Silhouette
Art Director: Tony Horvath;
Artist: Larry Rostant

Jann spoke for many voters: “WOW, I mean really wow! I’m not sure most voters will agree with me, but this cover is everything an AR cover should be, and it’s in the Series category. It’s still a wow for me!” I think a lot of voters agreed with you, Jann.

Anna also enjoyed this cover: “The blonde and the red dress are very striking against the moody blues and blacks of the cover background. I like the way the wolf head fades into the sky, the eyes giving us just a hint this is a paranormal collection.”

Kate agreed: “Love the sensuality of this cover, the way the woman’s pose conveys wildness and movement. Very evocative.”

Laura M.liked one particular element: "Very cool composite. I love the broken bridge or dock or whatever it is. It is seductive and eerie."

Nai thinks the lady has the upper hand: "This lady in the red dress looks feisty like she's gonna be the one eating the wolf, not the other way around."

Eleanor is a fan of the cover artist who created the winning cover. “Okay, I’m biased because I love Larry Rostant’s work, but this cover has so much going on and is put together in such an interesting way that it sprints ahead of the rest.”

Other voters loved this cover because it was unusual. Krystle chose Midnight Cravings because: "This cover is mysterious. Sexy. It draws you in and definitely stands out from the other choices! Cover Cafe’s Leanne agreed: “It’s so different from the other series titles”.

Suzannah also found this cover refreshing: "Powerful sexy woman with nice hair, check. WOLF, check. Spooky surrounding, check. A lot of the time, this kind of cover looks like a bad Photoshop job to me, but this one is perfect movie-cover allure. Very nice!”

And Elizabeth even felt a little guilty: “Some of the others were so cute I feel bad not voting for them, but I have to admit that this is definitely the one that made me sit up and take notice!”

Emma chose this cover: “The horses running and the beautiful skyline take your breath away. It makes one feel free”.

Anita agreed: “I love the bright colors, the natural scenery, the multi-hued sky, the purple mountains in the background, the orange tiger lilies up front, but I especially like the horses running free...”

Laurie enjoyed the setting: “Well, I’m a New Mexico girl. Nuff said. Lovely use of color, scenery, and great title, too.”

Susan agreed with Laurie: "Background is so awesome and the horses and flowers just add the right touch to bring your eyes to the book."

Wendy said: "Beautiful colors, simple country setting."

Some of the voters with artistic backgrounds also loved this cover. Carrie thought it had: “lovely composition of subject matter and light” while Meg noted: “I like the lily front focus for a 3D and perspective view.”

This was also a favorite of two Cover Cafe members. Cover Cafe’s Christiane found it: “just beautiful” while Lee commented: “I like the colors and the horses.”

Vicki S.comment was short and to the point: "Love westerns!"

But Pat summed up the appeal: “Here’s why: Never saw this cover before; never heard of the book. But I stopped and wrote down the title and author right now to find it on Amazon after I do this voting. ‘Nough said.” I think that cover made a sale!

Silhouette
Art Director: Krista Oliver,
Artist: Sam Montesano

Harlequin
Art Director: Alana Ruoso,
Artist: Steve Brennan

This was Cora’s favorite: “I like the tenderness in this scene. A couple in evening clothes end up in the hay, but instead of getting down to business (which I’m certain they will, eventually), he kisses her hand first. Nice to see a couple taking it slow – a nice antidote to all of those wild embraces.”

Laura agreed: “This is such a tender, romantic moment. I mean, who actually kisses their beloved’s hand? It makes me go squee! Daniel's Daddy was also very sweet and I loved the "pool glow" of Suspect Lover, but the kiss on the hand had to get my vote. ”

Jocelyn felt the same about the kiss: "It's so romantic! Clearly they've been fooling around, but he still cares enough to make a courtly gesture. Love it."

Over and over, voters commented that this cover was the perfect blend of sweet and sexy. Joyce noted that the cover: “manages to show the couple with an image both tender and sensual. Not to sickly sweet and not too sweatily clinched.”

Wendy K. commented: "The horse evokes a western, the couple makes me think of a sweet romance with some charming moments and some excitement."

Michelle had a similar thought: “Slightly different look. Very good mix of the hero and heroine, a tender, loving image. They seem to be in a world of their own. Not too icky sweet, nor too over the top sexed up.”

Sarah added some humor: "It's romantic, but also hints at sexiness (hello, it's called a roll in the hay for a reason!)"

And Ellizabeth's reason:. "I can't resist a man wearing an undone bow tie!"

And Castiron was drawn by the “aww” factor: “Okay, they’re sitting on the floor in a stable in dressy clothes, but the couple looks so sweet! I’m looking at this image and smiling the smile I usually reserve for newborn babies and teens on their first big date..."

Cover Cafe’s Linnae was one of them: “Sexy and mysterious… what more could you want? I love everything about this cover especially the expression on the heroine’s face and the moody blues.”

Cover Cafe’s Sharon agreed: “Love the blue, the cover is well done and says suspense and romance to me!”

Several voters, like Susan/DC, noticed the hero on the cover. "The man on the cover is just plain sexy and the mood portrayed is just right for a romantic suspense."

Ariel agreed: "I like the blue tones. And that guy is *hot*."

Paul C. said: "It seems mysterious and intriguing." And Amanda H.agreed. "It succeeds at looking steamy and suspenseful."

Jean also loved this cover: “The blue tones give the whole cover a suspenseful, nighttime feeling. The couple on the cover is definitely feeling spooked by it, looking at something off to the right. However, it does look like they are in the pool, and I can’t figure out if they are in the shallow end, or are treading water”.

Heather also chose this cover: “I love the color blue! Plus, this has a sort of James Bond vibe to it that I really like.”

And Bron was impressed that it reflected the series line, Silhouette Romantic Suspense. “Sexy, atmospheric, a hint of mystery = reflection of the line. I LOVE that this year’s choices reflect what series romance is about (NOT the landscape!)”

Silhouette
Art Director: Alana Ruoso,
Artist: Chris Cocozza

Silhouette
Art Director: Maria Teresa D’Avella,
Artist: Steve Brennan

Andrew agreed: “A lazy summer afternoon, barefoot on the porch with someone you love… everyone can relate to this beautiful everyday image.”

This was another Cover Cafe favorite. Cover Cafe’s Cindy noted that it “brings memories of warm summer evenings” while Tina said: “I love how laid back and serene this couple looks. Most couples on covers look awkward but they look really natural with each other."

Melissa was another fan: “I appear to be a color palate girl who likes simplicity. The warm tones, slight color on the tank, and not much else to distract my attention. Less is more.”

Bella F. said: "Hard choice b/c I liked the paranormal cover too, but this one is really pretty! And I love the detail, and feeling like I'm seeing a scene/snapshot of the story."

Jill Q.was won over by the porch: "Love the Shirley Jump and Cara Colter ones with snow, but this one gets my vote b/c it is so romantic and believable at the same time. Just two people enjoying each other's company after a long day. Plus, I want that porch."

Robin commented on the relationship between the couple. "I really like how sweet and comfortable and at home they seem with each other. Like they've been together for a while and have that bond that only relationships that have lasted develop."

This was also author Nicola Cornick's choice: "I like the colors and the dreamy style of this cover."

Emily also loved it: “They look like real people! How refreshing!”

And Gisela summed up the appeal of this cover: “It’s like a picture of their HEA.”

T. was a fan of this cover: “It matches the title and looks the part. The bright red of her coat is vibrant enough to stand out amongst the snow and his suit, and make her look distinctive. Her tiara, barely visible, gives the illusion that it is unimportant when she is with him… interesting.”

Malvina agreed: “A gorgeous red coat, a tender moment when they’re about to kiss surrounded by snowflakes; a – hang on, a *tiara*? Oh well, she is a princess. Why not throw in a tiara to prove it. It all looks very romantic, like they had to sneak out into the snow to kiss away from prying eyes.”

The snow scene was the attraction for several voters like Stuart: "It reminds my of a magical snow globe." Kim agreed: "The red coat and snow flakes remind me of the Christmas season." and Janet simply stated: "Love the snowflakes."

Wendy loved it too: “I normally don’t go for these types of covers at all, but there was something so “fairy-tale-ish” about this cover.. it made me feel all soft and dreamy just like the snow floating down. Plus, I adore her red coat!

Jennifer H. said: "Everything in this picture is lush and romantic. The red on white is gorgeous."

And Maria: "Just plain romantic. A beautiful couple on a beautiful winter's day."

And Nana found it: “a charming and romantic modern take on a classic Audrey Hepburn-style romantic look. This is my favorite take on a clinch this year.”

Harlequin
Art Director: Maria Teresa D’Avella,
Artist: Larry Roibal

Harlequin
Art Director: Tony Horvath,
Artist/Photographer: Robert Goshgarian

Gracie agreed: “It’s fresh, different, and I like his smile. I like that it’s not a cliché soldier cover, and the colors of the sunset are as warm as his smile. The highlights and shadows on his chest are nice, too.”

Rosario felt the same: “I’m not voting for the washboard stomach, I swear. (In fact, I’d generally rather not have mantitty on my covers at all!) What I like about this one is the expression on the guy’s face, how it says that he’s reading a letter by someone he loves.”

Pat W.was intrigued: "His expression sure makes me wonder what the letter says."

Some readers just enjoyed the view, like Julieanne: “Oh my! Check out those abs!”

Or Mari: “One word. Drool.”

And Livia: "Look at him, gorgeous!"

And Corrina: "Again, an exceptionally hot hunk is the first thing that draws my eye."

And finally Ivy: "Love soldiers."

There was humor. too. From Angela: "Gotta vote for the man (half) in uniform."

And from Tina: "Really???why??? Hot guy makes me want to read this book!"

Others had a more personal connection, like Marissa: “Okay, so what’s he smiling at? I support a currently deployed troop and he likes the snacks I send. No romance there, but I hope he gets letters that make him smile the way this guy is.”

Cover Cafe’s Mary Lynne agreed: “I like the way the image shows the hero and heroine finding support and strength from one another. They balance nicely against the background image of the lighthouse as well.”

Rike H. had a similar thought: "I love how the couple appear both very caring to each other and still attuned to the outside world."

Jean W. said simply: "It's truly, truly touching."

Yuri also loved this cover: “Bless Harlequin for giving us couples on covers. First Come Twins gets my vote for that image of a couple protected against the world yet looking outwards, and you’ve got to love a lighthouse!”

Jelly loved its artistic value: “I thought it was a well-drawn illustration. They look like real people, in a realistic, natural embrace with no contorted poses or weird facial expressions. I liked the softness of it, the way the illustrator uses a golden light around them.”

Ellen loved a certain aspect about the hero: "I like the background, and the couple actually looks kinda realistic. Plus, he's keeping her warm in the cold breeze. And I like chin dimples!"

The background sold the cover for several voters like Lizbeth: "I love windswept beaches." And Rebecca: "An island to remember and a lighthouse cover gets my vote."

And author Helen Brenna had a great reason for her vote: “Because it’s MY cover!! LOL”.

Harlequin
Art Director: Alana Ruoso,
Artist: Steve Brennan

Mills & Boon
Art Director: Maria Teresa D’Avella,
Artist: Steve Brennan

Harlequin
Art Director: Maria Teresa D’Avella,
Artist: Richard Newton

Cover Cafe’s Katherine was a fan of this cover: “This cover has it all: a beautiful heroine, a handsome hero, gorgeous red dress, great tux, and a beautiful scene in the background. And to top it off, it has a romantic embrace. I also liked the blue frame and red bow.”

Donna liked the interacton: "I just love the way they look like they're so into each other."

Katherine S. said: "He looks like he adores her and she is curvy plus a nice setting in the background and a sexy view of her back."

Becky found it: “the most interesting of the lot,” while Susan noted: “I can hear the music – very romantic.”

Although I loved many of the covers in the finals this year, this was my top choice. The image is so romantic, and I think the sunset and bridge in the background add to the atmosphere of the cover. The red dress draws your eye, and the hero’s expression is perfect. I even like the Mills & Boon red ribbon, which conveniently matches her dress! It feels like a present that I can’t wait to unwrap.

Jill agreed: “They just look so happy in this.”

And Sherry F.: "Love the cover. Very sweet."

And Jill M.: "They're having fun--not in bed."

And Pam P.: "They just look so happy in this."

Linda liked it too: “Simple romance from Harlequin, which I love, about a couple finding each other when least expected.”

Cover Cafe’s John was also a fan: “They are looking at each other. And the skating looks at least kind of real.”

Jenn was intrigued: “I love snow, and I love Christmas romances, and I love this cover. (Not so much the title, but you can’t have everything!) Especially the skates – hers aren’t white and he’s wearing hockey skates! Is he a hockey player? I want to know, and I’d be tempted to buy the book and read it if I saw it on the shelf. Isn’t that what a cover’s supposed to do?”

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