One of my favouritest lines in a movie, which also happens to be one of my favouritest movies ever, has to be in The Princess Bride when the young boy suspiciously asks his grandfather, “Is this a kissing book?”
I was reminded of this line whilst browsing the shelves at Loose Id recently when I realised how much I absolutely adore book covers that feature the ‘almost-kiss’.
I don’t know about you, but there is something so delicious about this image.
I think it is because it conveys so much.
The first tentative movement towards each other. The caressing of breath. The slow, closing of eyes as you begin to lose yourself in the moment. The sensuality. The anticipation.
It is a truly glorious thing to see.
Kris + Books = Good. *Sometimes*. 
I completely agree…as long as they aren't coming at each other with their tongues out. (Why do men do that, at least in most of the photos I've seen? If a guy came at me like that, I'd bat the damned thing aside. Lips first, then tongue.)
Forgot to say, I absolutely LOVE the photo that heads Wave's blog. That is anticipatory perfection…and the implication of complete control and complete surrender doesn't hurt, either. Wow (phrew!)
I adore kissing. In person and in books. lol The almost kiss on the covers of books is one that gets me to buy WAY too often. Just seeing the desire and anticipation…wow. Love it.
Yep yep yep. Some of my favorite covers. 🙂
I agree too! I love the almost-kiss. It's whole anticipation of it that sends shivers down your spine.
I totally agree. I love those covers. That moment just before lips touch can be so very sexy.
Yep, it's all about build up and anticipation. Very sexy.
I heart the almost kiss! Absolutely adore it on a cover and also love it when the moment is stretched out in the story 🙂
**Also the moment when you think – Hey dude we are about to swap spit**
Love it as well..
E.H>
Yeah! Finally somethig not puke-worthy. Well done Kris 🙂
Love the almost kiss….. it makes me all tingly *sigh* Those were the days…. when the anticipation was half the fun 🙂
tish
I agree 100% and I too love 'The Princess Bride' movie – I've got the book sitting in my TBR pile, but haven't gotten around to reading it yet.
:o)
MsM
KZ: LOL re: the tongue thing. Yep, I've noticed that too.
“the implication of complete control and complete surrender doesn't hurt, either”
Indeed, it doesn't. *g*
Tracy: “The almost kiss on the covers of books is one that gets me to buy WAY too often.”
That was me at Loose Id the other day. “Ooooh, look at the pretties almost kissing. I want.” No self control what so ever. LOL.
JenB: Well, Holy Shit. We agree. It is the season for miracles! 😉
Jenre: “It's whole anticipation of it that sends shivers down your spine.”
That's it, Jen, and then you just go off to dreamland imagining what comes next. Soooo good. 🙂
Lily: Hell yes. *g*
Tam: Yeah, I love it. I also feel the need to do a post solely with almost-kiss cookies. That could be my Christmas treat for you all. *g*
Janna: Yes! One of the books I've recently read had a scene where the heroes kissed for the first time… and kissed… and kissed. God, it was steamy. *fans self*
EH: Geez, talk about ruining the moment. LOL.
Just when we were all a bit a-feared to come back to Kris' place… 😉 That moment of anticipation, captured – glorious indeed.
Love The Princess Bride. Can see the special anniversary DVD from where I'm sitting, actually.
Tish, hey, no one forced you to read 'em, mate. 🙂
Go with the tingles. The tingles are your friend. *g*
MsM: I rewatched The Princess Bride the other day. It's just so friggin' awesome. *sigh*
Chris: Bloody hell. Now you're all starting to give me a complex. 😉
“That moment of anticipation, captured…”
I'm loving that description, Chris. It's perfect.
“As you wish……..” *bumpity bumpity bumpity bumpity*
🙂
*rolls eyes*
That was me at Loose Id the other day. “Ooooh, look at the pretties almost kissing. I want.” No self control what so ever. LOL.
Wait, we're supposed to have self control when we go to buy books? Damn…no one told me! lol
It all makes sense now, doesn't it, Tracy?!
Mmmm, almost-kisses. Yeah, I like those covers. Especially that middle one.
Heh heh heh.
I will admit, the almost-kiss is pretty hot. Especially if one or both are face cuppers. I love the cupping of the face. It just looks so sexy. 🙂
And I *heart* The Princess Bride
Mawwage is what bwings us togeffah today. ha!
I completely agree…as long as they aren't coming at each other with their tongues out.
ROFLOL! Oh that image. I will need to scour my eyeballs!
But yes, Kris, I agree 🙂 It's the inherent promise in the movement…
*off to see the photo on Wave's blog*
“One of the books I've recently read had a scene where the heroes kissed for the first time… and kissed… and kissed. God, it was steamy. *fans self*”
You tease!! Which one??
🙂
Janna
I love the almost-kiss cover. Maybe I'll request it for my next title…
see, you can do it Kris 🙂
I love this moment as well 🙂
Tracy: Well, for some people *coughyouandchriscough* it's totally beyond their capabilities. 🙂
Chris: Thought it might.
Wren: Yeah, I guess that middle cover doesn't suck too much. 😉
Bridget: I love the face cupping thing too. *sigh*
Mawwage that bwesswed awwangment…
Orannia: “It's the inherent promise in the movement.”
Yes, it is. 🙂
Janna: Bribe first!
Angelia, LOL! From the comments here, I think you'll be guaranteed lots of sales if you do. Saps. The lot of us. *g*
Ingrid: I can but try, Ingrid, but it was a chore let me tell you.
LOL! Are you sure it's not just you having a hard time remembering the title? *wink*
Okay, I'll play along with the bribe thing! I can offer you in return some of my delicious almost kiss cookies for your next post idea! How's that? 🙂
I do so remember. *pouts* Just for that I want my cookies first, Janna! *meanie*
Okay, I'll send you an email than! Do you want M/M almost kisses only or M/F too?
🙂
Janna
M/M! Pretty please, Janna. 🙂