So…how sexy is too sexy? And what isn’t sexy enough? These are the burning questions of the universe I ponder. (Clearly, I need to get a life, but that is a topic for another blog…)
Here’s the thing: I have two very different covers for my next two releases. Both are with the same publisher, both books have the same tone, more or less. There is a wee bit of suspense in the second, but the heat factor is the same. One cover is cute, bordering on sweet. The other cover is…well, two words. Hubba and hubba. My feeling is that the second cover more clearly represents the content of the books and that the first might not draw the readers who would enjoy my work. And, in fact, might attact some who will be surprised to find a wee bit o’ steam between the covers.
However, I’ve gotten some different reactions to them. First, I should say that both covers are very tastefully done, featuring fully clothed heroes, so nothing overtly brazen or naughty. Very PG. It’s how these guys are clothed, posed, and well…you get my drift. So, while most readers liked both covers, many agreed with me that the second one was more in line with what they thought represented the work. But there were some who really enjoyed a cover with a sweeter, not so in-your-face look.
Hence my quandary…when is sexy too sexy? And when isn’t it sexy enough? Would you rather have a cover that makes your pulse take a little leap, or would you prefer to keep all the pulse-leaping between the covers?
Personally, I love covers that make your pulse leap. Reason being is when I’m reading, quite often I’ll take a break and close the book and look at the cover while ruminating what I’ve read. Thus, a lovely focal point.
I’m kinda the same, Callen! Focal points are a good thing.
I love the pulse leapng covers too. They are a nice bonus to the pulse leapng stories inside!:grin:
I love both kinds of covers, but the pulse leaping covers are like Callen says a focal point. And when the story is pulse leaping as well, this makes it all the better……:smile:
i like most covers of books but it is the inside that counts for me. i mean that cause i picky about what i read to be honest. your covers are great donna. glad to see you here again
Definitely the sexy cover. I think the cover ought to reflect the content of the book and you are correct when you said that some people might pick up the sweet cover thinking it’s a “tame” romance and then be upset by the sensuality of the story. I’d pick up books by my authors period, but I have bought books by authors I’m not familiar with based upon the sexiness of the cover.
Go Emmitt!
The cover doesn’t really matter to me but I can see where a person could be confused if the cover doesn’t really reflect the book.
I like the idea about the cover reflecting the book too. But then there’s that old saying – don’t judge a book by it’s cover lol.
Woo boy! Well, I am with the majority here. I love the steamy, sexy covers. That is what draws me to a book a lot of times. I love bright colors, great art, handsome people, etc. I have favorite authors so no matter what their cover looks like, I will buy their books. Take for instance, Janet Evanovich’s book covers for her Stepahnie Plum series are not visually enticing but I love the author so I buy the books anyway.
It is great though when the cover relates to the story within its pages. My pet peeve is when the man/woman on the cover doesn’t match the description of the people in the story. Arrrghh!!!
I agree with Michele- I hate it when the cover doesnt match the man/woman in the books. It ruins it for you!
I like both covers as long as it goes with the story. But I usually go for the steamier ones.:)
I like all covers and they definitely should reflect what is inside.
The cover of a book doesn’t matter to me. I buy by author.
I like all kinds of covers, but I think it should look tasteful, like cheesy or hideous-looking. I’m also all for step-back covers too. Sexy covers are great as long as they don’t look sleazy LOL.