Testing Fate Blog Tour: spotlight, excerpt, review & giveaway
We have a special tour today. I've been a fan of Belinda Boring's since her very first novella was published. That novella was the beginning of her Mystic Wolves series, which became a novel. To start the week off on a fantastic note, we are today's stop on the Testing Fate Blog Tour presented by Book Monster Promotions. Read the spotlight on the series, an excerpt from the third book, Testing Fate, our reviews (will be up soon) and enter the giveaway. Now, get ready to swoon!
The Mystic Wolves Series Spotlight:
The Mystic Wolves – Book #1
What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator?
Someone is trying to send a deadly message to Mason, arranging the deaths of those he loves and it puts the entire pack and Alpha on high alert. Darcy understands the primal instincts driving her beloved Mason's commands. With the help of those he sets as protectors, she learns about herself and the things she'll need to help support her Alpha and pack. When events turn dire however, one truth offers her strength - once given, oaths are unbreakable ... even if it means risking it all.
Forget Me Not – Book #2
Only a fool would think they could steal from a werewolf …
Anticipating a quiet night alone with the man she loves, Darcy’s world is sent into a spin with the arrival of someone from the past—Mason’s. She is further shocked by the intruder’s claim she may not even be the true mate of the Mystic Wolves Alpha. Accusations start to fly, leading to her new enemy being granted asylum, and this is just the beginning of trouble.
Relying on the reassurances of Mason and the support of her friends and Pack, Darcy soon falls under attack. Suspicions are raised, and with no other choice, she must flee with Devlin to safety where hopefully they can untangle the lies hidden behind the use of magic. Time is quickly ticking away, leading to a showdown where everything is on the line.
They need to uncover the truth before it’s too late, or once again, Darcy will need to fight to hold onto her dreams.
Testing Fate – Book #3
Nothing burns as bright as the flames of the refiner’s fire.
Moments after hearing the Council sentence her enemy to life imprisonment for attempted murder and illegal use of magic, Darcy is whisked away by the Fates—accused of tampering with destiny. The cherished dream she shared with Mason has been called into question, placing doubt about whether they are actually true mates. To resolve it, a price must be paid—the Heart or Death—a grueling series of tests designed to reveal a person’s worth.
The stakes are high and Darcy finds herself facing the unknown in conditions that leave her more vulnerable than she’s ever been. Separated from Mason and her Pack, with Devlin as her only companion, she is pushed to her very limits. She must succeed—or lose everything.
Will she crumble under the pressure or emerge stronger for testing fate?
Excerpt:
One of Darcy’s first memories of Devlin.
I gasped out loud, my eyes wide, horrified. The server gave me a curious glance before continuing to pour Devlin a drink, a very red, very thick liquid that I just knew was blood. Reality hit me hard. I was sitting at the table with a vampire. One that was now draining his glass in one long, gulp. He didn’t even sip it. One moment his glass was full and now it rested back on the table, a few droplets left inside.
My heart pounded in my ears. My throat was instantly dry and I couldn’t get rid of my sweaty palms. I let out a strangled groan when the server poured Devlin another. I couldn’t tear my focus away from the way he tipped back the glass, his throat moving as he swallowed, or the flick of his tongue capturing a stray droplet. He enjoyed every last bit of the drink and I was confused when the table suddenly burst into laughter.
“Was that really necessary?” Vivien chuckled, my mother joining in. I stared at them, and then back at Devlin, who was now wearing a large grin.
“You do know you’ve probably traumatized her. Look!” It was then that I realized how rigidly I’d been sitting, my hands wrapped protectively around my neck. “Honey, it’s okay.”
“You’re fine with him drinking blood in front of you?” My question only made everyone explode into more hilarity.
“You best answer, Devlin,” Vivien deferred, shaking her head and gesturing toward me. “You’ve terrified her.”
I stared at him and caught his regret. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. See?” He held up the glass and slanted it toward me. “It looks like blood, but it’s really tomato juice. I was just teasing and didn’t mean to shock you.” He came around the table and kneeled down beside me. “Can you forgive me?”
I’ll never forget the sight of seeing a strong vampire at my feet, earnestly looking up and apologizing. “So it was just a joke?” I whispered.
“It was and a poor one at that. I sometimes forget not everyone gets my humor.” He took hold of my hand and kissed the back. “To make up for it, I’ll owe you one favor of your choice. Deal?”
The suggestion definitely appealed to my young heart. I could just imagine seeing Tommy’s face the next time he tried to bully me and Devlin showing up to defend me. I really liked the idea and I grinned.
“Deal!” I giggled loudly now, the shock wearing off. “It really was funny, though. I was trying to think of ways to convince you my blood wouldn’t taste good.”
“What, a sweet girl like you? Oh I don’t know . . .” He squeezed my fingers when I tried to pull away. “Darcy, I don’t ever drink from those I consider friends. We are friends, aren’t we?”
I dropped his hand and stuck it out to shake. “You bet.”
“Something tells me this will be one of my favorite friendships. Thank you for forgiving a foolish vampire.” He smiled and I answered him by throwing my arms around his neck. He encircled his large arms around my small body and an accord was struck.
One of Darcy’s first memories of Devlin.
I gasped out loud, my eyes wide, horrified. The server gave me a curious glance before continuing to pour Devlin a drink, a very red, very thick liquid that I just knew was blood. Reality hit me hard. I was sitting at the table with a vampire. One that was now draining his glass in one long, gulp. He didn’t even sip it. One moment his glass was full and now it rested back on the table, a few droplets left inside.
My heart pounded in my ears. My throat was instantly dry and I couldn’t get rid of my sweaty palms. I let out a strangled groan when the server poured Devlin another. I couldn’t tear my focus away from the way he tipped back the glass, his throat moving as he swallowed, or the flick of his tongue capturing a stray droplet. He enjoyed every last bit of the drink and I was confused when the table suddenly burst into laughter.
“Was that really necessary?” Vivien chuckled, my mother joining in. I stared at them, and then back at Devlin, who was now wearing a large grin.
“You do know you’ve probably traumatized her. Look!” It was then that I realized how rigidly I’d been sitting, my hands wrapped protectively around my neck. “Honey, it’s okay.”
“You’re fine with him drinking blood in front of you?” My question only made everyone explode into more hilarity.
“You best answer, Devlin,” Vivien deferred, shaking her head and gesturing toward me. “You’ve terrified her.”
I stared at him and caught his regret. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. See?” He held up the glass and slanted it toward me. “It looks like blood, but it’s really tomato juice. I was just teasing and didn’t mean to shock you.” He came around the table and kneeled down beside me. “Can you forgive me?”
I’ll never forget the sight of seeing a strong vampire at my feet, earnestly looking up and apologizing. “So it was just a joke?” I whispered.
“It was and a poor one at that. I sometimes forget not everyone gets my humor.” He took hold of my hand and kissed the back. “To make up for it, I’ll owe you one favor of your choice. Deal?”
The suggestion definitely appealed to my young heart. I could just imagine seeing Tommy’s face the next time he tried to bully me and Devlin showing up to defend me. I really liked the idea and I grinned.
“Deal!” I giggled loudly now, the shock wearing off. “It really was funny, though. I was trying to think of ways to convince you my blood wouldn’t taste good.”
“What, a sweet girl like you? Oh I don’t know . . .” He squeezed my fingers when I tried to pull away. “Darcy, I don’t ever drink from those I consider friends. We are friends, aren’t we?”
I dropped his hand and stuck it out to shake. “You bet.”
“Something tells me this will be one of my favorite friendships. Thank you for forgiving a foolish vampire.” He smiled and I answered him by throwing my arms around his neck. He encircled his large arms around my small body and an accord was struck.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Belinda Boring
A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for book on her blog The Bookish Snob.
With all that excitement, it wasn't long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can't help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn't be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.
Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!
Darcy is my favorite kind of heroine: strong yet vulnerable, mature (most of the time-she has her moments of sticking out her tongue), headstrong, faithful and loving. Her future mate, Mason, is the epitome of what every male alpha should be with his undeniable power, protective instinct and care. What made me love this series so much is the incredible amount of chemistry, feeling, romance and love shared between this couple. Their story has heart and warmth and I genuinely care for them and whatever plights befall them. Call me a diehard fangirl because I am. Action, intrigue, conflict, and tons of romance sets this series above others I've read.
With the nail-biting ending of Mystic Wolves, Forget Me Not continues with the new wolf in the house: Amber. A secret is revealed which threatens to turn Darcy's world upside down but Mason won't allow it. With close pack friend, Daniel and vampire Enforcer extraordinaire Devlin, Mason is ensured his mate-to-be is protected from someone threatening their upcoming union. Why has Amber shown up and can they believe her request for asylum when she has an established past with Mason?
Darcy steps it up in the second book, letting her wolf come forward whenever her relationship with Mason is jeopardized. We also get to see the greatness of Devlin (and the comical comments of Vlad) as the Enforcer steps up help out. Talk about swoon! Ms. Boring is not called the Queen of Swoon for no reason. Her scenes with Darcy and Mason are utterly romantic. Caresses, glances, murmurs, and long lasting kisses are certain to light up a fireplace (even if you don't have one). What I love about the Mystic Wolves series is they're unabashedly romantic. There's no dominating male or abuse found here, just pure love.
And can I profess how much I love Daniel and Mason? These guys needs love stories! Both are selfless in the way they jump to help Mason and Darcy. The addition of the powerful witch Vivianne and the way she unravels a mystery involving a cursed piece of jewelry was very cool. This supernatural world is filled with heavy-hitters and yet they treat everyone with respect, even when they have ass kicking skills.
Again, Ms. Boring leaves us with a zinger of an ending. The Queen of Swoon is also the Queen of Heartbreak for leaving readers panting for more. But the answers are revealed in book three, Testing Fate. This book is very different from the first two. Bringing in the three Fates, another realm, and the entire topic of destiny and soul mates was a great set-up for the pure love and adoration shown between Mason and Darcy. I found myself tearing up in certain parts. Such purity of emotion. When one of the Fates admits to interfering, the most romantic couple in werewolf books are thrown into a whirlwind of going back to the past and righting wrongs.
This must have been an emotional roller coaster to write because it shows in the writing. Such passion and emotion. The past of both Darcy and Mason is shown and we learn more about Devlin (could he not be anymore PERFECT?). Again, the author tortures us with a cliffhanger ending. I imagine Ms. Boring typing, wiping her tears, curling her toes, and wringing her hands, uttering "mwahaha!" Now I have to wait for the next Mystic Wolves installment. My question is: when? And I have to send a shout-out to Regina Wamba of Mae I Design for creating the ultimate Darcy and Mason covers. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE them!
Series: 5
Cover comment:
Adoration. Me. These covers. Wow.
Book source:
I received complimentary eBooks from the author in return for my honest review during a book tour.
Next up on the tour:
6/11- Riverina Romantics
6/13- Buffy's Ramblings
6/14- Page Flipperz
6/14- Froggarita's Bookcase
Giveaway:
Belinda is giving away the following prizes on her tour:
Winner #1: signed copy of Testing Fate
Winner #2: Mystic Wolves T-Shirt
Winner #3: Mystic Wolves necklace
Giveaway is open to international readers. If you are international, you will receive a $10.00 gift card to Amazon instead.
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