Renewed by Maggie Blackbird Book Tour and Giveaway :)
Renewed
The Matawapit Family Series Book 4
by Maggie Blackbird
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance
When two former enemies fall in love, family secrets threaten to destroy their fragile union and everything they hold dear.
With their extreme ideas about traditional Ojibway life, the radical Kabatay clan have made enemies in their fight to rid the reserve of Western culture and its religion. Disowned by her family for daring to love the church deacon’s eldest son, Jude, Raven Kabatay longs to put an end to the feud started by her mother, brother, and sisters against the Matawapits…people she’s come to think of as her own since Jude changed her life.
Jude Matawapit suffered a humiliating divorce after his wife left him for another man, but with Raven, he’s created a beautiful, new sanctuary after losing his previous one, and his new haven is everything he’s ever wanted for himself and his children. Only two things could destroy his pristine bliss: the secret he holds close to his chest, and the vengeance Raven’s family wants to exact on the Matawapits. A secret and vengeance that could cost the unlikely lovers their hard-won, much longed for happily ever after.
Jude hung up. Not even the cozy woodstove at his house, a cup of
black tea in his hand, or his kids sleeping soundly in their beds
could produce a smile. Yes, there was cause to celebrate because his
brother-in-law and brother had gotten seats at the leadership table,
but four who supported the Kabatays would thwart every suggestion
that came from Emery, Roy, and Jenny’s mouths. Clayton’s threat from February hovered in Jude’s mind. The
bastard had said if he got in, this time he’d demand the education
portfolio instead of recreation. And the jerk would go after Jude’s
job, as promised. “How ugly will it get?” He fingered his lower lip. “I never sat at the council table before. Will it get out of hand?”
Concern loomed in Emery’s green eyes. “Very ugly.” Darryl’s dark brows hunched. He cast his grim gaze
at Jude. “And yeah, it’ll get outta hand.” “Great.” Jude flopped in the leather recliner. He’d moved here
in February to begin anew, but he’d be back in Thunder Bay if
Clayton got his coyote paws on the education portfolio. “What’s done is done.” Darryl sat forward on the leather sofa,
furniture Jude had moved from his once-magnificent house in the city
to the reserve. “Roy told me Willie had to work with a split
council before. If he can do it, so can I. So can we.” He patted
Emery’s hand. “We both got busy days tomorrow. We should head
out.” “Clayton’s portfolio is recreation. When the council changes
over, is it still gonna be recreation?” Jude angled his leg and
rested his foot on his knee. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. We’re not sworn in until May
fifteenth.” Darryl stood. Yeah, a measly month away before Jude’s life came crashing down
like a house of cards and he might be regulated to The Joker.
Sanctified
The Matawapit Family Series Book 3
Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance
In the midst of a battle for leadership at their Ojibway community, two enemies of opposing families fall in love…
After suffering a humiliating divorce, infuriated Catholic Jude Matawapit bolts to his family’s Ojibway community to begin a new job—but finds himself thrown into a battle for chief as his brother-in-law’s campaign manager. The radical Kabatay clan, with their extreme ideas about traditional Ojibway life, will stop at nothing to claim the leadership position and rid the reserve of Western culture and its religion once and for all, which threatens not only the non-traditional people of the community, but Jude’s chance at a brand-new life he’s creating for his children.
Recovering addict Raven Kabatay will do anything to win the respect and trust of her older siblings and mother after falling deep into drug addiction that brought shame and anger to her family. Not only does she have the opportunity to redeem herself by becoming her brother’s campaign manager for chief—if he wins, she’ll have the reserve’s backing to purchase the gold-mine diner where she works, finally making something of herself. But falling in love with the family’s sworn enemy—the deacon’s eldest son, Jude—will not just betray the Kabatay clan. It could destroy everything Raven believes in and has worked so hard for.
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Smashwords * Bookstrand * eXtasy Books
Raven was the type of girl Mom and Aunt Patti would’ve disapproved of when Jude was in high school. But he wasn’t in high school. He was an adult, and he and Raven sported thick bruises from life’s many kicks. “Do I get a ride home again?” Flirting was new. He hadn’t flirted in years. Unless his ex-wife counted. “Sure. It’s cold outside. Y’know, I could’ve gotten you.” Raven’s hands trembled. She was nervous. So was he. Heart pattering a little too fast. Saliva gone sticky in his mouth. A smidgen of sweat at the back of his neck. He’d only gotten divorced last month, after a year of separation required by the province of Ontario. Raven was a recovering addict sorting out her life. But she’d been sober for two and a half years. “We should…” She licked her lips. “I guess we’re done, hey?” She reached for her parka. Jude’s stomach drooped a smidgen. He stood. “You’re right. We should get going. I have to finish packing.” “Going back for the weekend?” Raven zippered the coat. “Bright and early. Emery and I are returning the U-Hauls. And I need to get my kids and the truck.” Jude forced himself to the teacher’s desk. He donned his coat and slid the files into his briefcase. Part of him anticipated seeing Noah and Rebekah, but the man who’d spent since the age of nineteen enjoying a healthy sex life needed a companion for the night. He was more than a father, teacher, so-called Eucharistic minister, so-called lector, and so-called member of the Catholic Men’s Association. He was a flesh-and-blood man. And his flesh burned hot for a real woman, not one on his laptop undressing ala burlesque style. “Ready?” Jude swiveled, clutching the briefcase. Raven stood at the doorway, hugging the books against her chest. “Yep.” Jude strode across the floor. They meandered down the hallway as if neither wanted to reach the main door. Jude wasn’t in a hurry. He was returning to an empty house that wasn’t a home yet. Once the kids arrived, maybe they’d add something to the cold place devoid of warmth only a family produced. “You working tomorrow?” “Yeah. I get Sundays and Mondays off.” “Those the quiet days at the diner?” “Sunday is, but Mondays are nuts.” Their footsteps were the only sound present. A click click from his boot heels, and a smoosh smoosh from her mukluks, reaffirming they’d reached the dreaded uncomfortable silence. Jude couldn’t ask for a date. His parents would freak. His brother and sister would freak. Okay, maybe not Emery. But Bridget…oh boy. Raven pushed on the door. A blast of cold and the familiar scent of winter swept into the building. “How’s your, err, brother doing?” “He’s fine.” Even with the icy air nipping at their skin, Raven didn’t dash for her truck. She kept dragging her feet along the walkway. Jude ambled beside her. He stole a peek at her face hidden by the faux fur lining of her upturned hood. Screw it. He’d been alone for too long. “How about a coffee?” Raven stopped. Her mittened hands drew the books even tighter against her parka. Tight enough to show off her flat stomach hidden beneath the barrier of clothing. “We…um…yes, sure, but can we go somewhere besides the diner? I…um…I work there all day. It’s, uh, the last place I wanna be.” Jude swallowed. “Sure. Where do you wanna go?” “Uh…what about the staff room? We’re already here?” “True.” Downtown and Old Main were the hub of the reserve. And they both lived in the busiest areas of the community. “I’d like to say yes, but I can’t use the school for…err…personal business. And having a cup of coffee off the clock would be…personal.” “What about the church?” “The church?” Shock gripped Jude’s spine. Miss Anti-church and religion was willing to go to a place she hated, just so people wouldn’t see them together, but was desperate enough to be with him that she’d step inside a place she considered the annihilation of their once prosperous race? Dad had given Jude a key, first thing he’d received upon moving here. Funny how he’d been annoyed at receiving it, thinking he might be able to put in his obligatory Sunday for the sake of his kids and family. Now it came in handy. “Okay. To the church.” There was a nice seating area at the back where the chair lift staircase was located.
Redeemed
The Matawapit Family Series Book 2
Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance
A single woman battles to keep her foster child from his newly-paroled father—a dangerous man she used to love.
Bridget Matawapit is an Indigenous activist, daughter of a Catholic deacon, and foster mother to Kyle, the son of an Ojibway father—the ex-fiancé she kicked to the curb after he chose alcohol over her love. With Adam out on parole and back in Thunder Bay, she is determined to stop him from obtaining custody of Kyle.
Adam Guimond is a recovering alcoholic and ex-gangbanger newly-paroled. Through counselling, reconnecting with his Ojibway culture and twelve-step meetings while in prison, Adam now understands he’s worthy of the love that frightened him enough to pick up the bottle he’d previously corked. He can't escape the damage he caused so many others, but he longs to rise like a true warrior in the pursuit of forgiveness and a second chance. There's nothing he isn't willing to do to win back his son--and Bridget.
When an old cell mate’s daughter dies under mysterious circumstances in foster care, Adam begs Bridget to help him uncover the truth. Bound to the plight of the Indigenous children in care, Bridget agrees. But putting herself in contact with Adam threatens to resurrect her long-buried feelings for him, and even worse, she risks losing care of Kyle, by falling for a man who might destroy her faith in love completely this time.
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookstrand * eXstasy Books
After dropping off
Kyle at Jude’s for an overnighter, Bridget pulled up in the
no-parking zone in front of the brown-brick, three-story building.
Seven-thirty. The bar scene didn’t liven up until after ten
o’clock. They couldn’t go that late because of Adam’s parole
curfew. To fit in at the
bar, she’d kept her dress simple. Jeans, a t-shirt, and sandals.
Only a hint of eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss. Her hair was bound
in a long braid. Adam emerged from
the double-glass doors in his customary jeans, t-shirt, running
shoes, and cowboy hat. With his hard onyx eyes, firm jawline, and the
stony set to his lips, he’d fit right in at The Gator. He swaggered
down the walkway and stopped at the truck. With the windows
lowered, his low whistle carried inside. “Nice ride.” “Thanks.” Adam opened the
door. His muscular form consumed the over-sized bucket seat, so much
he removed his hat and set it on his lap. His waves of hair kinked.
He adjusted the chair all the way back. “Yep. Nice.” He glanced
behind him. “A guy could stretch out there, too. You always dug
trucks.” “We’re in
Northwestern Ontario. Trucks are a necessity.” “Not too many
women drive ’em in the ’Peg. Hell, you don’t see many trucks at
all. Lots of SUVs instead.” “I’m not any
other woman.” Bridget slid the floor shifter into gear. “That you sure
ain’t.” There was a huskiness to Adam’s compliment. Warmth crawled along
Bridget’s skin. She guided them away from the curb. “This an
Annihilator edition? Sure is sporty.” “Yes.” Pride
blossomed in Bridget. She loved her ride—bucket leather seats,
ten-speed transmission, four-wheel drive, and a top-of-the-line
stereo. There was even a moonroof and sliding back window Kyle
preferred over air conditioning. “Where’s the
boy?” “At Jude’s. We
won’t be done until after nine. I thought it was best he stayed
overnight so he can go to bed on time.” “Oh?” Bridget stopped at
the light. When she turned her head, the breath jumped from her
throat at the sight of Adam’s dark eyes that first glittered with
distress and then eagerness.
Blessed
The Matawapit Family Series Book 1
Genre: Contemporary M/M Inspirational Romance
It’s been ten years since Emery Matawapit sinned, having succumbed to temptation for the one thing in his life that felt right, another man. In six months he’ll make a life-changing decision that will bar him from sexual relationships for the rest of his life.
Darryl Keejik has a decade-long chip on his shoulder, and he holds Emery’s father, the church deacon, responsible for what he’s suffered: the loss of his family and a chance at true love with Emery. No longer a powerless kid, Darryl has influence within the community—maybe more than the deacon. Darryl intends on using his power to destroy Deacon Matawapit and his church.
Hoping to save the church, Emery races home. But stopping Darryl is harder than expected when their sizzling chemistry threatens to consume Emery. Now he is faced with the toughest decision of his life: please his devout parents and fulfill his call to the priesthood, or remain true to his heart and marry the man created for him.
This is very erotic book about a spiritual journey.
**On Sale for only 99 cents at eXtasy Books for the month of February!!**
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Bookstrand * eXtasy Books
Darryl sat up. He
flung aside the covers. When he rose, the bed creaked. He paced the
room. Emery twisted his
fingers into the blanket. Don’t assume
the worst. His earlier performance
between the sheets couldn’t have been that horrible. Although he
was out of practice, having sex was natural—at least he’d assumed
everything he’d done had come naturally. “I don’t know
how to say this. I don’t even wanna say it.” Darryl huffed back
and forth, pushing hair from his face. For a man quite
vocal about his feelings, being unable to speak his mind meant Darryl
had something horrific to say. Emery tugged at the threading on the
blanket. “First, you
believe your god wanted our quest to happen, right?” Darryl kept
pacing. “Yes.” The
humidity had returned, but wet chills peppered Emery’s skin. He
wouldn’t say anything else. Hearing out Darryl was important to
him, no matter what came from his mouth. “Second, what we
did tonight means everything to me. I mean everything.” Darryl
stopped and turned. Ten years ago, Emery
had said the same thing. A week later, Darryl had bolted for
Winnipeg. This was worse than being stabbed in the heart. God must be
punishing Emery for his earlier actions. “Don’t.”
Darryl thrust his finger forward. “Don’t even go there.” “G-Go wh-where?”
Emery reached for the leftover glass of water on the nightstand. He
gulped down the last of the drink. “I know what
you’re thinking. What we did wasn’t wrong. You told me you felt
it here.” Darryl tapped the lower left side of his chest. “I did.” Hand
trembling, Emery set aside the glass and resumed tugging at the
blanket threading. Although Darryl
smiled, the reddish-brown color of his skin drained away. He set his
hands on the mattress, leaning in slightly. “I love you.” “I love you, too.” “And it’s why I
have to say this.” Darryl lowered his head. Whatever he said,
Emery would try to understand. In the past, he’d begged for
Darryl’s understanding, which of course he’d never given, but
that didn’t mean Emery couldn’t offer support. “Our vision quest
really opened my eyes. I mean really opened my eyes.” Darryl kept
his head down. His long black hair skimmed his chest. “It—” Darryl held up his
hand. “Let me finish.” “Okay.” “I was wrong to
tell you what you feel is incorrect. If you wanna believe your god is
telling you what we did is a sin, then who am I to demand you change
your beliefs.” Darryl raised his head. His Adam’s apple bobbed.
“When I left everything in Creator’s hands this weekend, instead
of shoving my opinion down your throat, we finally respected one
another’s ideas and views.” He sat on the
blanket and tugged until the handful Emery held grazed Darryl’s
knuckles. “See? This is what we did. We met in the middle.” “Yes, we did.” “I know how much
your god means to you. I know you love this god more than anything on
Earth.” Emery’s chest
swelled. Darryl did understand. “You wouldn’t
have committed five—or is it six?—years to the seminary if this
god didn’t mean everything to you. He asked you to discern, and you
listened, just like you listened this weekend. Y’know how much I
admire that?” Something resembling
balls of cotton swathed Emery’s spine. “And this is why I
have to say what I’m gonna say.” Darryl’s gaze was searching. The wet chill
reappeared on Emery’s skin. “The old me—before
our vision quest—would’ve felt like I won, y’know? Won what
we’ve been debating for ten years. But there’s no winning when it
comes to what people feel.” Darryl draped his fingers around
Emery’s wrist. “I can’t say enough how much I love you. This is
the hardest thing I ever did ‘cause all I want is you.” Emery’s pulse
froze. He was getting dumped. After he’d broken his commitment to
the seminary and believed this was God’s will, he was being sent
packing. When he tugged to snatch his hand away, the grip on his
wrist tightened. “Let go.” “Not a chance.”
Darryl scrambled across the bed. Before Emery could
fling aside the blankets he sat cross-legged under, he was gathered
in Darryl’s arms. Tears streamed down Darryl’s round cheeks What was he crying
about? He was the one sending Emery away. “What do you want from
me?” His throat crackled. He coughed. “Will you please
listen to me?” Pleading saturated Darryl’s words. “Do you know
how hard this is for me, when I wanna beg you to stay—beg you not
to leave me again?” “You-You want me
to stay?” Emery shuddered. “Yeah, but I
promised Gitche Manidoo
I’d set you free.” Darryl’s nails dug into Emery’s shoulders.
“You gotta go back to the seminary. You can’t have any regrets. I
know you too well. Everything is great right now, but sooner or later
you’re gonna doubt your decision and wonder if you failed your god.
If it’s gonna happen for us, I don’t want you second-guessing
yourself. It’s why you gotta keep discerning. When you write your
letter to the bishop in January, that’s when I hope you’ll
decide.”
An Ojibway from Northwestern Ontario, Maggie resides in the country with her husband and their fur babies, two beautiful Alaskan Malamutes. When she’s not writing, she can be found pulling weeds in the flower beds, mowing the huge lawn, walking the Mals deep in the bush, teeing up a ball at the golf course, fishing in the boat for walleye, or sitting on the deck at her sister’s house, making more wonderful memories with the people she loves most.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Thank you for hosting me. It's greatly appreciated. :)
ReplyDelete