We all know the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” right?
But we all do it. In fact, the truth is that for authors, the book cover they choose (or that is chosen for them) is the single most important decision that determines whether readers pick up their book. Without a stellar cover, readers will never make it to the perfectly crafted description, guaranteed to make them want to click download or carry the book with them to the register.
It’s a daunting task!
I’ve wanted to write a series of firefighter romances for quite a while now, but the biggest hangup? The covers.
You see, when an indie author has a book cover designed, we *typically* use stock images. These are models that have been paid by a photographer for the rights to their images, and then made available to download for a small fee. That can be $1 per image for some basic stock, or upwards of $300 per image for specialty images like historical period scenes.
But the fact of the matter is – firefighter stock images? They’re mostly terrible. If they are intended for romance books, they definitely aren’t intended for the clean and Christian variety, if you know what I mean. And if they aren’t shirtless firefighters (because that seems very practical, doesn’t it?), then they are firefighters in full gear so you can’t see their face – which is also not exactly the vibe I need!
But, for a few of my previous covers, I’ve had the privilege of working with photographers I knew, using real people they were photographing for engagement or other occasions. One of my friends uses real military couples on her books, and she said she found them through Instagram.
Lightbulb!
Almost a year and a half ago, I started combing through pages and pages of photos trying to find what I was looking for. And there it was. An adorable engagement photo of a firefighter and his bride – in uniform, posing on the front of the fire engine. Then another image, and another.
Eventually, I found more than a dozen potential images, and then I started reaching out to the photographers of each one. To use a picture, you have to have permission from two places – from the photographer, and also from the models!
It was a lot more work than I expected, but in the end, I had five cover images with signed releases from the photographer and the couple. I had real life firefighter couples who were willing to be on the cover of my romance books! My wonderful designer (Jess Mastorakos!) took them and created my favorite covers to date. Check them out below!
Second Chance Fire Station is a collection of standalone romances – all second chance, all firefighter stories, and all taking place in the small town of Minden, Indiana (which you may have visited in my Main Street Minden Series, or throughout the Bloom Sisters Series). We met Captain Bryce Storm in Dancing with Dandelion, and his story is first up – The One Who Got Away will release May 23, 2022.
Can these best friends rekindle a second chance at first lover or will they both end up burned?
Captain Bryce Storm has always known exactly where he belongs–right here at the Minden Fire Department. When his best friend Krystal comes back to town to care for her mother and they resume their easy friendship, he catches a glimpse of what might have been. But she didn’t want him back then, and she doesn’t want him now. Even if that smoldering kiss says otherwise.
Hollywood hopeful Krystal Daughtry is glad to spend time with her old friend, ignoring the way the firefighter makes her heart flip. But there’s no way she’s setting aside her dreams for a man the way her mother did–not even one who knows her better than anyone in the world.
Their friendship was on the edge of something more when she left at eighteen–which is exactly why Krystal had to go. If she hadn’t chased her dreams, she’d be stuck in this small town forever. Can their sparks ignite a second chance, or will Krystal always be The One Who Got Away?
You can preorder the book now on Amazon.
I’d love to know — do you like second-chance stories? How about firefighter romances? If you have recommendations for firefighter stories I should read, drop them here! Remember, each comment is a giveaway in our Birthday Bash giveaways!
Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author. She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually her black lab - Ruby - and a good cup of coffee or tea. She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living.
Wow, those covers are absolutely stunning!
I like both second-chance stories & firefighter romances.
Covers are all important. I do judge.
Second chance and firefighter romances are two of my favorites. Lorana Hoopes has a nice series called The Men of Fire Beach if you like romantic suspense. Those covers are beautiful!
You are right, I don’t even consider opening a book if the cover doesn’t grab me. Makes me feel shallow, somehow. 🤔
The first firefighter story I remember reading was Dee Henderson’s O’Malley series…The Protector.
I like firefighter and second chance stories. Your covers are great! As much as what’s to admit it, I do judge a book by the cover. I love the creative way you came up with to get great covers!
I do like second chance romances, and firefighters! Love these covers!!
Thank you! I’m thrilled with how they turned out!
I think we all do. I’m glad you like these kinds of stories! I hope you’ll read mine when they come out :)
Oh, I definitely need to read Lorana’s firefighter books!
I just got my hands on that book! Can’t wait to read it.
I don’t think it makes you shallow! We all do it.
Thank you! It was a long process, but worth it in the end, I think!
Yay! I’m excited to write them :)
I don’t think I’ve ever read a firefighter romance, but I do love a second chance romance!
Yes I like second chance romances and with firefighters or police man the covers look so cool
I love these covers! And I am so excited for this series!
The covers look fantastic!
Yes, I like second-chance and firefighter romances.
I love those covers!
Maybe these can be your first ones! Second chances are some of my favorite stories, so I am excited to write a whole series of them.
Thank you! There is something reassuring about reading about a hero in those “protector” roles.
Thank you! I am too :)
Thank you! I love how they turned out. I’m glad they sound good to you!
Thank you! I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out.
I love both second-chance as well as firefighter stories, so the fact that you have a whole series coming up made my heart happy when I first heard of it. :)! Also, when I was reading your article and you mentioned the author friend who uses real couples for her military romance covers, my first thought went to Jess Mastorakos, so to know she’s your designer felt pretty neat. :)
I love second chance romances. Especially clean ones. But to date I have not read a contemporary romance with a firefighter. I am slowly getting into contemporary. It is not my first or second choice. But I want to give it a try.
Thanks for the info of how you sourced the photos for your covers. I am so glad the couples and photographers were happy for you to use the photos and they look great.
Its always nice to get an insight into how covers come into being.
I think Allie Pleiter wrote some LI books with firefighters.
Second chance and firefighter romances are two of my favorite things! I am so excited to read this series’s, and I absolutely adore the covers! I can’t wait to get the peperbacks so I can admire the gorgeous covers in person!
I really love firefighter romances, but most of the ones I’ve read have been sweet clean ones not CCR so I’m doubly excited to read yours because I love a strong faith story in the books I read and I haven’t found a ton of firefighter stories in CCR that interest me!
I do have a couple of recommendations: I really enjoyed Saving Grace by Jennifer Youngblood (not Christian but clean, it’s also book 3 in a series but I haven’t read any of the others and had no problem following the story!)
I’ve also been really enjoying Ash Keller’s Men of Engine 17 series! (again not Christian, but very clean and hilarious short romcoms!)
I love second chance stories. You know I don’t remember reading any firefighter books, I’ve watched movies, but I don’t recall having read a romance story about a firefighter, I’m just gonna have to do something about that. Your book covers are Gorgeous, I Love them. ! Have a great week and stay safe.
I totally forgot that Glory Falls by Janine Rosche has a firefighter hero! I adored that one, and the rest of the series!
Also, I just remembered that Jenna Brandt has a series coming out called First Responders of Faith Valley that I’m really excited to read, there will be a book each about a cop, firefighter, and paramedic!
You hit the jackpot on the covers, so gorgeous! I really enjoy reading second chance romance. There is already a foundation between them and most often a very large hurdle to handle. That pretty much sets the job of working through problems or disagreements before any relationship takes place. How many relationships succeed without knowing how to handle fights?
I believe these books will do great, everyone loves firemen!
I love those covers! And such a creative way to get the models/poses you want!
The covers are awesome. I like the way you researched your photos. I do like second chance romance and firefighters!
I enjoy both. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
I do enjoy an attractive cover! If I don’t know the author, it’s what can lead me to pick it up, read the back cover blurb & then read it if the story interests me. So fun to learn the couples on your covers are real ones, must have been a thrill to have them agree to be on them :-) I know some of Becky Wade’s covers also have real life couples on them!
As for firefighter stories, the one I can think of off the top of my head is “The Fireman’s Secret” by Jessica Keller (Love Inspired), released in January 2015. I thought it was very good! :-)
Second chance romance is one of my top favorite genres!
I love second chance romances but never read any firefighter books yet
Second-chance romance books are great
It’s an insightful post for something that many authors wonder about – especially when the author doesn’t always get a say or have the budget to spend. When I worked as a bookseller, covers were such a hot topic and still are. They’re highly subjective, and not always the best indication of what a book will be like. I picked up so many books and took them home to read, often bringing them back to the shop because they weren’t what I expected, making the old adage about judging books by their covers ring true.
I love what you’ve done with the covers of the series, and especially by thinking outside the square to source original and VERY BEAUTIFUL images! Not only have you scored, but the people in the photos will be stoked that theirs made it onto the cover of a book! :) It’s a great claim to fame, and something all authors should consider as worthwhile.
Love it.
Love second chance romances and firefighters. Have you thought about for your covers using illustrations like some authors are doing now?
I love them!!!! They are incredible!!! Can’t wait to read!
The covers are great and an excellent and creative job finding the photos, so much better than stock photos.
I like second chance stories and have read a couple of firefighter stories but not very many.
As I was writing this blog post, I actually realized that was an option! But, I do feel like that makes them feel more rom-com, which isn’t exactly what I write. I think these will definitely stand out because they are unique and still on market.
Oooh I will have to check out the Jenna Brandt series!
Thanks so much, Alicia!
That’s what I love about Second-chances as well. I’m excited to see how many different twists on those stories as I can!
Yay! I hope you’ll read the books when they come out!
Thanks for stopping by!
I’ll check out that Jessica Keller – Love Inspired is always reliable for a good story!
They definitely were excited. One thing I will do is send each couple (and each photographer) a signed copy of “their” book!
I love second chance stories! I can’t wait to get my hands on this one.
Love those covers! Second chance romance is a favourite. I will have to check out some firefighter stories.
firefighters are fun to read
I love second chance romances.
Ahhhh! I love those covers! I dream of having covers of my own that were modeled and not just stock. One day, maybe!
I love firefighter romances!
I’m excited for this series!
This is so cool. I never would have thought of authors using real couples. I bet the couples really get a kick out of being on a cover!