G I V E A W A Y   E N D E D

Guest Post:
“Please elaborate on a focus on the relationship between a guy seeking a courtship with a pampered princess. You can stress on the How, where and when. . .and any points in between!”

I think it’s most important to note that Callan actually wasn’t seeking (initially) to court Meridian. We saw him withdraw from other women who were interested in him, before he and Meridian became “entangled”.

Callan’s life before Meridian was fairly solitary. His PTSD symptoms could be (and were) triggered unexpectedly. His attempts to manage those symptoms around others, in order to make sure people didn’t see him as damaged or less than, would leave him feeling fatigued, could set off tremors, or even incite irrational episodes of rage.

For all those reasons, he distanced himself from others.

Then Meridian entered his world. She didn’t shrink away from his gruff or imposing behavior. She gave him his own snarky attitude right back–something that didn’t happen once he was outside the Marine Corps and trying to reintegrate with civilian life. He’s a powerful-looking former Marine; people were generally afraid of him–something the women in the apartment Leasing Office appreciated. They’d call him to provide personal security whenever they felt unsafe (in the area).

Meridian helped Callan remember his sense of humor, allowed him to be himself. She, at times, even needed him. He felt wanted, like he had a purpose, again, when he was around her.

Meridian wasn’t nearly as pampered as Callan initially perceived her to be. He comes to realize that she’s a little too trusting, sheltered and inexperienced. Her heart and her intentions are good, and she wants to believe others’ will be as well. This clearly stems from a rather pampered lifestyle, though. Had she grown up or spent time in a different environment, it stands to reason that she’d be more cautious around new people and unknown areas. However, just because she grew up in an affluent family doesn’t mean she believes she’s entitled. And that was the difference Callan quickly began to see in her. She was thankful when he protected her–after she’d treated him badly in front of her friends. She followed through on her threat promise to be his friend. She had a deep sense of compassion and a desire to help people, and animals.

Even still, what we see is it’s her tenacity he admires. When she tells him that, despite what he says about not trusting anyone, she believes in him. He knows that she has a strength he doesn’t have.

He has, in the way he views himself, never been able to bounce back so easily from emotional pain. He’s guarded because of the hurt and trauma he’s endured. But she has every reason to fear men after her co-worker, under the guise of being a good guy making sure she got home safe… She has every reason to think Callan would be capable of behaving in the same way. And instead of shrinking away, instead of being fearful, she has the courage to be vulnerable with him.

Callan truly admires and respects Meridian as someone who is strong in a way he isn’t. And as someone who gives him a purpose, and accepts him as he is–while still inspiring him to be better.

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Synopsis:

A Marine never says die.
Neither does his princess.
Battle lines are drawn when sheltered debutante Meridian Daly moves across the hall from grumpy former special forces Marine Callan Brand. Situated a bit closer than advertised to ‘crime alley’, Meridian’s neighbor finds himself grudgingly guarding the pampered princess out of habit. But with her sharp wit and killer curves, he can’t help but surrender to temptation…

When their relationship evolves from casual courtship to something more, Callan finds that Meridian’s already discovered his closely-guarded secret. But can he let go of his pride, and tell her the whole truth of who he is and what he’s done—in the name of honor and country?

As Callan’s scars start to reveal themselves, his life spirals beyond the careful control that’s helped him survive—and kept those he cares about safe.

From him.

But this tough-in-a-tiara princess won’t back down, even in Callan’s darkest hours. And Meridian just might prove to be more tenacious than a never-say-die Marine!

Goodreads / Amazon

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Author Bio:

J. Rose Black weaves stories about obsession, redemption, and the transcendental power of love. From her early days writing fanfiction for a passionate following of international readers, to crafting novels with her own characters, Rose has always been drawn to broody protectors and plucky, no-nonsense women ready to fight for what they believe in.

When Rose isn’t deeply immersed in her latest manuscript, she’s working in cyber security and thwarting the next generation of internet bad guys. Out of the office, she’s #Shipping with friends over her favorite, swoon-worthy couples, heading to the gym to battle the great evil that is Unmovable Baby Weight, or complaining about her husband’s addiction to 3D printing. Also: nagging her children to eat something other than cheese.

To learn more about Rose’s stories and the characters and worlds visited in this book, check out her website: https://jroseblack.com

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