Cover Judging - The CEO's Christmas Proposition

I've made a discovery this festive season: Silhouette Special Editions. From their website:

"These contemporary romances from the Silhouette Special Edition line will strike a chord with you as heroines find the balance between their work lives and personal lives on the way to true love!"

Doesn't that sound like a thrilling story? Furthermore, most of these tales of balancing work life and personal life occur during the holiday season. So, without further adieu, here is the first of a few Christmas titles I have for you:

First Glance: This one is all about the styling: I am 100% in favor of her shiny gold pumps. Especially because they match the gold lamé top she's sporting. Also: her hair. And his hair, now I look at it - gotta love a side-part. I'm also loving the weirdly shaped fairy-light sculptures behind our happy couple. And, as the wreath at the bottom left informs me, this appears to take place somewhere with photo-worthy architecture. Score: 4 out of 5



Title: The CEO's Christmas Proposition - Clunky. Very clunky. It just doesn't flow. I would love it, however, if they had made our hero a Chief Financial Officer, because I like the sound of CFO. It's one of those titles that I enjoy hearing, much like Comptroller or Ombudsman. Come to think of it, I rather like the sound of The Comptroller's Christmas Proposition. Score: 2.5 out of 5

Back-of-the-Book: Oh, boy. Here we go:

"A case of mistaken identity landed Devon McShay on the receiving end of a mind-blowing kiss - from her new client!"

Again with the mind-blowing kisses! (Well, technically the last time they were called "earth-shattering" kisses, but I think the concept remains the same.)

Also, Devon McShay? That is a quality romance novel moniker. And speaking of that, listen to the great newspaper reporter-in-the-1940s name of her client:

"CEO Cal Logan was an undeniably handsome man, and despite their business relationship, Devon couldn't help thinking about kissing him again."

And then . . .

"When a crippling ice storm traps them in Salzburg for Christmas, sharing a room is their only option."

Of course it's their only option. I'm sure every hotel in all of Salzburg is booked solid, leaving only one room left. A room with only one bed, which they must share. And, hopefully, he will hang a sheet between them on the bed, because that is the proper, gentlemanly thing to do. Just like Clark Gable. You're listening to me, aren't you, Cal Logan, CEO? Proper, gentlemanly, Clark Gable: all good things. I don't want to hear about any shenanigans . . .

"And sharing their bed becomes their pleasure. Could this passionate encounter evolve into anything more than a holiday affair?"

Sigh.
Score: 3.5 out of 5

Final Score: 1o out of 15 - Qualifying for the Bronze Feather, The CEO's Christmas Proposition gets points for its cover stars' styling, as well as their excellent naming. May Devon McShay and CEO Cal Logan's love last the whole year long.