Harlequin to launch literary imprint Park Row Books

NEW YORK (AP) — Harlequin, the publisher synonymous with romance novels, is anxious to show off its literary side.

The publisher told The Associated Press on Friday that it is launching an imprint called Park Row Books, dedicated to "thought-provoking and voice-driven novels." The first books are scheduled for the summer of 2017.

Harlequin has previously issued more literary works through its MIRA imprint, but sees Park Row as a way to showcase those books. The imprint is named for the street in downtown Manhattan where Harlequin's New York office was once located. Harlequin is now part of HarperCollins Publishers.