Category Romance Novels

Today, I celebrate Banned Books Week over at Romancing the Blog. Go; visit.

I’d also like to canvas for recommendations of category romances. A friend is looking to expand her horizons and learn more about the form and the opportunities it provides for story. (Yes, it was one of those “…awful Harlequins…” “What do you mean? There are plenty of good ones…” “Really? Tell me more!” conversations.)

So, dig through your keeper stack, bring out your favorite category romances*, and tell us all about them** in the comments section***.

* Category romance novels: (sometimes called series romance novels) the short paperback romance novels published by Harlequin/Silhouette (and, at other times, Bantam Loveswept, Zebra Bouquet, and others) that are published as part of a specific, clearly delineated line. They are usually shorter and cheaper than “single title” romances. A certain number of books are published in each category every month, and have a limited shelf life before being replaced by next month’s category offerings. Most category lines have specific guidelines as to setting, characterization, type of conflict, level of sensuality, etc.

** Much as I’d love to hear about your fave Danielle Steele novel or the latest offering from Christine Feehan, I’m really looking here for CATEGORY ROMANCE recommendations only. How can you tell if it’s a category romance? The covers are mostly all one color and look a hell of a lot like the covers of at least three other books that month (as well as like the books every month), they have a number on the spine, and they are published under a program with a name like the following: Harlequin Romance, Harlequin Presents, Harlequin Intrigue, Harlequin Superromance, Harlequin American, Harlequin Temptation, Harlequin Blaze, Harlequin Duets, Harlequin Flipside; or Silhouette Special Edition, Silhouette Intimate Moments, Silhouette Yours Truly, Silhouette Romance, Silhouette Desire; or Mills & Boone Modern, Traditional, Sexy, Extra; etc. featured very prominently on the cover — often more prominently than the name of the book.

*** If it’s a BANNED category romance, then it’s especially welcome. 🙂