Now, here is the description of this book: Participating in an ancient spell, Laura Sullivan is amazed when the half-naked man of her dreams is promptly deposited in her home, and Laura is forced to teach Connor, a ninth-century Viking, how to adapt to the modern world.
So far, so historical romance.
Here is the cover chosen to show this tale...
What do you think? Something you'd pick up? *snicker*
I'd be too embarrassed to take this to the library counter, let alone read it on the train. Fortunately, I can't imagine wanting to read it, but I do sometimes feel self-conscious about awful covers when I'm reading in public places.
ReplyDeleteThat's *awesome*!
ReplyDeleteI've actually got a few of these kind of books knocking around: back when I was in college, a friend and I had an ongoing competition to find the worst historical romance covers (anything written by an American, but set in medieval Scotland or featuring Vikings is always a winner, as you've shown. The characters are also invariably Connor, Laura and / or Sarah - it's a formula, and if it ain't broken, no-one's looking to fix it).
I think my friend won in the end, god only knows with what, but I know I've still got a couple of mine somewhere. Now I'll have to dig them out...
Oh God.
ReplyDeleteThat is horrendous.
All I can say is "reading is good - no matter how the cover looks like" but this is an awful cover to take any book seriously.
ReplyDeleteThat's a sizable weapon he has sheathed there.
ReplyDeleteFNAR!
My favorite combination-new-and-used bookstore has, in addition to an amazing paranormal selection, a plethora of old bodice rippers. I sometimes even buy them, but mostly I chuckle at the covers on my way to load up on more urban fantasy.
ReplyDeleteMay I recommend 'The Smart Bitches Guide to Romance Novels'? Phenomenal book. After reading it, yes, I'd pick up this book!
ReplyDeleteWould love to see a realistic version of this.
ReplyDeleteThe vikings were rather short (I think about 160cm), so he'd probaly be shorter than her. And he'd most likely have a beard :-P
He he, I love it! He's been at the steroids hasn't he! I love that they emphasise that he's half naked in the blurb, it is very clear from the front cover just low little he has on!
ReplyDeleteId have to hide it inbetween the covers of playboy
ReplyDeleteThat's terrible! Simply shocking! We all know magic users can't use bladed weapons. Pffffft
ReplyDeleteWonderful stuff! Always seem to shave their chests though...
Thank goodness it was released in 1995. If this novel was published this year I would've had a stroke.
ReplyDeleteHey now, let's not judge just because it's historical romance and the cover is cheesy. I'd give it a go if it was recommended by someone whose taste I trusted.
ReplyDeleteDon't all romance covers look like that?
ReplyDeleteHonestly it's not so different in style or story to some books currently being published. Above is half naked Viking, latest from M Liu, half naked man from the sea, and cover shows...a half naked man gripping a woman. And oooh, look at how big and ripped he is, oh my!!! I'd say get a grip, but I think that's exactly what the woman on the cover intends to do!
ReplyDeleteNot to pick on her, but I literally saw the cover before coming to this blog. I'm sure there are lots of others around.