Happy New Year! 2009 marks Harlequin's 60th anniversary--and Intrigue's 25th! This year, our newsletter questions will celebrate all that's suspenseful and wonderful about Harlequin Intrigue.

We talked about Intrigue heroes in February.  Now, let’s look at our Intrigue heroines.  From agents and cops who can kick a little butt themselves, to executive assistants, single moms and the girl next door who get thrust into dangerous situations—these are very special women, indeed.  It takes a strong woman to survive the perilous journey of a Harlequin Intrigue, and to tame the hearts of the heroes who protect them and fight beside them.  So, tell us what you think makes an Intrigue heroine.  And share a favorite or upcoming heroine you’ve created with our readers.

B.J. Daniels--I love my Intrigue heroines just as much as I do the heroes. First off, they have to be more than just strong. They have to be intelligent, brave, thoughtful, caring and have a good sense of humor. After all, they will be dealing with our hero. Come to think of it, I'd better add patient to that list. :)

My heroines are up against a lot. Not just bad guys who usually want to kill them, but heroes who need more than a little corraling. I love my heroines in my May and June Whitehorse, Montana series books. Faith Bailey (Hunting Down the Horseman, May) knows from the minute she sees Jud Corbett that her heart is in trouble. But if anyone can handle this cocky stuntman, it's Faith.

Georgia Michaels (Big Sky Dynasty, June) is one of my favorite heroines of all time. She's the kind of woman who will go out on a limb to help a friend or another woman in trouble. That kindheartedness is what bring a psychopath into her life, but that's when Georgia shows her real strengths.

All my heroines are stronger than me, smarter, funnier, tougher and nicer. Maybe that's why I like them so well. They're more like good friends.

Mallory Kane--What comes to mind first for me when I think of Intrigue heroines are the words gutsy and determined. My heroine is usually on a mission, whether it's to save her child, herself or her man, or to avenge a wrong done to a loved one, she is so committed to her mission that nothing or nobody can stop her. In my Fall 2009 3-book mini-series, The Black Hills Brotherhood, my three heroes are working to save countless innocent lives from terrorists. Their three heroines are right there by their sides, to patch up their wounds, to encourage them, and to fight alongside them against all odds. In September, October and November of 2009, check out Aimee--His Best Friend's Baby, Mindy--The Sharpshooter's Secret Son, and Irina--The Colonel's Widow? for a trio of gutsy and determined Intrigue heroines.

Julie Miller--There are two things I love about Intrigue heroines—first, they are women readers can relate to—whether it’s a single mom fighting to protect a child, a lady cop fighting to protect her city, a vet or teacher or nurse or whatever, fighting to protect something they care about and to do the right thing about the things and people they care about, there is an every woman quality about those women.  Readers may not be familiar with the particular job or situation, but I think those qualities of maternal love or a shy woman finding her strength or a tough cop finder her softer side, etc. are all issues that women can relate to.  And second, Intrigue heroines always have some skill or talent to bring to the table when it comes to fighting the bad guys.  Intrigue heroines may not always know what strength is inside them, but I guarantee you, by the end of the story, she will have discovered that strength and used it to defeat the bad guys, support the hero and help save herself, her loved ones and the things she cares about.  She might be a computer nerd or an observer of details or a language expert or have the patience of Job.  She’ll fight fiercely in whatever way she can to get the job done.  And again, I think that’s a real every woman quality that readers can relate to.

A heroine of mine whom readers seem to love is Brooke Hansford from my 2008 Intrigue, Armed and Devastating.  She’s a shy klutz of a woman.  And she’s had a forever crush on the hero, studly cop Atticus Kincaid, who thinks of her as a sister.  But, when she’s left a vital clue that can solve her boss’s (the hero’s father) murder, she steps it up.  The bad guys want that clue (or her dead to bury that clue).  She fights through her shyness when she has to, and yet it’s a realistic struggle. She’s smart enough to solve the murder and loyal to the bone when others might give up.  In the end, she’s brave enough to confess her love.  Yes, she still wears glasses.  Yes, she’s still a klutz.  But she saved the day and made cynical, logical Atticus very, very happy.  In my June Intrigue, Pulling the Trigger, I created a very different type of heroine.  FBI profiler Joanna Rhodes is tough as nails, skilled with a gun, a brilliant interrogator—everything you need to catch the bad guys, right?  But, once the victim of a violent rape herself, that toughness is just a protective shell that masks a very vulnerable woman inside.  Her journey is to rediscover the woman she once was, and to find the real strength that lies even deeper inside.  It’s a search for the bad guy, yes, but for Joanna, it’s a search for the truth that will make her whole again as well.  Each woman is a classic Intrigue heroine.