Will and Jane Discuss Milk
Jun 23rd 2009
Sabrina JeffriesOn Writing! & Sabrina Jeffries
Yep, Wed Him Before You Bed Him comes out today, the culmination of the longest fictional romance I’ve ever maintained. If you’re curious to read the letters in order before you get the book, I’ve got them up on my site. You can also vote for who you think Cousin Michael is and who you would LIKE him to be. I confess that I really like the title, even though many of my characters … er … don’t heed its advice.
So what is the best romance title you’ve ever heard? What was the worst? Did you ever buy a book JUST for the title? And what was the title that LEAST fit the book it was for?
39 Comments »
39 Responses to “Will and Jane Discuss Milk”
Emmanuelle on 23 Jun 2009 at 5:10 am #
Sabrina you’re a genius !!! This comic is so funny, you know what to do if you lose your inspiration for historical romances…
About titles, true they’re ubber important for me.
I remember someone recommended This Heart of Mine by SEP ans it took me months to read it because I found the title too cheesy. It turned out the book wasn’t cheesy at all and it’s now one of my top 5 favorite novels so… in any case IMHO the title really didn’t fit the book.
On the other hand there are a few titles which totally made me want to read the novel :
- Bet Me by Crusie
- Talk of Town by Hawkins
- The Girl most Likely to by Donovan
- True love and other Desasters by RG
- Dirty Sexy Knitting by Ridgway
Wed Him before you Bed him is a great name btw !!!
Margaret on 23 Jun 2009 at 5:36 am #
That old Will is such a card! Or is that cad? Whichever, he is always a treat. And Jane knows just how to cut him off at the knees.
I guess I’m drawn to titles, but I’ve never really thought about it. The first SEP book I read was ‘Nobody’s Baby but Mine’. I can’t remember if I bought it for the title or or the cover or the back blurb. I tend to look at all these things when buying a book. Plus I am one of those shameful people who peek at the ending of a book before I even start it. (Head hanging in shame) Except for a couple of her books, I’ve enjoyed her whole booklist.
I can’t say as I’ve ever bought a book just for the title. And I can’t think of best/worst titles either. I remember my favorites. Especially when I want to re-read them and have to search the stacks around here. Guess I’m no help today.
Congratulations on WHBYBH today, Sabrina.
Susan M on 23 Jun 2009 at 5:41 am #
Can’t wait to run out and buy the new book, Sabrina!!!! (Hopefully Border’s has it this time.)
I’ve never really thought too much about titles. I’ve never bought a book specifically because of the title. I’ll pick one up and read the blurb on the back if the title intrigues me. Right now I can’t really think of any titles bad or good. I’ll have to think on this one.
Sabrina Jeffries on 23 Jun 2009 at 6:21 am #
Interesting. I notice titles a LOT. If they’re really catchy, I can’t resist a second look. I don’t think I’ve ever bought a book solely because of the title, but it would certainly make me stop to look (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies comes to mind). I’ve always loved Julia Quinn’s movie spoof titles.
LoriHandeland on 23 Jun 2009 at 6:31 am #
I can’t think of the best romance title. The majority are so ridiculous that having one that isn’t is a coup.
The worst title I’ve ever heard is a tie between two category romances:
Once Upon a Pregnant Princess
Undercover Couchee-couchee-coo
I am not making those up.
I don’t think I’ve ever bought a book because of the title because I know how often they get changed and how rare it is that the author gets to keep the title she started with.
Although Dirty, Sexy Knitting just might lure me in. That’s hysterical.
JP on 23 Jun 2009 at 6:47 am #
I absolutely loved the titles of Mary Jo Putney’s Fallen Angels series. As for the worst titles, at my discussion board (http://forums.delphiforums.com/LunaticCafe), we have a running discussion on worst titles. The winners tend to be from Harlequin Presents — all those sheiks and Greek tycoons and secret babies and virgins, oh my!
A title that still makes me cringe personally is Stephanie Rowe’s Date Me Baby, One More Time…not only does it put Britney Spears in my head, it makes no sense with the book. As for titles I love that caught my eye and made me check out the book, I love Kim Harrison’s plays on film titles.
Archer on 23 Jun 2009 at 6:49 am #
So what is the best romance title you’ve ever heard?
One of my favorites is your Beware a Scot’s Revenge. I was reading that book on a British Airways flight to Scotland. Got a few weird stares
What was the worst?
Not fond of books where the heroine is named something like passion and its also included in the title.
Did you ever buy a book JUST for the title?
I like the word wicked so it tends to draw my eye. I bought In the Bed of a Duke because my boyfriend rolled his eyes at me when I was reading the back. I also bought Sally Mackenzie’s The Naked Duke because the title made me smile.
Can’t wait till the ebook comes out.
Archer on 23 Jun 2009 at 6:50 am #
Undercover Couchee-couchee-coo LOL LoriHandeland
Cail on 23 Jun 2009 at 6:54 am #
i rarely pay attention to the titles. its usually the authors i care about. i’m a read-the-backlist-in-order kinda girl. i buy my must buys, and that’s about it. almost always due to some recommendation or other. usually Donna… although I’m running low at the moment.
anyways, i have plans to hit up target (and borders if target is lame and doesn’t have your book out yet.)
i realllllllllly hope its the Marquess of Stoneville.
Lorena on 23 Jun 2009 at 6:58 am #
Perhaps the worst title I’ve ever seen–in terms of being completely misleading as to the contents of the book–is Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. Loved the title, hated the book. I’d NEVER throw a book against a wall–it isn’t the book’s fault!–but that one came close.
Other than that, pretty much anything with the word “cowboy,” “baby” or “daddy” is probably going to turn me off.
I will however confess to liking Julie Kenner’s demon titles.
TrishD on 23 Jun 2009 at 7:04 am #
Sabrina, I notice titles a lot too. If it catches me, I’ll read the back and go from there.
A few of the best best titles IMHO are:
Mr. Perfect, Linda Howard (Who could pass that one up??)
Falling for Gracie, Susan Mallery
Envy, Sandra Brown (One word but it says so much)
See Jane Score, Rachel Gibson (and once I found out the hockey connection I was sold!)
Margaret on 23 Jun 2009 at 7:14 am #
LOL Lorena. How about ‘The Cowboy’s Baby Daddy” for a catchy title.
Claudia Dain on 23 Jun 2009 at 7:15 am #
One of my favorite books is Defy Not The Heart by J. Lindsay. The title has nothing at all to do with the book. I must have read this book ten times and each time I try to find the “clue” that will explain the title. So far, the book is winning. I can’t find any clue as to why this title was chosen.
I still love the book, though and the original cover (with Fabio) is drool-worthy.
Congrats on MICHAEL AND CHARLOTTE’S book, Sabrina!! I can’t wait to read it!!
Karen Rose on 23 Jun 2009 at 7:17 am #
Poor Will! Is he ever going to get any? Nah. Jane’s way too smart. And tall. LOVE the comic, Sabrina!
Titles don’t catch my eye. I’m usually hunting for the author’s name, altho’ P&P and Zombies caught my eye, too. The cover illustration of a proper regency lady with half her face gone caught my eye first, though.
But once I’ve read the book, I usually can remember the titles. One of my favorites is Deborah Smith’s “A Gentle Rain.” I loved this book – it moved me and charmed me and I fell in love with every character. I don’t remember any rain in the book, although there could have been some, but the words Gentle Rain just invoke a mood. Homey, sweet, everything’s going to be okay.
Welcome to Temptation is a GREAT title, and fits the book to a T (yes, pun intended).
Worst? No, way, I ain’t going there
Karen Rose on 23 Jun 2009 at 7:19 am #
Congrats on the release of Michael’s book, Sabrina!!!!
I’m not leaving my chair until my book is done, but Hubby is taking kids to mall tomorrow (I love him) and then to bookstore, where your book will be on his shopping list!
LoriHandeland on 23 Jun 2009 at 7:34 am #
My mistake, the title is actually Covert Coochie, Coochie, Coo
Which doesn’t help one bit.
Sonja Foust on 23 Jun 2009 at 7:52 am #
Congrats! I love that title.
I have to admit to liking titles with puns, or suggestions of puns. In Deep Voodoo by Stephanie Bond is a favorite title.
Kathleen O on 23 Jun 2009 at 8:30 am #
Can’t wait to read this book, but I have to catch up on the other titles before I read this one..
I think one of my favs was “Say no To Joe”, by Lori Foster.. I loved that title and it made me want to read the book…
Sabrina Jeffries on 23 Jun 2009 at 9:26 am #
JP, I LOVED that Mary Jo Putney series (still have all of them on my keeper shelf), although the titles didn’t thrill OR bother me. I just bought them because they were hers. I’ll have to check out your message board, though!
Lori, either way that couchee-coo title is truly wretched!
Oh, and I love ALL of Rachel’s titles. They’re so much fun (and a little wacky), and they suit her personality (and her writing) perfectly.
Sabrina Jeffries on 23 Jun 2009 at 9:42 am #
Welcome to Temptation is a favorite title (and book) of mine, too, Karen. And I love Julia’s “Book of Scandal” title. It’s so evocative, plus it fits the book, too.
Sonja, I like pun titles, too. I like any title that’s a play on words–plays on movie titles, song titles, whatever.
Sabrina Jeffries on 23 Jun 2009 at 9:43 am #
One title I hated, that was one of my own, was A Dangerous Love. It was just too bland.
Janae on 23 Jun 2009 at 9:54 am #
I notice catchy titles. Currently, there’s a book in the new book section of my library titled Baby Jesus Pawn Shop. I’ve not read it because it’s not summer reading material.
I love Julia Quinn’s movie spoof titles as well as Karen Hawkins (To Scotland with Love). They’re clever and easy to remember. There are some brilliant titles in the craft section like Stitching Bitches, The Happy Hooker, something about a Naughty Secretary, etc.
Hmm, bad titles don’t stick with me as much as good ones. Probably because I don’t read them.
Sabrina, I cannot wait to pick up Wed Him Before You Bed Him, today. I’m still undecided about who Cousin Michael could be. I must admit that I’m glad Kirkwood is free because he deserves someone better than Silly Sarah. I hope Captain Rafael gets his own story, too.
Nicole Jordan on 23 Jun 2009 at 10:16 am #
Thanks for another delightful cartoon, Sabrina! Picked up WED HIM yesterday and can’t wait to dive in!
As for titles, there are so many great ones. One of my faves came from you, LET SLEEPING ROGUES LIE. Love it!
LisaK on 23 Jun 2009 at 10:21 am #
I, personally, like titles that somehow have a pun in them, a word or expression with a double meaning or that refer to certain proverbs.
I also realized that German titles mostly are so. Very. Bad. They are a thousand times worse than English titles.
And I like titles with an “-ing” form in it (as in “Romancing Mr Bridgerton). That might sound strange to you but we don’t have that form in German and the literal translation of it is something you don’t really say, it’s a form very unused. But “-ing” words are soooooo cool!
I love The Care And Feeding Of Pirates, the last book in the pirate trilogy by Jennifer Ashley, and her recent one The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie.
Talk of the Town, of course.
Also the titles of your, Sabrina, “School for Heiresses” series (because they’re cool) and those of Suzie’s “Notorious Gentlemen” (because they actually have something to do with the book, who would have thought that?!) and then those of Lisa Kleypas’s “Bow Street Runners” (for the same reason as Suzie’s!).
LisaK on 23 Jun 2009 at 10:22 am #
Oh no, what is that? Seems I hit the wrong button when I wanted to make only the “ing” bold. Grrrrr, how embarrassing!
elsiehogarth on 23 Jun 2009 at 10:40 am #
Sabrina, Jane & Will’s Adventure’s are just getting funnier and funnier.
I finished WHBYWH, on Saturday, and just loved Charlotte’s & Cousin Michael’s story. It was also great that you included some other characters and their children from your previous books.
I think some of the vampire titles are just great like: Kimberly Raye: Just One Bite, Sucker For Love, Dead End Dating, Your Coffin or Mine? Dead & Dateless etc. Kerrelyn Sparks: Vamps & the City, Be Still My Vampire Heart, All I Want For Christmas is a Vampire etc.Lynsay Sands: Tall, Dark & Hungry, Love Bites, A Quick Bite, Bite Me If You Can etc. and Michelle Rowen: Stakes & Stilettos, Fanged & Fabulous, Lady & the Vamp etc. Michelle Bardsley: Wait Till Your Vampire Gets Home, Over My Dead Body, Because Your Vampire Said So, etc. Julie Kenner: Carpe Demon, Demons Are Forever, California Demon etc.
cheryl c. on 23 Jun 2009 at 11:08 am #
Jennifer Crusie has some great titles: MANHUNTING, GETTING RID OF BRADLEY, ANYONE BUT YOU
I love Will and Jane!!! I need to get those “action figures” for myself.
Sabrina Jeffries on 23 Jun 2009 at 12:17 pm #
LisaK, I fixed your bolding for you. The second tag needed a / . And Elsie, I hope you don’t mind but I edited your comment to get rid of the spoiler. *G* I know everybody will know pretty quick, but some people don’t want to know yet.
But I’m so glad you liked the book! It was probably my favorite book to write of all time.
Yes, I like all those vampire titles, too, even though I don’t care for vampire books that much. And I have ALWAYS loved the Julie Kenner “Carpe Demon” title. Too cute!
Sabrina Jeffries on 23 Jun 2009 at 12:22 pm #
Cheryl, you can get the action figures online for really cheap. I use http://www.mcphee.com/items/11513.html for the Jane Austen ones and http://www.jailbreaktoys.com/Shakespeare_p/gn005.htm for Will, but you’d have a ball looking around both sites. They have cool literary stuff. And a Marie Antoinette figure whose head comes off!
TinaLouiseF on 23 Jun 2009 at 12:40 pm #
I am totally bummed that neither Borders store in Kalispell has Wed Him. They thought maybe on Friday.
I picked up Rachel’s True Love and Other Disasters because of the title. Also how I found Stephanie Bond’s Body Moving series.
cheryl c. on 23 Jun 2009 at 3:15 pm #
Sabrina, thanks for letting me know where to find the figures, and I simply must see the Marie Antoinette with the head coming off! LOL
Jamie on 23 Jun 2009 at 5:24 pm #
I have been waiting to read Don’t Bargain with the Devil until Wed Him Before You Bed Him came out. I started the book Monday night and when I came home from work yesterday, I read it straight until bedtime. I didn’t even get on the net to check things (which for me is odd). I just fell in love with the book! I just finished it and plan to make a special trip to Borders just for Wed Him!
I can tell you who I wish Cousin Michael was, but I think it will be someone else. I voted in the poll. LOVE all the Will and Jane cartoons, they always crack me up and this is no exception. I have a Jane Austen figurine I got from Amazon.com. I have her with her quill and it looks like she is going to stab someone with it.
As to book titles – I would have to think long and hard about which is best or worst. Sometimes I think the characters are not really like their reputations say they are. I have picked up books off the shelves for their name, but the cover picture and the blurb on the back is what really gets me buying them. Then of course there are books that I buy just for the author. You are one of them. I buy your books no matter what is on the cover or the title of it.
Sabrina Jeffries on 23 Jun 2009 at 5:59 pm #
TinaLouise, I keep hearing that about Borders. I don’t know what’s going on, but Pocket is looking into it.
Jamie, thanks so much for telling me you liked Don’t Bargain! Glad you voted in the poll, too–I can’t believe how many people have voted.
I’m glad y’all are enjoying Will and Jane, too! All of a sudden the other night, I had like five ideas for comics, so you’ll be seeing quite a few in the weeks to come.
Cail on 23 Jun 2009 at 6:40 pm #
i just finished Wed Him!!! It was SO good.
Sabrina Jeffries on 23 Jun 2009 at 6:46 pm #
Ooh, Cail, thanks for telling me! It was the most fun I have ever had writing. I can say that without a doubt.
TinaLouiseF on 23 Jun 2009 at 8:15 pm #
I really like Susan Elizabeth Phillips titles.
I used to read Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody series (Crocadile on the Sandbank, etc) until I got to the book where Rames got married. I felt that completed the series for me.
Sabrina Jeffries on 23 Jun 2009 at 8:25 pm #
TinaLouise, I have to confess I like her Barbara Michaels books better than her Elizabeth Peters’ ones, but that’s because I prefer suspense to straight mystery. Did you ever try her Barbara Michaels romantic suspense? They were funny and poignant and suspenseful all at the same time.
TinaLouiseF on 23 Jun 2009 at 10:16 pm #
No, I do not think I have read Barbara Michaels.
Since Wed Him was unavailable today, I picked up Knock Out by Catherine Coulter. I like the characters in her FBI series.
Cassandra on 27 Jun 2009 at 12:25 am #
A Hard Day’s Knight by K MacAlister stands out as a catchy title. There are lots of good night/knight puns out there.
The aforementioned Jennifer Crusie.
When I first heard of MJ Davidson’s Undead and Unwed, I thought somebody was pulling my leg.
You Suck (vampire of course)
Wicked and temptation are both good words for titles. Sensual/sensuous is rarely used in titles but often used to describe books. I wonder why you don’t see that in titles? Maybe too salacious?
Flowers From the Storm, a poetic title, but in the story it’s not the iconic image you’re led to believe, plus it’s a deeper book than the title suggests.
And I’m with you on being put off by pregnant Greek virgins and cowboy baby daddies and such.