Harlequin Looking for Real Men for Book Covers

Harlequin to male models: you aren't real men. Real men don't pose for the cover of a Harlequin romance. And that's something the publisher wants to change.

Until now, Harlequin has relied on modeling agencies to supply bodies for its steamy covers. But the readership -- predominantly female and averaging 42 years of age -- was upset when slight, young cover models clashed with the brawny, mature heroes described within. The stories were about men who looked like Fabio with Ashton Kutcher look-a-likes depicted on the cover.

Representatives of Harlequin Enterprises, inspected the assets of about 200 men who lined up at a Toronto casting call on Saturday to prove they could flutter readers' hearts better than professional models.

"We're looking for some guys that are not your usual models, but have that iconic look that women go for -- sexy, sensitive, beautiful and fit," said Harlequin spokeswoman Marleah Stout, who attended the open casting.

"We want real men ... exactly what you think in your mind when you're fantasizing or imagining that ideal man." Ms. Stout should remember that we all have various things we find attractive, and not everybody wants the brawny guy.

Real men does not include the beer bellied, couch potatoes many women have in their everyday lives. Nor does it include the computer nerd in IT, the plumber with plumber's crack, or the pudgy claims adjuser in the cubicle next to yours. No, those real men need not apply.

"Some of the heroes are captains of industry, billionaires," said Deborah Peterson, a Harlequin creative designer and a judge at the audition. "A lot of the models were too young, men in their twenties, and our audience likes men a little bit older, a bit bigger, than the runway models."

At the Toronto casting, chiseled hopefuls shed their shirts and donned a cowboy hat for the panel while a handful of other judges watched on closed-circuit camera in an adjacent room.

Several were asked to return for a book cover shot, where they may earn up to $215 an hour, according to male modeling agencies. And there is always the possibility they could go on to do "I can't believe it's not butter" commercials or get hit in the face by a bird while riding a roller coaster at Disneyland.

"From what I understand, (Harlequin) readers are women who want to escape from the relationship that they're in," said cover boy hopeful Carlos Troccoli, 30, who was tall, sturdy and muscular. "I can bring that to them."

Sure you can.