Monday, March 17, 2014

Torn Canvas Launch Date and a Nomination

Two big events for me today!

First, now that I've set the release date for Torn Canvas, it's time to show my purty cover.

Modern-day pirates took more than Jori Virtanen’s friends; they stole his face. Not only does the twenty-four-year-old former model have to confront months of reconstructive surgery, he discovers his previous life was as superficial as his looks. Jori struggles to make a new life for himself as an artist while evading the press. They expect a hero, but he knows the truth. His beauty masks a beast.

Olivia Howard’s given up a normal life for her job, and the sacrifices are finally paying off. The twenty-six-year-old talk-show host’s ratings are heading to the top of the charts. Her dream is to make a difference in people’s lives, but the studio wants mind fluff—like interviewing hot model Jori Virtanen. When Olivia learns the guy helped rescue passengers on a cruise excursion from kidnappers, she knows this is the story she needs to make her case. The only problem is the hero was injured, and now he’s disappeared.

The more Olivia learns about the man behind the scar, the more intrigued she becomes. But Jori is no girl’s happily ever after. Once she finds him, Olivia has to free his heart and heal the beast.

Funny story about the cover. 

As my cover designer (Melissa Williams aka author Michelle Argyle) and I worked out the details, I struggled a little with that dang open shirt.

Yes. Torn Canvas is an adventure romance (like A Change of Plans).

Yes, I chose this picture because of a scene in Torn Canvas.

But I also write clean romance. I didn't want to lead any potential readers astray. Don't ever mess with a reader's expectations by giving them a cover that makes them think a clean romance is going to be steamy.

I looked at the first design (very similar to the above but the title banner was opaque). I saw that navel and thought, "Um ...."

So, Michelle moved the banner lower on the cover to hide the navel. Oh, great. Now the guy's nipple was prominent. Ugh! That was worse.

So, navel or nipple?

Uh, clean romance here. The navel won.

The official launch date for Torn Canvas is June 16th.

If you'd be willing to help with the blog tour, the signup is here.
And thank you!


Second--as if this post isn't long enough--I have one more favor to ask.

A Change of Plans has been nominated for a RONE Award, and the voting for my category is THIS week. You need to sign up with InD'Tale magazine to vote, but it's free and painless.

My category is New Adult, and you can find it here. I would love your vote!

To the right is the review that won me the nomination.

37 comments:

  1. Congratulations on the cover. I think they did a good job with it. Doesn't look steamy to me.
    Will vote!

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  2. But if you look very carefully, you can kind of see that nipple....

    Good choice, I'd say. Good cover, good luck! Romance is not my thing, but it sounds pretty interesting, Donna. June 16th is not too far away....

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  3. Congrats, Donna. Your book sounds awesome. And I love the cover. If you send me a two sentence blurb and a few links when it comes out, I can mention it in follower news in June. I'll share the cover for you today.

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    Replies
    1. You're on, Natalie. I saw that you'd posted about it before I saw your comment here. Thank you!

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  4. I just saw the cover last night on goodreads. Loved Jori. The story sounds great.

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    1. Yeah. Jori was one of those characters who wouldn't go away.

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  5. What?? No steamy Jori/Olivia scenes? I'm heartbroken :( LOL. Love the cover. It looks great and ties in nicely with ACoP. Can't wait to read it.

    Melanie

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    1. Well, there is one scene with him and someone else ... no, I'm sure it didn't cross the line. I hope.

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  6. ooh, the story sounds intriguing! If you ask my Imperial Naughtiness I'm booing and hissing on the covered nipples and pecks :) But I get your explanation :)

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    1. And I'm not the least surprised, your Imperial Naughtiness. ;)

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  7. Congrats on the nomination and the new book. I've been wondering when it was coming out. Mine is supposed to be out in May.

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    1. Thanks, Pam. I can't waiting to read your final version.

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  8. Awesome cover and that is a great banner too.

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  9. I like the open shirt. :))

    Congratulations!!

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    Replies
    1. And it really does fit the scene in the book. :D

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  10. The cover is sexy but clean at the same time. I think you pulled it off. ;)

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  11. Navel! Definitely navel! LOL! Donna, I'm sooooo excited for this! Yaaaay!!!!! :)

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    Replies
    1. lol If I remember, you liked Jori from A Change of Plans.

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  12. Wow, what a unique concept for a story. I know they say there's nothing original left, but that honestly sounds quite original. I don't think I've ever heard anything like that before...awesome:)

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  13. Tis a sexy cover, in a clean way!

    All of your covers have been gorgeous.

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  14. YAY! Congratulations on both counts of awesomeness, Donna! That is super exciting! And I LOVE the cover. It's fantastic. And I will be sure to vote! :)

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  15. Love it! So excited for you, Donna. :D

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  16. Woohoohoo! Way to go Donna! The cover is great. I didn't know Michelle was helping you with the cover. That is so cool. Congrats!!!!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Michelle was Rhemalda's cover designer. It was so funny when we were talking on the phone and she did the great reveal. lol

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  17. Navel or nipple had e about on the floor with tears running down my face (tears of laughter that is). I loved this story and am so happy it's seeing the light of day. Great storyl excellent cover and an award WOO HOO. Heading over to cast my vote.

    Love the St Paddys Day look to your page. Yay!

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  18. I love the cover and I signed up.

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  19. Oh, what's a peekaboo navel between friends?

    Seriously, it's a great cover. Not too steamy at all.

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