Welcome to my fifteenth edition of Muse Monday. It’s a chance for a character who inspires me to guest on the blog. Instead of a guest post, though, I have Emery Matawapit, the troubled and handsome Catholic seminarian in the interview chair from Blessed, book one in The Matawapit Family series.
1. First off, tell us who you are and what role you play in the novel.
Emery: Thanks for having me on your blog. I’m Emery Matawapit, a Catholic seminarian. I am one of the heroes, from what I understand. The author has me returning to my Ojibway community where I grew up to fulfill my pastoral training, and I’m also hoping to meet with Darryl so I can dissuade him from attacking the church where my father serves as a deacon. I am praying for a postive outcome, but Darryl is a man who isn’t easily dissuaded.
2. Share with us your hobbies and interests, and why you enjoy them.
Emery: Right now, I don’t have much time for hobbies or interests. Seminary is a double workload. I’m lucky if I get a chance to read something other than Catholic theology. If I do have time, I enjoy reading thrillers. I have a great love for music, and I enjoy golf. Before I left the reserve, I spent a great deal outdoors fishing, hunting, swimming, rock climbing. Darryl and I would even cliff dive at this one particular island we’d swim out to. I was extremely active.
3. Tell us how you feel about being in a novel, and if you are happy with how your author presented you to readers.
Emery: I’m very private, so I’m a little nervous. I know readers enjoy looking into the lives of characters, but it does leave me feeling exposed.
4. If your author were to create another novel with you in mind, give us a quick blurb of what it would be about. And be sure to give the title.
Emery: One novel is enough LOL. I’m not sure about being in another novel. I’m surprised I have a novel since I’m not the most exciting guy. All I do is study. Maybe, instead, you could write a prequel when Darryl and I were teenagers? Perhaps your readers could see what led to our break up.
5. Which character in the novel do you like the most, and why?
Emery: Darryl, of course.
6. Which character in the novel do you dislike the most, and why?
Emery: Dislike is a very strong word. I prefer to think of people who try our patience as tests since we are all unique with our own quirks and faults. What matters is finding a way to bridge the conflict with a peaceful resolution.
7. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Emery: I’m studying for an exam, so I don’t have much else to say. I’m sorry. I wish I could have provided more personal details. I hope the answers I have given are sufficient.
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A mixed-blood Catholic seminarian struggles to discern his true calling: the priesthood or his ex-lover, a proud but damaged Ojibway man.
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, and he intends on using his new-found power to destroy Deacon Matawapit and the 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.
Genre(s): Multicultural, M/M Contemporary Romance, First Nations Romance, Adult, LGBTQ+, Inspirational.
Heat Rating: Level 3
Publication Date: July 6, 2018
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Maggie Blackbird 