They say you can’t choose a book by its cover and yet that’s the number one thing that readers look at when deciding whether to read a book. So, a cover is really important and when authors or publishers work on a cover, they have a ton of decisions to make. One decision is whether or not to show a hero’s face. Some readers don’t want to see the face because they want to create their own impression of the hero. Other readers just love seeing the hunky hero’s features on the cover. When I did the cover for The Prince’s Gamble, I opted to just tease you with the face because I wanted the prince to be a little mysterious especially since the heroine thinks he’s the main suspect in a human trafficking ring. For Brickell Avenue Ambush, the publisher thought it was important to show the hero’s face and he’s definitely like I pictured him! Ricky is very much a suit kind of guy since he’s a psychologist helping his family protect a woman whose ex has a deadly secret! I love both covers, but I wonder how you feel about the face/no face question. Do you like to fill in the features or do you like seeing the hero’s face on the cover?
Loving the Mountains or the Beach?
Books are like magic carpets, zipping us off to new worlds or whisking us back to familiar spots we adore. My happy place is anywhere with sand and sea, the ultimate combo for a satisfying beach read. But I also love stories set on sprawling ranches or deep in the mountains. What about you? Do you have a fave setting that makes your heart race and your fingers itch to grab the book?
To Beard or Not to Beard
To beard or not to beard? What’s the answer to that age-old question? Personally, I have no preference between a man with a clean-shaven look or a fuzz-filled face. It’s all about how well they rock it, and some guys can really pull off a sharp goatee or a nicely trimmed beard. Although, let’s be real here, those ZZ Top-style beards just scream messy to me. What’s your take on it? Oh, and just between us, my fictional men have stayed pretty clean-shaven in the past, but Carlos from Escape the Everglades is finally sporting some facial hair – a former Marine and an environmentalist, he’s looking rugged as ever!
Tasty Apple or Savory Pumpkin
One of the hardest things about Thanksgiving dinner is leaving enough room for dessert after eating all that amazing turkey, cranberry sauce, and all the appetizing side dishes. Somehow I manage to do it but now it’s time for the hard choice: tasty apple pie or savory pumpkin? Yes, I know many of you will say both, but I’m still trying to lose weight and have been stuck at 45 pounds lost for the last three months. Sigh. Also, I really prefer pecan pie (or sweet potato pie) and hope that will be on the Thanksgiving table as well. But back to today’s This or That. Will you choose apple or pumpkin? A la mode or just pie all alone?
Time for Difficult Choices
Sometimes when I cozy up to the table on Thanksgiving I face a most difficult choice: Turkey or Ham? I have to confess that I only eat turkey on Thanksgiving. It’s not my go-to meat at any other time of year, except possibly ground turkey for tacos. But I feel as if I have to have turkey on Thanksgiving because that’s the tradition and honestly, it’s pretty tasty if made properly. But if there’s ham on the table also…. Yes, I know what you’re all saying! Why choose? Have a little bit of both and I usually do, but if I had a choice, I’d only have ham. What about you? Turkey or ham? P.S. – Did you know that you can make a variation of a Cuban sandwich by substituting turkey for the roast pork?
Share Your Comfortable and Relaxed Places to Read
When the sun’s blazing in spring and summer, catch me chilling under my beach umbrella, devouring a steamy romance novel. But come fall and winter, I’m all about snuggling up on my sofa with a fuzzy blanket and my current read. So, are you a bookworm who prefers sandy toes or cozy blankets?
Halloween Candy Wars
I live in a divided house during the Halloween Candy Wars. My son-in-law and I are team Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups while hubby is a loyal Milky Way bar fan. My daughter is a wildcard with her love of Milk Duds. Our sneaky Halloween trick? We totally rifle through the candy stash before the trick or treaters arrive, snatching up our favorite treats. Come on, don’t pretend you don’t do the same! So, what’s your all-time favorite Halloween treat, and are you a candy sneak like us?
P.S. – If you’re in a Halloween mood, treat yourself to one of my paranormal romances!