Harlequin heroines are contemporary, relatable women – even the heroines from our Historical series! Check out our hitlist below of phrases no self-respecting Harlequin heroine would ever be caught saying…
- ‘Oh you’re so cruel… but I love you anyway’. If a man isn’t treating her right, our heroine will walk away no matter how much it hurts, because she deserves better than that!
- ‘My nickname at school was Little Miss Perfect.’ Because no one is perfect, including our heroines – they’ll always be three-dimensional with strengths and flaws.
- ‘Oh wow, look at my model-thin perfect figure and impeccable features’ – there are so many ways to be beautiful, and we love celebrating them all!
- ‘Being single is the worst thing ever.’ Harlequin heroines don’t need a man to make their lives worth living. The right man might bring incredible happiness and joy into their lives, but don’t doubt it – these women are strong enough to go it alone.
- ‘He doesn’t like me? My life is over!’ Our heroines feel deeply, sure, but if they’re rejected, they will find a way to move on. (And find someone who really deserves them!)
- ‘I love the fact that you’re totally loaded’. Some of the Harlequin heroes might be wealthy, but that’s never the main appeal for the heroine. Although we’re not denying there are some perks of dating a millionaire, our heroines are in it for love, not money!
- ‘I need a man to rescue me.’ Our heroines are perfectly able to rescue themselves, thank you very much.
- ‘It’s really not my thing, but if you’re into it, I suppose I could give it a go…’ Our heroines aren’t pushovers, especially not in the bedroom! If they’re really not into something, it’s not going to happen. On either the hero or the heroine’s watch!
- ‘My only goal in life is to get married and have children.’ Harlequin heroines’ ambitions might well include marriage and kids, but that’s not all – they want exciting careers, friends and to fulfill their own potential too!
- [Too busy swooning to say anything at all] Our heroines have far too much self-respect to swoon instantly at their heroes’ feet. These men have to work hard to prove they’re worth it!
What do you think? Are there any other cliches we can bust for you? Any suggestions, please leave below!
6 replies on “10 Things a Harlequin Heroine Would NEVER Say…”
“I hate animals. They get hair on my clothes.” Heroines like pets, they might not have one, but they like them.
Not all heroines will be total animal lovers, but like to think that they can all see the appeal 🙂
The SYTYCW Editors
I love you so much, so I will overlook your infidelity.
Great one!!
The SYTYCW Editors
“I hate kids.”
Haha, agree this might alienate readers…!
The SYTYCW Editors
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!