Hi everyone, this will hopefully be the last time I address this issue. It's been a tough past two weeks trying to sort this, messaging back and forth between the cover artist I purchased this cover from and Amazon. It wasn't an easy decision, but many of you noticed that I changed the paperback cover image early on. This wasn't required by Amazon, but I wanted to have another cover there and ready to go no matter the outcome. Changing covers is also the easiest way to avoid any future issues, since I don't trust that more claims can't be made.
I stand by what I said before that the cover artist didn't steal or manipulate anyone's art, that being said, I also addressed that the image was purchased as clip art from an Etsy site. This site doesn't pass over copyright and can be purchased by hundreds of people. That also helped in forming my decision to permanently change the cover. The cover artist I purchased the original from has been very helpful during this time, providing me proof of her innocence, and created a new cover using a purchased art piece meant for another of my books.
To avoid further issue, I'll be replacing the original cover. I didn't want to use the same exact image as the one for the Special Edition version, so had her alter a few things to help make this cover unique in its own way. It still features Rabbit, but he's wearing a leather jacket and the background tone is more on the gray side.
Please keep in mind when purchasing that these covers still look very similar, but aren't the same. The Special Edition version will continue to be the only version that has bonus material. The original listing will have a leather jacket on the cover but does not contain any material other than the original book.
I'm sorry if this disappoints some of you, honestly, this entire situation has been disappointing to me as well, but at this point, especially since I didn't personally create the cover, this feels like the best course of action.
Here's a look at the new cover:
I'll be holding a giveaway soon over on my Instagram, sort of as an apology for all of this, and I also have an announcement to make about a fun item to go along with this book! I'll be announcing it first on my Instagram and then later here, since I feel like I've posted a ton already on this blog this month due to all of this.
Thank you for your patience during this time. I hope you like the new cover. I know it's different than the original, but I still think it captures the moody undertone of the story and would look gorgeous on a shelf!