Never judge a book by its cover – that’s the old saying but I must admit, I for one will definitely take notice of a gorgeous cover, whereas one that doesn’t appeal to me, I might well not even pick up. Covers are so important, and authors on the whole don’t usually have a lot of input, although I have to say Penguin/Berkley were absolutely fabulous in taking my suggestions into consideration.
FORBIDDEN, book 1 in my ancient historical series, is set during the first century AD during the invasion of the Roman Legions into Cymru ~
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Between a warrior and a princess comes an erotic passion as all-consuming as the hatred between their warring worlds…
The image I had in my mind for FORBIDDEN was deeply romantic, with the hero holding onto his heroine and with them both looking away from the “camera”. I had visions of them in a forest glade with a waterfall in the background. One thing I really wanted was for the hero to be dressed in his Roman regalia so it gave an instant visual of when the book was set and what it was about.
My editor loved my ideas but suggested it might have to be a bit sexier. So I thought I would end up with a half naked guy on the cover. Now don’t get me wrong – I love half naked heroes on covers! But I had this burning desire for the cover to show exactly what the book was about – and it’s about a Roman centurion, a Druid princess and a lot of the story takes place in the forests of ancient Wales
When I saw the cover the art department came up with I just about fell off my chair. It was perfect. Just as I had imagined, but even better! I’m still in lust with Maximus’s biceps and Carys
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Trained in sensuality, a Druid priestess finds herself falling for the wrong man—the warrior who’s taken her prisoner…
When we were discussing the cover for CAPTIVE, book 2 in the Forbidden series, I assumed it would be similar in design as the first book in the series. But Marketing wanted to go for a darker look and when I saw the cover for the first time I was completely blown away. Without even reading the book they had managed to convey Bren’s deeply ingrained sense of protectiveness and the overall feel was one of danger looming.
I showed a few writer friends and was amazed at the reaction. Several who write dark paranormal/fantasy said they would definitely pick CAPTIVE off the shelf – based entirely on the cover – whereas the FORBIDDEN cover didn’t appeal to them in the same way.
This really intrigued me because when I look at the FORBIDDEN cover I see the mist swirling around the forest and to me that gives a mysterious, mystical atmosphere. But the CAPTIVE cover does give a much stronger indication of the light fantasy element threaded throughout the book.
What is it about a cover that really grabs your attention? Do you prefer to see a gorgeous half naked hero on the cover of erotic romance? And what elements about either FORBIDDEN or CAPTIVE appeals (or doesn’t appeal) to you?
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Hi Christina! I like both of your covers (the books are excellent too!), but I prefer the first one for the reasons you mentioned - the sense of mystery it evokes. I do like the way the couple are looking at each other in Captive though.
ReplyDeleteI like to look at a cover and get a clear idea of the genre. I'm not a fan of dark covers that use a lot of black. I hate squinting while trying to work things out!
Hi Shelley! So glad you enjoyed the books! I know what you mean about the covers - I love the way Bren and Morwyn are looking at each other on the cover of CAPTIVE as well. Funny thing is my two daughters, who rarely read romance, both fell in love with the cover of CAPTIVE the second they saw it, based entirely on the pose of the couple!
ReplyDeleteHi Christina~
ReplyDeleteI love both covers indiviually, but when I compare the two, Captive is a hands down winner. I also enjoy the pose of the couple the most!
I like so many cover types, that it is hard to choose exactly one thing that will pull me in, but usually it is the hero. He doesn't have to be half naked, but I like a hero with a presence (a strong pose or look!)
Great post! I love covers! :)
~Jane~
Like Shelley and Jane I think both covers are beautiful. I adore the tenderness of Captive, but Forbidden is my favourite. It has such a lovely romantic feel.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely attracted to brighter colours in a cover, but I also like dramatic or unusual designs. I guess, like Shelley, it's clear indication of genre that makes a difference as to whether I'll pick up a book. If it's interesting and a genre I'm into I'll take a closer look.
Great post, Christina.
Hi Jane! I agree, I love seeing a gorgeous hero on the cover although I think my absolute favourites are when his heroine is also with him. I just love when there's that aura of protectiveness or hint of possessiveness going on :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Cathryn! That's how I feel about the cover for FORBIDDEN, it just feels sooo romantic to me!
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