Harlequin to stop providing ebook downloads from 12th November 2018

[MobileJanie]

Originally Posted by FizzyWater

I think the problem to those who care is that buying directly from Harlequin had some benefits for those who read a lot. For one, you could get many of their books a month earlier than the general release. The also had specials not available elsewhere.

I think there was a kind of deal - like buy 10, get 1 free - or something like that too.

And they still have a program where you can earn points in various ways to "spend" on ebooks on their site.

Exactly right. I used to buy three of their 'bundle' books each month, they have specials on each Friday e.g. today is "Buy 4 get 2 free". Which to a regular purchaser like me is a great deal. Most months they would have a "Buy 2 get 1 free" deal, so I'd pay $34 for $50 face value books. In addition, that $34 would earn me 3400 reward points. They could be redeemed for a single book. (Cost 2000 points, so almost two extra free books each month).

I have about 500 Harlequin books in my collection, mostly bundles, some singles, also many other books from their imprints like Mira. Since they went to Bookshout, and I was no longer going to be able to download MY books, I haven't bought one of their books. If nothing else, their move to Bookshout made me think about my reading habits - I can read these lightweight Harlequin romances over again, and that's what I've been doing when in need of a romance.

I know they haven't missed my patronage, but I haven't missed them either.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by Apache

I wonder why Harlequin would replace on failing company with another company with the same business model? Of course I also wondered why one failing company would spend their money to buy another failing company (Sears/Kmart).
Apache

Because their parent company (HarperCollins) is seemingly big on this model and told them too. Just like it was a matter of time earlier for them to switch from OverDrive to BookShout (who Harper used previously) once HarperCollins bought them.