Covers & Cocktails Giveaway: Kingsbane

September is upon us! And I can start to feel fall in the air. Oh please, dear god, let fall get here soon. Though I’m a Floridian, the heat and I are not friends and I do enjoy having seasons in New England, despite my allergies. While fall hasn’t quite arrived and summer is still holding on, I wanted to create a drink that would blend two of the seasons.

Destined for a King by Ashlyn Macnamara is a historical romance with a touch of fantasy set in a fictional kingdom. I was immediately captured by the cover because I really need to find a way to work a red cloak into my wardrobe. I also adore the “nursed back to health” trope. Within the first few pages, as the hero Torch and his men are storming a stronghold, the heroine, Calista, wounds him with an arrow. Torch winds up taking over Blackbriar Keep as part of his quest toward the throne. Calista is ordered to heal Torch, or else her family will suffer the consequences.

Even ill and wounded, Torch is charming, always ready with a tart, flirtatious quip. He’s also desperate for marriage and an heir. So here’s my reasoning for making what I call Kingsbane (it’s a traditional Jack Rose cocktail):

• It’s red, which matches the gorgeous cover.
• The citrus adds freshness and a bit of tang, which reminds me both of summer and the hero’s silver tongue.
• Plus, apples are a fall staple and sign of fertility (waggles eyebrows).

Kingsbane is also the poison that brings the hero and heroine together. But I promise this drink isn’t poisonous!

Also, we have a giveaway thanks to the great people at Loveswept! We have two digital copies up for grabs, so check out the details below on how to enter.

Shopping list
Apple brandy
Grenadine
Lemon or lime juice
Cherries (optional for garnish)

Proportions (in a shaker full of ice):
2 oz apple brandy
1 oz lemon or lime juice
1/2 oz grenadine

Modifications and notes:

• A Jack Rose typically calls for Applejack, which is frustratingly hard to find. I substituted Calvados for Applejack, which is also a bit pricey. So feel free to find any sort of cheap apple brandy that you tastebuds and wallet can both appreciate.
• Instead of grenadine, experiment with other mixers. I saw some tasty looking pomegranate liqueur that would probably work well and increase the alcohol content.
• Boozy fruit! I love these little cherries so much. I get excited whenever I order a cocktail at a bar and seem the perched on a toothpick in my drink. They’re so tasty and if you can find them, I highly recommend ‘em.
• I used lemon juice from concentrate because I’m lazy and didn’t feel like making a trip to the grocery store for some actual lemons. I firmly believe fresh is usually better, but at the same time, it’s getting mixed with other things, so I didn’t stress about it too much. If concentrate is all you have on hand, go for it! However, bottled juice is a bit stronger than fresh; keep that in mind.
• Instead of cherries, you can garnish with a lemon or lime slice, especially if you used fresh juice.
• Chill your glass!

Now it’s giveaway time! The best time! We have two (2) digital copies of Destined for a King to give away.

Since this book has one of my favorite tropes, I want to know what are yours. Comment below with your favorite romance trope to enter! The giveaway will end Sunday, September 11, 2016 at noon, EST, so get your comments in before then!

Standard disclaimers apply. We are not being compensated for this giveaway. Void where prohibited. Open to international residents where permitted by applicable law. Must be over 18. Be sure to keep your quivers full and your healing poultices well-stocked. Grousing, shirtless marauders will get zero sympathy. Mystical pendants shall be treated with care!

Best of luck!

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who left comments! Glad to see I’m not the only one who loves the nursed-back-to-health trope.

And our winners are Janine and Kael! Keep an eye on your inboxes!