Romance novel covers are a fascinating aspect of the genre. The common sentiment is “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” However, the romance novel cover is the very thing that snags readers’ attention. With their vivid imagery, tantalizing scenes, and enticing character portrayals, these covers hold a special place in the hearts of romance enthusiasts worldwide. Yet, beneath their alluring exteriors lies a common dilemma that many readers face: the inability to accurately gauge the level of intimacy or spice within the pages of the novel based solely on the cover design. In this post I’ll address the artistry versus intimacy dilemma and share quick tips about how to navigate this terrain as readers and authors.

In my opinion, the purpose of a book’s cover is to capture the essence of the story within a single image. From eye-catching landscapes to the characters’ body language, romance novel covers serve as a visual invitation into the world created by the author. Ideally, a book’s cover captivates readers’ attention. From the intricate details, including outfits worn by the characters to the subtle expressions on their faces, all hint at the emotions and experiences awaiting within the pages.

One of the most beloved aspects of romance novel covers is their ability to spark the imagination. Whether it’s a handsome hero sweeping a heroine off her feet or a tender moment shared between lovers, these images evoke a sense of longing and desire in readers. 

Romance novel covers play a crucial role in attracting readers to a particular book. In a crowded marketplace, where countless titles compete for attention, a well-crafted cover can make all the difference. It serves as a visual representation of the story’s themes and tone, enticing readers to pick up the book and delve into its pages.

Despite their undeniable appeal, romance novel covers often leave readers grappling with a common dilemma: how much intimacy can they expect from the story based solely on the cover design? I’m a huge fan of illustrated covers, and they are truly having a moment right now. The artistry is outstanding! But frankly, it can be challenging to know what’s behind that gorgeous cover based on illustrations alone. Some covers may hint at steamy scenes and passionate encounters (hence the iconic hero and heroine embrace that were once the trademark romance novel cover design). Others offer a more subtle portrayal of romance. This discrepancy can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or disappointment among readers who have certain expectations based on the cover art.

Should there be a solution to this dilemma? Some readers argue for the implementation of a rating system for intimacy in romance novels, similar to the one used for movies or television shows. Such a system could provide readers with a clear indication of the level of spice or sensuality within the pages, allowing them to make more informed choices about the content they wish to explore. The vibrant online bookish community has an informal rating system based on commonly used emojis, but it’s quite subjective.

Some readers believe that such a system would limit creative freedom and could potentially stigmatize certain types of romance novels. They argue that part of the joy of reading romance lies in the element of surprise, and that attempting to categorize or quantify intimacy could detract from the overall experience.

In the end, the question remains: should there be a rating system for intimacy in romance novels? In my opinion, it’s essential to consider the diverse preferences and expectations within the romance community. Whether you prefer sweet and tender romances or steamy and passionate encounters, the beauty of the genre lies in its ability to cater to a wide range of tastes and desires.

Traditionally published authors don’t have much control over their romance novel cover designs. As much as it depends on us, I feel we should advocate for a cover design + back cover copy that accurately represents our stories. Since the cover design influences positioning in the marketplace, I strongly believe that a design which accurately portrays the intimacy, the tropes, and the setting has the best chance of reaching its ideal audience.

Readers can contribute to this conversation by sharing their constructive feedback via reviews and social media posts. Mention whether the intimacy is spicy or if there is no spice in the romance novel. Include keywords in your reviews and post captions: closed door romance, wholesome, spicy, no spice, steamy, sweet are all appropriate and widely accepted terms. 

If you’re a Pinterest user (and I hope you are), create pins featuring your favorite romance novel covers and share why you love them. Remember that you can include any URL that you want to with a pin, so feel free to link to any retailer, Instagram, Goodreads or BookBub account that you’d like to drive traffic toward. Here’s my romance novel covers board on Pinterest if you’d like to take a peek.

So, dear readers, what are your thoughts? Do you believe that a rating system for intimacy in romance novels would enhance the reading experience, or do you prefer to embrace the element of surprise? Share your opinions and join the conversation—it’s all part of the romance novel journey.