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M O N D A Y

Scanning the paperback racks for a deeper-hued Fabio on the cover? Seeking a tale of fiery Latin blood coursing beneath a heaving bosom? Lately, thanks to editor Monica Harris, you’re in luck. Harris developed the Arabesque line of romance books to serve an ethnic market hungry for lust beyond the usual wind-swept blondes and bare-chested Brads. Along with authors Shirley Hailstock, Felicia Mason, and Donna Hill (creators of Clara’s Promise, For the Love of You, and Temptations, respectively), Harris will lead a panel discussion on “Love in Living Color: Culturally Diverse Romance Novels.” Gird your loins and rush headlong at 8 p.m. to the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden’s Ring Auditorium, 7th & Independence Ave. SW. $13. For reservations call (202) 357-3030. (Dave Nuttycombe)