Happy Valentine’s Day!

Lately, I’ve been thinking about romance–and not just because my wonderful husband sent me these lovely roses for Valentine’s Day.

I’ve always considered myself as first and foremost a mystery or urban fantasy writer. A touch of romance was fine, but the primary emphasis was always on setting the world to rights–revealing the murderer or driving back the demons.

Recently, though, I’ve been reading–and enjoying–more romance. I’ve been craving the happily ever after. I want characters to succeed not just in saving the world but in finding personal happiness. I’m interested in the psychology of longing–how it can turn to obsession or fulfillment. And I’ve got several ideas of how to explore that in a novel.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, what are some of your favorite romances? I’m a fan of the Gothic, and recently I’ve enjoyed The Restorer by Amanda Stevens and The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark. And of course there’s my favorite Gothic romance of all time: Wuthering Heights. How about you? What books would you recommend for Valentine’s Day?

COVER REVEAL: Are you ready for Vicky’s close-up?

I just got the OK to share the cover for Darklands, which shows Vicky up-close and personal. Over the course of the series, we first sawVicky from the back on the cover of Deadtown, as she clutches her flaming sword and looks out over the city. Then in Hellforged, we saw her profile as she watches to the side. Bloodstone shows her from the front, but at a distance.

Now, for the cover of Darklands, artist Don Sipley (who’s created all the art for the series) moves in close to show Vicky wielding her sword.

So what do you think?