It’s like a visit to Wonderland, folks: a photographic tour of some of the best of Heather Osborn’s romance collection. Seriously, it’s like a library of awesome up in here.
Hi all, I’m Heather Osborn, editor of the Tor Romance line. But I don’t just edit romance – I’m a life-long fan of the genre. As such, I have amassed quite the collection, one that has followed me across the country from Southern California, to Ohio, and now to New York. Sarah asked me to give you a peek into my collection, so I’ve picked some of the more unusual and hard to find books to highlight here. So without further ado, enjoy part of my collection with a bit of cover snark and occasional book commentary thrown in!
Demonwood by Anne Stuart. This is a Candlelight Intrigue that released in September 1979. Needless to say, I tracked this down used. First off, doesn’t the guy on this cover look like Roger Moore? Secondly, if this was an erotic paranormal romance, Demonwood would be the best title ever!
Cameron’s Landing by Anne Stuart. Another Candlelight Intrigue from May 1979. Would it surprise you to hear that this is a gothic romance? Windswept cliffs, storm-tossed ocean, darkly brooding hero? Yup, it’s a gothic.
Escape Out of Darkness by Anne Stuart. This is the first of three “Maggie Bennett” novels. Sadly, I don’t have the other two. Because seriously. This is magical. The tagline on the book reads “Danger is her middle name…and romance is her trademark.” Just like Austin Powers!
Please also take note of Don Johnson circa Miami Vice on the cover. Down to the stubble! I don’t think it’s a coincidence – this book came out in 1987, the era of baby pink blazers and shoes with no socks.
But let’s not forget the heroine in this picture. Her one-piece royal blue jumpsuit is also breathtaking. What better attire to jump out of an Alpine chalet in?
Against the Wind by Anne Stuart. Yes, I know this is a lot of Stuart, but how could I leave this out? This gem from 1985 features Mom jeans, a pink satin blouse in the act of being wrenched off, and frosty blue eye shadow. And that’s not even addressing the best thing about this cover: MULLET. A salt and pepper mullet held back by a bandana! Glorious.
Dead God Dancing by Ann Maxwell aka Elizabeth Lowell, June 1979. These books are really hard to find – I lucked out and found them here and there at thrift stores, used book stores, etc. I also have her Dancer trilogy and the other books that were reprinted in the 90s by Kensington. But I actually have the originals. And who wouldn’t want them? Look at the amazing art! The titles I am profiling here weren’t reprinted, as far as I know. Too bad, because they are actually really great fantasy stories.
I love old cover art, and I love that some books are so hard to find that coming across one in a used bookstore is a thrill like no other. What older books do you wish you could track down – aside from these GEMS of ARTISTIC AWESOME?
Stay tuned for more of the Trip to Wonderland with Heather Osborn – I’ve got more covers, and they are amazing.
