A V.G. Idea at Harlequin

Heaving bosoms, impressive manhoods, and quivering something-or-others are just a few of the mainstay phrases that have abounded in Harlequin Romances. These monthly series of books have launched relatively obscure, genre-stagnant authors into the New York Times bestselling-stratosphere, such as Nora Roberts and Janet Dailey. However, these authors have stayed within the safe, stable category of romances. But now, Harlequin may be aiming beyond the proverbial moon and into more prestigious territory -- mainly, Bridget Jones territory.

In a new serial that will be printed at a rate of a book a month, Red Dress Inc. will be trying to rake in the Ally McBeal-watching, Bridget Jones' Diary-reading neurotic woman. These books won't have the heroine ending up with Mr. Right, but rather endlessly hooking up with Mr. Wrongs. Of course, in between there will be a lot of cigarette counting and weight watching, with cute little acronyms counting off the days (v.g. equals very good).

There is definitely a market out there for these books. In a culture where the marrying age keeps getting pushed back, the forlorn twentysomethings that are trying to hook up with Prince Charming will find heroines in which they can relate.

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