Give Gargoyles a break?



Now I have to be honest, I don't much like this cover. I've had plenty of covers I've not been keen on but I've kept my mouth shut about them. Mostly. This one - well - it just misses the mark for my story. I don't mean any disrespect to the artist, it must be very difficult to come up with covers that match author's expectations, BUT - this woman isn't Pepper. The guy isn't Alessandro. The gargoyle - well yep, he could just about be Eli. The artist has managed to get a building in the background that could be the supernatural museum - so that's a plus but it's the expressions on the models' faces that I dislike. 
Nothing I can do. I'm stuck with it.But I can't help but wonder if the cover puts people off trying the story. The story is quite funny. That doesn't come over in this cover. Is the blurb not attracting readers?
The Rock  Desired by men and women, Eli’s good looks make sexual conquest easy until he attends a party at the Supernatural Museum, where they land him in deep trouble. He says no to the wrong women, and his punishment is to learn the ultimate meaning of loneliness.
The Stone MaidenMuch to her family’s disappointment, not only is Pepper single but she works a hard and dirty job as an apprentice stonemason. Pepper loves bringing stone to life with her chisel but struggles with the isolation that comes with being different. Then there’s her attraction to her boss, Alessandro, who appears to prefer men. When Eli materializes out of nowhere, Pepper can hardly believe her eyes. Now she’s caught between a rock and a hard place. 
The Hard PlaceHis hands hardened by years training to become a master stonemason, Alessandro is an expert at his craft, but not in matters of the heart. A daily frustration when he’s in hopelessly in love with Pepper and the man of his dreams has disappeared. As Alessandro’s team begins to restore the Supernatural Museum, he, Pepper and Eli are drawn into the building’s secrets and risk losing everything they hold dear.
Maybe people don't want to read MMF stories with a gargoyle! LOLI need more reviews. I need people who have read it to spread the word. I need to know if this story didn't work so that I can see where I went wrong. 
I can offer two ecopies of Rocked to people who leave a comment. If you haven't read it and you'd like to, leave your email - disguised - and I'll send copies to two people. I can't offer more because of my contract but I'd love to hear why this one didn't succeed. 


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Published on September 05, 2012 02:55
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message 1: by Tonya (last edited Sep 05, 2012 04:52AM) (new)

Tonya Polk How did I miss this book?? Just when I thought I have read ALL your books!! Gargoyles? Hmmm how bad could it be?? The cover isnt exactly your style, but it's your name that makes me want to read your books!! I would love to read this!!! Where should I send my email ( if I am lucky enough to get a copy?)


message 2: by Barbara (new)

Barbara Elsborg Send it to my email, Tonya.
bjel at btinternet dot com
And tell me the format you'd like.


message 3: by [deleted user] (new)

I love your books, I have not read this one yet though....if I could get a copy it'd be amazing!


message 4: by Jai (new)

Jai I have a copy in my TBR -- I read about a million of your books back-to-back-to-back and burned out a wee bit on romance, though I loved them all.

The cover doesn't really seem like one of yours, true, but that didn't turn me off. My propensity to read everything an author writes until, like eating an entire chocolate cake in one sitting, I overdo it, did me in, as it so often does. Which is why you're in the TBR and the fridge is devoid of cake.


message 5: by Barbara (new)

Barbara Elsborg @ Aja - thank you
@ Jen - I absolutely know that burned out feeling! I've been reading nothing but thrillers for the last couple of weeks. I had an orgy of regency romances and I haven't looked at one of those for at least 6 months.


KindleRomance Reviews Very gutsy asking why a story didn't work from the crowd that loves to share their opinion. I know this wasn't my favorite book by you, but I still enjoyed it. You're a great writer. You have an amazing way with words and you pull me into the story. So if don't love the book, I'm really surprised. I had two issues with this one. The first was the lack of dialogue between the characters. The second was the missing emotional connection between the three of them making the sex feel like only sex.

I will note that for an unknown author, and a book that wasn't suggested to me, the cover will give me a feel for the type of book I'm looking at. Clothing, images, paranormal aspects, etc. If I know the author, the cover is meaningless. Thank goodness because there are some really bad covers out there!


message 7: by Barbara (new)

Barbara Elsborg Thanks, Kris!! I really appreciate that. Relieved about the cover comment too!


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