The first two installments of M. Leighton’s Bad Boys series – Down to You and Up to Me – were published by Leighton herself in 2012 and 2013 respectively (and should be familiar to those who are up on their IR Bestseller Lists).
The same year the second installment hit the stands, Berkley Trade picked up both books and gave them completely different covers.
But first, the story. The first book introduces us to Olivia Townsend as she struggles with loving two men – two twin brothers to be exact. Cash Davenport – dangerous, lustful and no good – is what Olivia wants; his brother Nash – responsible, successful, passionate, and not available – is what she needs. And both are hiding a secret.
In the second book (spoiler alert), Cash and Olivia are happily together, but their new romance is tested when strangers show up to threaten both of them. The challenge for her now is to trust the bad boy with both her life and her heart.
The traditionally published covers for Down to You and Up to Me are vastly different from their originals. They both keep to a similar design theme – the ripped torso of a hunky guy, caressed by a pair of manicured female hands. But Berkley Trade went sleek and sexy with their version, panning out to show both lovers in an embrace, though still mysteriously hiding their faces. In the second book, a man is seated while the woman only reveals herself with a pair of sexy legs. Both designs feature a sophisticated and simple black and white color scheme.
As for the indie success story herself, M. Leighton is an Ohio native now living in the south with her “rock star” husband. She names horse riding, skiing and scuba as her favorite pastimes.
As for the readers out there, should you happen to have either of the books with original covers, hold on to them. Could be they’ll be collectors items one day.
