I’ve searched around to find which was the first mainstream paperback romance to use a genuine stepback cover. I’m not 100% sure but it looks like Pocket Books published it in 1979.
book blog
Stepback Covers Part II: The History of the Stepback
The history of stepback covers goes back to the early-to-mid-20th century. Bantam, Warner, and Pocket Books would be among the first paperback publishers to use this innovative cover design in the 1970s.
Category Romance Review: Moon Witch by Anne Mather
Harlequin Presents #38 Moon Witch by Anne Mather In this vintage romance, a much older man falls for his younger ward. It’s an uncomfortable, but compelling read. 3.5 Stars
Different Books, Same Cover #1
Publishers often re-use artwork to save money or time. We found quite a few examples of different romance books with the same or similar cover art.
Stepback Covers Are Back & Why We Love Them
Conversations about romance covers always draw strong opinions. Are they a source of cringe or are they a form of art? The stepback cover has been popular in the genre for over 35 years. One reason for that is due to discretion. With stepbacks, you can have your clinch and eat it, too.
Category Romance Review: A Passionate Affair by Anne Mather
In Anne Mather’s A Passionate Affair, the heroine, Cassandra, is a divorcee whom the hero pursues and they engage in a…passionate affair. This was revolutionary. Before this book, lovemaking in this line had been restricted to married couples or “forced seductions” of initially unwilling virgins whose bodies “betrayed them.” A solid romance. 3.5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Savage Obsession by Cassie Edwards
This review is of Savage Obsession, book #1 in the “Chippewa” series by Cassie Edwards. From what I read of others’ reviews of her books, there is no middle ground with Mrs. Edwards’ work. Some love her, and others absolutely hate her. I’m kind of in the middle. Savage Obsession won’t make anyone a fan of Mrs. Edwards’ work who wasn’t already one. 2 stars
Covers of the Week #47
Artist Daniel Crouse created covers for Harlequin, Dell, and other publishers. For the week of Monday, January 31, 2022, to Sunday, February 6, 2022, we’re highlighting a sample of categcovers by Dan Crouse!
Category Romance Review: A Perfect Marriage by Laurey Bright
Silhouette Intimate Moments #621 It’s difficult for me to give Laurey Bright’s A Perfect Marriage a coherent review because it’s a romance novel that deals with adultery. 3 stars
Historical Romance Review: Nobility Ranch (aka To Love a Lady) by Cynthia Stirling
This review is of Nobility Ranch (ebook title To Love a Lady), book #1 of 3 in the “Titled Texans” series from July 2000 by Cynthia Sterling. Ms. Sterling gets her “Titled Texans” series off to a great start with Nobility Ranch/To Love a Lady. It’s not a 5-star book, but it is a very good one. 4.44 stars