If you love small towns and cowboys, you’ll love Harlequin American Romance. Our stories are heartwarming contemporary tales of everyday women finding love, becoming part of a family or community—or maybe starting a family of her own.
American Romance Key Elements
- Central romance is driven by the hero’s or heroine’s (or both) desire to be a part of a family or community
- Stories showcase the comforts of home and a sense of place – particularly the charm of small-town America and the ruggedness of western locales
- Must be set in the USA
- Western heroes and heroines are very popular – cowboys (ranchers, rodeo riders), law enforcement (sheriffs, deputies, Texas Rangers), etc
- All stories must feature strong family elements such as pregnancy, young children, blended families, etc
- Warmhearted stories offer a range of tones, from light humor to drama
- Level of sensuality is low to moderate
- Word count of 55,000–60,000 means stories must be fast-paced and plot-driven
Featured in American Romance
Relatable characters searching for love and the security of family in an increasingly complicated world. Heroes are rugged and strong; heroines intelligent and complex.
American Romance is…
Sweet Home Alabama‘s sweet and sassy city vs. country story, for its prominent sense of place and humorous portrayal of a classic first love reunion. Heartland for its extended family drama and ranch setting.
Did You Know?
- You can follow @KScheibling on Twitter
- Find the Meet the Editors podcast on American Romance here: http://www.harlequin.com/article.html?articleId=1485
- The cowboy is the quintessential American hero – over half our books feature western heroes.
- Our newest author was discovered in Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest!
- There are 4 new Harlequin American Romance books available each month.
My Cowboy Valentine
- by Jane Porter
and Tanya Michaels
- Feb 2013
- Category: Home and Family
- Paperback
- ISBN: 9780373754427 (#1438)
Back of the Book
A kiss from a cowboy…
Be Mine, Cowboy by Jane Porter
Years ago, Rachel James gave Cade King an ultimatum, and he walked. Heartbroken, Rachel moved on. Life is tough as a single mom, but Rachel is doing just fine.
Now Cade’s back after burning up the rodeo circuit, and things are different. He’s sober, but with one burning regret. He has some work to do to show Rachel he’s changed—but he’s up to the challenge.
Hill Country Cupid by Tanya Michaels
Tess knows what young Bailey Calhoun wants: a mom. So when she sees shy cowboy Nick Calhoun giving someone the eye, Tess goes into full matchmaking mode.
Nick is happy to have Tess’s help…but her matchmaking backfires. How can he convince his cupid that she’s the one he wants?
Review of Be Mine, Cowboy by Jane Porter
This was one powerful book. It was about redemption, realizing love lost isn’t truly lost and about the need to find yourself before you can give yourself freely and openly to someone else.
I will have to say that this is not your typical American Romance. It deals with young love, abandonment, alcoholism, single mother, raising a special needs child, forgiving yourself and finding the love that you thought you lost. While not “typical” I felt connected with Cade and Rachel. While there backstory together was somewhat typical in young love, the decision that Cade made, in hindsight, was the right one. He wasn’t ready for someone to truly and openly love him and Rachel wasn’t going to wait around for him to get his crap together.
Ms. Porter wrote about two characters that I cheered for from the first page and didn’t let up until the last page. It was an emotional read for me and the story will stay with me for some time.
Review of Hill Country Cupid by Tanya Michaels
Let me just say that after reading about Nick and Tess, I ordered the rest of this series. Wow, did I miss out on a great series. This story is the complete opposite of the other story in the book. Its light hearted, funny, sexy and reminds us that sometimes the person were are looking for is right in front of us.
I loved Tess and Nick from the beginning. What began has a simple matchmaking exercise, quickly turns into a story about finding the person right in front of us. *sigh* This story reminding me of my own life in some ways. I met my husband after being set up by our mutual sister in law. It took me 4 years to realize that he was the one for me. Married now for almost 8 years.
The ending was sweet and unexpected. I’m hoping I will get to read more about Nick and Tess in upcoming books in the series. Don’t miss out on a great story about two people that almost missed each other when pride and their own hearts get in the way.
Overall Review:
I love stories of redemption and seeing someone in a different light after the years have pasted by you. Keep in mind that these stories have little or no sex in them. They are not “sweet” stories but stories of love and the path to realizing that sometimes loving someone is letting them go so they can find their way back to you.
Very interesting facts that can help a writer. I don’t think I’ve read this line but I do read Harlequins.
Z
I’m so glad you found a Valentine Harlie! The fact that you really enjoyed it was a bonus! It sounds just like the book for me. Thanks for sharing it in the Harlie’s Harlequin Spotlight!
Both stories sound wonderful. I had not thought of what elements would be necessary before. Very interesting thank you.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Froggy
Thanks for the giveaway. Please enter me. I would love to read this book.
This sounds really good! I haven’t tried the American Romances through Harlie but I’m going to have to give them a try!