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April 21st, 2009
RELENTLESSLY BIG CONTEST Day Seven!

Today’s book is Maya Banks’ Sweet Surrender!

Sometimes the first step in taking control is surrendering.

Under Faith Malone’s deceptively soft exterior lies a woman who knows exactly what she wants. A strong man who’ll take without asking—because she’s willing to give him everything…

Dallas cop Gray Montgomery is on a mission: find the guy who killed his partner—and bring him to justice. So far, he’s found a link between the killer and Faith—and if Gray has to get close to her to catch the killer, so be it.

Faith is sweet and feminine, everything Gray wants and desires in a woman, but he suspects she’s playing games. No way she would allow a man to call the shots in their relationship. Or would she?

Faith sees in Gray the strong, dominant man she needs, but he seems determined to keep her at a distance. So she takes matters into her own hands to prove to him it’s no game she’s playing. She’s willing to surrender to the right man. Gray would like to be that man. But catching his partner’s killer has to be his first priority. Until Faith is threatened and Gray realizes he will do anything to protect her

You can read an excerpt of this faboo book at Maya’s website (and check out the next book she’s got coming up in June, Sweet Persuasion)

Today’s Question: What sorts of book covers do you like? Bare chested dudes? Women? Couples in a clench? Flowers?

Winners will be announced tomorrow (April 22) in the evening – I’ll be out and about all day and I want to give folks a chance to enter for a few more hours so I’ll draw when I return to the hotel in the evening! Winners have seven days to claim their prize, after that time, I’ll redraw for a new winner. Good luck!!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 6:00 am and is filed under RELENTLESSLY BIG CONTEST. You can feed this entry. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

53 comments to “RELENTLESSLY BIG CONTEST Day Seven!”

  1. It all depend, oh I do love a shirtless man, I do love couples in embrace. I just want something cool, colours, magic. I think it comes from my love of fantasy

    by blodeuedd April 21st, 2009 at 6:04 am

  2. I love “romantic covers” those that give me that warm filling – you know like sparkles and warm colours…don’t mind a good shirtless man too. But covers need to have that thing that makes me want to buy a book. I like paperbacks more than hard covers because they are lightweight and I can carry them around in my purse and my hands don’t hurt when I’m reading in bed.

    by Frana April 21st, 2009 at 6:27 am

  3. I have to admit to loving the bare chested guys on the cover, but it has to have something else too. Like vivid colors. I want something that catches the eye.

    by Misti C. April 21st, 2009 at 6:32 am

  4. Tasteful covers always make me happy. I love a bare chested man, but sometimes the bright green or yellow cover is a bit much for me.

    by Lisa J April 21st, 2009 at 6:35 am

  5. for me it’s all about colors. For example, what attracted me first to JR Ward’s BDB series wasn’t the plot… it was the covers! They’re fantastic! Sensual, strong covers with great use of color.

    by The Imp April 21st, 2009 at 6:36 am

  6. Mmmm… bare-chested dudes…

    by Chris April 21st, 2009 at 6:37 am

  7. I like to see couples on the cover, clenching, kissing, fighting, snogging whatever ;- )

    The sexier the better too, as long as all the naughty bits are covered…because I have small kids

    by Cheryl McInnis April 21st, 2009 at 6:40 am

  8. I think it depends on my mood as far as covers go. Love something reflecting the storyline best of all.

    by Jana J. Hanson April 21st, 2009 at 6:51 am

  9. I like the covers to be hot enough that you put all other books aside to pick it up!

    kysmom02@hotmail.com

    by Becky Workman April 21st, 2009 at 7:02 am

  10. I prefer couples embracing in a sensually provocative pose, either with the guy bare chested, and both scantily clad. Also colors and mood of the cover do it for me.

    by AFox April 21st, 2009 at 7:23 am

  11. I like bare chested dudes, clench covers, flowers. The only ones I really don’t care for are the cartoony ones.

    by Crystal B. April 21st, 2009 at 7:47 am

  12. I like couples embracing, bare chested men, a woman alone (Like UNDERCOVER-gorgeous!). I’m pretty open to a variety of covers so long as they are accurate to what’s in the book.

    by Leslie April 21st, 2009 at 7:58 am

  13. Covers with a nice hunky male always catches my eye!

    by Teresa W. April 21st, 2009 at 8:07 am

  14. Hello Lauren,

    I generally love bare chested men. The older I get it really depends on the book. Don’t get me wrong I still enjoy the men on the covers. Now I look for what’s on the inside instead of just what’s on the out. Have a great day.

    by Roberta Harwell April 21st, 2009 at 8:07 am

  15. I really like the bare chested covers, or the couples in some kind of intimate embrace. Something that is bold and/or sensual. Much like your covers for What Happens in Vegas after dark, but also like Undercover even though it does not feature a man. I also like a cover to have different textures, like foil or embossing. Absolutely hate the CG covers (like many of the old EC covers), not so big a fan of flowers (except loved the cover for Stephanie Myers New Moon)
    So I guess any subject on the cover can be good when it is well and artfully done.

    by booklover1335 April 21st, 2009 at 8:27 am

  16. I like to see the man and the woman in some sort of intimate setting. He doesn’t necessarily have to be bare chested.

    by Crystal D April 21st, 2009 at 8:47 am

  17. Who doesn’t like a yummy looking man on a cover?
    I think sensual, classy covers with subtle colors and a matte finish works best for me..

    by Eshani April 21st, 2009 at 8:48 am

  18. Oh oh oh, me me me!

    *ahem*

    Sorry, the greedy inner child got out for a moment.

    You know, I don’t have a preference for what I want as much as a decided dislike for some stuff. For example, the infamous running couple of so many romantic suspenses–huge offender here is Suzanne Brockmann’s Gone Too Far Alyssa Locke, FBI agent extraordinaire, running around on high heels and pencil skirt? gah!!!

    And then the bad poser/photoshop covers that way too many of the smaller epubs have. Yes, it’s shallow, but it’s hard for me to get past the bad ’shop job to the blurb and/or story, and chances are I just won’t go there.)

    The other thing I tend to avoid are the chick lit-ish covers. Shoes, purses, long legs, earrings… meh. I’m not a girly kind of woman (jeans, t-shirt, ponytail, I’m ready to go) so I have pretty much zero interest in a book that seems to be all about that stuff–and if it is not about it, then why put it in the cover, I ask you? [marketing dept, ur doin' it wrung]

    Ack, I see I didn’t actually answer the question here.

    Okay, the short version: I like the cover to reflect the content without spoiling the story. I.e., let the background of the cover reflect the setting and/or the mood of the story. Bonus if the people on the cover actually resemble the characters within.

    by azteclady April 21st, 2009 at 8:53 am

  19. I like couples in an embrace so that I can have a visual with the story I am reading. I don’t like it when the hair color doesn’t match the cover picture. I also like the models to be more realistic looking not so skinny and way to pretty something you can take into your own life.

    by Carrie Stoll April 21st, 2009 at 9:02 am

  20. Oh, I have this book….love Maya, so don’t enter me~~
    But book covers!! A subject I love. I love all book covers if they’re tastefully done. They can have the clinch, but like the step back on those better. I think the colors and the art have been getting classier on books, and I like that. The true bodice ripping covers are few and far between, and I can only think that’s a good thing, but I DO love me some eye candy, lol!!

    by Melissa April 21st, 2009 at 9:30 am

  21. Mmmmmmm…….i’m partial to a bare chested dude, but i also like the couples in a steamy clinch, then when i’m reading i have an image in my head. But the covers with just the women are done so tastefully, you know it’s going to be a good book

    by Kerry Holder April 21st, 2009 at 10:09 am

  22. Bare chested hot men is what I like on a cover

    by bridget3420 April 21st, 2009 at 10:20 am

  23. Bare chested men. Bold colors or a scene from the book. Did I mention Bare chested men

    by ann marie April 21st, 2009 at 10:33 am

  24. I prefer a barechested man on a general principle. But I will buy a well-presented cover art. Like I bought Brent Weeks’ Night Angel trilogy. There was no nude body parts nor sexy couples… but, the book cover art was good.

    by Cherry April 21st, 2009 at 10:43 am

  25. As long it has something to do with the story, I usually like it.

    by chey April 21st, 2009 at 10:49 am

  26. I like all kinds of covers. From historical romance covers (e.g. beautiful woman in a lovely gown) to erotic romance covers (e.g. two people in a loving embrace wearing only some clothes) :)

    by Maija P. April 21st, 2009 at 11:18 am

  27. I love bare chested men! As long as the cover matches the story I’m happy.

    by Susan April 21st, 2009 at 11:37 am

  28. This is one of my favorite Maya books, so don’t enter me in the daily. As for covers, I am pretty easy to please, just as long as the cover matches the story. My least favorite covers are drawn cartoon figures, but I read so many books in e-format, that even those I can tolerate for a great story.

    by Cathy M April 21st, 2009 at 11:45 am

  29. I’m a big fan of the old-fashioned “bodice rippers”. Seriously, I like all kinds of covers as long as it relates to the book, and the people on the cover match their description in the book.

    by Tracy April 21st, 2009 at 12:16 pm

  30. Depends really on how well the artist did the cover. Some covers just seem so lifeless. Some you glance at, it catches your attention where you check out the book.

    Mm, sometimes a bare chest

    Really I rather it depict the characters and sort of scene inside the book, one that would make you go “Oh yum,”

    by Raonaid Luckwell April 21st, 2009 at 1:06 pm

  31. Hmm.
    Well, I love covers. I love tastefully done. That doesn’t mean it can’t be naughty! And it has to be appropriate to the story. I do judge a book by it’s cover. It’s what draws my eye. If I see something on the cover, I expect it to be in the book!

    by Natasha A. April 21st, 2009 at 1:07 pm

  32. I loved this book – whoever wins it is in for a treat!

    by Lisa Freeman April 21st, 2009 at 1:22 pm

  33. I like scenic covers and also ones where the couple are in a clench.

    by Jane April 21st, 2009 at 1:37 pm

  34. No need to enter me into this contest; I already have this book :)
    But – covers, I’ve been in a few discussions about them recently. Where people have decided not to buy books because of the cover. Honestly, I prefer the not playgirl cheesy greased up covers. (I guess I could tone down that statement.)
    My favorite, are the artistic ones – the ones that could be a print hanging on someone’s wall. With or without people – some book covers honestly are art.

    by limecello April 21st, 2009 at 2:38 pm

  35. Beautiful bodies….men or women? Oops, does that make me bi? lol

    by Janet Stewart April 21st, 2009 at 2:44 pm

  36. Oooh I love the ones with very creative covers that attract the eye, such as a bare-chested guy or an embracing couple in action.

    by Jeanette Juan April 21st, 2009 at 4:05 pm

  37. I love the covers that show people but not their faces. So many times the descriptions inside the book do not match the cover and I dont like that.

    by sara hurt April 21st, 2009 at 5:33 pm

  38. Couples in a clench, absolutely! Especially if it looks like he could be the characters from the book, helps to build the story for me in my mind.

    Stacy K.

    by Stacy K. April 21st, 2009 at 7:48 pm

  39. I like any cover that can convey a bit of the story and not embarrass me to death if I’m purchasing it at a bookstore from a guy…Beyond that, about anything goes! I have a fun time at the library sometimes though, the ladies always comment on my risque titles!

    by RachieG April 21st, 2009 at 8:04 pm

  40. I do so love a great set of abs, Bare chested man or men on the cover for me.
    .

    by Mary April 21st, 2009 at 8:07 pm

  41. Kind of likin’ the hottie guys on the cover now…..

    by Lyoness2009 April 21st, 2009 at 8:22 pm

  42. I like the suggestive couple on the cover for a hot romance, for a regular romance I like either the bare chested hunk or a cowboy.

    by cheryl kellery April 21st, 2009 at 8:31 pm

  43. don’t enter me in thie contest but i love the bare chested man cover.

    by Pamk April 21st, 2009 at 8:34 pm

  44. A hunky guy on the cover is always a plus. Or a couple embracing/kissing, as long as it’s still tastefully done.

    by Marie E. April 21st, 2009 at 8:41 pm

  45. I like covers with the bare chested man on them, but I also am equally drawn to covers that sexy women or an embracing couple. There needs to be something else to cover than just the people to help draw me in. The colors factor in too.

    by Lori T April 21st, 2009 at 8:46 pm

  46. Hawt guys with bare pecs…… cool tats do help too!!

    by Shell the HOckeyvampiress April 21st, 2009 at 9:19 pm

  47. I like bare chested men…And embracing couples!

    by Eva S April 21st, 2009 at 10:15 pm

  48. i lkie the hot guys
    but the coulple that have chemisty on cover is hot too

    please count me in

    by kh April 21st, 2009 at 11:37 pm

  49. I gotta say, I do love the camp factor in the clinch covers. But I adore the typical “chick lit” type covers that have a bright background and cheeky art — I think it’s fantastic design (they usually have tasteful fonts, as well). Anything minimalist is likely to get my attention.

    by Delia April 21st, 2009 at 11:40 pm

  50. Surprisingly, I prefer seeing women (or women’s bodies) on the cover. I know that’s odd, but I just find women (in any shape or form) more aesthetically appealing than men. For a man to arouse my uh *cough* interest *cough* it’s so much more about WHO he is rather than just looking at some random cut physique, or perfectly rounded ass. If I had to have a dude on the cover, yeah I’d rather see an clinch/embrace.

    So #1: Women and 2nd favorite would be couples–don’t mind the clinch, but any old couple doing “couple-ish” things works for me.

    by catie April 22nd, 2009 at 4:29 am

  51. it doesn’t matter to me what is on the cover but I want it to give me a hint of what is in the book whether it is a pirate ship behind a sexy guy, a woman walking a dog, or a couple in a clinch. I don’t like the covers that have the name of the book and the author’s name on it only.
    I like the cover for Sweet Surrender

    by JOYE April 22nd, 2009 at 2:18 pm

  52. All covers as long as they pertain to the book. Favorite covers are those that have the H/H both on the cover.

    by janet April 22nd, 2009 at 6:02 pm

  53. I agree with an earlier commenter..I like the ones that you could easily use as a piece of art.

    by Amy M April 23rd, 2009 at 10:00 am


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