I know you want to learn who won yesterday’s prize, but you’ll have to read to the bottom to find out!
I’ve been on a mission the past couple of months, trying to figure out where to branch out next as a writer. I’ve put together submissions for major publishers and am waiting now for verdicts. While I wait, I hatch. Part of the incubation period (tired of this analogy yet?) is research.
This past week I read one Harlequin Intrigue a day to get a feel for the line and to see if I’d even be interested in giving them a shot. The results were uneven. Two of the books completely blew—characters who all spoke the same, including Native Americans, and an 8-year old boy; plot holes big enough to drive a semi through; a female cop too stupid to report a stalker (oh, it might just be boys having some fun (puhleez!)—you name it, I suffered through it.
The middle three were all right, but nothing I would aspire to write because I was tempted several times to put them down and find something to eat—never a good sign when I read a book, because I know I’m bored.
One was very good, but still had a couple of logic leaps in the plot, but then there was THE ONE.
He was known as a tough-as-nails tycoon. Then one pregnant beauty penetrated his steely reserve.
Shipping tycoon Jackson Champion hadn’t become a Texas billionaire by crumbling under pressure. So when his sexy assistant, Ysabel Sanchez, decided to walk away from him and his mega-successful corporation, he wasn’t taking no for an answer. After all, memories of their recent one-night stand had consumed him, and now Ysabel’s inability to meet his eye made him wonder what she wasn’t telling him. But exploring their feelings had to wait. An unknown enemy intended to bring down Champion Shipping, and Jackson was an expert at protecting what was his. But could he also lay claim to Ysabel and the secrets she had yet to reveal?
You are going to say I’m prejudiced because Elle James is my sister. But my sister will tell you I’d be hardest on her because we are related! Her book had everything. Non-stop action, sensuality simmering on every page, humor, REAL characters! And it was set in Texas! If you’ve never tried an Intrigue, start here! Yes, the title is silly and the cover doesn’t do a thing for me—but neither of them were her choices. The story inside is to die for!
The winner of yesterday’s contest (by random number generator) is… Estella!
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I’ve read a few of the Harlequin Intrigue books and you are right, some are awful and a few are good. The main one’s I buy have been the 13 Lightstreet books by Rebecca York. They are usually pretty decent and some of the characters are in other books in the series.
I’ll have to pick up your sister’s book and try it. Is this the only 1 she has written for Harlequin Intrigue?
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Do you think you might do some research on youre fae series?
I also want to expand on the problems I have with a story with stories that deal with cheating that we were talking about sunday. I have always believed that sex is a physical manifestation of the love people have for each other, but it can be abused like anything else. Cheating I see as a loss of the love that a couple had for each other. You partenr can be one of the most beautiful people on Earth, but if you are not in love with them, it won’t be long be for you start losing interest.
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Heather! I think my sister has written 8 Intrigues, and she consistently gets rave reviews, including an RT reviewers’ nominaton for best Intrigue last year!
Wesley! I love exploring problems in real relationships, and sometimes cheating isn’t about not loving someone, but about not getting what you need whether it’s the physical or emotional part of a relationship.
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Congrats, Estella!
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I think I shy away from the Harlequin romance books because of the cheesy covers. I can’t get past the cover to even read the synopsis. Why do they use those terrible covers. The only way I would pick one up is if I knew the author. I’ll have to give this book a shot.
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I have read a lot of Harlequin in my time, enough to last me a long time. After a seriously bad breakup I had an averse reaction to them in general and am yet to pick up one since 2004.
Good news is however that I dicovered Ellora’s cave and it intoruced me to some of the best writers out there 🙂
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Paula! Ignore the horrible cover. You will love the story!
Rasha! Yeah, a Harlequin, no matter how well written, won’t be for everyone.
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This was a great story!
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So glad you liked it, Estella!