Romance Book Clubs Compared: Introduction

When it comes to romance book clubs, there are basically two alternatives catering to devout romance lovers out there: Rhapsody Book Club, which is part of Bookspan, the largest book club association in the USA, and the collection of clubs called Reader Service running under the wing of Harlequin Enterprises, the Canadian romance giant. The two alternatives are quite different, both in terms of selection as well as their operational models – read on to find out which one might be better for you.

Rhapsody Book Club offers mainstream romance literature in hardcover format: from latest bestsellers by mega-popular authors such as Nora Roberts, Danielle Steel, Nicholas Sparks, Debbie Macomber, Fern Michaels, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Jude Deveraux... to perhaps somewhat less publicized but equally entertaining books by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Catherine Coulter, Joan Elizabeth Lloyd, Hannah Howell... and many more. Books from a wide range of sub-genres are available, as long as these have a broad enough audience: contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense, hot sizzlers, inspirational romance, paranormal romance and so on. To put it shortly, whatever is currently hot and selling well, you'll find it at Rhapsody.

Harlequin Reader Service, on the other hand, is best known for their inexpensive series romances in paperback format. These books (also known as category romances) differ quite a bit from single title romances offered by Rhapsody. First of all they are shorter, usually around 200 pages. In addition, all the books from the same series follow some basic guidelines with regards to general settings, the tone of language, characterization, type of conflict, level of sensuality and so on. For example, the Harlequin Medical Romance series always features intense romance stories set in today's medical community, the doctor-nurse sort of thing; Harlequin Presents novels are about international romances set in glamorous locations (a big dose of passion is guaranteed); Harlequin Intrigue series features characters in dangerous situations (kidnappings, murder mysteries) who become irresistibly drawn to one another; and so on.

Harlequin also publishes several imprints specialized in single-title romance novels: MIRA Books, HQN Books (mainstream romance, suspense), Spice Books (erotic fiction), LUNA Books (fantasy), Red Dress Ink (chick lit). While some popular mainstream authors can be found here (Debbie Macomber, Fern Michaels, Barbara Delinsky), overall, the selection of mainstream, single-title romance books found at Harlequin cannot really compete with Rhapsody's lush library. In addition, Rhapsody books almost always come in hardcover format and are available at the release date, same as if you bought them at a brick-and-mortar or online store. Harlequin books, being produced in paperback format, are usually available some 6 months later.

Rhapsody

Rhapsody Book Club depends on what is widely regarded as standard operational procedure for book clubs: at the beginning, prospective members are offered a certain number of books for a nominal price. In the case of Rhapsody, this is 5 books for 99¢. Shipping costs are added to your bill, which waters down the magnificence of the deal to an extent, but you still get 5 full-length hardcover romance novels of your choice for about $3 apiece, which, let's face it, is not a deal you will get anywhere else.

By accepting this offer you become a member of the club and are also accepting the obligation to buy four more books from Rhapsody's catalog at Rhapsody's discounted prices within the next year. You will receive the mentioned catalog approximately once every three weeks, by postal mail or e-mail, whatever your preference is. Each issue reviews the Featured Selections – the hottest titles of the moment – plus dozens of other books for you to consider. The Featured Selection will be sent automatically unless you decline it by the specified date. You can do so online, through your account on the Club website -- or you can choose some other book instead. Once your commitment is fulfilled you are free to cancel your membership.

Harlequin Reader Service

Harlequin's Reader Service offers the potential subscribers 2 free books up front as a way to evaluate the chosen series. The books really are completely free, you don't even have to pay for shipping. All you need to do is pick the series, create an account with ReaderService.com (so that they know where to ship the books), and wait for your books to arrive. If, ultimately, you decide against subscribing to this particular series, simply return the shipping statement marked "Cancel" to eHarlequin or call the toll-free number enclosed with the shipment and that's that. If you do like the books and would prefer to keep receiving new ones each month, do nothing: about a month later a new batch of books will arrive (2 to 6, depending on the series), along with the bill – and so again the following month, for as long as you wish to keep your membership.

Note: it is not really necessary to subscribe to a series if you wish to avail yourself of some quality romantic reads. Harlequin operates a fully functional online store where you can simply buy their books (from whichever series) as you would at any other online store.

Given the diversity of the two options presented here, it would be quite difficult to recommend one over the other, as your choice will, naturally, be heavily influenced by your preferences. If you are partial to full length bestsellers written by major-league authors, than Rhapsody will probably better fulfill your needs. On the other hand, if you prefer a certain familiarity in your reading, if you have found that a certain type of romance novels work best for you and don't feel like experimenting too much, then subscribing to one of Harlequin series' might just be the right thing to do. Either way, you'll be in for some top quality romantic entertainment in written form.