So Harlequin is launching a new line of YA novels - and there's some doubts running around the blog-o-sphere about the wisdom of attaching the Harlequin 'brand-name' to these books - first off because they're not strictly romances, but 'typical' YA books with romantic elements, and second because people think that teens (and adults that read YA) are going to see the name 'Harlequin' and think "Oh, Fabio + bodice ripping = suck".
And maybe they would. But the format is different than 'typical' Harlequin romances as are the covers. And honestly, I doubt anyone is going to check the publisher if they see a cover and blurb that intrigues them. (And we won't even go into how irritated I am at the continued assumption that romance involves 'bodice-ripping'.)
As for me, I'm excited about a new source of quality YA books and several of the upcoming books look amazing (though I hope they don't all end up with a paranormal slant). I'm excited about Douglas Rees' Majix: Notes from a Serious Teen Witch; Allison van Diepen's The Oracle of Dating, and Maria Snyder's Inside Out!
But I have to admit I was hoping for a line similar to Simon Pulse's Romantic Comedies when I heard that Harlequin was going to launch a teen line. The romantic comedies were always my favorites from Harlequin, though the funny lines never seem to last (I miss you Flipside!). While Red Dress Ink looks funny, they definitely fall into a more chicklit category that often seems to be aimed above my age level. So, yeah, I was expecting high school/early college romantic funniness - but this is a whole new Harlequin. A Harlequin aimed at a broader teen market. And given the I sure can't say I'm disappointed.
The Blog Tour:
What Kind of Book Becomes a Harlequin Teen?
4 comments:
Yeah, I don't think anyone's going to avoid the books just 'cause they're Harlequin. In fact, some of us have snuck our friends' harlequins. Red Dress Ink was funny but your right, some of them were older then us (I did like the ones that were about people in their 20s and I even read one where the main char was 19 years old that rocked) so they might be OK
Agreed. I really like what I've seen so far of the imprint...
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Samantha - I'm pretty skeptical about people avoiding them because they're Harlequin, too. I mean, I know a lot of people dismiss Harlequin romances as 'trash', but I started reading them (regularly) when I was about 12 or so... and I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one!
Amy - I'm excited about some of the authors they have lined up!
I'm so excited about this new line! I don't care who the publishers are as long as they have good books. I'll read almost anything but I love the humor too!
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