Between the Covers ~ with Sandra Dailey: Mary Morgan's new release and first of a new series

!!!Magnar is here!!!

MAGNAR: The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Book 1

By Mary Morgan

Release date: August 26, 2020

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Genre: Historical Scottish Viking Paranormal Romance

I've been on pins and needles waiting for this book to appear on my Kindle. I love the Dragon Knights and Fenian Warriors. They've won an impressive amount of awards. I knew this new series wouldn't let me down...and it didn't.

I'll let my great friend and fellow author, Mary Morgan, tell you how Magnar came into her life.

~~~~~

As a man, Magnar MacAlpin was not prone to patience. As a wolf, he was far worse in his demands to see this story written.

On my trip three years ago to the Orkney Islands, I discovered a vast landscape steeped in ancient legends, ruins, standing stones, and my fictional world of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland. They emerged quietly before I took my journey across the northern seas and entered with force once I arrived in Kirkwall.

Here is a rough draft of what I wrote in my travel journal after a long day on Orkney…

Though this warrior moves with stealth-like mastery, the veil of darkness cloaks him. The light of the full moon shimmers not from the steel of his weapon, but the silver within his eyes. He walks between the shadows of man and wolf.

These words resonated inside me and managed to become a central part of my prologue for Magnar. I yearned to start writing his story. Nevertheless, I’m a linear writer—one story at a time.

During that summer, my creative world centered within the Fae realm and the Fenian Warriors. The first book, Quest of a Warrior (Conn MacRoich’s story) released in June with the others (Rory, Liam, and Aidan) to follow. I adored them all!

Therefore, the Fae realm called me back home, and the wolves slipped into the mists.

However, Magnar announced his presence (and literally shocked me) in the opening chapter of Destiny of a Warrior (the last Fenian Warrior’s story), and again when he slipped into the ending of To Weave a Highland Tapestry. Magnar was a character who constantly demanded his story be told now. I finally surrendered (on my terms), giving him a woman who would challenge him the way he did with me.

You could say Magnar was preparing me for another series, similar to the way Fenian Warrior, Conn MacRoich stepped into the scene in my first book, Dragon Knight’s Sword, Order of the Dragon Knights. Whatever the reasons, I’m enjoying this new series and host of characters. I’m almost certain a Dragon Knight or Fenian Warrior will weave its way into one of the stories for the Wolves of Clan Sutherland.

Blurb:

Known as the Barbarian, Magnar MacAlpin is a fierce ruler for those under his command. As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, his loyalty and obedience lies with Scotland. However, the king’s last demand is not something Magnar will tolerate.

After Elspeth Gunn’s brother the Chieftain of Castle Steinn is murdered, she flees with her nephew, and finds safety amongst a band of men who are rumored to be part wolf. When the king forces her to wed a heathen Northman, she fears losing her heart and soul not only to the man, but to the beast as well.

In order to restore peace to a shattered clan, Magnar and Elspeth travel a treacherous path that challenges their beliefs. When evil seeks to destroy ancient traditions, will Magnar be compelled to restrain his wolf or allow him free to protect those he loves?

Check out this fabulous trailer on youtube:

https://youtu.be/F4fIkZYW44g

Excerpt:

Elspeth snorted and folded her arms over her full breasts. “’Tis not your right.”

“To which? Marriage or slaying Baardsen?”

“Both. I shall return to the abbey, and when Erik is of age, he can seek his vengeance for the death of his father,” she answered in a rush.

Magnar stormed to her side, glaring down at her. “You would allow him to carry this burden until the deed was done? The lad is only seven. It will harden him to a shell of violence, and he cannot rule without counsel.”

She grimaced from his words but kept her chin held high. “I won’t let him be hardened.”

“You ken nothing of the responsibility,” he snapped. Turning from her censure, Magnar went back to the stream. “I understand I am not a husband you favor. Nevertheless, as marriage to me, we can undo this pact your brother made.”

She stomped the ground with her foot. “I will not be forced to marry a…a heathen!”

He gritted his teeth—her words sparked outrage from his inner beast. Glancing over his shoulder, he offered, “Then which would you prefer? Halvard or me? Make your choice, Elspeth. Did you not consider I do not favor this union either?”

Confusion marred her features. She fisted her hands on her hips and glanced upward. “Did you argue against this marriage with King William?”

“Aye.”

“Yet he convinced you?”

“Aye.”

When she returned her gaze to him again, resolve and a bit of stubbornness filled them. “Why, Magnar?”

“The king will permit me to continue with my duties with the elite guard, including an important task which requires my attention after our marriage.”

Chewing on her bottom lip, she nodded slowly. “Then you will be absent most months from Steinn?”

“Most assuredly, and when I am there, Erik will be my focus.”

Her face softened as she moved slowly toward Magnar. “Therefore this marriage is in name only for Erik’s protection, aye?”

Annoyed with the direction of his thoughts, he looked away. How Magnar longed to tell the lie on the tip of his tongue. The word ached to be released. He turned and stared into her jeweled eyes in an attempt to offer her any hope of what she wanted to hear.

When she placed a hand on his arm, she whispered, “Tell me honestly, Magnar.”

He swallowed and removed her hand from his arm. Placing it securely over his heart, he stated, “Our marriage will be binding in all ways, Elspeth—in name and body. You may worship your God and I shall do so with mine, but ken this, you will be mine completely.”

The battle of emotions splayed across her face. She stepped closer and pulled her hand free from his. “Then you understand this, Magnar MacAlpin, you can have my body on my terms. The time of my choosing. I am tired of having men telling me what to do. Will you accept my terms?”

By the hounds! Her words sparked his lust further. Magnar concluded he did not want a simpering wife by his side. For the first time, he yearned to have one challenging him—in mind and body.

Grasping her around the waist, he ignored her gasp and cupped her chin. Her eyes widened as he slowly lowered his head. “Agreed.” He breathed the word against her cheek.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DCDYT4S/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/magnar-mary-morgan/1137387079

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/magnar/id1525101008

About the Author

Award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.