by Beth Andrews and Anna Sugden
Anna: I’m so excited about your first book – Not Without Her Family – coming out in June from Harlequin SuperRomance, Beth. Is that the one about the red-haired, violet-eyed virgin with the heaving breasts, who falls for her dark, brooding, much older and more worldly boss?
Beth: Uh, not exactly. My heroine does have red hair but her eyes are green and…well…to be honest <whispering> she’s not a virgin. And her breasts don’t heave. Not even once.
Oh, but you know what? She does fall for a dark haired hero. Unfortunately, he’s only a few years older than her and he’s far from wordly, nor is he her boss. He’s a single father and the police chief of a small town who is investigating my heroine’s brother for murder.
But what about your latest work-in-process for Silhouette Special Edition, Tough Girl, Pretty Woman? You know, the one with the innocent, golden-haired, blue-eyed beauty whose ruthless, billionaire guardian seduces her and then pressures her to marry him in order to give him an heir?
Anna: Nearly right with my heroine – she’s golden-haired and blue-eyed. But innocent? Uh no. She’s a puck bunny (you know, one of those hockey groupies). And she doesn’t need to marry to have the child she dreams of. Not when there’s IVF (in-vitro fertilization).
Besides, she doesn’t trust men. She was abused by someone she trusted as a teenager. And my hero, the only one who knew the truth, unintentionally betrayed her. I bet my hero would love to be a billionaire though. Sadly, hockey players don’t get paid anything like as much as that.
Of course, things get a little tricky when she runs out of options and is forced to turn to my hero for help getting pregnant!
How funny that we both got it so wrong. I guess we fell into the trap of assuming that category romances hadn’t changed over the years. Sure they use the same themes that romance readers know and love (The Greek Billionaire Undercover Cowboy Cop’s Amnesiac Fiancée’s Secret Baby, anyone?). But, they’re certainly not your grandmother’s dime novel romances any more.
Beth: So true <g> Yes, the themes and classic romance hooks are there, but the stories themselves have grown. Today’s category heroes are honorable, sexy and want a heroine who is his equal in life and in love. Heroines are strong, independent and not afraid to go after what they want – whether it’s a promotion in her law firm, a baby, or even a fling with her smoking-hot next door neighbor! Category authors delve deep to give their readers emotionally satisfying stories that resonate with the lives we live today.
And one of the best things about category is the variety! Want a hot, sexy read? We’ve got that. In the mood for a historical? Got that too <g> How about a sweeter love story, a fantasy (complete with wealthy princes or sheiks) or maybe something set in a small town where the hero and heroine are surrounded by their close-knit family and friends? Check, check and double check! Honestly, there’s a category line for every romance reader’s taste 
Anna: Definitely. And let’s not forget there are also dark paranormals, pacy suspenses, sweeping sagas, a whole range of inspirationals and even NASCAR-themed romances. (Now, if only we could get NHL-themed romances, I’d be in there!)
Category writers have also made both their characters and their plots more complex, more deeply layered. They are prepared to tackle issues that even a few years ago might have been considered a no-no, such as abuse, addiction, terrorism, drug and gang wars, cancer, single parenting, IVF, teenage pregnancy, prison rehabilitation, identity theft and so on. It’s no surprise, that so many big names in romance and on the NYT best-seller list made their start in category romance; Janet Evanovich, Tess Gerritsen, Nora Roberts, Debbie Macomber, Jenny Crusie, Lisa Gardner, Lisa Jackson to name but a few.
Beth and I are big fans of category romance – can you tell? <g>. It’s why we’ve worked so hard to try to get published in category lines.
How about you? What do you enjoy about category romances? Which theme is your favourite? Who are some of your favourite authors? What are some of your favourite category series? What would you like to see next in category? Are there lines you miss? If you haven’t tried category, what’s stopping you?
P.S. – We want to give kudos to Dear Author for her insightful blog on category romances and the wonderful video segment Smartbitches did about category books right here on RNTV. Thanks ladies!!
Beth will be giving away February Harlequin Superomances and Anna will be giving away February Harlequin Special Editions.
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Anna Campbell
on Jan 30th, 2008
@ 11:22 pm:
Hey, gals! A celebration of category romances which are getting harder and harder to categorise! When I grew up, it was inevitably young, very dewy eyed (and heaving breasted) virgin and MUCH older man. Now the sky’s the limit in what you can do. Beth, can’t wait till your book comes out – sounds SUPER (pun intended). Anna, I want to read your hockey books! So you’ve already got a reader lined up and panting. Actually, if the story is done well and the characters touch my heart, I like any hook although I must admit a soft spot for a Spanish/Italian/Greek billionaire or, best of all, a sheikh! Yes, I love a Presents. But I also love the other varieties. I love the emotional depth you find in a Super or a Special Edition or a romance/sweet. I love the historicals – obviously! And Intimate Moments have some of the best writers working in romance. And… OK, I’ll stop. But you know what I mean. Basically, whatever your reading mood, you can find a category romance to fit your requirements. There’s even paranormals now with Nocturnes. Our fellow GH finalist Pamela Palmer is really making a mark in that line!
Fedora
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 12:04 am:
Hi, Beth and AnnaS! I love category romances–they’re what I read tons of when I first started reading romances (yep, way back with the young virgins and older but virile men who showed them the delights of love and all that). I love that they are so varied now, and you can find pretty much whatever your fancy is!
I’m not as captivated now by the younger heroines (I guess now that I’m older, they just make me feel old
), and like ones who’ve lived at least a little 
I especially love the Blaze line, but read from just about all of them (Superromance, Special Editions, Desire, American Romance, Presents, Romance, Intimate Moments, Love Inspired… except maybe Nocturne). For Blazes, I love Sarah Mayberry, Samantha Hunter, Tawny Weber (of course!), and a bunch of others. I love also how many authors seem to cut their teeth on category, and then go onto longer titles or sometimes go back and forth between category and longer titles–Lori Foster, Jennifer Crusie, Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts, the PlotMonkeys, Alison Kent, Lucy Monroe…
I do miss the Temptation line, and NeXT is being phased out as well. But as Anna says, there’s something for just about any mood you might have, so what’s not to love?
Anna Campbell
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 12:07 am:
Actually, I think all this brings up a really important point – category teaches people to write tight and write right. The ability to tell a compelling story in that tiny space really tests a writer’s skills to the limits. I’m not at all surprised that so many category writers have gone on to become superstars of the genre! By the way, Fedora, I miss Temptations as well. Loved that flirty, sexy tone they had.
Eva S
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 12:12 am:
Oh Anna, you already mentioned all my favorites, the billionaires, the sheikhs and the historicals with some paranormal!! What’s there left for me to say? I’m all fantasy, I seldom read about ordinary people, stories that could happen to all of us, no, I’ve got enough of it here home. No abuse, addiction, terrorism, drugs and so on, no thanks! (Not that I have it in my home, but today nearly on my doorstep!)
I want to get lost in my books!!I want love at first sight, dark, gorgeous heroes that sweep your feet away. I have many favorites, Diana Palmer’s heroes, Lynne Graham’s Greeks and Penny Jordan’s sheikhs, just a few of them.
Jennifer Y.
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 12:40 am:
Great post!
I love category romances! I love the historicals, Blaze, Supers, Desires, American Romances, SSE, Love Inspired, and Medical Romances, but I read them all (and have probably read or own at least one book from every line still around). I miss the Temptations (I didn’t read contemps much when they were around), but have been able to find some still around and love them. My sister and mother got me hooked on category romances…my mother only reads category romances, in fact. And I was lucky enough to find a big box of Desires and Temptations that belonged to my sister in my parents’ attic a while back.
Since most of the category romances are often shorter than single titles, I love that they provide me with a full and complete story in a short amount of time without me feeling like the story was rushed which is great! And there is a variety out there…there are a variety of characters, storylines, themes, etc. As you all have said, there is something for everybody and for every mood.
My aunt gave me some older category romances from the early 80s and it is interesting to see how they have changed.
Oh and one of my fave themes though (which can go for non-category books as well) is the friends-to-lovers theme…I love books with this theme and if I know that is the theme than it is usually an autobuy for me.
And your upcoming books sound wonderful! I can’t wait to read them!
Donna MacMeans
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 1:03 am:
Well, I must confess that I don’t read a lot of categories. Sorry. But the ones I’ve read I’ve really liked – especially those with a touch of humor in them. What I don’t like about categories is that they’re never out for very long. Seems like whenever I’m looking for a certain book – darn, it’s already been removed from the shelves. What’s up with that?
But I promise to read Beth’s book and I honestly admire all the category authors who pack a highly emotional story in just a tight package.
Tawny
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 2:09 am:
Ahhh, Category. I love it!!! I grew up reading category, mostly Temptation (sob, I miss them so much!) Special Edition and Intimate Moments. All of my favorite, auto-buy authors– Nora Roberts, Jennifer Crusie, Vicki Lewis Thompson –started in category (and I have their categories on my keeper shelves!) and hooked me there, drawing me along with them when they shifted to single title.
A great example of what you gals say here is the evolution of Temptation. One of the mini-series in Temptation were the Temptation Blazes (super hot & sexy). This mini-series became so popular as readers wanted hotter, sexier books, it spawned its own line. Then Temptation closed, leaving Blaze going strong. Now, Blaze has a mini-series called Blush (one book out each month is a Blush), which promises the Blaze heat, but the Temptation sass. Gota love it!!
And having read both Beth and Anna’s works, I can honestly say they are amazing!!
These two gals definitely define their lines and bring such depth and power to their stories, its amazing that they are written in such a short page count.
Suzanne Welsh
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 4:04 am:
Good morning, Anna and Beth! I liked the de-virginizing post!
Okay, don’t shoot me, but I don’t read too many category books. (Holding up my shield against the daggers being shot my way.) It’s a length thing with me….okay, yeah, we talked about that earlier., But I really like long, meaty books. A category book has to really grab my attention for me to even take it off the shelf. I used to read Temptations, especially those written by Jane Sullivan and Vickie Lewis Thompson. But now that line has gone to the wayside. HOWEVER, I have read Tawny’s “Dare” books and enjoyed them, so there may be hope for me in the future.
helen
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 4:37 am:
Hi everyone I don’t read the category books either sorry I used to read a lot of Mills and Boons books and I loved them smaller romance books different themes I liked the medical ones and the ones where the heroine met a rich hero I then went onto big historical romances in the 70’s and have not looked back. I have been looking at some of these books lately when I go shopping and even though my TBR pile is toppling over I am intrigued by these and am going to buy some.
Have Fun
Helen
Beth Andrews
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:24 am:
Good morning, Everyone!
Anna, I too love all varieties of category romances. I’ve read them all at one time or another and find them all great in their own way *g* And I could agree more about category teaching a writer how to write tight and write right
The shorter word count really forces authors to focus on the romance.
LOL Fedora on liking heroines who’ve lived a little! I couldn’t agree more! And I discovered some of my favorite authors when they were writing categories – Virginia Kantra and Suzanne Brockmann just to name two
Hey, Eva S! Categories are GREAT for readers who want the complete fantasy *g* I too love a fantasy romance – or maybe I should say I love a fairy tale romance
I totally understand the need to be swept away by a story, to forget about ‘real life’ for a few hours. Isn’t that what reading romance is all about? 
Christie Kelley
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:27 am:
It’s funny, when I first started reading romance I read strictly category. Then I found myself getting bored with them (this was a loooong time ago) and discovered historical romance. But in the last couple of years I’ve been reaching for category again. I think the reason is that category has changed from the wide-eyed innocent to a heroine with so much more.
Beth, your book sounds great and I can’t wait to read it.!! Anna, I just know I’ll be reading about your hockey players soon.
Gillian
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:28 am:
I’m seriously mild-mannered
but nothing makes me growl like people who brush off category romance. What a wealth of story-telling delight in a pure-sized package! And you know, they may be smaller, but they’re still substantial reads, especially for curling up with on a snowy afternoon, hot tea and kittens at your side…and now I don’t want to go to work…..
Anyhoo, love me some sheik (Go Annie West! yum!), and Lee McKenzie’s With This Ring (American line) is just awesome; also loved Trish Wylie’s Bride of Emerald Isle. And Bonnie Vanak’s Nocturne release–The Empath– was super sexy and powerfully romantic. And I’ll say it again–if you’ve never read an inspirational, pick up a Steeple Hill and give one a try (I’m gonna suggest Four Little Blessings by Merrilee Whren, just about to be released).
Great post, ladies! And great picture, too!
Marisa
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:31 am:
Great post Anna and Beth!
I love category romances, cut my teeth on them and were introduced to some of my favorite authors. I continue to buy category and I’m being introduced to new authors all the time. My favorite use to be the Temptation Line, now – its Blaze. Categories are a nice balance with single titles, I switch between both. My favorite category plots are the women who are way out of their element but always rise to the occasion.
I’d love to see more categories with older women – you know, women who are at least 39 perhaps 40, maybe even 45; having adventure fantasy and romance. There is an entire generation of women who are still reading category and need to see a little of themselves reflected in the books they read.
Beth Andrews
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:34 am:
Hi Jennifer! I too love a friends to lover story (I also love reunion stories *g*)! And I’ve read just about every category line and have a few books in my TBR pile from at least three lines as we speak *g* Wonder if I could skip writing today and just read instead?
Donna, the shelf life for categories is short but you can find most books online after their initial release *g* And thank you for saying you’ll read my book! Knowing people are actually going to READ it makes me incredibly nervous though
Aww…thanks, Tawny! My stories wouldn’t be quite as deep or powerful if I didn’t have you to ask me, “But how does he FEEL?” all the time *ggg* And I miss Temptations too – but I’m so glad Blaze now has their Blush mini-series! Tawny’s last release, Does She Dare (still available online) is a Blush and it’s fantastic! It definitely has that Temptation sass
Beth Andrews
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:48 am:
Suz, I’m sure there are many category authors who could grab your attention. Beyond long, meaty (okay, that sounds just a tad kinky *g*) books, what type of story do you prefer? And since you enjoyed Tawny’s books, I won’t give up hope on you yet
Helen, your tbr pile sounds like mine *g* So many books, so little time, right? I’m so glad you’re going to give categories a chance! Happy reading
Christie, I was the same way *g* I started reading category then went on to historicals and then single title contemps. I do like to mix it up a bit
I couldn’t agree more than category heroines are now so much more! Depending on the line, they can be innocent, single mothers or even spies and assassins *g*What’s not to love? 
LOL, Gillian! I’m the same way about people brushing off categories. It makes me put my angry face on (I can be very intimidating) Thanks so much for the recommendations! My reading time has become limited but I’m always on the lookout for great stories
Beth Andrews
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:50 am:
Marisa, I think having older heroines is a great idea! Oh, jeez, now you’ve got me thinking. And plotting. *g* Never a good thing when I’m supposed to be finishing a story I’ve already plotted
keoweegirl
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:52 am:
I started reading categories in the 70’s and still enjoy them today. Yes, they certainly have evolved quite a bit since those early “young virgin – older man” days. Now there are so many lines that there’s something available for just about every taste. I tend towards Silhouette Special Edition, Desire, American Romance and SuperRomance but I read all of the lines from time to time. I discovered a lot of my auto-buy authors through the Categories, like Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts, Lori Foster, Susan Mallery, Elizabeth Bevarly, Sherryl Woods and many more.
I love the humor in Tina Leonard’s COWBOYS BY THE DOZEN series and I adore meeting families like Roberts’ MACGREGORS, Foster’s BUCKHORN BROTHERS, Judy Christenberry’s RANDALLS and Cathy Gillen Thacker’s MCCABES and BRIDES OF HOLLY SPRINGS (some hockey stories here, Anna). Jessica Bird’s (a/k/a JR Ward) Moorehouse trilogy and her newest category, THE BILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR are incredibly emotional and complex stories that kept me flipping pages. The various multi-author continuity series that you find in the categories have introduced me to many terrific authors and sent me scurrying to glom their backlists.
I read a lot of single title books but the categories are terrific when I want a quick, satisfying read. They’re smaller and easy to tuck into my purse for trips to the doctor, etc. I also love that I usually don’t have to wait a long time between books in a series. I like that instant gratification of back to back releases.
Anna and Beth, I’ll definitely be looking for both of your books!
~PJ
P.S. Please exclude me from your Blog prize today. I’ve already won this week. Thanks!
keoweegirl
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:57 am:
I agree with Marisa. Now that I’m a bit more “seasoned”, I also like to read romances with heroines closer to my age.
Marisa
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 7:23 am:
Beth wrote: “Marisa, I think having older heroines is a great idea! Oh, jeez, now you’ve got me thinking. And plotting. *g* Never a good thing when I’m supposed to be finishing a story I’ve already plotted
”
You go Beth! We all want to be the heroines of our own lives, no matter how old we are!
AndreaW
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 7:31 am:
I’ve actually just recently started reading category romances. So far, I’ve read all of Jacquie D’Alessandro’s Blaze books and her anthologies. I really like them because they are filled with sexy romance and I can usually finish them in a day or two. I am very much open to reading more!
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 7:37 am:
Another fan Anna! I can see how much you like the variety on offer. Being half-Persian, I’m not too fond of sheikhs – although I will make an exception for Susan Mallery’s Special Edition sheikhs. I started reading them because I love her writing – and ended up hooked!
I loved the old Intimate Moments – I’m not sure about the new Romantic Suspense incarnation – but I’ll give it a go. I do miss the longer, emotional stories in the old IM.
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 7:41 am:
Fedora – I agree with you on the younger heroines. Surely, it’s not because we’re older
!
I miss Temptation too – I loved that line. It was one of my Reader Service lines. I was so disappointed when they got rid! Maybe if the new Blush line within Blaze takes off they may make it a regular feature (our own Tawny Weber’s Does She Dare? is one of the new Blush books).
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 7:42 am:
Anna – writing tight for category is certainly a challenge – especially with the reduced word counts! But it does force you to focus on the core of the story and think about how you use words and dialogue to deliver the story.
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 7:49 am:
Ah Eva – the escapism of romance novels. Don’t you just love them?!
Jennifer – the ‘friends to lovers’ theme is one of my favourites too! Maybe that’s because my own romance is one! You raise a good point about how category romances have changed – they are very quick to move with the trends in both writing and story content. I really admire some of the longer-standing authors who have been able to go with the flow of change and continue delivering outstanding books.
Donna – that’s the challenge of cateogry. Especially with the way bookstores put the books out. Although they’re only out for a month, they often sell out quickly, so stores who get them out early can be short what you’re looking for.
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 7:59 am:
LOL Tawny – I’m with Beth. We wouldn’t get the depth of emotion and conflict without your challenging questions!
Suz – we wouldn’t shoot one of our very own Banditas! Besides – it’s very much about horses for courses! But, that won’t stop us from trying to tempt you to the shorter side! We’re slowly covering the range, with Tawny in Blaze, Pam Palmer in Nocturne, Beth in Supers, Stacey Kayne in Historicals, Trish Milburn soon to come in Americans, our recent Bandit guest Janice Lynn in Medicals … and hopefully me in Special Editions one day soon. We’ll get you my pretty!
And that goes for you too, Helen!! Just because you’re oceans away … doesn’t save you!
Thanks so much Christie – keep your fingers crossed for my hockey hunks.
Gillian – as you can tell, Beth and I have the same hot button when it comes to Category. I do think a lot of the bias comes from what people remember of the past. But they haven’t realised Category has come a long way, baby! Or maybe it’s that thing that ‘pulp’ fiction used to suffer from – if it’s small it ain’t good. I remember hearing about people dissing writers like Elmore leonard because he wrote short and fast!
Kim
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 8:04 am:
Gooood Mornin’ Banditas!! So many great category romances!
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 8:05 am:
Marisa – I think that women who are out of their element and rise to the occasion are my heroines. I so admire them … when I’m a pretty big chicken myself! That’s how I became a Lindsay McKenna and Merline Lovelace fan years ago. Their women in the military were so inspiring! And I’m all for older heroines too.
It’s very interesting that in some of the series’ (don’t you just love connected books?!) Special Edition has sometimes had one story about a much older female finding romance. Every one I’ve read has been so beautifully written and the age thing has been handled so well – I think there is room for expanding the age limit.
Besides if I found true love later on … why can’t other heorines?
Beth – I’m so thrilled many more people will get to read your books! They will fall in love with your sassy heroines and sexy heroes as much as I have!
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 8:17 am:
Keowee girl – you’re a reader after my own heart – you’ve mentioned so many favourites! Then there’s Christine Rimmer, Susan Mallery, RaeAnne Thayne … oh the list could go on. Is is any wonder I have so many keeper shelves?!
And yes, sporting heroes are sneaking into romance – thanks to wonderful writers like Susan Elizabeth Philips, Rachel Gibson, Deirdre Martin and Kate Angell (can you tell I’m a fan?) Hockey players have been sneaking into category too. There was even one Special Edition not long ago Blindsided, that had hockey at the heart of the story! Hopefully, I can convince the powers that be at Silhouette to add my hockey hunks to the list!
To me, they’re kind of like sports’ version of cowboys or Special Ops – their strength of honour and values, the contradiction between the man on the ice and the man off the ice, their dedication, their generosity and their humanity. Unlike many sportsmen, hockey players are rarely the spoiled prima donnas! They’re incredibly down to earth – see it’s that research thing again! *sigh* gotta love them! (oh and hockey gets the same bad rap as category!)
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 8:18 am:
Hey Andrea – now that you’re on the right track – have we got some recommendations for you! Tawny Weber’s Dare series for a start!
Kim – which Kim are you today?
keoweegirl
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 8:27 am:
Anna, I just finished reading RaeAnne Thayne’s HIS SECOND CHANCE FAMILY, the second book in her “The Women of Brambleberry House” series. (Silhouette SE #1874/Jan. 08) Loved it!
~PJ
Beth Andrews
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 8:34 am:
PJ, you mentioned some of my favorite authors! And I love the connected stories in categories. So many wonderful series such as the ones you’ve mentioned plus Suzanne Brockmann’s SEALs and Virginia Kantra’s Eden books.
Anyone else have any favorite series? Or trilogies? Did I mention I LOVE connected stories? LOL!
Oh, Marisa, that is so true!
Andrea, thanks for stopping by! I’ve heard wonderful things about Jacquie D’s books. I’m definitely adding her to my tbb (to be bought) list!
Good morning, Kim! We’re so glad to be here *g*
Anna, you’re so sweet (and a bit biased *g*) but I appreciate the kind words – especially while I’m struggling to find the ’sassy’ in my latest heroine
Joanie T
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 8:49 am:
Ok, my bleary eyes TOTALLY misread the term “puck bunny”.
I too am a recent arrival to reading categories. Tawny’s hot two titles drew me in and hooked me. Still a single title girl at heart but boy….kudos to the category authors!
So, Beth you can add another anticipatory reader to your list and Anna…hockey? Go, you! As I’ve said before…and firmly believe….a good story is a good story. Heroes come in all sizes (characterization, people)and walks of life. Sports heroes! A natural.
BTW, LOVE the photo of you two. Beautiful
Fedora
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 9:13 am:
Oh yes, JenniferY, that’s one of my favorite themes, too–friends-to-lovers. And Beth, I love reunion stories, too! Maybe part of it is that if the writer works it well, it makes much for sense for the intense emotions to develop that much faster than with a brand new relationship (not that love-at-first-sight can’t happen, of course).
And AnnaS, I’d love to read more sporty themed ones! Bring on the hockey!
Buffie
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 9:18 am:
Good Morning, ladies!!!! It is so great to see everyone here.
I have just recently gotten into category romances. Jacquie D got me started on them, so of course I have read hers. I have also read Tawny’s stuff, which by the way is smokin’ hot
Both of your books sound fabulous and like ones that I am bound to enjoy. I am mean who doesn’t love a hunkie cop or hockey player?!?! I am so happy to have found another area of romance that I can explore and enjoy.
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 9:49 am:
Keowee girl – I love that series of RaeAnne’s. I also loved her SIM series “The Searchers”. She’s such a lovely person too – she guested over at the Romance Bandits blog just before Christmas and we had a blast!
Beth – No – I am not biased! You know me and my nitpicky critiquing *grin*. Oh and Virginia Kantra – another favourite. Also really lovely and does the best workshops.
Joanie T – well, that wouldn’t be so big a misread given what puck bunnies are known for! Definitely not innocent! And I’m rooting realy hard for your gladiators and my hockey hunks to make it!
Fedora – You’re the best!
Hey Buffie – glad to have drawn you over *he he he* – we look forward to keeping you! (And your sexy avatars!)
jo robertson
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 10:14 am:
Great topic, Anna and Beth. I must admit I’ve learned more about category romances from this blog than I ever knew.
Beth, your book sounds intriguing, can’t wait for the release. And Anna, hockey players, so sexy! I see an inway into a new category line with your ideas.
Beth Andrews
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 10:18 am:
Thanks, Joan! I too love that photo – it was taken in Atlanta the year all of the Banditas finaled in the Golden Heart. What a great time and it brought us all together (for which I’m extremely grateful) *g* Yes, heroes come in all shapes, sizes and time periods
I can’t wait until your hunky Romans are in print!!
Fedora, I agree. I love a story where the couple has a history together that they have to overcome – whether that history is their friendship or something more *g*
Buffie, Anna’s hockey players are definitely hunky! And I love the hero of my first book – he’s contained and in control. Except when it comes to my heroine
Anna, I adore Virginia Kantra’s books and workshops. I try to take one from her every year *g* (workshops, that is. I don’t take her books. I buy them *g*)
Kim
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 10:49 am:
Anna–LOL! When it comes to the Banditas I’m always the “other” Kim. *eg* I gotta get out and play once and a while!
Aunty Cindy
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 12:34 pm:
GREAT post VA and Beth!
I too did not read category until a few years ago, when a friend started writing them. But I gotta tell you that our Bandita Tawny has a couple of HOT HOT reads. Also our 06 Packer buddies Pam Palmer (Nocturn) and Stacey Kayne (Harl. Historical) have some great books out too! Stacey’s MAVERICK WILD was just released this month and I highly recommend it! (Another shameless plug, but Stacey guested on the Bandit blog a couple of weeks ago, if you’d like to know more.)
Beth, can’t wait for you book to hit the shelves! Anna, it’s only a matter if WHEN, not IF for you!
AC
Jennifer Y.
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 1:00 pm:
Beth Said: Wonder if I could skip writing today and just read instead?
Um, as a reader who wants to read your book…I would say write, write, write! LOL
cassondra
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 1:14 pm:
What a great post–debunking the myths of categories. I started with the Intimate Moments line when it was a bit longer–and that’s what I’ve always wanted in my heart of hearts to write. BUT I write too long. That skill Anna Campbell spoke of–to write a compelling story in such a short space–well, I don’t have it. (heavy sigh) And I also agree that that line–Intimate Moments–along with Super, has started the careers of some of the best mainstream authors in the world. Great writers to a one.
Beth, I can’t wait for your Super to come out. It sounds fabulous. I love their focus–family relationships, often small towns, real-world stuff with some sizzle.
I, for one, am glad that categories have broadened their storylines to include…well…more “real” scenarios–more “at home” stuff–and more real heroines and heros–not the old Presents style of story. Love the Presents, but as I grew older, (uh…GROW older..MUCH older) I can’t relate as well. I like a heroine with a spine.
You know that movie, The Princess Bride? You know how everybody loves it? Well, okay, there are things about it that I love too. It’s funny in some spots. But there’s this one part I can’t get past. They get lost in the swamp with the Rodents of Unusual Size. (ROUS) ROUS attack Wesley. ROUS nearly chews his arm off. What does Buttercup do? Grab a stick and hit the ROUS? Kick the ROUS? Help in any way? NooooOOOOOOOooooo. She stands off to the side and looks all shocked and freaked out and helpless and….well…you get the picture. Gotta have a heroine with some backbone. The new categories have those ladies. In spades.
I go from category to Single Title to category to Single title in my reading. I have no prejudice about the books as long as the story is good.
Just finished Tawny’s Does She Dare? and I’ve gotta say…..it’s a close call, but I think it’ll win out as my fav over Double Dare by maybe the thickness of one page. Both SO excellent. But Dante–Bad boy with a big heart. LOVE it.
Finished Christie’s Every Night I’m Yours last night too–see–Hot category Blaze one night, and a ST Historical the next. (BTW Christie, if you’re reading this, I LOVED that story premise. And Banning is my kind of hero. Yummm.)
And can I just say, that it’s a shame Anna’s shoes aren’t in that pic. Her SHOES that year were AMAZING.
Anna Campbell
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 1:28 pm:
Anna, try Annie West’s sheikhs. I’m sure you’ll love them. She writes such deeply compelling, emotional stories. And her heroes are such men of honour. Love that in a man.
Other favorite category writers? Oh, man, too many to name. Who springs to mind immediately? Lynne Graham. Jane Porter. Trish Morey. Bronwyn Jameson. Sophia Weston (who hasn’t had a release in a while but I love her voice). Ruth Wind. Stacey Kayne. Tawny Weber – of course! Susan Napier. Robyn Donald. Amy Andrews. Marion Lennox. There’s been some great new voices into category recently too – I’ve already mentioned the fabulous Annie West but I really enjoyed Pamela Palmer’s Dark Gate and Kelly Hunter’s flirty, funny Modern Extras and Fiona Lowe’s Medicals. Paula Roe had her first Desire out this year, Forgotten Marriage, and it was a doozy. It’s up for two Romantic Times Awards so clearly I wasn’t the only person really impressed! So many books, so little time!
cassondra
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 2:21 pm:
Anna Campbell said:
So many books, so little time!
Ain’t it the truth Anna. Ain’t it the truth.
Okay ladies, I’m off to get some *gasp* WRITING done. Believe it or not. Gotta leave and go where there’s no internet to be able to do it. ;0)
I have to work 12 hours tomorrow, so I want to give a huge virtual hug and THANK you to Kim, Marisa and Maria here at RNTV for hosting our invasion–what a fun time it’s been….
In the meantime, carry on Beth and Anna (oh, I wanted to give away Anna’s secret…she really is a puck bunny. I swear. We met with Donna MacMeans to plot books, and when any hockey team finishes a game, her phone PINGS WITH THE SCORE!!!!!! Yes, friends, Anna Sugden knows, twenty-four hours a day, anywhere in the world, which hockey team has just risen or fallen in the rankings. She is, in the words of a redneck Kentucky girl, “eat up with it.”)
Beth Andrews
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 2:44 pm:
Thanks, Jo! I’m getting excited *g* I have a feeling the next few months will fly by!
AC, I’m with you on highly recommending Stacey Kayne’s books! If you love a sexy cowboy and strong heroines, she’s the author for you
I’ve heard so many good things about Pam’s book as well. More for the TBR pile *g*
LOL, Jennifer! You just made my day *g* And I was good – I wrote instead of read! Now I need a break to get on the treadmill then it’s back to the story.
Cassondra, I love stories that are real-world with some sizzle *g* Loved the Intimate Moments line too which is where I discovered some of my favorite authors. And I feel really lucky to be writing for Supers, another of my favorite lines with such fabulous authors.
Anna, great recommendations! I love reading new authors and adding them to my auto-buy list
Suzanne Welsh
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 3:12 pm:
Oh, I did forget to say that I got hooked on Suzanne Brockman by reading all ten of her Seal books in one week.
I was a woman on a mission!
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 3:28 pm:
Thanks AC – keeping my fingers crossed!
You know the other line really worth trying is Intrigue – they have some fabulous authors like Debra Webb, Julie Miller and Kathleen Long.
Cassondra – definitely gotta have a heroine with backbone! And I’m thrilled you remembered my shoes from that year! They may be making a reappearance in SF, along with the ever-popular triple straps (pause for Tawny to drool *gg*) and my polka dot peep-toes from last year.
So many books, so little time is right Foanna! We have a TBR room in our house!
Fedora
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 3:29 pm:
Cassondra, I’d forgotten that about the Princess Bride–I do hate that in books now (the whole “I’m a helpless female; rescue poor li’l ol’ me…”) but I guess what I remember from the movie is Westley and the funny parts…
Beth, glad you’ve written now! Yes, as another demanding reader, “get to it!” Then you can go read
And also agreeing with AC and Beth–Stacey’s great!
Can’t wait to read Christie’s story, too!
And Suzanne–wow! That’s a lot of reading! And a lot of Seals! Wooo!
KJ Howe
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 3:31 pm:
Great post, ladies! I’m with Anna on being a huge fan of Intrigue. I love Deb Webb, Julie Miller and others…and I also adore Loreth Anne White’s books in Silhouette RS. Category books are perfect for a quick and satisfying read. It’s great to see that they are holding their own in the marketplace. Looking forward to reading both of yours!
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 3:32 pm:
ROFL Cassondra! Moi? Obsessed?! Actually – it was just my own team (but the phone did give me period by period updates). And yes, I do listen to the Puck Podcast and have hockey blogs on My Favourites. Okay – just a teensy bit obsessed
For those of you wondering about shoes for hockey games – I have special Doc Martens in New Jersey Devils red to wear to hockey games.
Suz – I adore Suz Brockmann’s books! Great mission to be on!
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 3:33 pm:
*waving to KJ* Hope it’s better weather in Puerto Rico for you today.
Suzanne Welsh
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 4:08 pm:
Ah, but Fedora, it was such a great mission! And they were the temptations, so I read two a day.
Stacey Kayne
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 4:16 pm:
COWBOYS!!! Just can’t get enough of ‘em *g* And hot cops ain’t bad neither
Another thing I like about Category is variety—there is something for everyone.
This was a fun post Beth and Anna!!! Beth, cannot wait to get a copy of your debut novel
Anna Campbell
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 4:40 pm:
Hey, Stacey’s in the lair away from the lair! Hiya Stacey! Did you see we’ve been talking about you?
Jennifer Y.
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 4:41 pm:
Beth said: LOL, Jennifer! You just made my day *g* And I was good – I wrote instead of read! Now I need a break to get on the treadmill then it’s back to the story.
WOOHOO!! Am I a selfish reader? LOL…makes me happy to hear authors are writing.
Anne-Marie
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 4:54 pm:
An absolutely excellent post. It’s amazing, I write category, (or at least trying to) but never really put this spin on it. lol I remember way back, too many years ago when I read my first category romance probably in 1970??? – “Charlotte’s Hurricane,” by Anne Mather. I absolutely loved it and hooked me forever. Then I started reading more category and Betty Neels became one of my favorite authors, and the list continues… I couldn’t keep up with having something to read since I probably read a dozen a week. (not much work got done. lol) Older category romances were sweet, primarily soft kissing, no sex – shoot, now I know why I read more now and why I’m trying to write for Blaze. lol They’ve come a long way baby. HOT, HOT, HOT!!!!
Awesome job ladies.
Stacey Kayne
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 5:10 pm:
Hey Anna!!! LOL. I hadn’t noticed. Anna and Beth invited to over to come play–so I did
Wow–THANKS, y’all!!! 
Terri Garey
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 5:20 pm:
Wait a minute… you guys have been having fun all day over here at RomanceNovel TV without me? Good thing this was the most clever blog dialogue I’ve seen in months! :p What a great post!
I have to admit, the only category I’ve ever bought is Tawny’s smokin’ hot Blazes (which made me, well… hot
) -so I’m not qualified to give an opinion as to the overall genre-but I’ve read both Anna and Beth’s work, and I know that they’ll both have a host of new readers who love them as much as I do!
And btw, everytime I hear AnnaS say the word “puck”, it makes me giggle.
Lily
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 5:28 pm:
Hi,
I have to say I really like category romance… my favorite themes are the marriage of convenience stories or the very few guardian/ward romances… and I saw that Miranda Lee has just published a book with this theme
I usually remember the arrogant, selfish heroes who just realized their cruelty and prejudice against the heroine, and become sensitive to their mistakes.
Nathalie
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 5:30 pm:
I also like the catergory romances… they are quick and always leave you with a smile on your face… but the titles… especially the Presenst are atrocious… why!!!!!!
Beth Andrews
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 5:34 pm:
Suz, I spent some time reading all of Suzanne Brockmann’s SEAL books as well *g* So worth the time – that’s one of my favorite series!
Hey, KJ! Intrigue is a great line! Kathleen Long has a new series coming up, The Body Hunters, that I’m so looking forward to!
Fedora and Jennifer you both are cracking me up! Now if only you’d both remind me to exercise each day maybe my writer’s butt wouldn’t be ever expanding
Anne-Marie, that’s so cool you remember your first category book! Category really has come a long way, hasn’t it? Actually, I think the entire romance genre has – it just keeps getting better and better
Stacey, so glad you stopped by *g* Are you sure your ears weren’t burning??
Terri! So happy to see you here
And I’m so excited that we’ll both have books coming out in June! I can’t wait to read your story in Weddings From Hell and of course, the next Nikki Styx in July!!
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 5:37 pm:
Hey Stacey – you do write great cowboys! Thanks for dropping by!
Jennifer – that’s what we like to hear – readers eager for our work!
Anne-Marie – Ah yes – Betty Neels and her Dutch doctors – classic! You’re doing great – your wannebe Blaze is a gonnabe!
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 5:45 pm:
Terri – puck, puck, puck (it’s the classy English accent, isn’t it? LOL).
I can’t wait for your next Nicki Styx book – Dead Girls are Easy is one of my all-time favourites! I’m so glad you have two more this year – a novella in June in Weddings from Hell and another full-length book in July Match Made in Hell.
Lily – Miranda Lee is a great M&B writer. I’m glad she’s bringing out a guardian/ward book for you to enjoy.
Nathalie – they say the titles are what the readers want. And they give a hint of the story. LOL. Good job we don’t buy the books on titles alone!
Beth – I’m really looking forward to Kathleen’s Body Hunter series too. I love series.
Jennifer Y.
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 5:49 pm:
Beth said: Fedora and Jennifer you both are cracking me up! Now if only you’d both remind me to exercise each day maybe my writer’s butt wouldn’t be ever expanding
I am sure you are as lovely as your picture so you don’t need to worry about that. Just call it the “book weight”…even we readers can put on a few pounds when we are engrossed in great books…we get “readers’ butt” I guess
. You can lose those couple of pounds when the book is done…LOL…kind of like having a kid. And I forget to remind myself to exercise so I probably wouldn’t be very helpful in that department 
Oh, and I remember my first category book…it was a western Harlequin Historical called Cally and the Sherriff by Cassandra Austin…I still have it, in fact.
Stacey Kayne
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:10 pm:
Oh my gosh….I have had twelve booklings then…and just like with having the real youngens, more pounds seem to STICK with each new addition *grumble* I think if I averaged it out over my six years of writing, I’ve gained like five pounds per bookling (Acckk). BUT, I am working on building a routine that includes daily MOVEMENT. Something I sorely lack when I hit Book-Mode.
Was SHORT STRAW BRIDE an HH? I’m thinking it was…if so, that was my first, also a western–loved it! The second was Sweet Sara Ross. I still have both of them around here somewhere
My first contemp category books were by Debra Salonen and Brenda Novak.
My ear-burning mechanism must be short-circuited, Beth, or I’d have known to stop in sooner *lol*
Kate Carlisle
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:26 pm:
Hi Beth and Anna! Loved your post–and I have always loved categories. Still do. My current fave line is Desire. I usually order a whole month’s worth at a time and eat them up like candy! And I love anything Susan Mallery writes for Special Edition, too. A few years back I went a little crazy, glomming all of Nora’s old categories and Linda Howard’s old categories and Elizabeth Lowell’s old categories and …
Can’t wait for your Super to hit the shelves, Beth!! And VA, your latest sounds so fabulous, I know I’ll be reading your books very soon, too!
Jennifer Y.
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:38 pm:
Stacey: SHORT STRAW BRIDE was a HH…I read and loved it! I started out with the westerns actually when I first started reading romances…they still remain a fave.
Christine Wells
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:45 pm:
So sorry I’m late–I’ve been in Sydney for a couple of days. I laughed at your post, girls and I really hand it to those authors who can make just about any hook sing. It’s a real art, being original and fresh within such a short word count and packing so much emotion in, too.
Can’t wait for Not Without My Family, Beth and I love the sound of your hockey books, Anna. I thought Tawny’s latest, Does She Dare, was a fantastic read and Annie West writes intense passionate sheikhs. Yum!
Just wanted to add–isn’t that a gorgeous photo of you two? You look so glamorous!
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:45 pm:
Yes, Jennifer, Beth is as lovely as her pic!
Exercise? I started out the year with good intentions, but somehow life has been getting in the way. Maybe if I take your thinking, Jennifer, it will motivate me to write faster, so I can shed those extra pounds too!
My first category was Bride at Whangatapu by Robyn Donald – I still think the perfume scene is sooo cute.
I think Short Straw Bride was HH – the Dallas Schulze book, right? I loved it – and always thought there should have been a sequel. I loved her Intimate Moments books too.
Stacey Kayne
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:49 pm:
That’s the one, Anna! It’s a book that’s stayed with me–an all-time fave
Yep, I’d have loved to have seen the brother court the fiesty widow lady 
Anna Sugden
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 6:55 pm:
Hey Kate! You’re speaking to a Reader Service gal – so I know what you mean! I must admit, I’ve read less Desires since they changed them. But when you have great writers like Susan Mallery and Maureen Child … I’ll make the purchase! Linda Howard – another SIM writer I love.
I’d love to have a trip to Sydney, Christine! I know it’s only ‘down the road’ for you … but still!
Beth Andrews
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 7:49 pm:
LOL, I think it was Lisa Jackson who said at last year’s RWA conference that she writes her butt ON with each story *g* That’s me! But like Stacey, I’m trying to incorporate more movement. It helps if I rent a few DVDs I’m dying to watch while I’m on the treadmill
Thanks, Jennifer – I was all gussied up for the award’s ceremony. I do love to play dress-up! I’m sure my husband would appreciate it if I wore something other than sweats at home though *g*
Hi Lily and Nathalie! I love a marriage of convenience story too and I guess those are the titles the reader’s can identify with *g* I do think the category covers lately have been fantastic!!
Kate, I’m the same way! I’ll buy an entire month’s worth of categories and am pretty much unable to do anything else until I’ve read them all *g*
Christine, when Anna and I were discussing a picture of the both of us to post on the blog we both immediately thought of that picture *g* It’s one of my favorites!! Anna was stunning in that gold dress – and I had gold in mine so we matched
Pamela Bolton-Holifield
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 9:31 pm:
Hey, Beth and Anna! Late to the party again. Had to do a four letter word – W-O-R-K. YUCK!! My main source of reading material is historicals, but I read almost everything when it comes to romance. What I admire most about the category romances is the fabulous stories in a such a small format. I cannot write a short anything to save my life. These novels make every word count and really cut to the heart of the story while still maintaining a style that makes you want to read more. I just finished RaeAnne Thayne’s THE DADDY MAKEOVER and it was wonderful! The heroine was a hoot and one of a kind. Now the Blazes are just a good curl up in bed and read before you go to sleep books. I love ‘em. The Westerns are fantastic as well. THE TENDER STRANGER by Carolyn Davidson is one of my favorites of all time. (And the heroine was NOT a virgin!!) By the way, ladies, I think you invented a new word – De-virginising. I like it!
Kirsten Scott
on Jan 31st, 2008
@ 10:11 pm:
Ladies! You are having way too much fun without me! I love Blaze, and though I haven’t gotten back into them, I cut my teeth on Harlequin Presents. Loved ‘em. Of course, Tawny is uber-talented, so she makes the category thing look easy. But it isn’t! It’s HARD! I find it most difficult to pick my conflict right–mine seem to end up being too complex, so the book runs long, or not complex enough, so the story runs out of steam. What’s a gal to do? I’m sure Beth hits the perfect balance, and I can’t wait to see Anna’s hockey players in action.
Anyway, thanks for a great blog! Category rocks!
Beth Andrews
on Feb 1st, 2008
@ 6:28 am:
Pamela, the Bandits had RaeAnne over on our blog right before Christmas! She’s wonderful – as are her books *g*
Kirsten, you are so right about Tawny – she does make it look easy *g* I agree it’s very difficult to find and focus on the main, romantic conflict without getting sidetracked throughout the story. I’m not sure if I have the perfect balance but I’m working on it
Thank you all so much for stopping by and telling us what you love about category romances!
Anna Sugden
on Feb 1st, 2008
@ 8:45 am:
Sorry you had to work, Pamela, but glad you could join us!
As Beth said – we are big fans of RaeAnne and her books. If you like Blazes, you’ll love Tawny’s Dare series!
Kirsten – we’d never have fun without you – just keeping the party going until you got here! It is hard to get the perfect balance, especially with word counts getting shorter and the requirement for conflict complexity and plot layering. Beth, of course, has got it spot on! I’m still trying … hopefully it won’t be to long before my hockey players make the grade too.
Thank you so much everyone for checking in with us and making our visit so much fun. Don’t forget we’ll be selecting two lucky winners for our prizes! And remember to look out for Beth’s book “Not Without Her Fanily” in June – mark your calendars!
Maureen
on Feb 1st, 2008
@ 5:24 pm:
I do enjoy category romance. I have read stories that have dealt with so many issues facing women families today. I think it’s amazing how different they are from the ones I read in high school so many years ago. Some of my favorite authors are Lucy Monroe, Jane Porter, Bronwyn Jameson to name a few of the many.
JSL
on Feb 8th, 2008
@ 5:25 pm:
Hi Beth and Anna,
I love category romances – there’s such a wide variety, and something for everyone. I have specific authors and lines that I enjoy reading from. I really like Susan Mallery, Sarah Mayberry, Jessica Bird, Lucy Monroe, Yvonne Lindsey, Tessa Radley, Bronwyn Jameson, and Maxine Sullivan – and more! Generally I read from Harlequin Blaze and Presents – and Special Release, as well as Silhouette Desire, and Special Editions.