I am thrilled to welcome fellow Wild Rose Press author, Mary Morgan to my blog today! She is a wonderful writer and has a new release to tell you about.
Hello, Jan! Iām delighted to be visiting your lovely blog today and talking about my new release, Rorik, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Book 2. Let me share a wee bit of my journey to Orkney and Scotland which helped to inspire this series.
During our trip, several years ago to Northern Scotland and the Orkney Islands, my husband and I were fortunate to have a personal guide escort us. David Ladd was exceptional in his knowledgeāfrom referencing the names of flowers in the most obscure places to the wildlife and history, especially during our travels on Orkney. He took us on an amazing adventure, oftentimes off the well-worn path, revealing spectacular vistas. I shall always treasure our time with him and for allowing me to crawl into the Tomb of the Eagles in South Ronaldsay, Orkney. For a few hazarding moments, I worried David and my husband when I had trouble getting out of the small tomb. Was I worried? No.
Before I entered, rain and wind pelted us on our mile walk up the hill. Once I crawled inside the small tomb, I stood and encountered utter silenceāno howling wind and no rain leaked through the crevices of stone. It was as if I entered another time and placeāliterally. Here were my immediate reactions within this cairn: Peace. Stillness. I am not alone.
Let me explain further about the Tomb of Eaglesā¦
Located above the dramatic South Ronaldsay cliffs, the Isbister Chambered Cairnābetter known today as the āTomb of the Eaglesāāis one of Orkney’s top archaeological sites. Discovered by a local farmer Ronnie Simison in the 1950s, the Stone Age tomb revealed an amazing collection of bones and artifacts, placed here some 5,000 years ago. Among the human bones, there were many talons and bones of the white-tailed eagle.
The Tomb of Eagles played an important part in the book. I took my experience and wove it into the story and through the first book, Magnar.
For Rorikās story, I brought the Seer of the Orkneyjar Isles (Orkney) to Scotland. Not only was Ragna a seer, but also a Vƶlvaāa wise woman. Seers held high status in Viking society. They were treated with great respect when they came to help a household or settlement in distress. Even the God Odin consulted the seers.
In my story, Ragna converses with the Goddess and has the ability to connect with the birds and animals. With her magical powers, she can become one with them. Then I had to consider the landscape in Northern Scotland which was vastly different than the Orkneyjar Isles.
Here are Ragnaās first impressions as she steps onto Scottish soilā¦
Her body trembled. How Ragna loathed traveling across the wide-open water. She glanced to her left at the towering cliffs of dark stone. The waves crashed behind her, and she resumed her progress slowly.
Bending down, she dug two fingers deep within the gritty shore. Coldness seeped into her skin as she tried to get a sense of this country. Others whispered to her from the landāancient and unfamiliar. Wild and strange this Scotland. Never had Ragna considered leaving the Orkneyjar Isles.
Until recently.
To this day, I continue to process all my emotions and experiences from my travels to Northern Scotland and the Orkney Islands. The land continually calls me to return home.
Blurb:
The Dark Seducer is known throughout Scotland as a man who charms many women into his bed. Pleasure is his motto as he obtains information for his king. Yet Rorik MacNeil harbors one secret buried beneath his heart of steel. An unfulfilled conquest plagues both man and his inner wolf, and Rorik would rather suffer deathās sharp blade than confront his greatest fear.
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As the Seer for the Orkneyjar Isles, Ragna Maddadsson confronts an unknown destiny when she travels across the North Sea to Scotland. In her quest to deliver a message from a powerful vision, she fears the warrior will not listen. If Rorik ignores her warning, Ragna must find a way to forestall his impending death. If unsuccessful, she risks having her heart cleaved in two.Ā
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To unravel their true fates, Rorik and Ragna must trust in the power of the wolf.Ā Ā
Excerpt:
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If he could, Rorik would remain on this boulder by the river for the duration of the evening and into night. His stomach growled in protest, and he realized he had little food this day. He reached for his aleskin and took a sip.
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Even the thought of entertaining Hallgerd left a hollow ache within. āFor all I ken you might have the face of a goat.ā
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Rorik sensed the intruderās approach behind him before the first footstep sounded. He lifted his left hand and rested it on the hilt of his sword by his side.
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āI happen to cherish the faces of my goats, though they are stubborn creatures.ā
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The ale soured in his gut. āSeer.ā He released his hand from his sword and continued to stare outward.
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When silence greeted him, he dared to glance over his shoulder. Wariness from her all-knowing eyes reflected at Rorik, not the bitter coldness she often imparted to him. āWhy have you come?ā
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Ragna lifted her chin. āI have a message you must hear fully.ā
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Shrugging, Rorik resumed his gaze outward. āThen speak your words.ā
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Again, the woman remained silent. Rorik pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.
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āDo you not deem it best to put on your tunic?ā she suggested, stepping closer and brushing the garment against his arm.
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Slowly, Rorik lifted his head to look at her. Even her words sounded different. They were almost a plea, not filled with terse venom. A rosy stain had blossomed on her ivory cheeks, and her breathing appeared labored. He pondered two thingsāeither his naked form disgusted her or perchance appealed to her. Surely, she despises me, nothing more.
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The barb he wanted to fling out at her became trapped on his tongue. He guzzled deeply from the aleskin. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he dropped the empty skin next to his sword and swiftly got off the boulder.
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Ragna gasped and clutched his tunic to her breasts. Yet she did not avert her eyes.
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He dared to move toward her.
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Her eyes widened and she stumbled back, dropping his tunic.
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Rorik reached out and grabbed her hand, preventing her from falling. The contact of her skin against his sent a tremor of warmth up his arm. This time, his breathing became labored while he stared into her gray eyes. He found no hatred thereāonly beauty within their depths. His gaze traveled down to her full red lips, partially open and begging to be kissed.
Buy Links:
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Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093Y2FG9K/
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Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Rorik-Wolves-Clan-Sutherland-Book-ebook/dp/B093Y2FG9K/
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Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rorik-Wolves-Clan-Sutherland-Book-ebook/dp/B093Y2FG9K/
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Amazon: AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Rorik-Wolves-Clan-Sutherland-Book-ebook/dp/B093Y2FG9K/
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Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rorik-mary-morgan/1139405450
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Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/rorik/id1566954806
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About Mary Morgan
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.
Connect with Mary at these places:
Website/Blog:Ā https://www.marymorganauthor.com/
Amazon Author:Ā http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/
Twitter:Ā http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor
Goodreads:Ā http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan
Pinterest:Ā www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Mary-Morgan/B00KPE3NWI
Hi Mary, Hi Jan,
Mary your book sounds interesting. I’ve had the privilege of visiting Scotland and Ireland. I love Scotland. The country is mysterious as well as beautiful. I truly like your book cover and wish you all the best with your book launch.
Jan, thank you for introducing Mary. Her insights over Scottland were interesting.
Shalom aleichem
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment, Pat. I long to visit Scotland and Ireland. Someday! I agree about the book cover. It’s stunning! And the story is equally as stunning and compelling!
Oh, Pat, thank you! Even now, Scotland “Alba” is pulling me home. š
Nice to meet you, Mary. My wife and I also reside in northern California (Eureka).
Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment, Pete! How cool that you also live in northern Cali!
Waving hello, Pete! Happy to meet another author from California! š Thanks so much for visiting!
Congratulations on the new release, Mary! I love how you incorporate your travel experiences with your WIP. Excellent blurb and excerpt. It’s on my radar, for sure. š Thanks Jan, for being the supportive person that you always are, and sharing this with us.
Thank you, Mark, for stopping by to help support this author!! This is such a good book! I highly recommend it!
Fantastic to read, Mark! I’m glad you enjoyed the blurb and excerpt. I hope you get a chance to read Rorik and Ragna’s story. My travels have always inspired my stories–my greatest muse is traveling. Thanks for stopping by! š
Rorik is going to be a hit!
Aye! Already doing well, Dan! Thanks so much for stopping by! š
I agree 100% Dan! I loved this story and highly recommend it! I hope it takes Mary all the way to the Bestsellers list! Thank you for stopping by to support her!
Fingers crossed!
Thank you for introducing Mary to us Jan, much appreciated. Wishing her great success.
Thank you for your kind words, Balroop, and for stopping by. š
My pleasure, Balroop! Thank you for stopping by!
Wow, congratulations on the new book! Great cover btw.!!
Thanks, Erika! All praise for the cover goes to Abigail Owen at The Wild Rose Press. She truly captivated my vision for Rorik.
That’s amazing. Wonderful to have such a sensitive and creative person supporting you. Wishing you great success but most of all joy on this adventure, Mary!
I totally agree, Erika! It literally jumps off the page! Thank you for stopping by!
Exactly! You put that well!
What wonderful experiences to draw inspiration from. And that inspiration and love for the area show in your fabulous world building. Your connection to the land is so moving!! Continued best wishes.
Blowing kisses your way, BBettis! Thank you for your kind words about my stories. š
Hi, Barb! I agree. What an amazing experience to draw from, and the way Mary did the world-building in Rorik, you could tell it was from firsthand experience! Thank you for stopping by to support Mary today! Hugs!
I love you wove your trip into this story. Nice to meet you here, Mary š
Lovely to meet you, D.L. Finn! š Thanks for stopping by today!
I loved that too, Denise, and I am envious of such an amazing trip to the one place I long to visit outside the U.S. š Thank you for stopping by and helping to support Mary!
Thank you so much, Jan! š Delighted to be on your lovely blog talking about Rorik and Ragna’s story.
It is a pleasure to have you here, Mary! I loved this story!
I absolutely loved Ragna’s first impression of Scotland’s shore. What a beautiful, evocative quote! Thank you for hosting, Jan. Everyone should read this wonderful book!
All the best!
I completely agree, Anastasia! Thank you for stopping by and sharing Mary’s new release!
Part of this was my own experience as I stepped onto the shores of Northern Scotland on my trip several years ago. Thank you so much for stopping by, Anastasia, and for your kind words about my story.
Congratulations on the new release!
Thank you for stopping by and sharing, Jennifer!!
Thank you, Jennifer! xoxo
All the best to Mary.
Thanks, Craig!
Thank you! š
Wishing Mary all the best with her new book! Thanks for sharing, Jan š
Always a pleasure, Harmony! Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you, Harmony! š
Best of luck with the release, Mary. A big thanks to Jan for hosting.
My pleasure, Joan! Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
Thanks, Joan! š I’m thrilled to be on Jan’s blog!
What a great trip. Thanks for introducing us to Mary, Jan!
My pleasure, Jill! She is such a talented author and I am thrilled to have her here today. Thank you for stopping by and sharing!
My last trip to Scotland and the Orkney Islands is one I am still processing Jill. Orkney is vastly different and far more ancient (in my humble opinion) than mainland Scotland. Thanks for stopping by. š
Sounds like a magical trip. Best wishes with your release, Mary. Thanks for hosting, Jan.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing, Staci. I agree! It sounds like a trip I’d like to follow along in her footsteps!
Each time I visit Scotland, I leave a piece of my soul within the land. No matter how I travel there (via train, plane, or car), I always sense when I have crossed the border from England into Scotland. My shoulders relax and I know I’m home. Thanks for visiting, Staci. š
Such an interesting observation, Mary. I am a believer in past lives and when we feel that way about a certain place in this lifetime, odds are we’ve lived there before. š