War. No wild west feel, in my opinion.

Don't really have a favorite.

However I do have a least favorite, I don't like reading one's where either the hero or heroine or both have been widowed and the marriage was a happy one. Don't know why but I try not to read them unless I have to.

Lynsay wrote: "Don't really have a favorite.

However I do have a least favorite, I don't like reading one's where either the hero or heroine or both have been widowed and the marriage was a happy one. Don't kno..."

Isn't it weird how some themes just never grab you? I try an amnesia one every once in a while to see if there has been a change to the theme that elevates it to something I'd enjoy. It is really weird because I'm usually so open about what I read. Made me a good reviewer, back in the day. I could read anything they asked me to and give an unbiased rating but if they ever tried handing me an amnesia one, I had to say no. There was no way my opinion would be anything but my dislike which wouldn't be fair to the author or fans of the theme.

Angie Elle wrote: "I think you might enjoy Pamela Clare's MacKinnon's Rangers if you haven't read it. It takes place during the Civil War. ..."

Read and enjoyed. Thanks for the recommendation though. :) Maybe someone lurking has the same opinions as me and is already searching for Ms. Clare's books.

Topic #4 (May 3rd-May 16th)

What do you look for most in your heroes?

Changed my mind. LOL

Topic #4 (May 3rd-May16th)

Who inspired you to read and/or write? Did you start with romance or grow into it?

I have always read and written. I used to write plays for my sister and me to perform for our parents. I was particularly proud of my adaptation of the poem "The Sands of Dee" by Charles Kingsley. I must have been about 9.

My parents inspired me to read. They took me to the local library every Saturday, as far back as I can remember. I got book tokens for birthdays and Christmas (as well as other stuff). And I used to love the smell of new books that I got in my Christmas stocking (only it had to be a pillow case, to get the Bunty annuals in!)

I have many early memories of reading. I learned to read before kindergarten because I would help my older brother with his homework. He struggled in school. I loved being able to help him figure out what the words were. I'm not sure what grade it was when he was finally diagnosed with severe dyslexia but it explained why he needed my help. After my early start with reading, all I needed to fall in love reading was the most incredible elementary school librarian. She brought books to life with the way she expressed the words. She brought fantasy to life before my eyes and I was hooked. I started reading every chance I had after my first reading time with her.

Writing, on the other hand, not so much my thing. My vocabulary was always above level but my creativity was practically nonexistent. I struggled with English classes and my spelling is still horrible. It is all so frustrating at times. LOL I love doing crossword puzzle but there is ALWAYS at least one clue I can't fill in without getting some of the letters given to me from the opposite direction. I hate knowing the answer and not being able to spell. ~ Kim

Rosemary wrote: "I have always read and written. I used to write plays for my sister and me to perform for our parents. I was particularly proud of my adaptation of the poem "The Sands of Dee" by Charles Kingsley. ..."

I think it is so cool you wrote plays for you and your sister. My daughter used to do the same thing with her friends. I cherish those memories as I'm sure your parents do.

I've been thinking about writing since I set up this discussion. I've always had stories in my head but when I put them to paper, I can't put any life into them. I'm a very flat writer as one of my English professors used to say. I DO remember way back when I was in 2nd grade and we had to write a poem for class. Mine was about a frog. It was picked as one of the top ones in class. I won a spot at a breakfast party which was broadcasted over the radio and each winner had to recite their poem. They actually made little poem collection books so I guess I can say I'm a published writer. LOL

Annie wrote: "My parents inspired me to read. They took me to the local library every Saturday, as far back as I can remember. I got book tokens for birthdays and Christmas (as well as other stuff). And I used t..."

I would get books as gifts all the time, still do. However, my parents rarely took me to the library. I didn't really discover what a treasure a public library could be until I was allowed to go on longer bike rides and could make my own way there. Up to then, my only experience with libraries was the one in school. Although I had an awesome school librarian, the book selection just didn't meet my needs or level. My mom was just way to busy to take us kids there unless one of my older siblings had a research project. She worked 4 pm- midnight and took as many overtime hours she could after the divorce when I was 8. One good thing, she worked in the maintenance department at the local community college. The building she worked in had their library one the first floor and classrooms on the second. There were times she would let me come to work with her and while she would be working upstairs, I would be in the library's reading pit, big area filled with bean bag chairs. After I had fun jumping into the bean bags, I would find a book, get comfy, and read for hours. Very happy memory for me. :)

Harlequin Books wrote: "Rosemary wrote: "I have always read and written. I used to write plays for my sister and me to perform for our parents. I was particularly proud of my adaptation of the poem "The Sands of Dee" by C..."

Wow - so what stops you writing now or do you get to do so much editing that you don't want to write for yourself?

Huh? I Thought I already left a comment about why I don't write now. I wonder what happened to it? Anyways, I've discovered I enjoy writing short pieces, nothing over 1,000-1,500 words. Anything over that and I really struggle with holding the reader's interest. I've tried editing in the past (not with Harlequin) and it was not the job for me. Just not in my wheel house at all. I much prefer to talk about books with other readers.

Topic #5, Duration May 22-June 4th

What romance book or series do you think would make a good Hallmark movie or TV Mini-series? Why?

Rula Sinatra's series in Africa because it involves an important conservation point about elephants and poaching ivory.

As for your message 32, writing is hard work and can be quite dispiriting don't you think? Nothing like reading a good book to cheer you up though.

Oh, so irritating when the auto speller corrects things incorrectly!!

Rula Sinara.

the Mini series must be Jocobsville. That town has some great men residing there. And the adventure of Mercenary FBI CIA drug dealers kidnappers baby adoption. scams I mean you name it Jocobsville has it!!!!

about writing topic how about a book with small stories surrounding same theme or family with snippets of romance? I like to read those type. Many times I want to read but do not have time for a big book (my students call large novels). Also I am ADHD with OCD tendencies so short stories are good. I like HP and desire they are a quick read. I finish in one setting most of the time.

Robyn Carr's Virgin River series! Ok, I'll admit I've only read the first two books so far, but they both made me want to live in Virgin River. Wonderful characters, including the supporting characters, wonderful setting, wonderful stories.

I always feel like Susan Mallery's Fool's Gold series would make for fabulous Hallmark movies

All great suggestions!

I would add Tina Leonard's Bridesmaid Creek series. I loved their quirky traditions and think it would make for a playful TV series/movie.

Topic #6: Duration June 6th-June 20th
The love triangle theme, love them or leave them? Why?

Ok, no one seems to want to talk about this one. It is a theme very prevalent in TEEN and New Adult. Personally, I think it is over done but I have my daughter read most of the TEEN and NA books first. She passes me the ones she thinks I'd enjoy and just gives me a quick review of the ones she doesn't. That way if someone asks me about it, I can still give them a good idea if it one they would like. ~ Kim

So, I'll change or topic early.

Topic #7: Duration June 14th-June 28th
What is your favorite Olympic Sport? Why? And, have you found a book with one of the characters active in that sport?

No sports fans in here either? Well you may get sick of me before the Olympics end. I love watching them. I cheer on every athlete from North America, doesn't matter which country. For the summer games, my favorite sports are gymnastics, swimming and diving, and beach volley ball. I've been searching for a book that has beach volley ball being played and haven't found one.

In two years, I'll be watching for my nephew. He isn't one of the athletes but he is part of the team. He is a physical trainer and works primarily with the luge team. He also loves climbing on ice and part of his job is teaching the athletes about ice.~Kim

Topic #8: Duration June 28th-July 12th
Do you prefer real locations for the setting or do you prefer when the author creates a fictional city and/or country?

I'm quite fond of quirky fictional small towns populated with interesting characters. On the other hand, I enjoy learning about special places through books. If I'm going on vacation to someplace new, I love reading some romance or mystery stories set there. Then when I see the fountain or square mentioned in the book, it has special meaning.

I'm more partial to made-up settings because it opens the author up to being really creative. However, when I am wishing to get away but can't go, I prefer reading a book based in a locale I'd like to be and could possibly visit some day. ~ Kim

I've been thinking about this question some more. I think I would say I'm more partial to real settings in my Historical reads but prefer made-up ones in my contemporaries. Cities, towns, countries are changing so much in the recent years that I constantly wonder how much has changed since the author researched the location. I know my little town has changed considerably in the past 5 years.

However, in the historicals, it doesn't matter if things have changed in the present. I know what it was like in the past. The author can research just about any facet of an area and it's population and the facts probably won't be different in a couple of years. I say probably because you never know when someone might discover some hidden papers in their attic.

If it's a dystopian world or a world where things have fallen apart, I like real locations, because it's interesting to picture that town/city in destruction (especially if the author is good ad description) and has a bigger impact on me as the reader.

For historical, I like real settings. For small town, I can go either way. I just don't like the quirkiness to be overboard.

I think Both have there merits. If it's done in a way that the reader can immerse themselves into it without too many details. Cause if it has too many details it can get boring and ruin the imagery that is being created by the reader.
That being said I enjoy small town and countries in Europe.
Dystopia is a hard one to do effectively in my experience. But when it works you forget where you are and become part of that reality, for a while anyways.

Topic #9: What makes a hero unlikable for you?