Dominique Groves

Hey there! I'm Dominique Groves, and I write dark romance that explores the messy, complicated parts of healing and finding love in unexpected places. (Fair warning: my stories aren't for the faint of heart!)

I never actually planned to become an author. For years, I worked in victim advocacy and counseling, where I saw firsthand how complex trauma and relationships can be. Those experiences left an indelible mark on me and eventually found their way into my writing. The stories I needed to tell wouldn't leave me alone until I finally sat down and gave them life on the page.

My debut novel, "Borrowed Peace," came from a place of wanting to explore what happens after the "I'm leaving him" moment that so many abuse survival stories end with. Because let's be real - that's often just the beginning of an even more complicated journey. I wanted to write about the messy reality of rebuilding yourself while dealing with trauma, trust issues, and the terrifying possibility of finding love again. (And yes, maybe I got a little carried away with making the love interest morally grey... but who doesn't love a protective anti-hero with questionable methods?)

When I'm not writing, you can usually find me binge-watching true crime documentaries (for research, obviously), spoiling my rescue pit bull Princess, or stress-baking at 2 AM when my characters won't let me sleep. I'm also slightly addicted to iced coffee and have a concerning collection of notebooks I swear I'll use someday. (Narrator: She will not use them.)

Here's what you can expect from my books: - Survivors who are beautifully broken but fighting like hell to heal - Protective anti-heroes who probably need therapy but will burn the world down for their person - Complex relationships that aren't always healthy but are always intense - Themes of trauma, healing, and finding strength in unexpected places - Spice. Definitely spice. (But always with purpose and emotional depth) - Guaranteed HEA, but we're gonna hurt a little getting there

I believe in writing stories that don't shy away from the darkness but always find their way to the light. My characters aren't perfect - they're messy, complicated, and sometimes make terrible decisions. But that's what makes them real. And while I promise to put them (and you) through the emotional wringer, I also promise it will always be worth it in the end.

I'm incredibly grateful to this amazing dark romance community that's welcomed me with open arms. Nothing makes me happier than connecting with readers who understand why these stories matter. You can find me on Instagram sharing book aesthetics, random writing thoughts, and probably too many pictures of Princess. I also have a Facebook reader group called "Groves' Garden of Dark Delights" where we chat about all things dark romance (and sometimes share cute dog photos, because balance).

Currently, I'm working on my next standalone novel (think: small-town secrets, forbidden attraction, and a hero who's definitely not as reformed as everyone thinks he is). I can't wait to share more of these stories with you.

If you're looking for sweet, uncomplicated romance, I'm probably not your girl. But if you want emotional, raw stories about damaged people finding love in the darkness? Pull up a chair. We're going to be great friends.

Thank you for being here and trusting me with your precious reading time. I promise to make it worth your while (even if I make you cry a little first).

xo, Dominique

P.S. Princess says hi and wants you to know that she's the real brains behind the operation. (She's lying. She just wants treats.)