June 28th, 2010 | by Elizabeth Amber |
When I first saw the Nicholas cover, I fell in love. It got the Lords of Satyr series off to a great start, and the book won numerous regional RWA awards, including Judge A Book by its Cover. I’ve loved every cover since (a total of 5.) The design is consistent–each book has an LOS logo, is named for the hero, and best of all–each book has a hunky headless cover model. My June release, Dane, The Lords of Satyr, begins a new trilogy within the Lords of Satyr series. I’ve moved the stories up 50 years and moved from Tuscany to Rome. I’m currently writing the next book, Bastian. I haven’t seen the US cover for that one yet, and am looking forward to it. (I suggested a royal purple.)
From the US: Nicholas, Raine, Lyon, Dominic, Dane
From Germany: Nicholas Raine Lyon
But over in Germany, the Satyr lords are just getting started. And, look at these covers. Can I just say, wow? Yummy, aren’t they? I don’t know the story behind why the Nicholas cover (the green, black, & white one) is different from the Raine (purple tattoo) and the Lyon (green tattoo.) Nicholas released some time ago, and shortly afterward, similar Raine and Lyon covers were designed and posted on Amazon. Then they disappeared and these two tattooed guys showed up.
So which do you prefer? The US covers? The non-tattooed German covers? The tatted-out German ones? Do you dislike all of them? Love them all equally? And why? I’m really curious to know which you prefer and why, and plan to pass the info on to my publisher. Answer in a comment below to be entered to win an autographed copy of Dane, The Lords of Satyr. Winner to be chosen July 4th.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see what Dane looks like in a German edition!
Nicholas | Raine | Lyon | Dominic : The Lords of Satyr series
Dane ~ RT Book Reviews TOP PICK! (June 2010)
hot historical paranormal romance
Kensington Aphrodisia
excerpts
enewsletter
Elizabeth, I have to say they are all really eye-catching book covers. My favorite is the US covers because they show more yummilicious man muscles and just drip sensuality, sexiness, savoring satyrs.
Okay, I’ve exhausted my quota of “s” words.
Congratulations on the release of Dane and wishing you much success with the new trilogy!!
by Armenia · June 28th, 2010 at 11:14 amI LOVE the tattoo covers! While I love the half nekkidness of the US covers, the Tattoo colored ones really draw the eyes in!
by Aurora · June 28th, 2010 at 2:44 pmI think that the tatted ones are most fetching, they are appealing to contemporary tastes. That said, I think I will always adore the Nicholas cover. Just saying.
by Little Lamb Lost · June 28th, 2010 at 3:17 pmThank you Armenia! You’re a sweetie for popping by. Hey another s word. I love the way the US covers look, all liked up like this. I wish they’d make a tattooed Nicholas to match the other two in Germany! And I do wonder what happened to the other 2 covers they designed and abandoned for R and L.
Aurora, hi! So far I’ve never disliked a cover, though I admit I was shocked the first time I saw Nicholas. In a good way.
LLL, Good to see you! Me too on Nicholas. And I do like the tattoo covers, though there are no tatts in the books.
Thank you for stopping by the A blog, ladies!
by Elizabeth Amber · June 28th, 2010 at 3:40 pmI love the US covers because, you know, yum! But the others also jump out at you because of all the pretty tatoo colors! So with either set, I’m drawn in!
by Chelsea B. · June 28th, 2010 at 3:45 pmThey’re all nice but the american covers are my fav. I can see all that glistening skin….
by J. Hali Steele · June 28th, 2010 at 3:58 pmOMG! I love the U.S. covers. talk about “hot flashes”. Very Sexy and absolutely Gorgeous.
by Lavonne P. · June 28th, 2010 at 4:06 pmGorgeous U.S. covers. I love them. On Danes cover I want an eraser to get rid of the lettering.
by Karen S. · June 28th, 2010 at 4:24 pmPardon my drooling!!
i’m partial to the us covers – especially nicholas’. the models look almost sculpture like that you think you’re strolling through a very interesting museum.
by kylie · June 28th, 2010 at 6:23 pmAll of the covers are gorgeous but the U.S. covers show more *fans herself* nekkid man body. Oh man what bodies! Those covers are great but my favorites are the U.S. Covers. After seeing those I wouldn’t want even an inch of those bodies to be covered by tattoos.
by Mary · June 28th, 2010 at 6:39 pmThe US covers—yum!
by Estella · June 28th, 2010 at 6:42 pmBoth are great but I prefer the German ones. I love those designs.The tats catch my eye and draw me in more .
by wanda flanagan · June 28th, 2010 at 8:38 pmwandaf
flanagan@mebtel.net
Hey Elizabeth,
Just wanted to stop by and say hi. Loved Dane and all the Satyr books.
Have to say I am partial to the US covers although the other covers are nice.
Heather
by Heather Brewer · June 28th, 2010 at 9:43 pmI love them all–who wouldn’t? But the one that caught my attention the most were Dane’s book–something about that pose–and the two tattooed books from Germany. Nice.
Congratulations on their success.
by lynne Roberts · June 28th, 2010 at 10:13 pmGawd, girl…all that manflesh!
I have to say the US covers are my favorites. Beautiful bodies in artistic poses…they’re just flat out gorgeous, and of all of them, Nicholas is the best, IMHO! I can honestly say that I think Kensington has an amazing art department…our covers are all just gorgeous.
Congrats on the top pick! I loved Dane–did you ever post that horrible photo of me in my jammies?
by Kate Douglas · June 29th, 2010 at 12:46 amWell I like the German covers better, much more sexier i feel
But the American covers are of course very hot as well
by Lightbane · June 29th, 2010 at 3:01 amI love the German tattoo covers. VERY hot!!
by Mary Preston · June 29th, 2010 at 4:13 amI definitely prefer the US covers. The guys are more real. Don’t like the German covers with the tats at all. They look fake. I know most book covers that the people have tats, the tats are fake, but usually they at least make it look real. Not those.
by Beth · June 29th, 2010 at 5:16 amElizabeth, I have not read any of your books yet, but with covers like those, taking a look is a must.
The Lords of Satyr series sound awesome, I’ll be checking out your backlist.
About the covers, I prefer the US ones, but that shouldn’t be a surprise, being American is logical. I guess there is a reason publishers do different covers according to the countries.
However, a red-hot male, like the features on the covers, would attract any female regardless of her origin or aesthetical preferences.
by Joanna Terrero · June 29th, 2010 at 9:37 amUS covers…for the wonderful (cough-cough) artisitc coloring and prop usage.
by Dana · June 29th, 2010 at 3:27 pmUmm, like artistic (oops)
by Dana · June 29th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Hola Elizabeth! I would have to say that in any language “The Lord’s of Satyrs” series is worth the money! 
Always a good read, but best of all who needs to read to look at the picture.. 
Looking forward to “Bastian” and any other spin-offs from the series. 
Always a fan! 
by Roberta Espinoza · June 29th, 2010 at 3:35 pmHi Elizabeth,
by iokijo · June 30th, 2010 at 1:16 amI still like the original best.. yummy.
While I love tattoos I think quite a few cover artists don’t quite have it down yet.. most don’t look like the tattoo is actually on the person
Anyway.. the US cove poses remind me of poses for paintings and sculptures esp. Nicholas [ although I think somebody should give that model some twinkies to eat.. lol he's too thin]
To anybody who hasn’t started the series yet.. get to it!
I like the US covers the best – YUM
by Jenn Ryan · June 30th, 2010 at 9:32 pmI like the tattoo covers for their splash of color. Also while I like the original US covers in the privacy of my home, I’ll admit I’d be embarrassed to take them up to the check out counter. Those covers are super HOT!
by Sue A. · July 1st, 2010 at 1:07 amHi Elizabeth,
by Sharon K · July 1st, 2010 at 8:12 pmI’d have to say without. The tattoos don’t look real, more like super imposed images on the models bodies. I think as they are, they are distracting and hide the beautiful bodies. JMHO
Welcome everyone! Thank you for popping in to consider the satyr covers’ hot, dee-licious manliness. (My bf is here with me and that’s her description of them.)
Chelsea,
I think I feel the same. It’s hard for me to separate myself from the fact that I wrote the books; I’d probably love any cover if it was on a book I wrote! LOL
J. Hali,
Yum! Glistening skin….
Lavonne, m’dear! So glad you like them. Me, too!
LOL, Karen.
) A mental one.
I’m drooling, too. And I have an eraser you can borrow.
Kylie,
That’s lovely! I particularly think Nicholas looks sculptural. Like a classic statue.
Mary,
Ooh! Nekid man body—love that phrase. I’m not sure if a tattoo makes them sexier because it accents the skin that isn’t tattooed, or if it’s better just to have it all on display. Either way, I’m happy.
Thanks for weighing in, Estella!
by Elizabeth Amber · July 2nd, 2010 at 3:01 pmHi Wanda,
I’m glad you like! I think these tattooes are some of the nicest ones I’ve seen on book covers. I wonder how they put them on these guys? Photoshop or are they actually painted on? Or, gasp, do these guys really have tattooes like this?
Heather!
Wonderful to see you sweetie. Thanks for your thoughts. I’m glad you like the US satyrs.
Lynne,
by Elizabeth Amber · July 2nd, 2010 at 3:08 pmThank you so much for your congratulations. I do think the US covers have helped this series because it looks like a cohesive series, and it’s obvious immediately that what’s inside will be sexy. As a reader, I’m disappointed if I buy a book with a hot cover only to discover that the sex is lukewarm. I don’t have to have tons of sex in every book I read, but I do want to know what I’ll be getting ahead of making a purchase. Do you know what I mean?
Kate!
Manflesh—I love it. I’d like to see that as a book title. Kensington is amazing with covers. I love the new Wolf Tales 10 cover—I think it’s my fave of your whole series because of the emotion between the pair. And I’m saving that jammies picture of you to unveil at just the right moment. Hmm, let’s see…maybe on the photo marquee at RWA/Orlando? LOL!
Lightbane and Mary,
Two for the tattoos! Thanks for dropping by to weigh in. My mom is actually going to pick the winner this time on July 4th, by picking a number from 1 to whatever the highest number of comments turns out to be. Good luck! Xox
Hi Beth,
It’s so interesting to hear differing opinions. It must boggle the design teams at publishers when they try to figure out what how to design a book. I’ll pass this on to Kensington along with the other comments. I think it’s helpful to hear what readers think!
Joanna,
by Elizabeth Amber · July 2nd, 2010 at 3:18 pmI’m glad you think the satyr covers are red hot! And I’m sure Kensington will be gratified to hear that. I hope you enjoy the novels if you get a chance to take a look. I’ve thought the same thing—that there must be a slightly different sensibility between countries when it comes to design. I’m glad I’m not the designer figuring all that out.
Hi Dana,
Artistic is one of those words we should be able to spell any way feel like it because we’re, well, feeling artistic. As far as props, I loved that blue drape in Nicholas, and got many appreciative comments from readers, all wondering what was beneath it and begging him to “drop the drape.” He never did. Sigh.
Hola, Roberta!
You are such a doll. Thank you so much. Hugs.
Hi iokijo,
by Elizabeth Amber · July 2nd, 2010 at 3:29 pmGood to see you, sweetie! LOL about the twinkies. I actually LOVE twinkies. It’s my secret shame. I treat myself to them once a year. But I would eat them every week if I had my druthers. Interesting that the tattoos don’t look like they’re really on the person. Maybe they wouldn’t look as good if they were? Wish we could see a side-by-side comparison. I’m not big on tattoos in general, but I admit I’d love to see a hot guy with a real tattoo like one of these German ones on the beach. *drool* (Okay, my bf is here, and she’s giving me a hard time because she loves tattoos. And hates Twinkies.)
Jenn, hi,
I’m so glad you think the US satyrs are yummy. Me, too! Thank you for visiting the Aphrodisia blog. xox
Hi Sue,
I’m glad you like the covers! Very good point about the hotness in public, and I’m glad you made it. I know some people have purchased or made slipcovers for their books. But even titles can be iffy. Years ago, I took a romance novel named Harden (named for the hero) up to the counter in a bookstore, and the clerk started laughing at the title. I was young, and it embarrassed me. If it happened now over a cover or a title, I think I’d speak to the manager. I’m sure they don’t want this to happen! They’re in business to sell the books in their stores.
Sharon,
by Elizabeth Amber · July 2nd, 2010 at 3:40 pmThis is really interesting and you’re not the first to make this observation re the tattoos. I’ll definitely pass this on. The bodies are beautiful, aren’t they?
Thanks for coming by today! Hugs.
Hi Elizabeth,
Both sets of covers are verrrra nice!! Hehe!
But, I think I’m a tad more partial to the US ones ‘cos there is more of the man on them…*grin*.
Valerie
by Valerie · July 2nd, 2010 at 5:05 pmvalb0302@yahoo.com
in Germany!
Hey Elizabeth,
Nicholas (US) is my all time favorite cover! He was the 1st TP erotic that I bought in print. It took me several deep breaths & no amount of pacing to take him to the check out counter of a BaM. After I read him his book sat facing me for months at my desk where I work (home office of course).
2nd would have to be Lyon (US) followed closely by Raine (Germany). What a six pack!!
Then Dane (US) followed by Lyon (Germany).
Now Nicholas (Germany) just might be a new favorite if they took all that green camo off the cover & put him front & center!!!
Best Wishes,
by Susan B. · July 2nd, 2010 at 5:32 pmSusan
I don’t think I would turn away from either of them
I think the u.s. ones are hotter. I like tatoos although these don’t look quite real. Some real tatoos on the u.s covers would be the hottest lol.
by catslady · July 2nd, 2010 at 6:36 pmIs it wrong to like them all? I think they are all very drool-worthy. I LOVE the U.S. ones, since I saw them first, of course, and own them for up close inspections for unlimited moments. LOL. I do love the tattooed German ones as well. Always have had a soft spot for tats on a well carved body. But I feel, based on the stories, that the non-tattooed bodies better suit the Lords, the era in which they live, etc. The Lords are sooooo hawt. I feel reading the books or looking at the covers alone while wearing a bib would be beneficial.
by Carolyn W · July 2nd, 2010 at 8:19 pmAs i have said before, being male and in the minority of your readers, i am always a bit chagrinned to bring up one of the Satyr series to a female book salesperson, who probably wonders about my sexual orientation. As a result, I like the German tatted-up covers, partly because the nudity is downplayed by the tats and partly because I have tats myself. Of the covers, I think the green cover looks more like it’s really a tat on the coverguy, while the purple one looks more superimposed. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of Dane’s tome. Yours, ken
by ken mcmillan · July 3rd, 2010 at 12:46 amWhat captured me to read your books is the Nicholas cover US version. The faceless imagery puts on in a mystery much like the beauty of the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Well, the story is spellbinding so I was enchanted from then on and read the rest of the series with anticipation and glee. I always looked forward to the covers of the books cuz in some way it gives an imagery of what the hunkilicious lords were supposed to be.
So, I guess the US versions have a special place in my heart because of Nicholas. But then again, the German versions are great looking too! If I can get a hold of it, I want to add them in my collection even if I can’t understand them, especially the ones with tatts! lol… The German Nicholas is okay, I guess, for now I know what he looks like but it’s as if the mystery of the lords is unveiled cuz of the face, so I don’t like it that much…
by 4jpz · July 3rd, 2010 at 1:12 amHi Elizabeth,
But, I like the USA better because I don’t have anything to distract me from those gorgeous men.
by Carol L. · July 3rd, 2010 at 8:16 amThey are all definitely eye catching beautiful men.
And when I look at the USA books I’m always reminded of those beautiful Greek and Roman statues. They all seem posed like that , don’t they ?
Love love these Satyrs Elizabeth.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
HI ELIZABETH AND EVERYONE HAVE A SAFE AND FUN FILLED FORTH! WOW IS EVERY BOOK HOT ARE NOT? HERE I AM AT NO. 39 BUT MAYBE IT’LL BE LUCKY!
by hotcha1 · July 3rd, 2010 at 3:18 pmI prefer the US covers. They’re gorgeous!
I like the German covers for Raine and Lyon, but don’t care for the one for Nicholas. I like the covers with the tats, but not the green in front of Nicholas. It’s just not very appealing to me.
by annalisa · July 3rd, 2010 at 6:25 pmI really like the American covers but I love the Tattooed German ones. I like the Purple tat the best
jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com
by Julie Swaney · July 3rd, 2010 at 8:14 pmThe non-tatoo covers definitely. While I normally would prefer tattoos, especially like the large over the belly ones on the covers, these look way too fake, obviously photoshopped, and not in a good way. Not stylized and sexy, but just kind of counterfeit.
My 2 cents.
Shea
by Shea Cooper · July 3rd, 2010 at 10:13 pmI’m with Shea about the tattoos, they seem to be this seasons bookcover fad and getting to be a little over done in my opinion. A little across the bicep or belly was ok but now they’ve got cheesy ones plastered across the whole body like a quick and dirty photoshop chop job.
my 2 cents….
Jan
by Ja'niece · July 4th, 2010 at 9:44 pmHi Valerie!
More man is always a good thing. *grins* xox
Hello, Susan,
I have Nicholas wrapped around a wine bottle (over the label) on my office shelf. That cover is mesmerizing. LOL about taking the green away from the German Nicholas! Thanks for the rankings. I love reading those and the reasons behind them. Hugs and happy holiday weekend!
Hi Carolyn!
No! I like them all, so join my club, girl! Laughing to myself here over “Close inspections” and “bib.” I just had a thought—maybe there ARE tatts in the German editions. Since I can’t read German, who knows? Just kidding. I’m sure they stayed true to the story. xox
Ken, hi,
by Elizabeth Amber · July 5th, 2010 at 5:11 pmWe love having input from a guy, especially one with tats! Thanks for weighing in and for coming by. Much appreciated, and I’ll pass your comments about the real/unreal look of the German tats, too. xox
4jpz,
Thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind words, and am so glad you enjoyed Nicholas. I love your comment about the “faceless imagery” being mysterious in the way of the Winged Victory. Good point about the tattoo covers being headless also. So, the only face is the German Nicholas (although Dominic has a partical face.) I wonder if the German designers decided hot headless guys made for better covers?
Carol, hi,
I agree that the US covers remind me of classic statues, and I love that. Nicholas in particular. Thank you for coming by the A blog!
Hotcha,
by Elizabeth Amber · July 5th, 2010 at 5:12 pmI hope you had a happy 4th, too. Thanks for the good wishes to us. Hot covers seem to go with summer, don’t they. LOL
Hi Annalisa,
Yay! I’m so glad you like them. I would have posted the original Raine and Lyon German covers that were similar to the Nicholas ones, if I’d been able to find them. But they’re gone from Amazon. I wonder what the story was behind that change? Intriguing.
Hi Julie,
Thanks, sweetie! I appreciate you dropping in to comment. Glad you like the tatts. xox
Hi Shea,
Interesting! Thanks for weighing in. The satyrs don’t actually have tattoos, but I don’t say they don’t, so I think the designers used artistic license here. I’ll pass your thoughts on to my editor.
Jan!
by Elizabeth Amber · July 5th, 2010 at 5:13 pmGood to see you, m’dear. Tattoos are ubiquitous these days. I thought vampires would be over long ago, but they’re still alive (uh, undead, actually) and well, so I wonder how long tattoos will be with us? And how will they morph into the next big thing?
I hope everyone had a lovely July 4th weekend! It went by way too fast. Thanks for coming by to chat. This was fun! Since we got quite a bit of participation, I asked my mom to choose 2 numbers between 1 and 43, for 2 winners instead of 1.
Congratulations to:
25 Sue A
36 Ken
Please email me at elizabethamber1 at aol dot com
with your mailing addresses, and I’ll send Dane out. Here’s wishing you all a great week ahead!
~ Elizabeth A
by Elizabeth Amber · July 5th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Thanks again Elizabeth – I’ve emailed you!
by Sue A. · July 5th, 2010 at 6:16 pmCongrats to Ken as well!