Thanks for coming by! This always such an interesting topic.

I'm not embarrassed by covers, as I toted my Blazes all over the place, but now I have a Kindle and it's a non-issue. No one can see what I'm reading -- but I still find I get into discussions over what I'm reading (out in public) because people are fascinated by the Kindle. I was flying back from RWA and just wanted to sit and read, and the guy next to me was all over the Kindle, LOL, which I didn't mind, he was nice, but I was on a rather racy page of a book I was reading, and it was like, uh, hmmmm.... He didn't seem to care. He had his own book (and his wife and kids across the aisle) and was just chatty and interested.

I have seen some covers I wouldn't want to leave out on my dining room table, though -- and a few I wouldn't bring out in public (not yours) -- there are some I see now and then that go a little over the edge. I would probably be a *leetle* embarrassed to carry them around, but also, I would try to take other people's feelings into account at that point, especially if there were kids around or whatever.

Personally, I think your cover is gorgeous, and very tasteful. Sometimes I think it's more sexy to have a suggestive cover rather than one that has "too much" on it, you know?

Sam

Hi Shelli--I read Harlequins back when they had the more cartoonish covers (yes *sigh* I am that old--think mid 1970's) and I also read the books with the girl riding the guy's thigh while her hair blew in the wind. Although I loved the stories, and was quite frank about it with skeptical friends and relatives, I was embarrassed by the covers. I had a book jacket, similar to the one you show in the photo, which solved the problem. When people (not friends or relatives) asked me what I was reading, I always said "Call of the Wild". It was easier than saying, "Love's Tender Fury" or "The Doctor and the Dancer" and watching expressions change. (I wasn't that wild about titles back then either.) When I said, "Call of the Wild" people would always nod approvingly, then leave me in peace, because they didn't want to discuss Call of the Wild.

As I grew older and the covers and titles improved, I left the book jacket behind. So much easier. Romance has come a long way.

Jeannie

Hi Shelli. I usually don't read much outside of home. But, I would not be embarrassed to read a romance in public. I don't own one of those covers. Love the cover to Tempt Me.

it's not so much a question of embarrassment as considering the potential "audience"--I read all kinds of romance at home, but I do admit that I do consider covers when reading in public, especially when the public includes kids with whom I'd prefer to avoid in depth conversations about cover clinches and all those involve/imply. I don't own a cover thingy, and am not sure I'd be organized to use it at the right times!

I have to admit that romance covers with nude or half nude people do embarass me and so I don't like to read those in public. I do have a book cover ,mainstream paperback sized, and I do occasionally use it in public if I am anxious to read a book but the cover is so erotic looking that I am too embarassed for others to see it. I probably should get around to getting one in Tradesize.

I have a book reader so I get to avoid this problem. But yes I am a little shy about my reading choices. Actually I would not be surprised if sales of romance have gone up dramtically since book readers became popular!

Congrats on the new release, Shelli. I've been hearing a lot about those book covers and I've been thinking about getting one. I don't really read much in public. I've never been given a weird or dirty look because of my reading material.

Hi Shelli,

Congratulations on the book! The cover is great. I'm with Sam - I think the ones that leave a bit to the imagination are much more suggestive than those that bare it all.

As a teenager, I was totally embarrassed by the covers! Less so about the fact that I read romance novels, but a little bit. Nowadays, nope, not at all. All literature has a value and a purpose, and I'll be happy to discuss it with anyone who wants to give me trouble for enjoying a fantasy romance! :-)

I have a book cover. It was a gift. Is like the one in your picture, but it doesn't have a clasp to close it. I use it to protect my books when I'm traveling. For that, it works great! And I don't have to worry about dropping my bookmark on the airplane. I'll use it at home occasionally, if I think of it. It gets dirty though...which makes me wonder how dirty the *books* get when I handle the covers!

Cathy

I really don't care what other people think about the cover of the book I'm reading. I take a book with me just about everywhere I go and the only time I put it away is if it isn't appropriate and children are there.

I take a book with me everywhere. I could care less what other people think.

I still read them, I just choose not to read the dicier ones out in public, such as in the dr offices where kids are. I dont own a cover thingy and probably never will. I enjoyed reading this post thanks.

Hi Shelli,
I have been reading romance for years, and after reading general fiction in addition to romance, I am strictly a romance reader now. I love them, however some of the covers are a little bit to hot to take out in public. Ane while I love them privately I only take my Sony reader when I want to read a book out in public. Some people don't mind the ridicule, or questions, but when I read I read for pleasure and don't want anyone else's perception to ruin my me time :)

I do own a bookcover but don't use it much. I bought it to save on the wear and tear of the cover.

don't read in public much but if I do I have the book in a bag/backpack usually.

I love cover art.

Thanks to everyone who came by and commented! The winner is Tucco! Please email me at shelli @ shellistevens.com with your address and I'll have that sent out to you!

Shelli Stevens, GSRWA President
http://www.shellistevens.com
I'm the author your mother warned you about
Take Me, now available from Kensington Aphrodisia