Okay, so I know there’s some divided opinions in the romance reading group about the book covers that are clinch covers (a pair embracing, usually in a more scandalous situation and some form of undress) or with the half-naked dude / torso. But I’m curious to what the non-romance readers think of those particular type of covers.
Obviously there’s a lot of romance readers who are nervous about bringing a physical copy of such a book in public (generally nervous of the side-eyes and potential scoffing of “cheap books” etc.) when they’re taking a book with them. There’s a certain level of having the appropriate book cover to match what the book’s got going, but people on the cover, especially the more ‘risqué’ versions: what’s your (non-romance reader) thoughts on them?
by whatinpaperclipchaos
11 Comments
I think it’s kinda trashy in public, but ultimately it’s none of my business and I’ll forget about it as soon as it’s out of sight.
I really doubt anyone is paying attention to the cover when you’re reading in public, generally how people read books I can never really tell what they’re reading unless it’s one of those large font self help books.
I don’t think much beyond identifying the book as a bodice ripper. Sometimes I try to guess the publishing period by the art style, but only if I’m mad bored.
My husband and I share in kindle and he is always ask why we have so many naked men in there!! LOL
I’m not a big fan of them at all. They tend to look rushed and cheap, which honestly doesn’t make me the most hopeful of the quality of the story a lot of the time.
I’m definitely curious about the book when I see someone reading in public but my thoughts don’t go beyond something like “probably a spicy romance or something involving werewolves” It’s not my genre, so I don’t care. It’s like when I see one of these generic thriller cover. I don’t read that genre anymore, so I don’t care about the title or author.
Who cares? It’s actually none of my business.
I don’t care. I think a lot of the horny covers look much more aesthetically pleasing than those clip art covers that have taken over. Both imply the same things to me—someone is reading likely horny romance—and that doesn’t matter much to me.
Lots of books contain explicit content—sex, violence alike—and I don’t judge anyone for reading that. It’s like if I saw someone reading ASOIAF in public, why should I care that they might be reading something gory atm? Or if I see someone with AO3 open on public transit. It’s all fine.
I don’t mind it. Using lurid or titillating covers to sell books has a long history across lots of genres. Much better than the bland, modern covers that don’t tell me anything about the book.
This is one benefit of reading on an e-reader or listening to audiobooks.
I’m not a romance reader but I do consider the cover of the book when it comes to choosing a title I’ll read in public.