Judging a Book by its Cover: Trends in Romance Book Cover Designs

I’m the first to admit it. I’m that person who breaks the ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ rule when it comes to choosing a romance novel to read.

Even when it comes to my own books, cover design plays an important part in the decision process. As I edge closer to the completion of my second novel, I’ve realized just how much thought and strategy goes into a cover’s design. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about communicating the soul of the story. But as trends continue to shift, I’m left wondering: do these new designs truly reflect the essence of romance?

Experience has taught me that a cover’s design needs to reflect the genre in which the book is written. When I think about my first book, I still adore its beautiful cover. It evokes a tranquil and dreamy feeling, almost like stepping into a memory. The bright turquoise water, the secluded sandy cove, and the rugged cliffs create an atmosphere of serenity and escape, which is exactly what I want readers to feel when they pick it up. The small figures on the beach add a human touch, suggesting intimacy, exploration, or simply enjoying the beauty of the moment. To me, it’s a visual invitation to dive into the story.

But for my second book, which is considerably less dramatic and angsty than the first, I wanted something different. I envisioned a realistic image of a romantic couple at the forefront, set against a backdrop of a beautiful sunset on the water, with perhaps a little boy playing with a dog in the distance. It felt like the perfect representation of the warmth and hope I wanted this book to convey. At least, that’s what I thought… until I started noticing current trends.

Romance authors today—both traditional and independent— are shifting more and more from photographic covers to colorful illustrated drawings and bold typography. Have you noticed those minimalist, illustrated covers that seem to dominate the genre now? These designs are intentionally crafted to stand out—whether viewed as thumbnails on small devices or up close, thanks to their bold, vivid imagery. While covers featuring passionate poses, suggestive body language or muscular, shirtless men were once indicative of a steamier read, these newer trends often don’t reflect the book’s actual heat level. Some even feel these covers can be misleading, suggesting a different tone or style of romance than what’s inside. Others, however, see them as a fresh, modern approach that opens the genre to a broader audience.

I’ll admit, I’ve always viewed romance covers with quirky art as indicative of “rom-com,” but that was before I started noticing the growing trend. I recently received a newsletter from an established author who shared how her publisher insisted on using a playful, artistic design for her latest romantic family drama. It wasn’t her first choice, but the publisher’s reasoning was clear: following trends is critical for sales. Not keeping up with current styles, they warned, could mean losing out on potential readers.

This all leaves me questioning the direction I should take for my own books. When it was time to pick a cover for my own novel, I didn’t feel justified, as a debut author, to spend hundreds of dollars on a professional designer. Instead, I selected one of my own scenic photos and edited it extensively until I was satisfied with the result. As it happens, my cover didn’t follow the trends back in 2021, and it’s even further removed from what’s popular in 2025.

So, as I look ahead, I can’t help but wonder: what’s next for romance book covers? Will the simple, faceless figures still prevail, or will AI and digital innovation push trends toward something even more abstract and extrinsic?

Looking back at my own journey, I’ve learned that choosing a cover is as much about creativity as it is about understanding trends. But I’m curious—what do you think about these shifts in romance book covers? Have you ever picked up a book solely because of its cover? Or, on the flip side, dismissed one because the design didn’t appeal to you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this because, as an author, I constantly ask myself: what do readers truly want from a book cover?

Cover photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash