The Ever-changing Landscape of the Romance Book Cover

By Jayne Kingsley 

Recently, I've found myself with time to kill on Saturdays in the city and being the book lover that I am, I've been spending that time perusing the fabulous offerings of local book stores. What's struck me, is the blurring lines of romance book covers and just how the hell I'm meant to understand the 'reader promise' from some of the new trends that have emerged. 

With that in mind, I thought I’d delve into a bit of research about how romance covers have evolved over time. 

 

Let’s start with the good ol’ ‘bodice ripper’ or ‘clinch cover’ as they were affectionately known. What’s not to love, right? The Fabio-esque male and his leading lady with luscious locks whose clothes clearly weren’t made well, since they always seemed to fall off at his one saucy wink. Too much? Fair. Back in the day this was the epitome of the romance novel – no confusion over the reader promises here. Truth – I have quite a few of these in storage

 

 

 

Moving on, and we start to see the rise in steamy and erotic romance, their covers depicted by suggestive single item objects and dark backgrounds. I can still recall when I was first told about the Fifty Shades phenomenon. Being a massive Twilight fan at the time (team Edward, always and forever), when I looked up Fifty Shades my immediate thought was that it was another vampire novel (I was really into Twilight so completely misread the situation). Reading the first few pages I kept waiting for the penny to drop… and it did… or should I say the whip did, not so much the penny. I’d based my entire thought process about the first Fifty Shades book on the front cover. I’d bought the e-book version, as it was the fastest copy of the book I could get, so I didn’t bother to read the blurb. That single object, dark mysterious cover had me sure that it was going to be a billionaire, hotter than Hades, vampire romance. My bad. 

 

 

 

Of course, there has always been the wonderful realistic depiction of an in-love couple on the front cover – screaming ‘read me if you want the romance promise of HEA’. These are a favourite of mine, and a large portion of the romances that I own have this style of cover. The slightly varied version that is still strong and has stayed within the ‘reader promise’ guidelines is rural romance – where we have a lovely, picturesque background graced with a main character – often a wholesome female lead or rugged handsome man. 

 

  

 

Authors such as Emily Henry, Ali Hazelwood, and Sally Thorne are just some of the names attributed to the great rise of the illustrated cover, which has been the dominant romance cover rising trend since 2020. The bright, composite, happy colours, bold font and illustrated couple are eye-catching, and are now synonymous with romantic comedy style romances with a HEA promise. 

  

 

This brings me to where I start to come unstuck with a cover. The title and author name are usually clues that it’s a romance, but the actual cover image leaves me a little stumped. Take for example, the beautiful watercolour covers. I first picked up Becka Mack’s novel ‘Consider Me’ at the airport. I was drawn to the watercolour illustration and was intrigued about the type of book. I had assumed maybe a sweet small-town romance or women’s fiction. You know what they say about assuming! 'Consider Me' is a sports ice hockey romance, quite a steamy one.

 

   

 

These covers below—text heavy, devoid of characters—have been popping up all over the place, and without reading the book I am left wondering if I’m going to be getting a steamy romance, sweet romance, young adult romance, cowboy romance or something else entirely. 

 

    

Don’t get me wrong, this is not a complaint. I’m loving the variety of covers that are out in the wonderful world of romance at present. The popularity of the genre and shift in covers is, I believe, creating a wider readership, allowing for more reading in public without the fear of censorship or judgement. It also gives me more reason to try new authors; and let’s face it, it’s always good to have another reason to buy more romance books, right?

**all images and photo credits contained in this blog post are courtesy of https://www.amazon.com/**

LOVE TO LOVE: finding new 'auto-buy' romance authors. I've recently added Sarah Adams and Victoria Levine to my list, their books are addictive!

LOVE TO LAUGH: at my cat chasing its tail. This is a new trick for Dora (who is middle-aged) but has apparently only just discovered she has an elusive, fluffy tail. 

LOVE TO LEARN: what others think about the new trends in romance covers! Hit me up with your favourite romance covers in the comments. 

CHRISTMAS MUSINGS WITH MIRANDA

Dear readers, it's never too early to start your Christmas reading, IMHO. And is it just me, or is there an absolute plethora of Christmas books flooding the market this year? When I first started doing the Christmas blog there were a few Christmassy books every December. Now, whoa, stand aside before the ho-ho-ho-ing sleighs you into oblivion! (See what I did there?) I made an enormous list of all the titles I wanted to tell you about, but you'd be in Yawnsville instead of the North Pole if I went down that path.

So now - and forgive me, I haven't read all of these books, but definitely will - I've narrowed my ridiculously long list down to my Top Picks. By the time you read this I've hopefully read over half, if not more. Okay, deep breath, hang on and here we ho-ho-go!

Photo credit: Amazon.com

I'll start with the Aussies, yes? Four beloved Aussie authors deliver festive fare in A Country Practice Christmas: a physio (and a cake war, yum), a vet, a psychologist and a nurse. Just, ooh. Take a bow, Stella Quinn, Penelope Janu, Pamela Cook and Renae Black. I love love love this!

Photo credit: Amazon.com

More Aussies! Fan favourites Fiona McArthur, Barbara Hannay and Kelly Hunter have teamed up in a terrific Outback Christmas trilogy. Pictured is Fiona's book The Midwife's Christmas Miracle. Barbara's is called One Starry Christmas Night, and Kelly has The Outback Cowboy's Christmas Baby. This powerhouse trio just keep delivering the best series ever - they are so swoonworthy and so, so tender. With babies. We do need babies at Christmas, don't we? 

Photo credit: Amazon.com

I can't wait to read We Three Kings by Kristen Bailey, a new to me author. It sounds like a festive, feel-good, fun romance, with three geeky work buddies brightening up their IT department head's Christmas (which may or may not involve chasing a donkey on Christmas day). I'm told it's perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Beth O'Leary, two other fave authors of mine.

Photo credit: Amazon.com

I've loved Julia London for years (and years and years). While It Was Snowing looks rather special. Single mum Amy's trying to find time to paint for her new exhibition, but time demands on her by everyone (kids, her ex, parents) mean - wow, is she ever going to get everything done? She books into a holiday cottage to 'just' paint but a snafu occurs: professional golfer Harrison is also there recovering from an injury. And they get snowed in. Hmm. And there's a dog, always a plus.

Photo credit: Amazon.com

All Together For Christmas by Sarah Morgan is the Christmas romance you didn't know you needed, with a big dose of family festiveness, chaos and big ol' love. For those headed to US sites, the book retails as A Merry Little Lie. I do enjoy the way Sarah writes relationships. And there's another dog. It wouldn't be Christmas without a new Sarah Morgan! 

Photo credit: Amazon.com

Ditto for a new Trisha Ashley! I cannot tell you how many happy hours I've spent with Trisha at Christmas, and I'm planning on setting aside plenty of time - 'retreating' - for The Christmas Retreat, whisked away to a writer and artist's retreat on a tiny English coastal village for Christmas. Sounds like heaven. If I know Trisha Ashley, there will also be amazing treats to eat, gorgeous people around, and  definitely romance in the (freezing) air. Can't wait.

Photo credit: amazon.com

Those of you who know me also know it wouldn't be Christmas without another Melody Carlson, who's so written so many books it's dizzying. Bravo! She writes books with a clear faith message that always touches the heart, and I'm expecting Once Upon A Christmas Carol to be full of this same inspiration. This book - excitingly - has Dickens' A Christmas Carol themes. Dear reader, I'm in.

Photo credit: amazon.com

And speaking of A Christmas Carol themes, I've been sideswiped by Good Spirits by BK Borison. Look at that stunning cover! You all - you all - will fall in love with Nolan, the Ghost of Christmas Past. Including Harriet, an antique shop owner who, well, isn't exactly grumpy old Scrooge. This is a small-town warm fuzzy read that will totally get you into the Christmas spirit. Go on, indulge.

Photo credit: Amazon.com

Another bit of holiday magic happens in our dear friend Debbie Macomber's book A Ferry Merry Christmas. Quick enough to read in an afternoon, this is a story of two siblings unexpectedly counting their blessings when a ferry break-down almost halts their festivities. There is a Christmas miracle, and there is romance. Sigh. 

Photo credit: Amazon.com

I read Love Story by Lindsey Kelk earlier this year, and was highly entertained by the snappy repartee and situations that were poignant but rom-com funny. When I saw Christmas Fling by her I could not resist. It's all about Laura being mistaken for a mystery girlfriend and swept off to the Scottish Highlands with Callum and his whole family (instead of a solo Christmas at home). What could possibly go wrong? Loads, actually. This was merry mayhem!

Photo credit: Amazon.com

Aussie Kandy Shepherd's new Christmas book Second Chance Under the Mistletoe is a stunning second chance at love story, and is absolutely drenched in the romance of London at Christmas. I loved walking the markets with Natalie and Jon (and got a few good tips about gifts, actually). Achingly tender, you'll definitely have high hopes these two find their way back together. And there is a Christmas baby! 

Photo credit: Amazon.com

Another deliciously kissable baby. The Rancher's Mistletoe Baby by Jill Kemerer is perfect for those who enjoy an unexpected baby surprise (me) and a lovely message of faith (also me). Aww, look at that sweet little face. The book's the beginning of a new series set in Wyoming, so lots more specialness to come if (when) you get hooked!

Photo credit: Amazon.com

But wait, where's the Historicals, you say? Ta-da! Winter Rogue by Emma V Leech, a new to me author, looks such fun. Our intrepid heroine proposes a marriage of convenience to an infamous earl. One of my favourite tropes, a marriage of convenience! We all know Christmas will (probably?) work its romantic magic, but still. Sigh.

Photo credit: Amazon.com

The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M White (another new to me author) is set in Iceland, December 1944, towards the end of WWII. A publishing house extends itself in the Christmas rush for more books - anything to brighten up the bleakness and rationing of that year. In the middle of it all author Tatiana falls in love with kind editor Anders. This is the origin of Jolobokaflod, Iceland's Christmas book flood - which I totally wish happened here. I could cope with curling up with hot chocolate while I read (and gift) new books every Christmas Eve. I might have to sit under the air con in Oz, but - new books!

Well done, you made it to the end. I hope you find some fab festive reading in the above. 

We at Breathless in the Bush wish all our readers a very merry Christmas and a wonderful new year! Be kind to each other, and may you be blessed, safe and happy.

Signing off until next year with oodles of love (and good reading) from my house to yours, 

Miranda xxx

LOVE TO LOVE: Christmas. Such a wonderful time of year. And Christmas romance is the best.

LOVE TO LAUGH: Well, that's easy. I laugh at all the crazy videos where cats climb the Christmas tree and wreak havoc with baubles batted all over the house. I might have had a cat (cough, looking at you, Tess, miss you heaps) who did exactly that. 

LOVE TO LEARN: Always, always love to learn what you're reading. Let me know in the comments!

Never give up on your dream to write.

By Cassandra Samuels 

As I write this I am only two months away from a dream of mine coming true. I am having a whole series published by Dragonblade Publishing. A publishing house that is dedicated to all things Historical Romance.

To understand how this came about I have to go back - way back. I had my first novel was published in 2014 and my second in 2017. It was an amazing time but the publisher was starting to go another way and in the end I asked for my rights back. Though it was a hard decision at the time because they were amazing to work with, I know now it was the right thing to do.

I continued to write even though I wasn't really sure what I would do with these manuscripts once I had them back, but I had options and that was the main thing. 

 Then heartache struck.

The death of my granddaughter not yet two at the time cracked my world and that of my family, wide open. I stopped writing although with the encouragement of my crit partners I continued to support them and they me through this time. Eventually, after a long hiatus I announced that I thought I was ready to write again. Yay!

 But something was different. It was me. I was different. It took me a while to find my voice again but even that was not quite the same. I felt I had lost that carefree side of me. I was more serious, more focused.

On a whim and perhaps an overly optimistic sense of needing to get back on the h orse, I submitted to Dragonblade Publishing. They were willing to take me on, but one book was not going to cut it. They wanted a series. So I sent them a series book proposal for four books and they accepted.

Released 16th January 2026 - Cover by Dar Albert.

Party time, until....it was time to write. I only had one book in the series already done so I would have to work really hard to write three more books to various deadlines. I had never written to a deadline before and it was a test of my dedication, organization skills and my focus on making this dream into a career. 

A deadline tests you: 

• You have to commit to writing when you really want to watch Netflix. 

• You have to write even when you have done a full day at the paid job and you are just dog tired. 

• You have to try and write even when you are not feeling the best. 

• You have a contract and a date that you have to meet. 

When you are a pantser who is used writing a book and then selling it, as was the way with my previous publisher, it was a wake up call. 

I am now nearing the end of book three and already thinking about book four and I have learned a few things: 

• I can write more than 500 words in a sitting. 

• I can keep myself on track - most of the time. 

• I can schedule my writing time and stick to it. 

So, if you want to write, then do it. Test yourself. Explore different ways of writing until you find the one that fits. Most of all - never give up on your dream to write. 

Love to Love: That book One in the Spies Like Us series - Once Upon a Wicked Wager will be released on the 16th of January. Just before the new Bridgerton Series comes back on Netflix. 

Love to Laugh: At my dogs Buddy and Jett playing together.

Love to Learn: New ways to stretch my imagination muscles.