Welcome to HHR!

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Hello Harlequin readers! This new blog will serve as a resource for information on the golden age of Harlequin romances. They're kind of sucky now, but back in the day - well, there was no stopping the batwing-sweater-wearing heroines. Stay tuned for reviews of the best Harleys as we highlight the outfits, "exotic" locations, catty nemeses, and of course, the lucky couple!

And now, I present my top five favorite Harlequins. Do whatever you must to read them!

5. Fair Trial - Elizabeth Duke (1994) "Arrogant barrister" Simon Devlin thinks he has no use for socialite lawyer Tanya Barrington, but the two learn to love in the Australian bush country.

4. The Cinderella Coach - Roz Denny (1992) Have you ever wondered what it's like to work in the exciting field of float building? Wonder no more with this gem featuring young float designer Jade Han and Fantasy Floats owner Trask Jennings ("T.J."). You'll learn about flower selection, animatronics, AND the ancient art of Wing Chun!

3. The Cloud Holders - Bethany Campbell (1991) Travel to beautiful Hawaii without ever setting foot on a plane! Join jewelry store manager-in-training Piper Gordon and lawyer David Whitewater (a dreamy Sioux Indian with blue eyes) as they journey through the Hawaiian islands on a quest to destroy an ancient tribal necklace in accordance with a ritual for Pele. Hey, it could happen, right?

2. Heartland - Bethany Campbell (1987) Famous cartoonist Jake Ulrick hurts his drawing hand and needs to find an assistant. Enter Toby Moranti, junior cartoonist with go-nowhere job and a dream. There's a lot of drama in this one in the form of ex-girlfriend-who-won't-go-away Denise, dead-twin-brother Rayn and Jake's whining about - well, everything. It's almost depressing to read, but the descriptions of Jake's "brilliant" cartoon "Heartland" are hilarious and a total rip-off of the late, great "Bloom County". Somehow, I don't think we're supposed to believe that Jake looks anything like Berke Breathed though.

1. The Eagle and the Sun - Dana James (1987) This one is pretty much genius. It has EVERYTHING - detailed descriptions of truly bizarre ensembles, interesting vocation (see also The Cinderella Coach), uber-bitchy other woman, and exotic location and foods. Jewelry designer Cass Elliot takes a trip from her native London to Mexico to visit gem mines and research new jewelry ideas. There she meets Miguel Ibarra, owner of said mines, and all-around crank. However, there's no denying the attraction between those two, even after Cass meets Theresa, Miguel's betrothed. Add a drunken lout, over-use of italics to emphasize the dramatic, "unusual" foods such as tacos, and a batwing sweater to the mix, and you have a winner. Full review coming soon!

That's it for now - you've got some reading to do, so get to it and check back for more updates!