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For a romance novel to be successful, it has to be steamy from the moment readers lay their eyes on it. The book covers that end up on these titillating texts, however, are often just as over-the-top as the stories they adorn, and usually, feature airbrushed models in dramatically sensual poses. When you put simple, everyday people in the same photoshoot ideas, it's even harder to take it all seriously.
According to writer Lorraine Heath, who was interviewed by Cosmopolitan back in February, romance novel covers are almost the lifeblood of the genre. "Romance readers do base a lot on the covers. That’s the first thing that they look for... I’ve seen readers post that they’ve picked up books simply because they wanted the cover that was on the book," she shared. "The photo ideas need to be a little provocative. It’s also helpful if it tries to capture the mood of the story."
Photographer and photo editor Kathleen Kamphausen decided to tone it down, though, and in the most entertaining way possible. She recreated some of the most passionate front covers of love stories using Average Joes instead of Fabios, and they pretty much look like most of us trying to be seductive on any given day. Have a scroll through the funny photos below, and vote the ones that you'd buy over the bestsellers in a heartbeat. Keep it simple, folks!
(h/t: Cosmopolitan)
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#1
Crystal Pruitt 8 years ago
The man's expression is pretty funny. Like she's the first cheeseburger out of prison.
Kathy Brown Watkins 8 years ago
I own a few of these books, that being said, I'd never buy the average joes. They look like the people in the neighbor. I want my fantasy hunky.
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#6
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What do you think ?
Claudia Machado 8 years ago
Read this changing the character's names with politicians, or people you know. You will have a good laugh.
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Christopher Oetker 8 years ago
All of these bodies are beautiful, whether they be Fabio's or not. Let's embrace body positivity for ALL people.
Rachel Bliss 8 years ago
To be fair, 5 of them are the same author. Other than that, maybe they use similar pen names so people that don't pay attention will think they are the other writer.
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Drew Cucuzza 8 years ago
Years ago when I worked in bookstore we had some women who be there literally the minute we opened on Tuesday to buy the new releases the day they came out.
Katy Trant 8 years ago
Seriously I would buy a romance novel with him on the cover in a minute.
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Marilyn Slater 8 years ago
Somehow, the reality doesn't quite compare with the fantasy. Ah well, such is life, I suppose.
Sarcasticow 8 years ago
I wish I have one day a husband I can do such silly stuff with :) #couplegoals
Bettye McKee 8 years ago
I must tell you how much I love those old covers. I have bought countless paperbacks because of these magnificent covers. And Fabio? Sigh.
Nan Everhart Milligan 8 years ago
I don't think that the 2nd pictures are bad at all. They need that airbrush feel and color added and they would be just as appealing as the originals. But that is just my opinion...
Irina Rachow 8 years ago
Oh gosh - I DO read some of these (between my cerebral book club assignments!) but these covers are beyond hilarious!
Kristen Fanning 8 years ago
As someone who reads romance novels, the funny thing is that the covers that look like this anymore are usually an indication that it's badly written. Most decent ones now feature clothes or don't have people at all.
Kim Lorton 8 years ago
They were all so great! Couldn't decide which one was better! Loved it!
Sondre Strøm Linde 8 years ago
Why do "regular people" have to mean fat and sloppy? People who take care of their bodies are regular too.
Claudia Machado 8 years ago
Read this changing the character's names with politicians, or people you know. You will have a good laugh.
Load More Replies... Christopher Oetker 8 years ago
All of these bodies are beautiful, whether they be Fabio's or not. Let's embrace body positivity for ALL people.
Rachel Bliss 8 years ago
To be fair, 5 of them are the same author. Other than that, maybe they use similar pen names so people that don't pay attention will think they are the other writer.
Load More Replies... Drew Cucuzza 8 years ago
Years ago when I worked in bookstore we had some women who be there literally the minute we opened on Tuesday to buy the new releases the day they came out.
Katy Trant 8 years ago
Seriously I would buy a romance novel with him on the cover in a minute.
Load More Replies... Marilyn Slater 8 years ago
Somehow, the reality doesn't quite compare with the fantasy. Ah well, such is life, I suppose.
Sarcasticow 8 years ago
I wish I have one day a husband I can do such silly stuff with :) #couplegoals
Bettye McKee 8 years ago
I must tell you how much I love those old covers. I have bought countless paperbacks because of these magnificent covers. And Fabio? Sigh.
Nan Everhart Milligan 8 years ago
I don't think that the 2nd pictures are bad at all. They need that airbrush feel and color added and they would be just as appealing as the originals. But that is just my opinion...
Irina Rachow 8 years ago
Oh gosh - I DO read some of these (between my cerebral book club assignments!) but these covers are beyond hilarious!
Kristen Fanning 8 years ago
As someone who reads romance novels, the funny thing is that the covers that look like this anymore are usually an indication that it's badly written. Most decent ones now feature clothes or don't have people at all.
Kim Lorton 8 years ago
They were all so great! Couldn't decide which one was better! Loved it!
Sondre Strøm Linde 8 years ago
Why do "regular people" have to mean fat and sloppy? People who take care of their bodies are regular too.
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