by Victoria Tiegert

Created on: April 27, 2009

Harlequin romances have appealled to the female species for generations and doesn't appear to be losing any steam in their ever-increasing fan base. What is it about these novels that keeps us coming back for more, even as we make fun of their lightness and predictability? Is it possible that that very thing is actually part of the appeal? These are books that you can take to the beach and finish in a day of warmth and relaxation. If you lose it before you're through to the final scintillating page, don't worry, you can probably figure out the ending and just start a new one.

The first time I was introduced to (or should I say, stole a glimpse of) a Harlequin novel, I was a pre-teen at my grandparents' house. My grandmother, keep in mind, was also my Sunday School teacher, so I definitely couldn't imagine her reading anything more risque' than the family Bible, but I was obviously wrong! When I crawled into her bed one night for a bit of television, there it was...right out on the nightstand for all to see. On the cover were a man and a woman, both in states of semi-undress and embracing in the most passionate of forms. I was almost embarrassed, but not so much that I took my eyes off it for a good while.

The following morning, while good old Grammie was out making me breakfast, I stole my first peek inside the covers. It didn't take much page-turning to find exactly what I was looking for. There it was, the word "breast"...really...right there in black and white! I was stunned! You may as well have told me my grandmother was reading Penthouse Forum. I had never seen such a thing in my life! But, the appeal was difinite nonetheless to find out more about these steamy stories, especially as I got a bit older.

What exactly was the appeal based on, though? By the time I began reading Harlequin, I had seen the word "breast" a million times and it held none of the original fascination for me. However, there was something to be said for the way it was used in these books. The love scenes are so hot and steamy that they may be better than a Saturday night date! There is something to be said for that!

Everyone is a Harlequin novel is successful and beautiful. The men have chiseled bodies and strong faces. The women have lush hair and lips sitting atop their toned, yet curvy physiques. It is an amazing world of perfection to delve into for a reality break. This is appealling, certainly. Harlequin has made a name for itself and has established a worldwide following for generations. The decadence, the lust, the love, the fantasy...it's all right there between the covers.

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