Recent Romancing the Blog topics have dealt with methods of choosing books ranging from titles and cover art to blurbs. There has also been discussion about Harlequin Presents with regard to content and titles.
I’m going to talk about all of the above.
I’ve gone on record saying that my decision to buy a book rests solely on the back blurb without regard for either cover art or title. I lied. I make one exception.
I LOVE Harlequin Presents. I cut my teeth on these books some twenty years ago. I grew up reading authors like the goddess herself Penny Jordan. I read widely within the romance genre and outside it as well, but I can always return to Harlequin Presents and be satisfied with the result. I’m never disappointed when I pick up a Presents. Why? The titles.
Yes, I hear you snorting. Much fun poking has been made at the expense of category titles. But for me, these titles are a valuable guide to the content within. There are certain premises I really like, others I’m less enthusiastic about.
For instance, I love pregnancy stories, married characters, reunion stories, mistresses, and yes, I really like amnesia stories. I’m less fond of secretary/Boss relationship stories and revenge plot lines.
So with that in mind, titles help me decipher which books to buy and which books not to buy. So many single title books have vague, nondescript titles. You can pick up a book named Love Beyond Reason, and it could be about anyone or anything. Who’s to know by the title? But Presents? Ahhh, here’s a synopsis within the title.
A Book with the title His Pregnant Mistress? A definite buy. The Italian’s Runaway Pregnant Wife? Doubly good 
Her Bosses Desire? Nah, a pass. The Greek’s Revenge? Another pass.
As scornful as many may be about the titles of books like Harlequin Presents, they are a very necessary, not to mention appreciated tell all of what is inside the pages. And with so many Presents out each month and more than twenty years of publication behind the series, there are a lot of books to choose from.
Titles are, and never have been an indicator of an author’s talent. Titles, much like cover art, are rarely in the author’s control, and yet we inevitably sneer at the trite, cheesy STORIES contained within.
So to you, a title may mean an eye rolling groan, but to me it’s a teaser, one I am powerless to resist. 
Titles used in this column were made up by the author. Any similarity to real titles is purely coincidental.
No related posts.
Ah…but what about Revenge of The Greek Boss’ Pregnant Runaway Mistress?
Titles that have nothing to do with the story drive me crazy, and that’s why I always go to the first chapter and usually bypass the blurb completely. Maybe it’s because a lot of times the blurb doesn’t always match the book either – like it was written by the publisher and not the author, and gives off a totally different feel.
I think I’d love a job as title-maker for books, though.:lol:
I SUCK at titles. Which is why I make people like Steph come up with mine.
But yeah, I agree with what you’re saying. I want the title to tell me what the book is about, or at least give me a clue as to the tone.
Love the “synopsis within the title” thing!
That’s interesting.
And cover art? Don’t get me started. I like the idea of a synopsis in a title. Talk about a SHORT SYNOPSIS. Wonder if there’s a contest for that somewhere? 
I’m a blurb slut, myself. If that blurb strikes a chord, it’s mine. I will actually put down a cheesy title. Awful, huh?
Grins*
I’m so glad you cop to loving Presents. With the snarking on all these romance sites, I’m almost afraid to admit I love them. (Sort of like the discrimination romance readers get from the rest of literary society, no?) Greeks and sheikhs and powerful Italian businessmen- bring ‘em on!
Sharon – it’s so funny you talked about this today – I did, too.:lol: My first romances were Presents. I’m a sucker for the word “Greek” in the title!
Robyn, there isn’t much in the romance genre that I don’t admit to loving. I agree with you, bring em on!
Hehe Jill, I got a box of books from Eharlequin just today, and the one I picked out to read had Greek in the title.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Presents. The thing about some titles that gets me is I’ll finish a book and wonder what the heck the title had to do with the book. Give me a title that’s indicative of the story in tone and content, and I’m happy.
Lovely to see such a wonderful site. Thank you
Warm greetings! Thanks for all the information, a very nice and well done site! Cheers.