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Calisa Rhose presents ~ Sarah Grimm- Secondary Characters Who Demand Their Own Stories #MFRWAuthor #BlackPhoenixseries
Happy December!!!
I know I typically have Friday FanFare instead of guest posts on Friday, but Christmas is coming and I have my first pressy! My number one book boyfriend has escaped from authorland this week and is everywhere just for you to meet, so I have to introduce you to Dominic Price. *swoon*
So as a special event today, I invited Sarah Grimm to tell how Dom’s story came to be with a little taste of Dom’s and Rebecca’s sizzle, and where you can get your copy of Midnight Heat. I already have my copy and can’t wait to read it! 🙂
When I was writing After Midnight—Black Phoenix book 1—I honestly had no intention of creating a series. I had one story in my head, one where in the midst of wrapping up the hero and heroine’s happily-ever-after with a bright red bow, I would also give secondary character Dominic Price his. Then he walked onto the page and instantly stole my heart. I knew immediately he would need his own book. He was blunt, didn’t believe in lying and often said whatever he was thinking. He was funny—I’m a sucker for a man who makes me laugh—but also…wounded. There was a sadness to him. A deep sadness tied to a woman he loved desperately, but had walked away from: Rebecca Dahlman. I had to explore this—had to—and so Midnight Heat was born.
Writing Dominic’s story wasn’t easy. At times I was an interviewer asking questions of him, then rewording them when he wouldn’t give me an answer. At times a psychologist, studying his mind and behavior, digging for the reasoning behind his actions. Dom was afraid to trust me with his backstory, just as he was afraid to trust Rebecca, but eventually, I got it out of him. Then, I had to figure a way to help him win Rebecca back. In the end, he didn’t need my help after all.
***
Rebecca pulled into her driveway to find Dominic leaning against the post of the front porch. It’d been a lousy week and the last thing she needed, the last possible thing she could deal with right now, was him. Yet here he was. Looking as sinfully gorgeous as ever.
His long black hair was messy, like he’d been running his fingers through it. Her own twitched with the need to bury her hands in his hair and pull him to her. Pull him in tight, setting aside everything that stood between them. Trusting this time would be different.
For a long moment the temptation was so great she couldn’t breathe. She walked past him, used her key to unlock the door but didn’t open it. Exhaustion pulled at her, made her limbs heavy and her eyes burn. The double shift she’d just come off had been difficult, made more so by the arrival of Mr. Masters – the little boy’s father. He hadn’t said anything, just stood against a light pole outside the emergency entrance. In a fashion eerily similar to the way Dominic stood now.
It had taken her the entire drive home to shake off the trickle of alarm from between her shoulder blades.
Unable to summon the most basic of manners, she sighed. “Not tonight, Dom.” Tonight she felt far too exposed and vulnerable. “Honestly, I don’t have the strength for another go around with you.”
He looked her over slowly, studying her without a word. She knew what she looked like, had seen her reflection in the mirror after getting cleaned up at the hospital. Dark circles of fatigue beneath bloodshot eyes, her naturally pale skin more drawn than normal. She couldn’t hold her tongue when she was tired. No doubt he’d use that to his advantage.
“Are you okay?”
The fact that he asked, after everything they’d said to each other, nearly brought tears to her eyes. No. “Yes.”
He was quiet a moment, then blew out a breath. “I was hoping to have that talk you wanted, but I can see tonight’s not the night.”
She allowed herself to relax a bit. “It’s really not.”
“Just so you know, I’ll go home tonight, but I’m not going away.”
“What does that mean?”
Dominic gazed deep into her eyes. “I want a second chance, Rebecca.” His tone was a dark promise that curled around her and had her pulse kicking hard. “A chance to show you how much I’ve changed. To be what you want me to be; a lover and a friend.”
Heart in her throat she could only whisper. “For how long?”
“As long as you’ll have me.”
She closed her eyes and swallowed back the ache, the longing. Yes, cried her heart. Oh please, yes. Her head refused to believe. “Dom,” she murmured.
He didn’t speak. Nor did he walk away. Instead, he stepped closer. So close his breath brushed her temple, his body heat warmed her. She opened her eyes, tipped her head up to see into his. He stood close enough to touch her, only he didn’t. “Your best friend’s name is Karmen.”
Confusion scattered her thoughts. “How?”
“You’re wrong. I met her once – the same night I met you. She’s Latina, pretty but…I barely remember her.” His eyes darkened to mirror the night sky. “I was too blinded by you.”
“Dominic.” She lifted a hand and settled it in the center of his chest, feeling the hard muscle as well as the heat—traced her fingers over one pec and his body tightened.
Still, he didn’t touch her.
“You listen to classical music all the time. So much it used to drive me bonkers. But only if you’re happy. When you’re sad, you listen to the blues.”
Or his. She’d grown quite fond of Black Phoenix’s music over the years.
“I don’t recall what make or model your car was, just that it was a bit dodgy and smelled like cheese.” His chuckle vibrated up her arm.
God, how was she supposed to resist this? He was giving her everything she’d demanded of him the other night. All the answers she’d accused him of not caring enough to have. Rebecca leaned in, pressing closer, absorbing his scent, his proximity, and still his arms remained at his sides. He wasn’t going to make it easy on her. Anything that might happen, everything was being left up to her.
“I had a kink in my ass for a week after that first night.” His gaze fell to hers as she laughed. “I would do anything to make you laugh.” His voice was low, raw, as he reverently touched her cheek. “I would do anything to make sure I never make you cry again. I don’t want to be what makes you cry, Rebecca. Not anymore.”
Her body wouldn’t stop shaking. “Dominic.”
“I miss you so much. I miss us. There’s not a day goes by that I don’t regret walking away from you.”
It was too much to take in at once. Rebecca couldn’t move, and her vocal cords seemed to be temporarily useless. She ended up just standing there, as her heart took a hard leap against her ribs and hope blossomed.
***
See what I mean?! I’m in lust for this man! Whew!!
If you haven’t read Black Phoenix, Book One- After Midnight– you’ll want to get it and meet Noah and Isabeau too. I adore those two and they revisit in Dom’s story. I love keeping up with past characters. Don’t you?
Ok, here’s the other important information you’ll want.
BUY LINKS:
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id943576931
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/midnight-heat-sarah-
grimm/1120790396?ean=2940046316315
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00NU8M0QQ
Amazon : UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NU8M0QQ
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/midnight-heat-2
Author Bio:
Sarah Grimm is a wife and mother of two—five if you count her much-loved dogs.
She resides in beautiful West Michigan, with her husband, two sons & three
rescue dogs. Her addictions include reading, laughter and drag racing.
Author Links:
Website: http://www.sarahgrimm.com
Blog: http://www.sarahgrimm.com/blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SarahGrimm.Author
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SarahGrimmAuthr
Thanks for stopping by! Can you remember your all-time favorite hero, the one who makes your blood boil in that good way and your head light? Sarah will gift one copy of Midnight Heat to a commenter. Seriously, once you meet this HAWT bassist–you’ll never look at rock-n-roll the same!
Calisa Rhose presents ~ UnCover Monday ~ December #MFRWAuthor #CoverReveals
UnCover Mondays on The Ranch!!!
Hey-Ho cover oglers! To satisfy your stare reflex urges–here’s December’s awesome cover art and the super authors, publishers and artists who made them possible for you to gaze upon this month. It would be great if you leave a comment letting everyone know what you like (or don’t like) about them and maybe even check out a few author links to meet those behind the books. Or just say hi.
Don’t forget to tell your friends to stop by so they can appreciate some greatness too! UnCover Mondays on The Ranch!!! This feature is only to highlight the authors (though if you see one you want to buy I’m sure the authors won’t mind 😆 ). Enjoy this months’ covers to ogle and explore. If there is one provided, you can follow the artist links by clicking on the name, or if there’s an artist link provided, to learn more about the amazing creators of these beautiful covers. I think they deserve fair mention since they helped create the book! As always, click the covers for author websites to find out more. I wish everyone a fabulous 2014!
I’ve added a heat level rating for covers, one through five scale, for your benefit. If there’s anything else you’d like to know about covers revealed here, please don’t hesitate to let me know. You can leave it either in a comment or by my contact page https://calisarhose.com/say-hey/ with what you’d like to know. 🙂
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Title: A Case for Calamity, TWRP-12 Brides of Christmas
Author: Mackenzie Crowne
Weblink: www.facebook.com/MackenzieCrowne
Genre: Contemporary
Heat Level: Steamy 4 flames
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Cover artist: Diana Carlile
Release date: November 10, 2014
For Jane Whitmore, agreeing to switch identities with her best friend seems like innocent fun, but spending a romantic night in Paris with a man who doesn’t know her real name turns out to be a lark gone bad. When their one night of passion proves to have lasting results, tracking down Gabe Sutton and telling him he’s about to be the father of her child is just another calamity Jane would rather avoid. After years of avoiding long-term romantic entanglements, Gabe has found a woman he might just be able to build a life with, only to have her disappear. When he finally finds her, his belief in happily-ever-after staggers under the weight of deception, and looming fatherhood leaves him with two choices: fight her for custody of his future child or cling to the promise of true love.
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Title: Dare to Love
Author: Alleigh Burrows
Weblink: www.alleighburrows.com
Genre: Regency romance
Heat Level: 3 flames?
Publisher: Lyrical Press/Kensington Books
Cover artist: Lyrical Press
Release date: December 1, 2014
The only tangible benefit Dare Landis has of finally claiming the title of Marquis of Raynsforth will be that the current marquis has finally gone to the Devil where he belongs. Until then, Lord Landis will continue to enjoy life on his own terms…as a heartless rake who’s beholden to no one.
Nivea Horsham knows there’s more to Dare than he reveals to the world. She’s loved him since her older brother brought his ridiculously handsome friend home from school all those years ago. But getting him to notice her has proven to be an impossible endeavor.
Can Nivea shatter Dare’s carefully crafted facade and show him how to love?
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Title: If My Heart Could See You
Author: Sherry Ewing
Weblink: www.sherryewing.com
Genre: Historical
Heat Level: 3- Steamy
Publisher: Kingsburg Press
Cover artist: Sherry Ewing –
Original painting, Lamia
by John Waterhouse (18-49-1917)
Release date: July 9, 2014
When you’re enemies, does love have a fighting chance?
For Amiria of Berwyck, defeat does not come easily as she watches her home and clan being ripped asunder. When the very enemy who has laid siege to her home demands her fealty, she will do whatever it takes to protect her people including a hastily concocted ruse that quickly begins to unravel. All too soon, she starts to question whether she can forgive herself for betraying those she has sworn to protect.
Dristan of Blackmore, champion knight of King Henry II, has a reputation to uphold as the Devil’s Dragon. After his invading army conquers Berwyck castle, he sets out to manage the newly claimed estate by training its knights in the art of proper defense. At first, everything appears as it should be, or is it? Betrayed by those he believed he could trust, he must first set aside his anger before he can make room in his heart for love.
Together they are tied by an unspoken bond. As they begin to rebuild the land and unite their people, forces beyond their control attempt to tear apart their fragile truce and only time will tell if love will forever bring them together.
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Title: Keeping Secrets, Children of the Light 1
Author: Donna Hechler Porter
Weblink: www.donnahechlerporterbooks.wordpress.com/
Genre: Historical
Heat Level: Steamy- 3
Publisher: Donna Hechler Porter
Cover artist: Donna Hechler Porter
Release date: May 25, 2014
A woman with a secret, a man determined to uncover the truth, and a secret that could tear them apart forever.
A Grieving Husband- Amon Cayle needs a seamstress. He has spent the last year rebuilding his life after the tragic death of his wife in a house fire, the same fire that nearly took the life of his eldest son as well. The business of grieving their loss, as well as the work of his tobacco plantation, has caused him to neglect the simplest of tasks. His family now needs clothes, and despite his dislike for Mary McKechnie, and their shared past, he offers her the job.
A Desperate Mother- Mary McKechnie needs a job. Her brother has threatened to take her daughters and place them into indentured service if she cannot provide for them. He has not made it any easier for her by insisting she work only for fellow Friends. When Amon Cayle offers her a job, she has little choice but to accept.
A Devastating Secret
The last time Amon spoke with Mary, after she walked away from him into the arms of another man over twenty years ago, she assured him she was not keeping secrets. He didn’t believe her then, and he doesn’t believe her now. While she is working for him, he is determined to find answers. She is just as determined to not give them.
Will Mary be able to save Amon from the past? Or will her secret tear them apart forever?
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Title: Latin Heat Trilogy
Author: Diane Escalera
Weblink: www.DianeEscalera.com
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Diane Escalera
Cover artist: Gilded Heart Design
Release date: September 18, 2014
The complete Latin Heat Trilogy in one sizzling edition. Get ready to fall in love!
STILL HOT FOR YOU
Take a peek into the marriage of Dylan and Shay LaCosta. Theirs is a hot and steamy union, with an even hotter couple. Just like in real life, relationships have problems. But when two people are meant to be, they fight with each other, and they fight for each other.
THE RIGHT TEMPTATION
Last thing Nico LaCosta needs is a broken arm. Worse, now his pal’s kid sister wants to soothe his pain. It’s just like Kayla to play the seductive nurse. She’s always had a thing for Nico. Problem is, Kayla’s not a girl anymore. She’s one hot-blooded woman. And Nico’s body is heating up.
PLAYING WITH DESTINY
Matchmaker, matchmaker, bring me a babe. That’s all Christian LaCosta expected from an online dating service. He gets a lot more when he’s unwittingly hooked up with a luscious neighbor named Destiny. Christian doesn’t believe in fate, but one look at Destiny, and he’s seeing a whole new future.
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Title: Midnight Heat #2, Black Phoenix
Author: Sarah Grimm
Weblink: www.SarahGrimm.com
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: 4 flames- Hot
Publisher: Sarah Grimm
Cover artist: Arial Burnz
Release date: December 2, 2014
She was the only woman ever to rock his world.
Black Phoenix bassist Dominic Price made a mistake three years ago when he walked out on Rebecca. A mistake he plans to rectify. But first he has to convince her to open her heart to him again.
The unconscious man wheeled into Dr. Rebecca Dahlman’s ER is sexy—devilishly sexy—and injured. This isn’t just any patient in need of medical help. He is the only man she’s ever loved—the one who still haunts her dreams.
One touch of his calloused hands reignites their passion. Can they rekindle their trust as easily, or will her fears cause her to lose him again…this time to a man bent on revenge?
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Title: My Kind of Crazy
Author: Katie O’Sullivan
Weblink: www.katie-osullivan.com
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Sensual
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Cover artist: Diana Carlile
Release date: July 30, 2014
Kendall Roarke is betting everything on making her Harwichport Bed & Breakfast into the premier wedding destination on Cape Cod, despite her recent messy divorce.
Jonathan Reynolds moved back to the Cape to take over his uncle’s business and start fresh after his own marriage ended. He’s not looking for anything complicated – until he meets Kendall, with her big plans and wild mop of curls.
Throw an unruly foster puppy and an uptight new neighbor into the mix and things get a little crazy. Now Kendall has to decide if it’s the kind of crazy that she can live with… for the rest of her life.
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Title: One Enchanted Evening (Lobster Cove series)
Author: L. A. Kelley
Weblink: www.lakelleythenaughtylist.blogspot.com
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Heat Level: 2 Flames; sensual
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Cover artist: Tina Lynn Stout
Release date: September 29, 2014
The Brothers Grimm had no clue.
Restlessness plagued Charlotte Becker. Unable to settle down, she moved from place to place searching for an elusive something to calm her turbulent spirit. A sudden invitation from her sister sends her across country to Lobster Cove, Maine. Anchors abound by the sea, but surely nothing would keep her rooted in place in a pokey resort town during the off-season.
Drawn into a consignment shop named One Enchanted Evening, Charlotte is confronted by a mysterious article of clothing requesting her help to stop a man in a wolf mask from killing women. Charlotte agrees to protect the citizens of Lobster Cove and find the hunter before an innocent is slain.
Luke Maddox’s hunting days are over. Wounded in action, he left the Marines to return to Lobster Cove, the only place to bring him peace as a child. Hiding his disability, he accepts life will be nothing more than dull routine. Then he meets a singular young woman wearing an unusual cloak. She tells an incredible story of a wolf that walks on two legs.
And the hunt begins…
In One Enchanted Evening fantasy, humor, and romance are wrapped up in the cheeky retelling of a fairy tale. You will never look at a clothing from a consignment shop the same way again.
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Title: Sleepy Hollow
Author: Dax Varley
Weblink: www.daxvarley.com
Genre: Young Adult
Heat Level: 1- Sweet
Publisher: Dax Varley
Cover artist: Dax Varley
Release date: August 2013
Katrina is still haunted by her encounter with the Headless Horseman – the night he beckoned to her. Now he has risen again, slashing heads and terrorizing the quiet countryside.
Her only joy during this dismal darkness comes when Ichabod Crane, a gorgeous young man from Connecticut, moves to Sleepy Hollow and their attraction turns to romance.
When the Horseman marks Ichabod as his next victim, Katrina, despite dangerous efforts to save him, sees no other choice than for them to flee.
But the Horseman awaits. Now it’s up to her to sever the horror and alter the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
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Title: The Shucker’s Booktique (Lobster Cove series)
Author: J.C. McKenzie
Weblink: www.jcmckenzie.ca
Heat Level: 3 flames. Steamy
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Cover artist: Debbie Taylor- DCA Graphics
Release date: October 15, 2014
After her fiancé dumps her and her beloved Aunt Jenny goes missing, Willa Eklund travels to Lobster Cove with a broken heart to search for Jenny while running her bookstore. When a mysterious man visits the Shucker’s Booktique on a stormy night drenched in rain and covered in mud, Willa’s heart melts under his stormy gaze. She wants Lon and the answers he may have, but he also has a secret. Can Willa trust him?
Lon Devlin is a Tempest, a water sprite who can only take a human form during stormy nights. He rides the waves, lives by the tides, and nothing can hold him down, not even a beautiful woman. When he visits his mortal friend, he discovers she’s missing and her intriguing niece has taken her place. He wants Willa, but he also wants answers. What happened to Jenny?
I write contemporary and paranormal romance, with sensuality as the key ingredient and spice for kick.
Pen of The Dreamer 