Love Affair With An e-Reader: SUNNY - BLOG TOUR AND CHARACTER INTERVIEW "Rustler's Heart" by Amanda McIntyre

Rustler's Heart
(The Kinnison Legacy Series,
book 2)
by Amanda McIntyre

Blurb:
Orphaned by tragedy, Rein Mackenzie was taken in by his benevolent uncle at the Kinnison ranch alongside two others abandoned at a young age. Now, he and his 'brothers' carry on Jed Kinnison's dream of making the ranch a haven for those who need hope. But when a woman arrives claiming to be related to the Kinnisons, she brings danger-not only to his heart, but to those he calls family.

Liberty's presence is a surprise to the family she's never met, and while she yearns to belong, she knows her presence is a reminder of their painful past. Fearless, she dives in, losing her heart to the ranch, to the community, and to an unexpected summer fling.

But when dangers from her past catch up to her, they may cost her everyone and everything she has come to love.

Available for purchase at

Interview with Rein MacKenzie

Have you ever wanted to sit down and talk to one of your “book boyfriends?” (Ok, maybe more than just talk) We were able to snag the hunkalicious Rein MacKenzie from RUSTLER’S HEART, to sit down for a minute and visit with us.

Q: Are you the oldest or the youngest of your brothers?

Rein: Hunkalicious? Wait, are you talking physical years or mentally. (He laughs) Sorry, I am the youngest. Wyatt is the oldest, then Dalton and then me. But we often wonder if Dalton isn’t still stuck in his teens. He’s not around, so I can say that. He knows I love him, but I worry about him, too. He’s still wrestling with a lot of demons.

Q: It must have been hard to be raised alongside two guys that you’d never met before coming to live with your Uncle Jed.

Rein: Yeah (his expression sobers) It was hard. I was just a young teen. Dalton and I are only a couple of years apart in age. We were all still dealing with some pretty bad stuff that happened to us, but Uncle Jed was a man who felt that you should give back the blessings you’ve been given. He worked us hard, taught us what it was to take pride in a good days work, to look a man in the eye when you shake his hand. I think we were all looking for that role model, someone we could look up to, rely on. Jed was a good man.

Q: And it seems he raised some real good men.

Rein: Yes, ma’am. There was a very low tolerance with Jed. He didn’t let us get by with much growing up. We’re still a little rowdy and God help the man who crosses one of us—he’ll get all three.

Q: Let’s talk about the women in your life. Liberty Belle is a few years younger. I understand that was a problem for you at first, can you tell us why?

Rein: Liberty Belle (he chuckles) Yeah, at first I used the excuse that she was younger, and I used her looks, her past, just about every damn thing I could to keep from thinking of her. She was so different than other women I’d known. So secure in who she was. Independent. But the attraction between us was hard to deny for either of us and the fact that neither of us said we wanted any strings is what led to one hot and steamy summer fling. (Rein looks away as if in thought) Frankly, its during that time, that I began to realize I might be falling hard for this woman and that she had the ability to wound me—deep.

Q: Sounds like you found yourself between a rock and a hard spot--falling in love and knowing she had other plans for her future?

Rein: Yes, ma’am. Realizing that I had to let go or she’d get hurt and eventually, I’d get hurt was the hardest decision I’d ever had to make. Then there was that a**hole ex-boyfriend of hers who made life a living hell for all of us—nearly killing those I loved. But I suppose that’s part of the story best told in the book. Things are a little blurry for me about that night.

Q: Maybe it’s best to read the book and find out what exactly happened. I understand you were in the hospital for a time, true?

Rein: That’s right. Still recovering , in fact.

Q: Well, one last question, because readers want to know about the heroes in the stories they read. You’ve known many types of women, what do you find most appealing in a woman?

Rein: (smiles)

Q: Aside from the obvious.

Rein: You know Liberty could have my head if she reads this and that woman can be tough. (Which I won’t lie, I kinda like) A woman who keeps herself. I like a woman with curves, a quiet confidence, and a woman who understand the importance of kindness. Seems like being nice, being kind gets a bad connotation these days—like it’s a flaw or a weakness.

My Uncle Jed was one of the strongest, sometimes stubborn-to-a-fault men I knew, and yet he had a heart as big as a Montana sky. He engrained that into Wyatt, Dalton and me. He treated his ranch hands, his friends, and the community with kind respect. To me, a woman can be as gorgeous as a swimsuit model, but if she can’t see that kindness is really a sign of a strong, courageous person, she isn’t going to capture my interest for too long.

Kindness isn’t how you dress. It isn’t cocky. It’s not about the number of tatts you have, and it isn’t measured in status, wealth or popularity. It’s about being honest, humble, confident in yourself and giving back the blessings you’ve been given. (He shrugs) That’s the kind of woman I find most attractive. Fortunately, Liberty Belle has spoiled me for anyone else. Which reminds me, we’ve got a date to check out the old swimming hole and I’ve got just enough time to grab a couple of cold ones before I head down there. Been a pleasure, but gotta run!

Excerpt

“I don’t have any issues with your sister, Dal, I just can’t let her push my buttons.”

He started down the lane.

“Absolutely bro, unless you happen to like it.”

Rein stopped and looked over his shoulder, the flashlight illuminated Dalton’s wide smile.

“For the record, I don’t.”

His brother shrugged. “Just sayin.’ Seems like you two spend an awful lot of time sparrin’ with each other.”

“You’ve had too many beers.” Rein waved away the comment. He didn't want to think any more about this tonight. He wanted to lose himself in his work. Do something constructive. Blow off some steam.

“I only had two and I've got eyes, Rein. Not sure what you think, but I can tell when a woman is interested in a guy.”

He refused to entertain the thought. Not tonight. “I’m going down to cabin three and do some work.”

“Hey, Rein, for the record. You should stop up to Betty's and see what she's done with the place. New uniforms, new menu, looks pretty good. Liberty has quite a talent.”

“I’m sure she did a fine job.”

“You know, you can be as hard-headed as her.”

“Kiss my ass, Dalton. See you in the morning.”

“Sweet dreams, bro. I’ll be up here in civilization, if you need me.”

He was in no mood to tolerate Dalton’s teasing. Rein trudged past her cabin, jerking his gaze away when he saw her pass by the window. She might well be talented in many ways, but the woman was trouble, a free spirit. She did not intend to stick around and that theoretically should please him, but it only frustrated him more. Dammit. He wasn't a loner like Wyatt. He was good with people, had friends. Maybe seeing Caroline again, realizing how enamored he’d once been of her, made him realize he wasn't ready yet for that type of commitment. Hell, maybe that was the one thing he and Liberty had in common. He had goals, his Uncle’s dream to finish. She wanted to start a new life. Neither of them appeared to want any strings.

And that scared the hell out of him.

About The Author

Amanda McIntyre grew up the daughter of a father who was a distributor for a New York magazine publishing firm, and usually had her nose stuck in the latest issue of Vampirella magazine or a Hitchcock Mystery paperback. She has been called "a true artist in the writing realm' and her zest for life inspires her "character-driven" stories. Her passion is to take ordinary people and place them in extraordinary situations. She is a best-selling, multi-genre hybrid author and has received numerous awards and nominations for her work. Amanda is published internationally, in audio, e-book and in print. She currently writes sizzling contemporary cowboy romance and is about to release her first historical erotic thriller.

You can find Amanda here: