Author Robyn Grady’s 10 Things to Love about Modern Heat
47 Comments July 29th, 2008 in Modern Heat, author Posted by Amyby Robyn Grady, author of The Australian Millionaire’s Love-Child
I’m a huge fan of contests! The year I sold, I was a finalist in 13. Had the FEEL THE HEAT competition been on offer, I’d have pulled out all the stops to be in the draw to work with a HMB editor for a year. What an amazing prize!
Because Modern Heat is relatively new and a little tricky for some aspiring authors to get a firm handle on, I’ve put together a few ideas that set a Modern Heat apart from other fabulous Harlequin reads.
Here’s my “Top ten things I love about Modern Heat”:
Let’s start with the most obvious…
1. The Heroes… I adore the bad boys, billionaires, desert princes, CEOs, lawyers — all those charismatic, dynamic, dreamy Modern Heat males. These guys not only come to life in a believable three-dimensional way, they leap off the page! They are alpha through and through: honourable, quality leaders who won’t tolerate the word “compromise” when it comes to what matters most. They desire heroines who are their equal in all quarters, not least of all in the bedroom. Best of all is their sense of fun…that delicious, light-hearted, seductive side. Oh, and don’t forget the gorgeous bod!
2. Premises… Marriages of convenience, opposites attract, blistering boardroom affairs — the best-loved hooks have their place in Modern Heat, but with a true contemporary twist, or edge. The conflicts, which stem from the set ups, are character driven, believable, but perhaps most of all, relevant, and don’t necessarily dwell on tragic or traumatic pasts. We’re talking “upbeat” with a genuine emotional core.
3. Settings… Destinations like Sydney, London, New York, Paris and Hong Kong all feature…these tales are pure cosmopolitan. The settings are coloured with an effortless authenticity. You become immersed in the scenery as well as the romance.
4. Voices… Modern Heat delivers an exciting variety of voices. Sassy, provocative, involving — these authors blend elements of the more traditional voice we all know and love with the best of contemporary flavour and style. There’s plenty of sparky dialogue and clever subtext that keep the pages flying.
5. Heroines… The Modern Heat heroine faces life’s and love’s challenges with courage, humour, intelligence and wit. However, whatever the problem is, she’s perfectly in tune with her own sexuality — not promiscuous, but rather able to fully embrace and celebrate her own needs and wants when the oh-so right man comes along. She’s the girl you want to know, the woman you can’t help but cheer on.
6. Covers… Sexy, sophisticated, fun! Pictures speak louder than words. Look for yourself…
7. Passionate sex... Every love scene is spellbinding! Great communications in the bedroom mixed with intense emotion. These couples aren’t afraid to reveal their most intimate desires, explore every measure of their passion, and they do it when the moment strikes…which can lead to some pretty interesting locations 
8. Tone… Can’t have a Modern Heat without that urban, fast-paced, sexy, girl-about-town flavour. But these stories are also modern day romantic fantasies, which means an emphasis on sexual tension coupled with the magic that comes with meeting, flirting and ultimately falling in love with an incredible Mr Right.
9. Happily ever afters… Modern Heat endings make me want to read that last paragraph over and over. There’s that satisfied smile, a contented sigh, a moment of regret when I know this particular journey is over. That’s when I reach for the next one!
10. The promise of the future… Breaking the rules and daring to be different with character, premise and plot development, these short, fun, sexy reads are contemporary fairytales for women like you and me. Exciting, evolving, ready to explore romance and relationships in new and provocative ways…and this is only the beginning.
What do you love about Modern Heat?
Robyn’s latest Harlequin Presents book is The Australian Millionaire’s Love-Child, available now!
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47 Responses to “Author Robyn Grady’s 10 Things to Love about Modern Heat”
- 1 Pingback on Aug 12th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Hi Robyn,
Great to see you here. As for your question, what I love about Modern Heat? Well, you’ve pretty much covered it all with your ten attributes.
It’s hard to chose the one aspect of these books that I love the most but if I had to go with one I’d most likely sway towards the Hero.
These are men that can make me (little old reader) go through so many conflicting emotions while reading that’s it almost like they’re in the room with me. They are the sexiest, wittiest most dangerous men on paper and I love ‘em for that alone. When you pick up a Modern Heat you know you’re fingers are going to burn as you leaf through the pages. You know you’re going to travel a wonderful journey with the heroine, experiencing everything with her, for better or worse. You know you’re going to encounter the hotter than hot guy who can transport you to a different planet with just one touch. But most of all, you know when you pick up a Modern Heat that you’ve spent your money wisely and are rewarded with a brilliantly written story that grabs you from the very first line.
Really, what’s NOT to love about this series??
Thanks so much for the input, its fabulous insight.
Aideen.
Hiya Robyn
So exciting to read your post and find myself nodding at every number. I think the one extra thing I love about Mod Heat is what (if I recall rightly) Heidi said in her comment on the last post – QUIRKINESS! I love a story that has all the elements of a romance but adds something a little different and I’ve seen that time and time again in Mod Heat!!
A question for you… who out of your Mod Heat heroines has been your favourite?? And why?
Thanks
RACH!
Aideen, wow! I hope you’re entering this contest! You sure have a way with words, and I agree wholeheartedly with every one!
The heroes are my favourite part of MH…there’s such a variety, but all are bone-meltingly gorgeous with a sense of humour we fall in love with right off the bat. They’re strong willed but always with a solid honourable reason for their actions. Heck, let’s face it…they can get away with a little more coz they’re just so darn sexy.
Thanks so much for your comment! You seem to have MH well sussed, Aideen. But any questions, let me know!
Robbie
Hi there Robyn,
Just dropping in to say how much I enjoyed reading your post, because it’s all so true! As Aideen says, that’s a pretty comprehensive list of things to love about Modern Heat.
Had a bit of a chuckle when I read your comment about some of the interesting locations for passionate love scenes.
Would a sound booth be one of those, by any chance? Then there was that washroom on a mid-Atlantic flight…!
I suspect that if we trawled all of our books with a fine tooth comb we’d find even more memorable locations to illustrate how passion can transcend time, place and discomfort. After all, when the moment demands, what’s a heroine to do?
What do you say, Aideen and Rach? Can it get too hot for comfort?
anna
http://www.annacleary.com
Hey Rach! Great to see you here! Glad you liked my one to ten on MH. There’s some missing from the premise point…I’ll see if I can get that added in. If not I’ll post it here in the comments, coz I think it’s an important one for aspiring authors.
Quirkiness is a perfect word for MH! There’s often that little twist of something different and therefore thoroughly engaging about the story and/or the characters. Trust Heidi to point that out. (Did I mention she’s a RITA finalist this year along with Kelly Hunter?)
My favourite MH heroine would have to be Celeste Prince, the heroine from Confessions of a Millionaire’s Mistress, which will be released in the UK in November, possibly Aust/NZ in December and the US early in 2009.
I love Celeste because when things aren’t working out as she’d hoped, she is one hundred percent prepared to move forward and understand that if circumstances are to change, she needs to do some changing herself. The theme of accepting and being able to move forward goes for the hero as well. There’s that thread of humour, some sizzling love scenes, but there’s also a strong emotional core to the story. An editor commented she had tears in her eyes toward the end. When I can make a reader laugh *and* cry, I’m a happy jellybean.
Thanks for your comment and question, Rach! Don’t be shy if you have another question.
Robbie
Anna!! Thanks so much for dropping in! LOL on the heavy breathing (and more!) in the squishy sound booth. And the mile high club romp! You are so right…when the moment strikes, what *is* a girl supposed to do?
It’s worthwhile to stress that point. While the heroines are nothing near approaching promiscuous, neither are they afraid to acknowledge the inevitable and go with the flow, even when the setting or circumstances are against them. Have you read Ally Blake’s The Magnate’s Indecent Proposal? OMGosh! It got a best pick from RT, and no wonder.
Yes, we should get a list together, Anna!
Robbie
You know, you really did hammer the nail on its noggin there, Robbie, when you commented on Aideen’s style and grasp of the finer points. I was thinking exactly the same thing myself. I suspect we’ll be seeing Aideen’s name on that Mod Heat list at any old tick of the clock.
And er..ahem.
Just one miniscule little point to clean up here. Heidi did indeed make some brilliant and salient comments in the recent blog. However, please forgive me if I do most humbly point out that it was in fact someone else who dolloped the word ‘quirky’ into the brew. And that person was none other than little ole yours truly.
I can only say Rach, that I’m flattered to have been mixed up with one of my favourite authors, not to mention fave people, and Rita finalist to boot!
Now getting back to bizarre locations…
Was there not a certain erotic scene on the bonnet of a Porsche Carrera?
I just knew that romantic scenario would have to assume importance in the great scheme of things one day!
anna
Robbie – What a spectacular list! I agree and love Modern Heat.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share!
Ooohh my sincere apologies Anna. I am truly red-faced!!
Robyn… thanks for answering that question. I recently visited your website to see what was in the ‘coming soon’ category and loved the title ‘Confessions of a Millionaire Mistress.’ Now I’m even more excited.
RACH!
Anna, apologies! Yes, quirky comes just as well from you, lol. Your heroines are the best! On the bonnet of a Porche!
Your website is just gorgeous, btw!
http://www.annacleary.com
Robbie
Hey Betty/MJ!! Thanks for your post. Hope things are going well with you, and make sure you enter!!
Robbie
Rach, I’m going to put up an excerpt in August for “Confessions”. Hopefully I’ll have a lovely cover by then too. August… Gosh, that’s day after tomorrow!
Robbie
THank you most kindly, Ms Robyn, for your generous words. The truth is, that I am not a very good website maintainer. I recently added some news to my welcome page and the bottom half of it fell off into the ether.
Now I just need some time, in between writing my next frothy tale and blogging, LOL (which can get quite addictive, don’t you think?) to fix it up.
And when it comes to heroines, its hard to beat that celebrated girl who knew exactly how to enjoy herself in a sound booth. And how about Sophie Gruebella? I feel as if I know that girl.
And Rach. Don’t even mention it. Save your blushes for a tall, sexy man with deep, dark eyes and a stern, sensuous mouth.
He’ll be enchanted!
cheers…
anna
Great discussion!
I particularly liked Robbie’s comment about ‘interesting locations’
especially as most times the fantasy is so much better than the reality, which is kind of the point I suppose. I mean, if my fiancé actually had a Porsche I don’t think he’d let me near it in case I dented it!! 
Joanne
Thought I’d paste here #2 that didn’t make it in full…
2. Premises… Marriages of convenience, opposites attract, blistering boardroom affairs – the best-loved hooks have their place in Modern Heat, but with a true contemporary twist, or edge. The conflicts, which stem from the set ups, are character driven, believable, but perhaps most of all, relevant, and don’t necessarily dwell on tragic or traumatic pasts. We’re talking “upbeat†with a genuine emotional core.
Robbie
Hey, Joanne! Thanks for dropping in.
That’s it precisely! These stories are about creating believable characters we identify with, and (where sexual tension is concerned), putting them in situations we’d secretly die to be in! As readers, we don’t have to make any hard choices – the heroine knows exactly what she wants and we applaud her every step of the way coz a part of us is saying, “I wish that could be me”.
Robbie
Sorry about point #2, obviously a technical error, so it is good to have the point in full as it is a very important one. It is a common mistake we see in MH submissions – the tone is sparky, sexy and then there is this whopping big trauma in the past that kills that tone. Like Robbie says – upbeat with a genuine emotional core is a must.
Joanne
Great post, Robbie!
Can you hear me shouting a resounding ‘yeah’ to each and every one of your points?
With premises, do you have any favourites?
Like you, I love taking a hook and putting a resounding twist to it.
Too much fun!
Hey Nic!! Great to see you here.
I gotta say, I love the ol’ boss and secretary hook. I started to write one for my #4 but the characters took a hold and now it’s developing into something a bit different. It’s wonderful when the characters take over!
Nic, I *love* your latest cover. You must be so happy with it!
Robbie
I love a good boss story too, Robbie.
The sound booth in your first ‘Dream Boss’ book springs to mind
I do love my latest cover. How hot is the hero?
Aidan Voss (Voss the Boss!)is an archaeologist moonlighting as CEO of Melbourne Museum and he’s rather yummy, even if I do say so myself
Well, I’m blushing here in little old Ireland at the lovely compliments, thanks so much ladies!
I think the reason behind my ability to suss out Modern Heat is because they strike a chord with me. Despite never being in any of the situations I’ve read about, I honestly feel as if my feet are planted firmly in the heroine’s Blahniks…or trainers.
These stories are real, relevant and so much fun that it’s impossible not to be swept along. When I pick up a Modern Heat my children know that dinner will most likely be beans on toast because ‘mam’ will just have to finish this chapter, then that chapter and before long the book, sadly for me, is over. I hate that!!! I can’t get enough of them.
And Anna, it can never, I repeat never be too HOT for comfort. The hotter the better I say.
I love the way the heroine’s respond to the hero’s in this series. They’re not afraid to go for what they want and they truly do mirror the young women of today in that sense. The days of waiting on the side lines, fluttering lashes and blushing have their place certainly in some books but Modern Heat lets us see women of the ‘noughties’.
Bring ‘em on and lets put these men in their places…at our feet.
Aideen.
P.S. I did mention I’d never been in any of the heroine’s situtations but I should say here that I married the tall, auburn and dangerous man who swept me off my feet. So maybe I have a ‘little’ something in common with these women after all…
Nothing like a real life romance, Aideen
Hello all,
Sorry about #2 getting cut off — the text was there but a problem with the coding caused strange alignment in some browsers. It should be fixed now. Robyn, thank you for pointing out there was an error.
Best,
~Amy (Harlequin Digital & Internet Team)
Hi all,
Just droppping in here from Frisco where I’m having a ball prancing around flashing my RITA pin to anyone and everyone.
Anna’s absolutely right of course it weren’t me that said quirky (boy I wish it had been!) – but thanks for all the flattering comments anyway.
Loved your list Robbie, think it captured all those essential elements that make Modern Heat so unique – and all the reasons why I love writing it. What can be better than inventing a drop-dead gorgeous drool-worthy hero then traveling to some fabulously glamourous locations and putting him to work (so to speak). As to my mile high romp, I’m planning to top that in my latest MH (due out in November in the UK) How about a romp in a meadow full of wildflowers at a Wiltshire country estate? But you see when the man of your dreams walks out of a lake stark naked, what’s a girl to do? (as Robbie so rightly pointed out!)
Great discussions guys.
Heidi
Hey Robbie – fab topic (and yes, LOVE those locations) – they sum up what’s fun about those Modern Heat heroines – going for what they want, when they want (even if it isn’t necessarily that good for them!)… am laughing about the dent in the porsche!!!
My kids get it all the time while I either have nose in a romance or brain in imagine mode…
Hey Aideen – what’s wrong with beans on toast hmmm?!
Oh Heidi – how cool to be having fun in SF – can’t wait to hear all about it!!!!!
~Natalie
Robyn,
Great list! Your 10 points really ‘nailed it.’
HPs were always my favorite line to read. Modern Heat just added a new dimension to them.
Lidia
Hey Amy! Thanks so much for that. =*)
Robbie
Aideen, you’re a complete romantic! I so identify.
People often ask me where I get my inspiration (it’s usually the second question and asked with a waggle of the brows). I’m like you. My husband is my real life hero, even if we don’t swing from chandeliers. Hmm, I wonder if anyone has truly ever written that in a love scene…
Robbie
Heidi, I can’t imagine the thrill of being in San Fran flashing a RITA pin! Wouldn’t it be fabulous if it was a dead heat and both you and Kelly came home with the prize! Having said that, being nominated is an amazing achievement. Congrats to you both again!
Hey, we’ll be shelf buddies in November! I’m already visualising a delectable hero emerging from a still blue lake, both hands dragging back his wet dark hair…. Yum! My couple in Confessions get a little heated on the seat of a ride-on mower…actually, more than a little…
Phew. Yep. I’m inspired!
Robbie
Hey Nat!!
I’m hearing you on the ‘beans on toast’ deal. I don’t need lobster and strawberries with chocolate dip to get in the mood (to write or anything else). No dishes works a charm for me!
Robbie
Great to see you here, Lidia!
I agree wholeheartedly! I adore Presents and have done for so long. The heroes, of course, and the high emotion. MHs do, indeed, give readers a new spin on an undisputed winner!
Thanks for dropping by, Lidia
Robbie
I love your post Robbie – brilliant! Great to see you – with all those sparkly titles too.
I guess what I love about them is the rollercoaster. A gorgeous guy in the seat next to me and we’re off for a thrills and spills ride…I don’t even like proper rollercoasters. But I love the Heat adventure park feeling!
hi fives
jude
Jude!! Hey! How are you?
I so agree. MHs are like the very best rollercoaster ride. Full of thrills, simmering with ST every step of the way, with some surprise twists thrown in to keep us even more glued.
I certainly hope you’re entering! =)
Robbie
Thanks for the list Robyn. I love the line. My favorite part about MH is it truely has a real life feel (with the boring stuff removed as Hitchcock would say). You get the emotion without the weighty tragedy, great sex on the floor (or wherever) without the carpet burn, etc.
And of course, the wonderful addition of humor – my FAV. I think the hint of humor adds an extra spark to the attraction between the H/H that make it a blast to read. I love a man with a great body, intelligence, power (the money is nice). But when he makes me laugh? Ha! I fall in love for sure.
It’s 4 am in the morning and I’m working on my entry – thought I’d blog first to wake myself up!
Amy
P.S. Okay – I’ve had my coffee now. Back to work!
Hi Robbie,
Are the locations in MH stories more glamorous than they used to be? How important is scenery? Would stories set in a theatre, a school or maybe a bar in a big city still be suitable for the line, or should we be thinking of more breath-taking places to base the story.
The only film I remember where a couple swang from the chandeliers is War of the Roses. And it wasn’t sweet love they were making. I think that scene between Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner is one of the best ever. Even as they try to kill each other the sexual tension is just smouldering, it overpowers their deep hatred brilliantly.
Of course they wouldn’t make it as a Modern Heat couple but their banter is razor sharp and more than makes up for the disastrous finale.
You may be sorry you offered to answer any questions but…too late now!!
In a Modern Heat we live through the heroine and I agree that it’s so important to meet her asap. But what you think of the story opening in HIS point of view? I’ve read it and I’ve always been impressed by it but as a published author do you feel its best to meet the heroine first? Or depending on execution, does it make any difference at all?
I’d be very interested in your opinion.
Aideen.
Oh God, I’m red faced here!!
I can’t believe I said ’swang’. Sorry, obviously I meant to say ’swung’.
Aideen.
Great list! What do I love about Modern Heat. They’re fun, fabulous, fast-paced, physical stories with the perfect squirm factor.
BTW, I absolutely adore how your Cooper Smith (The Australian Millionaire’s Love-Child) rescues the fabulous Sophie. What a delicious hero!
Gail
Robyn,
Thanks for the great information about the perfect Heat story. I am excited about the contest and the opportunity to submit a story for consideration. I will keep your suggestions in mind as I work on my story.
I agree with Gail Fuller, Cooper is a wonderful hero and the way he stepped up helped Sophie out of her embarassing situation was awesome.
PS
I loved the Australian Millionaire’s love-child and the way you brought Cooper and Sophie to life. Strong likeable alpha hero meets plucky tenatious heroine. It doesn’t get any better than that
Aideen, oh-yes-indeed, I remember that scene! Ouch! You’ve made me want to get out the video. So, given I could never top that, I’ll pass on the chandelier swinging…probably
And don’t worry about the “swang”. lol. I understand totally. I say, thank heaven for line edits! 
Aideen, your question is a very good one. Of course, it would depend on the opening scene, the execution. And sometimes it’s worthwhile to write a scene from both points of view to really know which gives the reader the best advantage.
However, if I have to choose, I would say with a MH try your best to go with the heroine’s pov first up. We want to identify and get to know her as soon as possible, see that gorgeous hero through her eyes and experience her emotions. Like I say. that’s not a rule or anything.
Hope that helps! If you need more, just ask
Robbie
Hi Robyn,
I read your last comment then opened my contest entry to work on it. And had to laugh!
It opens with his POV and has a (figurative) mention of death. So I might be taking the road less travelled on POV, but at least I’ve got the “execution” stuff worked out.
Amy said…But when he makes me laugh? Ha! I fall in love for sure.
I’m with you, Amy! Great bod, money, killer sex appeal…all most welcome. But when you can laugh with him – when he can laugh at himself once in a while – that’s the icing on the cake
WTG on working on your entry at 4am!!! You’re a woman after my own heart, only I do it the other way round. I’ve been known to work till dawn. Lots. I work better in the quiet of the night. Maybe I should try a paranormal
Very best wishes with your entry, Amy!
Robbie, who loves her morning coffee too.
Hi Janet!! Thanks for your post and excellent question.
I would say that location/scenery certainly plays a part in a MH. Some authors particularly shine in setting the stage. Kelly Hunter’s first MH (then Modern Extra) was set mainly in Hong Kong, so the opportunity for authors to make the most of an exciting location (we’re talking “cities” here, ladies
) has been there from the start.
I can’t see why a theatre, a school, or a bar in a big city all can’t work as a basis for setting. I’m sure Julie Cohen’s had a teacher, so have I. What you have to keep your focus on is the *tone* of the story. Making sure the developing romance is central, and the kind of characters you put in those settings fit the criteria for MH protagonists. For instance, how about a heroine who teaches method acting during the day and works in a bar at night?
I guess what I’m saying is, shake it up, throw in a twist or two if you can, keep the tone upbeat, the sexual tension high. When two people are falling in love in Paris, Sydney, London, Rome, there’s so much you can do with those locations to *enhance* their (and therefore the reader’s) experience.
Hope that helps!
Robbie
….physical stories with the perfect squirm factor.
Gail, I love it!! Fun and fast-paced. Yes, yes, yes!
He does like to rescue people, which works against him toward the end of the story… I do love to tease 
And thank you SO much for your kind words about Cooper Smith
Hope you’re entering this contest, Gail!
Robbie
pbmrsd, I’m so glad you’re excited and eager to enter the contest!! And I’m thrilled you enjoyed my latest release
The scene you refer to is possibly my favourite ever.
And if you like a hero who rescues his damsel – but does it in a MH kinda way – I think you’ll enjoy “Confessions” too.
Thanks for your post!
Robbie
Emerald, great to hear you’re working on your contest entry! I’m sure the London editors are rubbing their hands, anticipating all the wonderful stories coming their way
Emerald, if you think your story works best starting with his POV, go for it! A figurative mention of ‘death’ – I can think of tons of ways that could work. There’s a variety of MH voices. Anne Oliver’s style is different to Nic Marsh. Kate Hardy and Anna Cleary have their own unique styles. In fact, letting your own voice shine through is way more important than which pov you start with. If your voice is a bang on match with MH, the editors are going to want to work with you.
Like you say, it’s all in the execution
Robbie