Sarah: Sometimes you find the most amazing old skool covers. And sometimes really awesome librarians and readers like Lady R. email you a heads up that, wow, yes, that is a teal headband. Did they have terry cloth back then? I had no idea!
So let's take a trip back in time with all of us here at Bitchery HQ, where the women were really, really, no, REALLY WE MEAN IT redheads, and the men were made more men-ful with the addition of teal.
RedHeadedGirl: Holy GOD. First off, I kinda want to read ALL of these.
Amanda: Ah, I miss the days where just the title of a book would make me uncomfortable.
Sarah: I can't take my eyes off that teal. It's the most magnetic thing on the cover, right after the tagline: His burning touch fired her need. Does she need a z-pack?
I think the teal is speaking to me. Shhhh.
RedHeadedGirl: I hope they manage to get off the ground before the random horse tramples them or whatever.
Amanda: If you experience any “burning touches,” please consult a physician.
Elyse: His burning touch, her fiery need… That sounds like vaginitis. Also those are some red trees.
Carrie: His Burning Touch Fired Her Need…. It's time to test for STD's!
Also known as: Death By Goldfish Swarm
Sarah: Isn't there a whole subset of historicals where her neck looks broken and he looks asleep? I think this cover is their leader. When they join together to form a cover rebellion, this cover will lead them into battle. After he wakes up and someone duct tapes her head on straight.
RedHeadedGirl: Is he trying to see if she has a pulse?
Amanda: I feel like we're about an inch of fabric away from a wardrobe malfunction.
Elyse: The cover from Colorado Jewel resembles a set piece from The Book of Mormon… “Hello my name is Elder Butt Fucking Naked. Did you know the clitoris is a holy sacred thing?”
Carrie: Nope, that's not where it is. No, really – it's not in her neck. Think lower.
Also, Sweetie, if you make a face like that, it will freeze that way
Sarah: If Colorado Jewel is the leader in the broken neck cover rebellion, this one is probably second in command, resentful of Colorado Jewel's leadership because, for God's sake, Silken Chains has broken necks and sleeping dudes PLUS floating horse heads AND fuchsia. Clearly it should be the leader, but alas, no, it's not.
RedHeadedGirl: There is something severely wrong with that horse headdress thing. Also I just bought this based on the cover alone.
Amanda: Wait…are they in the ocean? Where is his hand going?! Is he about to motorboat her?!! I am very uncomfortable.
Elyse: Why does the hero from Silken Chains have a flower arrangement blooming from his rectum? Are they taint lilies?
Unable to find a vase, Hans stuffed the bouquet he'd bought Beatrice in his favorite orifice.
Carrie: No, sorry, I've got nothing. I have to go lie down now. The shock, you know. The trauma.
Sarah: This cover needs more teal.
RedHeadedGirl: I don't know if I'm happy they didn't go with an obvious swan, or disappointed. That said, his ruffled PURPLE shirt totally makes the cover.
Amanda: If I didn't notice the ship in the background, I would have thought this was some new Cirque du Soleil high wire act. Also, I wonder what material her dress is made out of. My money's on lycra.
Elyse: I am fairly certain that the hero from the Elusive Swan is Prince Adam from HeMan
Carrie: OMG. I just can't. I can't even.
OK, here's the best my stunned mind can come up with:
Yup – that swan's elusive, alright.
Elyse: Wait… I can't stop looking at the Elusive Swan. It's like it has power over me. Is the ocean pink? Are they sailing on a fucking sea of Crystal Light?
Sarah: First, I presume this is a stepback because the title isn't on the cover. Or this book is so famous it doesn't need a name.
Second, IT'S MERIDA. It's Merida from 1994 romance cover land, but still.
I wonder what Merida would say about this cover.
RedHeadedGirl: Is she inviting someone to come help her brush her hair?
Amanda: Is it weird that I imagine this being The Childlike Empress all grown up? I sincerely hope she gives those locks a conditioning treatment every few months.
RedHeadedGirl: SHE DOES LOOK LIKE THE CHILD-LIKE EMPRESS ALL GROWN UP
Elyse: Can you imagine snaking her shower drain? No innuendo intended.
Carrie: Holding Out For a Hairdresser.
@Kris Bock: OMG. I have a lean neck and now I want a photo of it taken at that angle. That would be awesome.