Once upon a time, the name Harlequin Blaze was so named because the books were hot, hot, hot! Sexy premises, sexy dialogue, Sex and the City, sex, sex and sex.
But I think the line is more than that now. I really do. Now, Blaze is so named because it is Blazing Trails…as in, changing the way category romance is written.
Category romance is such because it is easy categorized by it’s subject matter, thereby making it easy for readers to find books that meet their expectations and needs. Want a sweet contemporary that isn’t too long? Pick up a Harlequin Romance. Want a high-stakes romantic thriller? Go to Harlequin Intrigue. Want a hot book? Blaze.
But what if you want a hot book that is also historical? Well, you can still pick up a Blaze. What a hot book with vampires? Blaze. Hot book that celebrates the dying art of the sexy contemporary romance? Blaze. Cowboys? Blaze. Witches? Blaze. Blaze, Blaze, Blaze. It’s like the answer to all your reading needs…all wrapped up in super red satiny covers.
Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of reading one of only two Blazes to be nominated for a RITA this year–Cara Summer’s A SEXY TIME OF IT. This book blew me away. Not only was it sexy to the nth degree, but it blazed a trail of storytelling that had me chained to each and every word. If I blinked, I might miss something…I didn’t blink. It’s a time travel, a suspense, an adventure, a contemporary, a futuristic…it was everything, interwoven in a way that only a master like Cara Summers could pull off. And it really shines a light on what Blaze is all about–everything that makes romance great.
I am rooting for both Cara and Jill Shalvis (nominated in the novella category)…I’m rooting for the line. And I’m hoping that readers are exploring these books on a regular basis…we’re almost like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates…you never QUITE know what you’re going to get–except for a sexy romance. The rest is as diverse as the universe. And I, for one, couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this amazing line of books!
BTW, today is my birthday. Happy birthday to me! I’m giving away a copy of Cara Summer’s book to people who comment today–tell me what it is about Blaze that you love–as it is still available from Amazon. US residents only, for shipping purposes.
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Happy Birthday, Julie!
Best wishes for a wonderful day of celebrating you!
I think the thing I like most about the Blaze line is pretty much what you said – expecting the unexpected. You know you’re getting a good read; you know it’s going to be a hot read – you just don’t know where the author’s going to take the storyline to achieve that ending that you’re looking forward to.
I know that when I pick up a blaze I’m guaranteed a fast, steamy, well written book in whatever subgenre I’m in the mood for. I read fast and I read alot, I need variety and to know I can trust this line to always meet whatever I’m in the mood for keeps me coming back for more every time. Just as I have my “go to” authors Blaze remains my go to category line.
Oh and Happy Birthday To YOU!!! Hope it’s a great reading day!
Amen and Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Julie!
I am still working on deciding whether I like Blaze or not. I love the stories but I am old and old fashioned and some of the steamier part of Blazes are a little too, too well steamy.
Happy Birthday, Julie!
I share your thoughts on the direction of Blaze. I love a sexy read, but I absolutely adore that the Blaze line incorporates so many different types of sexy! I can get my fix no matter what subgenre I’m looking for just browsing through their covers. I love that!
Julie
Happy Birthday, Julie. Mine was Sat., but, at my age, I just hope it passes me right by. I prefer the Contemp, relationship-based stories, with emphasis on how they negotiate their way to each other. As far as the lovemaking between the hero/heroine, it’s great by me. (Frankly, I’m trying to get away from Paranormal, which seems to have invaded all the lines, & is not for me.)
Patricia
Happy Birthday Julie!!
I love the Blaze line for the variety of sexy steamy reads. I have enjoyed them so much that I am collecting the older ones and hopefully will have the whole line someday. I just received the very first Blaze-Notorious- in the mail yesterday!!
Happy birthday, Julie! I’ve been wanting to read Cara’s book since last year…it intrigued me from the get-go, and Cara is a chaptermate. Somehow I never got my hands on a copy.
What do I love about Blaze? The variety of the stories. Some have suspense, some have paranormal elements, but all of them are sexy and emotional. Can’t go wrong! I love Blaze so much that my first Blaze ms is on submission right now, and I have another in the editing stage.
Happy Birthday Julie!
I love the Blaze line for the strength of the stories. I really love how sexy the stories are too.
Happy Birthday!!!
I’d sing, but I don’t think that would be much of a gift. LOL!
My favorite things about Blazes is that they’re a fun yet quick read. I can still get my daily book fix even when I don’t have much time. I also like the wide range of storylines and I always love the steaminess.
Hope you’re having a wonderful, relaxing, exciting birthday, Julie. And I couldn’t agree more. Blaze has something for everyone. Histoircal, Paranormal, Cowboys, military men, Feisty strong women, and sexy irresistable guys. What’s not to love?
And absolutely, GO Cara and Jill!
Happy Happy B-day Julie! Have a wonderful day!!!
My love of BLAZE… no matter which author you choose, you know you are going to have a great read!!!
A very happy birthday, Julie! As for what I love about Blaze, I love the variety of stories I can find, but as you and others have mentioned, they’re all excellent reads by excellent authors. What’s NOT to like?
Happy Birthday Julie!
Blaze is always the line I look at first when I’m going to buy books. The thing I love about the Blaze line is it gives me the hot I’m looking for, but has a romantic quality to it. It’s not just about the love scenes, it’s also about the characters.
Happy Birthday, Julie. Blaze offers great stories with great heat.
Happy birthday!
Blazes are my favorite line for much the same reasons as everyone else has mentioned. I like the wide variety of plotlines from light romantic comedy to serious drama, time travel, paranormal though that’s not usually my thing, or a great combination of the two. I like seeing the line experiment and expand, keeping things fresh and interesting.
Happy Birthday Julie! I hope it’s been a good one!
What i like best about Blaze is how so many different scenarios and ideas have been explored in Blaze, such as the Red Letter Nights and Do Not Disturb miniseries, two of my favorites, and how the scenes are written so they’re steamy, but not déclassé, tawdry or uncomfortable for the reader.
happy bday
blaze are my fav. so hot an sexy and iam liking the new lines. historcal and parmanols cause i know they will be hot
it has something for everyone
whooo
Happy Belated Birthday!!! I love the hot, hot hotness of blazes!! The story lines are awesome too. Especially the cowboys and the military story lines. But I love them all!!!
WOOT-WOOHOO! Happy Belated Birthday Julie!
My favorite thing about BLAZE books are the fantastic authors! Yeah! The plots are full of everything I love, romance, sex, suspense, and more passion! WOOHOO! I think that says it all.
Hope you enjoyed your bday!! love blazes. suspsen and paranormal
any winner
I couldn’t agree more! I hope you had a lovely birthday!!!!