Theme: Category Romance
At Sweet Savage Flame, we’ve been overlooking category romance covers in favor of flashier historical romance artwork, and it’s time to remedy that.
Series cover art is just as lovely. However, sometimes the artwork is not as prominent as it is for historicals.
In addition, the big-name cover artists usually produced illustrations for historical romance or full-length contemporary books. Sometimes they did step their toes into the waters of series or category romance and we’re happy that they did!
The Covers
For the week of Monday, September 6, 2021, to Sunday, September 12, we’re looking at gorgeous category romance covers painted by some of the greatest artists of romance novels. Below are a few category romances illustrated by the legendary Elaine Duillo, Robert Maguire, Elaine Gignilliat, and Pino. Enjoy!
- Quiet Comes the Night, Jessica Jeffries, Harlequin, Elaine Duillo cover art
- Every Moment Counts, Martha Hix, Silhouette, Robert Maguire cover art
- Babycakes, Glenda Sanders, Harlequin, Elaine Gignilliat cover art,
- Stormy Vows, Iris Johansen, Bantam, Pino cover art
Hello Iris!
Elaine Duillo once said that she learned from Robert Maguire to always keep her sig close to the bodies, otherwise, an artist could never be assured to get credit. A trick Maguire used which Duillo didn’t employ was to sign his name in an almost identical color to the background, just a shade lighter or so. Fortunately, both artists also have distinctive styles, which makes them super easy to identify.
And yes, her outfit is just the pièce de résistance with the birds among the oil derricks and the heroine pressed against the hero’s hair-roughened chest!
These are all beautiful and may all the romance deities bless the artists for signing in visible locations. I especially love the white business suit and pumps near an oil well.