Harlequin

Harlequin Enterprises ULC, commonly known as Harlequin, is one of the world’s leading publishers of romance and women’s fiction, recognized for shaping the modern landscape of popular storytelling. Founded in 1949 in Winnipeg, Canada, Harlequin began as a small independent press before discovering its niche in romance fiction during the 1960s. This shift marked the beginning of a publishing empire that would grow to become the largest global publisher of romance novels.

Since 1969, Harlequin has been headquartered in Toronto, Canada, and for more than three decades, it was owned by Torstar Corporation, the country’s largest newspaper publisher. In 2014, the company entered a new era when it was acquired by News Corp, becoming a division of HarperCollins Publishers — a move that strengthened its international presence and digital reach.

A defining moment in Harlequin’s history came in 1971, when it purchased the renowned British romance publisher Mills & Boon Limited. This partnership fueled Harlequin’s rapid global expansion, establishing offices across Australia, Europe, and Scandinavia, including key markets such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, and the Netherlands. Through this growth, Harlequin built a vast and loyal readership, offering stories that transcend borders while celebrating universal themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery.

Today, Harlequin continues to publish across multiple imprints and genres, including contemporary romance, historical fiction, suspense, and inspirational narratives. The company has also embraced new storytelling formats, launching its audiobook program in 2015 to meet the evolving habits of modern readers.