When I was writing THE VANISHING SPARK OF DUSK, there was no question in my mind that the romance would take a little time to warm up. I love romance, but what I love more than the steamy love scenes, is the deep connection two characters develop before they even realize they love each other. So here are five reasons I love to write slow-burn romances: Instalove never felt real to me. I’d never developed a crush on anyone at first sight, and I’d never finished a book where the hero *instantly* falls in love with the love interest. When the main character turns around and sees the super hot love interest crossing the scene, and they instantly have a crush, I feel. literally. nothing. It kind of takes away from character’s journey, for me at least. Let me get to know the love interest. Let me hear how they talk, how they laugh, what makes them tick and how passionate they can be about certain issues. I love teasing the reader, keeping them wondering if these two characters will actually end up together. That’s what keeps readers turning the pages. It’s what keeps me turning the pages as a…

When I was writing THE VANISHING SPARK OF DUSK, there was no question in my mind that the romance would take a little time to warm up. I love romance, but what I love more than the steamy love scenes, is the deep connection two characters develop before they even realize they love each other. So here are five reasons I love to write slow-burn romances: Instalove never felt real to me. I’d never developed a crush on anyone at first sight, and I’d never finished a book where the hero *instantly* falls in love with the love interest. When the main character turns around and sees the super hot love interest crossing the scene, and they instantly have a crush, I feel. literally. nothing. It kind of takes away from character’s journey, for me at least. Let me get to know the love interest. Let me hear how they talk, how they laugh, what makes them tick and how passionate they can be about certain issues. I love teasing the reader, keeping them wondering if these two characters will actually end up together. That’s what keeps readers turning the pages. It’s what keeps me turning the pages as a…

Excerpt from The Vanishing Spark of Dusk: Kalen sighs and drags a hand through his hair. “Don’t speak of these pirates again, Lark. I don’t want you to even mention rebels at all, much less suggest I work with those thieves. You think Tavdorians who own slaves are bad? You haven’t experienced the black heart of the empire yet. The Renegade is what keeps that black heart beating.” He steps closer, takes my chin between his thumb and his forefinger, and tilts it up until our eyes meet. “Am I understood?” I can see his features clearly now. His violet eyes, filled with that aristocratic sternness. This isn’t a discussion between two equals, but an order from a master to his slave. He said not to mention them, but he said nothing about meeting with them. That I can agree to. “I understand,” I whisper. “I won’t speak of them again.” He lowers his hand. “I only want you safe, Lark. If I’m to take you to Earth on my next trip, I want to have a whole, healthy daughter returned to her mother. Not a scarred one. Definitely not a dead one.” He’s not smiling at all, but somehow…

The main theme of my newly released YA/SciFi novel, THE VANISHING SPARK OF DUSK, is to “Be Heard”. While that mantra is primarily focused on my main lead, Lark (who’s naturally quiet and reserved), this theme is also geared toward the romantic relationship in this story. There are SO. MANY. BOOKS. out there. Thankfully they’re starting to encourage people to love and listen and respect each other, but there are still those books hanging around that might have a controlling partner be the “hero”. (Trust me, I’ve read them. *puke*) And I’m not talking “Christian Grey” control. In that book Anastasia has a safe word, and it’s HANDS OFF the moment she uses it. Even when she doesn’t use it, Grey respects her and listens to her. I’m talking about the subtle control. The cloaked guilt the controlling party gives their partner when they don’t get what they want. The anger that results when the partner stands their ground. I’m talking about emotional abuse, which can sometimes lead to physical abuse if the controlling party still doesn’t get what they want. As someone who used to devour these sorts of books and idolize those “heroes,” I now get super triggered…