I had planned to wait until this story was finished before showing off the cover, but I don't want to wait any longer! Especially since it seems like another story keeps pushing itself to the front of the writing queue.
I'm still working on the cover copy, which I've included below, but I'm sure it will change. In fact, if you have suggestions for improving it, please share! I'd be thrilled to hear your thoughts.
This is a novella, the first in The Curse of True Love Series, which was originally supposed to commence with Lord Wastrel, but then this story pushed its way to the front of the line. . .
What is it with my impatient stories and their inability to wait their turn?
Anyway, without further ado. . . ta dah!
Carrie Spencer of Cheeky Covers is the one who created this vision of loveliness, and once again I have to applaud her ability to transform my vague, hand-waving instructions into the exact cover I was hoping for. She also does it with patience and aplomb, not to mention speediness and a delightful sense of humor. I love all the covers she's done for me, but I think this new one might be my favorite. (Just don't say anything to Lord Midnight or Summer Lovin', okay?)
And here's the working blurb. Or not working. Maybe a little bit of both. Let's call it a draft blurb.
The Curse of True Love
Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, is bored. To relieve her ennui, she decides to play matchmaker in Regency London. Unfortunately, bringing these lovers together is not as easy as it seems. . .
He was late to his own wedding
Simon is known as Lord Rakehell, so any sane woman would be wary of wedding a man of his reputation. He loves Georgiana, and is determined to prove it to her, but how can he overcome his wedding-day blunder?
She was heartbroken by the scandal
Georgiana knew the dangers of falling in love with an avowed rake, but she had not expected him to show up for their wedding with ladies-of-the-evening in tow. Now her aching heart must decide if Simon's protestations of love are real, or a means to restore his wounded pride from being left at the altar.
Awesome cover, Donna! The story premise sounds interesting! I think the only disconnect is how much of a role Aphrodite has? Since she's listed first, I thought she was the main character, and then I read further and she doesn't seem to be a part of it in those areas?
Posted by: Angela Quarles | January 30, 2013 at 10:36 AM
Great point, Angela! Aphrodite is actually the catalyst, as well as the thread linking the stories in the series. So I'll figure out how to put that in there so it doesn't cause a disconnect. She is in several scenes, so she's definitely a character. Just not the heroine. :) Thanks for the input!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 30, 2013 at 11:08 AM
Pretty! Synopsis sounds good too. I didn't think Aphrodite was the heroine, but I can see how that's possible. Perhaps putting that part after the others would solve the problem?
Posted by: Kate Warren | January 30, 2013 at 03:59 PM
Thanks, Kate! I thought I needed to have the Aphrodite part at the beginning, to let readers know what was going on. But I think you're right about having it at the end.
*whips out eraser*
I'm going to get back to work on this!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | January 31, 2013 at 09:04 AM
Love the cover Donna. So many modern covers remind me of my first amateurish efforts at photography, where part of a head is missing or even worse. This one is perfect, like a portrait photograph of the hero and heroine.
One point that I'm not so sure about is the way that the hero is lovingly fondling that diamond necklace, though his eyes and mouth are perfectly placed.
I'm really looking forward to reading this series!
Posted by: Quantum | January 31, 2013 at 04:08 PM
Q, I'm glad you like it. I loved your analogy of your first photography efforts. LOL And I also loved your description of it being a portrait photo of the hero and heroine.
The hero isn't actually fondling the necklace. LOL But I've gotten to see this pic blown up to massive proportions. His hand is actually just resting there. That's an interesting point though, so next time I pick out a picture, I'll run it by you first so you can help me see the things I might have missed!
Okay, off to get some writing done on this -- you've inspired me. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 01, 2013 at 08:28 AM
That cover is beautiful! And I see nothing wrong with that blurb. Makes me want to read it. Very well done. Both of you!
Posted by: Terri Osburn | February 01, 2013 at 09:52 AM
Terri, I'm so glad you like the cover -- and I'm still tinkering with the blurb. It helps to see it on the blog, where I can read it and be inspired by the picture above it. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 01, 2013 at 11:25 AM
OMG! Love, love, love the cover. That deep red is scrumptious! The blurb is also very enticing! :)
Posted by: Melissa | February 01, 2013 at 09:15 PM
Thanks, Melissa! Originally the backdrop was a golden color, which looked good, but somehow along the way it got changed to red. I think Carrie was experimenting. I like it much better, and not just because red is my fave color. :)
I also tweaked the blurb a little, to see if it makes Aphrodite seem more like the troublemaker she is, rather than the heroine. LOL
Posted by: Donna Cummings | February 01, 2013 at 11:18 PM
I believe this website has got some really wonderful info for everyone : D.
Posted by: pożyczka gotówkowa | February 05, 2013 at 08:36 AM