Christine Warner and Cover Lovin'!

Hiya, WordWranglers! We are pleased to welcome back author Christine Warner - who's talking covers today!


Don’t judge a book by its cover…

That is such a familiar phrase, isn’t it? I know, you probably think I’m going to chit chat about readers purchasing books based on the cover alone. I’ve done it, I bet everyone has.

But, today I want to talk about one of the most important moments for each author after they sign their coveted publishing contract. There are many highlights on an author’s journey to publication—a contract, edits, taglines, blurb, release date, and the moment they get their cover art in their inbox. Months before an author receives their cover art they are asked to fill out a cover art form. This form lets the cover artist who will design their cover know what the author would like to see or not see on their final cover. Some publishers even allow you to send in other covers as reference. Even with that form filled out it doesn’t mean you’ll get exactly what you suggest, but the artist will use your form as a guideline.

Each time that email arrived in my inbox with the subject COVER ART, my palms grew sweaty and my hands shook. It’s one of those giddy moments for every author, no matter if it’s their first book, tenth book, or their hundredth.

When I opened the email for the cover art for Some Like it in Handcuffs, my first thought was how plain the cover was. The bare white, white background seemed unfinished. Just a girl on the front cover with handcuffs slung over her shoulder and the body of a man in the background. I couldn’t get past that white background.

Now, I have to admit my stomach sank a bit at first, but as I continued to stare at the cover I had to admit that the woman on the cover looked a lot like how I pictured my heroine Sunny Kennedy. Plus, I did like the fact that Judson’s face in the background wasn’t revealed—it was just his body. His incredibly sexy body adorned in a smexy suit. I liked that the reader could use their imagination to fill in the blanks on his features.

So, give it to me straight, what do you think of the cover for Some Like it in Handcuffs? 

About the Book:

Sunny Kennedy, the only female in a family of blue blood male detectives, is determined to prove testosterone isn’t the only qualification required to solve a cold case. Handcuffed while undercover then taken to the precinct by an attractive detective, her domineering family demands she work with Detective Judson Blackwolf, or she’s off the case. 

Judson Blackwolf thinks women in law enforcement should work behind the scenes. The prospect of working with his Captain’s sexy daughter doesn’t thrill him. He only agrees in hopes of solving the murder of his one time mentor’s daughter. Once the case is over, he’s moving to Montana to heal his wounds from the loss of his last partner.

Book Excerpt: 


“This isn’t how I wanted it between us.” Judson grabbed the neckline of her sweater, dragging her body to meet his with a solid thump. Sunny licked her lips in answer to the question in his eyes. He lowered his head to move his mouth over hers.

Sunny closed her eyes, a small whimper escaping her lips. She didn’t want it like this either, but that wasn’t possible. Unable to resist her attraction she accepted it wasn’t an affair, or a long distance romance she craved, but for him to love her back. It was all or nothing for her. Her heart sank. She accepted this as their goodbye kiss.

With no thought to what was happening upstairs, Sunny rose up on her toes demanding more. Her lips pulsated against Judson’s. When his hand trembled against her cheek in a soft caress she lost touch with reality.

“Judson.” Sunny’s weakened body drifted farther into Judson’s as his fingers glided down her arms, pulling them to her sides where their fingers intertwined. He forced them behind her before his tongue thrust into her mouth.

Their bodies molded together, she heard her own heartbeat and his as well when he curved his fingers around her rear and squeezed.

That’s when the click of the handcuffs against her wrist connected her to the handle of the locked cupboard.
“What the hell…Judson?” She looked up at him, her knees shook, her body still inflamed with fever.

“Like I was saying, you wait here and I’ll go upstairs to check it out. Backup’s already been called, so you’re safe until your brothers arrive.” Judson winked before walking toward the steps to the third level. Once he reached them he turned toward her and smiled. “Gotcha,” he whispered with his notorious grin.

Buy the Book:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Wild Rose Press

About the Author:


Christine Warner is living her dream in Michigan along with her husband, three children, one laptop and a much loved assortment of furry friends. Besides laughing and a good round of humor, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmetic. A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities. She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines. A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, she enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on Facebook, Twitter and her Website.

Christine's Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads