Guest Blogger, Shannon: Harlequin Presents goes Retro? Giveaway!
by sue on Apr.16, 2010, under Book Chat
Harlequin Presents goes … Retro???
This May, Harlequin Presents launches an innovative new mini-series — Men Without Mercy. These are “retro” books that feature a 21st century independent heroine who is thrown back in time and meets a hero who may be a bit rough around the edges but is pure male – arrogant, gorgeous, confident and let’s not forget sexy.
I have to admit that when I first heard about this concept, I was both skeptical and curious. I’ve been a Harlequin Presents fan since the 80’s, and I’m a total purist. I like Presents traditional and with the Presents promise of alpha heroes, intense stories, lush romance and sophisticated settings. Presents are Pretty Woman (without the hooker heroine), Maid in Manhattan (child optional), That Touch of Mink (who doesn’t love Cary Grant) High Society and The Philadelphia Story. Presents is the modern day Regency.
But retro?? Shock. Gasp. Horror. Presents is the adult fairy tale — Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast. Not a twist on Alice in Wonderland!
But, a Presents is a Presents. If it’s printed and bound as a Presents, I will read it.
The first book in this mini series is “Blackwolf’s Redemption” by Sandra Marton. I have always enjoyed Ms. Marton’s books. She is an author that I trust implicitly and has always delivered on both the Presents promise and more importantly, her promise to me, as a reader. So while I wasn’t sure I would like the whole retro/time travel aspect to the story, I knew that Ms. Marton would deliver a satisfying reading experience.
I took a deep breath and said okay, Ms. Marton, take me on a journey. I wasn’t sure how far back in time our heroine was going to go but when she landed in 1975, the Bee Gees music began playing in my head as I envisioned John Travolta strolling the streets of Brooklyn swinging a paint can. Instead of custom made bespoke suits and handmade leather shoes, visions of leisure suits, platform shoes, opened shirts and leather jackets danced before my eyes. I took a step back and reminded myself that above all else, the Alpha hero was an elegant and class act. No polyester for our hero. So I continued to read. As an aside, there are no unfortunate fashion incidents in this book.
Sienna Cummings is a modern day heroine. Very independent, spirited and feisty. She’s in the process of getting her Ph.D. in Anthropology when a rare summer astrological event opens a portal that sends her thirty-five years into the past. Jesse Blackhawk is your typical Presents hero. He’s charming, arrogant, alpha and wealthy. But, he is disillusioned with so many things in his life. He’s at first angry that Sienna has invaded his home and his life but as time goes on, not only are the emotions and chemistry real and overpowering, but he begins to make peace in areas of his life that he had once been disenchanted with.
Once the hero and heroine meet, this story is a pure Presents novel. It has the same chemistry, intensity and romance you want and expect out of a Presents. It’s a classic love story. There is no doubt that the hero and heroine are pure Presents characters. The story shows that love and romance have no time or boundaries. As a reader, the only time I remembered that this was a pseudo-time travel was when there was cultural or behavioral references to the time period – office politics, references to clothing or music, etc. It was entertaining to see a modern day woman coping with the attitudes and actions of the mid-70s. As a woman, it reminded me of how far women have come in the workplace and the strides towards equality that have taken place. Ms. Marton has done an outstanding job of authentically re-creating the pop culture and attitudes of 1975.
To me, the Presents line is chocolate ice cream — I always know what to expect, and I am never disappointed. If I had to put a similar analogy to the Retro mini-series, I would say that “Blackwolf’s Redemption” is like chocolate ice cream with sprinkles — at first glance, it may look different but once you get past the sprinkles, it’s pure chocolate ice cream.
The Men Without Mercy mini-series is going to be a refreshing addition to the Presents line. The time travel element doesn’t take away from the story; it gives the story an added dimension. Books in this mini-series will be out in 2010 and 2011. All I can say is this lifelong Presents fan will not hesitate in picking one up.
Learn more at Harlequin Presents, www.iheartpresents.com
As a reader, how open are you to new concepts from your favorite series lines or authors? Will you check out the Presents retro series?
One lucky US commenter will be randomly chosen to win some of Sue’s Stash!
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- Guest Blogger, Shannon & Harlequin Giveaway! Confessions of A Category Addict – Part 4 This week, we bring the series to a close with the last three imprints. I’m going to start off with Silhouette Special Edition (by the way, my first one was 1988, Summer Shadows by Pat Warren). I really enjoy this line. It...
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April 18th, 2010 on 5:12 am
Please delete the below post and this one, thanks.
April 18th, 2010 on 3:41 am
If it was one of my favorite authors, I would be totally open to a new concepts. As long as the story is as well written and a joy to read as their others (and a little romance doesn’t hurt!).
I might check out the new Retro series. I’m pretty set in the authors I do like and usually I steer clear of Harlequin because of the stigma I have on it that it’s a bit “cheezy” but after reading this, I might give it a shot!
April 17th, 2010 on 10:30 pm
I like all kinds of books, so would definitely check out these books.
Rosie G.
April 17th, 2010 on 5:44 pm
I am always open to change and especially if it’s from one of my favorite Authors.I’ll definitely read the Retro.Love time travel stories,especially wih those beautiful Alpha Males. :)It’ll be fun to time travel back to my era.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
April 17th, 2010 on 2:03 pm
I’m always open to new stuff and i would love to win some of Sue’s stash!
April 17th, 2010 on 1:45 pm
I like it when my favorite authors decide to write a different genre. I love one author who writes western romances and fantasy romances.
April 17th, 2010 on 11:02 am
What a good post. The 70’s a retro but to kids today it is. No Internet or cell phones and women have come so far. Good for the author and Harlequin for taking the chance. I’d give it a read.
April 17th, 2010 on 6:28 am
Something new is always good - will give them a try.
Karen T.
April 17th, 2010 on 12:37 am
If it’s a favorite author or line I’m automatically open to anything they decide to throw my way! Being a long time HP reader this time travel series is a refreshing idea.
April 16th, 2010 on 11:35 pm
New concepts are always exciting as long as the writing is still top notch. As for time traveling to 1975, I’ll be looking for this book if only because I’m not quite old enough to remember that year.
April 16th, 2010 on 11:23 pm
I am always open to new ideas when my favs want to try something new. Everyone needs a change!
April 16th, 2010 on 8:56 pm
Most likely I will try them. I like the Presents line!
April 16th, 2010 on 8:45 pm
What I meant to say was that I love time travel even if it is just a few decades back in time.
BBC America has had some cool time travel shows Dr. Who and Ashes to Ashes.
I would enjoy giving the Presents retro stories a try.
April 16th, 2010 on 8:41 pm
I totally agree with you Sue. I love the Presents line. If the editor thinks it is a Presents story then it is a Presents.
I know when I was younger I used to dream about traveling back in time. You know knights, horses and castles that kind of thing. I love reading historicals just for that reason. One of the best time travel books I ever read was Jude Deveraux’s A Knight in Shining Armor. It is still my favorite of mine.
I have a 1989 edition tucked away in my keeper storage.
April 16th, 2010 on 7:38 pm
Well, while I always put that what romances I read are Regency and Contemporary as a general rule, it’s of course not a unbreakable rule. LOL While that’s basically what I read, I do have a couple exceptions here and there, especially if an author that I read with one of those two and switches to something else (like Vicki Lewis Thompson with paranormals). But boy, a time traveling Harlequin Presents. . . there, I’m not quite sure. See, I’m kind of screwed up a tad; I love me my Star Trek and Star Wars and X-Files — but I prefer keeping the aliens, space travel, time travel in those places. So in short, I’m not really sure I could go there in the Presents. But maybe if I check out Chapter One…
Lois
May 24th, 2010 on 9:07 pm
Lois, i am with you on this one. I love everything “Presents” but absolutely hated the book. I love the regency times novels. This is completely different where the modern day girl falls back in time in 1975. Save your money!
April 16th, 2010 on 6:56 pm
If it was one of my favorite authors I would definitely give anything he/she wrote a try, even if it was out of the zone of what I was used to!
April 16th, 2010 on 6:53 pm
Totally want to enter the contest. Count me in.
April 16th, 2010 on 6:04 pm
For me if it is a favorite author I will definitely try new concepts from them. I think that when it is a favorite author it doesn’t matter what they write just that they do.
LOL
I think I would be open to reading the Presents Retro series.
Larena
April 16th, 2010 on 4:54 pm
It’s completely okay when authors or lines branch out, but above all else, I have to enjoy reading it. That’s what keeps me coming back.
As I love love love time travel romance, I will totally give the Retro series a try!
April 16th, 2010 on 4:23 pm
The retro Presents sound awesome. I am willing to give any Presents book a try.
April 16th, 2010 on 4:06 pm
i’m pretty open to new concepts/genres from my favorite authors unless they start writing a sub-genre i don’t often read like time travel. a new series line are always exciting!
April 16th, 2010 on 3:06 pm
If I am familiar with the author, I am willing to read whatever she or he has written. This Presents line sounds interesting.
April 16th, 2010 on 1:56 pm
Chocolate ice cream, yum….
Authors trying new series…on one hand I love it. For example, Karen M Moning. She has her highlander series, and then she has her Fever series…I adore them both, yet they are so different…
Then sometimes, I won’t name names, but some authors write something different and I don’t like it so much. No biggie though..
When I first started writing I tried my hand in different genres, and I’m finally finding something that I’m comfortable with. But that doesn’t mean I won’t try something else later on. Ya’ know?
Dawn Chartier
http://www.dawnchartier.com
April 16th, 2010 on 1:30 pm
I am open to reading different work from authors that I love. It is a great way to find new books to read and try a genre that I might not have chosen before. The Retro Presents Series sounds interesting and I think that I will most likely give it a try.
April 16th, 2010 on 1:03 pm
When you’re “talkin’ retro”, you are speaking my language. I’m a ‘58 model. In the ’80s, it was a toss-up as to which was bigger and broader: Your hair, or those NFL-inspired shoulder pads in women’s clothes. As a matter of fact, I used to remove those shoulder pads and use them as throw pillows : )
Harlequin Presents is my favorite category romance line. I call them “the white covers”. I purchase recent releases and also still collect Presents from as far back as the late ’60s. I regularly haunt thrift shops, used book sales, yard sales & etc for book treasures.
I will definitely read the Presents Retros!
April 16th, 2010 on 12:26 pm
I’m very excited about this series!! I don’t normally read the Presents line - I read Blaze, Desire, Romance and the occasional historical - but this is something that really intrigues me. Great Post!!
April 16th, 2010 on 12:21 pm
Hi Shannon - thanks for being here — I have to admit when you first suggested this post I thought — retro? humph — Dorothy Garlock I like but in my series line??? do I want to go back to the 60’s -70’s? NO — well, maybe. Now after reading your post, I’m thinking this could be very good. You’ve sold me - I’m certainly going to give it a try.
Bell bottoms are back now anyway
April 16th, 2010 on 10:56 am
love the time travel concept so i’m curious about these. thanks for the heads up.
April 16th, 2010 on 10:32 am
I couldn’t resist dropping in to see what bloggers here are saying about my book, BLACKWOLF’S REDEMPTION. I’m delighted so many of you are willing and ready to try something different!
This book was a total joy to write. And I promise you, as Shannon says, Jesse Blackwolf is the kind of true Alpha hero many of us love.
I’ve put the first chapter on my website. Check it out, if you have the time.
April 16th, 2010 on 10:32 am
I’m open to new concepts from favorite authors. I don’t typically read the Presents line, so I’m not sure about these books. I do like Gwyn Cready’s novels (Tumbling Through Time, Seducing Mr. Darcy,) and they are time-travel romances. So, I might give the new Presents a shot.
April 16th, 2010 on 10:23 am
I am always open to new concepts as long as the story is good. The retro books sound interesting. I will give them a try.
April 16th, 2010 on 9:39 am
I think this is terrific, as a reader, I will am looking forward to picking up one of the Retros.
April 16th, 2010 on 9:26 am
I love the idea of time travel, especially since it isn’t going hundreds of years back. I read that the BBC series Life On Mars/Ashes To Ashes played a part in the creation of this.
I can’t wait to read. I’d love to see some unique twists like this to Presents. Blaze has historicals why not Time Travel for Presents. Heck I’d take a good Alpha Vampire too as long as the story was good
April 16th, 2010 on 11:51 am
I love those two shows! I would also love to read maybe something set in the turbulent 1960’s as well~
April 16th, 2010 on 9:23 am
This really was a very fun book to read. I was a child in the 70s so there was a lot of nostalgia and it really showed how far technology has come from 8-tracks to iPods.
I was just over on the http://www.iheartpresents.com site and Sandra Marton has a blog up about this book/story and writing it.
April 16th, 2010 on 9:18 am
I would give the retro a peek, while I am not a series line reader too much. I do prefer series books but of the thicker variety, not the skinnies too much as I call them.
Helen L.
April 16th, 2010 on 9:11 am
My mother has always said if she could live in one time period it would be the 50’s so in a way reading these would be like visiting that era. That would be fun. I’ll keep an eye out for them.
April 16th, 2010 on 9:04 am
I’m totally in the mood for some clever time travel and fun romance. I just finished a TT romance that blew my mind. So I would say I’m definitely open to new ideas, lines, and I already put in a suggestion at my library for the Retro HPs - Blackwolf Redemption. I hope they have the funds to get it.
April 16th, 2010 on 9:03 am
I have never really read the Presents line, but I will admit, this retro spin has me fascinated. I was a teen in the 70’s, I think it would be a real charge to step back in time.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
April 16th, 2010 on 8:24 am
The Retro Presents sounds appealing and wonderful. I will be reading this new series. I enjoy the look back greatly and nostalgia is what I crave.
April 16th, 2010 on 7:52 am
I’m open, as long as it’s well written and not totally off the wall. I probably won’t be checking out the Retro line, I’m not a fan of alternate reality.
April 16th, 2010 on 7:11 am
I am always open to try new to me authors & different concepts. This concept sounds awesome & I will check them out.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
April 16th, 2010 on 6:20 am
I am pretty rigid in what I read for the most part. I don’t read many series line books but will check these out in the bookstore to see what they are about and look like.
I don’t really like it when my fav authors veer off into something different; while some of them went from the older romance type to rom suspense which I have enjoyed, I would have preferred they stayed with the “regular” romance as I call them. And if they abandon contemp completely or go off to vamp, paranormal, etc. am not happy.
Am sure I will be in the minority on this topic, but I like what I like. LOL.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Pat L.
April 16th, 2010 on 5:16 am
I love the Presents line. I think I will like the Retro Men Without Mercy line. I like the idea of a clash between the strong dominant men of yesterday vs today’s independent women.
I went to college in the 70’s and I like Sandra’s books, so I will give “Blackwolf’s Redemption” a chance.
As an avid reader I’m always open to new lines and new authors. I do base my buying the book on: the back summary, excerpts and what I read about the book on blogs.
April 16th, 2010 on 4:53 am
I’m pretty open to new concepts in my reading. I’ll probably check out the blurb on the books in the Retro line. My buying decisions are always based on the blurb. So I may get some if the blurb reaches out and grabs me.
April 16th, 2010 on 2:42 am
I think I’m pretty open to trying out new authors and series lines. The retro books sound interesting and I’ll definitely give them a try.
April 16th, 2010 on 1:50 am
I’m usually open to new concepts from authors, as long as the story is well written. I will probably read the Presents Retro series if I find it in my library.