Theme: A Solo Pose and Clinch Combo
In the 1980s and 1990s, as romance novels’ popularity grew, more books entered the market. Publishers experimented with new elements and designs to entice buyers into purchasing their releases.
Lettering became highly stylized and often was embossed in metallic foil. The stepback–with a die-cut keyhole or without–rose to prominence in the genre after achieving great success for horror paperbacks. Wrap-around covers made use of the empty space surrounding the blurb.
There were a variety of poses designers could choose from: the standard passionate clinch; collages (usually designated to the back); and solo images of either the hero or the heroine. One of our favorites is the combination of a lone heroine and, beneath her, a smaller shot of the couple.
The pose and clinch style always made for beautiful romance covers with so much to admire. Zebra romances would employ this style in their early days. Harlequin Historicals were famous for these as well.
The Covers
For the week of Monday, November 1, 2021, to Sunday, November 7, please enjoy these lovely “pose and clinch” covers.
Solo Pose And Clinch Combo Covers (from Left to Right, Top to Bottom)
- Love Stone, Deana James, Zebra, 1982, Pino cover art
- Ways of the Wind, Patricia Rae, Zebra, 1983, Renato Aime cover art
- Once and Always, Judith McNaught, Pocket Books, 1987, Pino cover art
- Sun Woman, Lindsay McKenna, Harlequin, 1991, Max Ginsburg art
Your Opinion
What do you think of the “solo pose and clinch” cover style? Which of our picks do you like the best, if any?
Do you have suggestions or requests for future Covers of the Week themes you’d like to see on Sweet Savage Flame? Let us know, and we’ll do our best to create a gallery of stunning art!
Please drop a comment, and let’s talk romance.
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