I’ve fudged the title of this post a bit by adding that crucial ‘and’ into the title. I’ll explain about that in a moment. Let’s hear it for the gorgeous covers that have that special pop. They snag our attention and get us excited about the book’s contents, set the mood, and help tell us what it’s about which are the kind I love best. I’m nutty enough about my books to love when a series goes long with the same cover art team so they are uniformal and easily recognized, but also so I can see the covers like a montage of art. Am I making sense there?
With that in mind, I’ve not only chosen books with gorgeous covers, but equally gorgeous insides that were reflected in their covers. And, most are just the latest representative of their series of covers which I love.
Smoke Bitten by Patricia Briggs, narrated by Lorelei King, Urban Fantasy
There would never not be a Daniel Dos Santos cover on a list of favorite covers. I fret for the day when the next Mercy Thompson or Alpha & Omega book are given a cover reveal so I can gaze upon it and inspect each detail that tells me a little more about the story.
Wingman by Cara Bristol, Sci Fi Romance
The vivid colors and sexy male with the serious expression match the heroic character of the story. This series has a strong series plot and this was engaging with slow-build suspense and sexy romance.
A Bad Day For Sunshine by Darynda Jones, Romantic Suspense
I thought the white field with the shot of golden yellow desert scene in the cracked sunglasses was spot on to set the tone for the new series. This opening book met my expectations well for sold character and series plot development. And, humor was the kicker!
Alone in the Wild by Kelley Armstrong, Thriller Romance
I love the stark, ominous nature of the cover that matches the dangerous, wilderness setting of this series. Love the nail-biting excitement of the wilds adventure and the cunning murder mystery.
The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton, Historical Fiction
Some covers tell the story as much as a blurb. This one screams the era, setting, and central characters without a word. But, the words aren’t bad either since this is a heart-felt, desperate set of stories of three women who cross paths during a great hurricane in the Florida Keys.
Murder at Northanger Abbey by Shannon Winslow, Historical Mystery
Ominous stormy reds with building set a tone that is mirrored inside. A Northanger Abbey sequel that has a newlywed pair forced to solve a murder even as they are figuring out married life.
Close Up by Amanda Quick, Historical Romantic Suspense
The Art Deco style of these covers are eye catching, but I do love the Old Hollywood setting, characters, and mystery.
Murder on Cold Street by Sherry Thomas, Historical Romantic Suspense
A woman running through foggy streets builds the anticipation before the cover is even opened and it was no flash in the pan because the Lady Sherlock mystery and development of character and relationships inside was superb.
Until the End by Juno Rusdan, Romantic Suspense
Jewel-toned color, intense expression on the model and a feeling action scream this book’s genre. This was a pulse-pounding read and a big shocker ending.
Our Solar System by Lisa Reichley, Astronomy
In truth, the inside pictures are breathtaking and more fabulous than the cover indicates. This was a well-written laymen’s guide to our solar system and I found it an exciting vicarious tour of space.
What about you? What covers won your adoration this year? Do Tell!
My thanks to Anne @ Books Are My Heart for hosting the Top Ten week-long event. You can visit her site and see the schedule here: https://booksofmyheart.net/2020/11/29/top-10-of-2020/
Latest posts by Sophia Rose (see all)
- Sweet Young Delight Review: The Garden of God by Henry De Vere Stacpoole - September 12, 2021
- Young Sweet Delight Review: The Blue Lagoon by Henry De Vere Stacpoole - September 5, 2021
- Review: Uncharted by Tracey Garvis Graves - September 3, 2021
- Review: Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh - September 2, 2021
- Review: Play of Passion by Nalini Singh - August 30, 2021
I just love seeing all of your favorite covers of 2020 and so many I adore as well. There is something about Chanel Cleeton’s covers that are so breathtaking.
Love the whole series of Chanel Cleeton’s covers, too.
Great minds think alike! I have 3 of these covers on my list too. Thanks for sharing your picks with all of us!
Haha, yes! Looks like we gravitate toward the same style of books and covers. 🙂
I thought all the covers for Cleeton’s series were fabulous
Same here, Sam! I’m contemplating owning print copies just because I love the covers so much.
Smoke Bitten and Alone in the Wild are on my favorite lists too!
So good. I still have Stranger in Town waiting for me and I can’t wait. It’s an Alpha and Omega year for a Briggs’ release, but I can’t wait for that one, either.
Some great covers here! I’ve not read any of these but they sound good!
Yes, they really grabbed my attention.
You’ve picked some great books! I do love the covers for the Mercy Thompson books. A Good Day for Sunshine was really good and I love that cover. The Rockton series is a favorite as well.
Thanks, Carole! I always have to pick a Patricia Briggs’ book for a favorite cover. It is fun to pick the ones that are great reads with fab covers. 🙂
Haven’t read any of these but they all look good!
You have some future treats in store.