Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Mary Morgan's A Highland Moon Enchantment

Hi Jennifer! Thanks for having me on your wonderful blog today! I’m excited to share my new release, A Highland Moon Enchantment.

When the O’Quinlan brothers entered the story in Dragon Knight’s Axe, Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 3, I knew each would demand their own story. Desmond O’Quinlan kept tapping my shoulder (and yelling in my ear), requesting a rematch with Dragon Knight, Alastair MacKay. You see, dear readers, it seems he still has unfinished business with Alastair for leaving his sister, Fiona. In truth, I sensed a deeper meaning behind his foul mood and growing anger at the Dragon Knight.

I thoroughly enjoyed returning home to Urquhart, the Dragon Knights, and finding a wife for Desmond. In researching a name for the heroine, Ailsa MacDuff, the path was a serendipitous find one afternoon. I saw a clear picture of her features within my mind, so I went through several names to fit her character. When I saw the Gaelic name of Ailsa, which means “fairy rock,” I knew I had the perfect one for this lass. Yet it wasn’t until I saw the mention of “Ailsa Craig,” that my story was set in motion.

The island of Ailsa Craig does indeed exist. The island is approximately two hundred forty acres, which contains blue hone granite that was quarried to make hurling stones. It’s located about ten miles off the southwestern coast of Scotland. Currently, the island is owned by the RSPB Nature Reserve and is home for Europe’s biggest gannet colony and a significant number of puffins. I’ve seen pictures of this island, and it’s stunning. It was the perfect setting to place a fictional group of characters.

MEDIA KIT – A HIGHLAND MOON ENCHANTMENT by Mary Morgan **
Release date: November 17, 2017
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Medieval, Scottish, Paranormal, Romance, Holiday
Length: Novella
**A tale from the Order of the Dragon Knights


Blurb:
Irish warrior, Desmond O’Quinlan has never surrendered his heart to any woman. He has no wish to have his soul tortured by love. Yet, the moment he locks gazes with Ailsa, his fate is destined for an adventure he never fathomed. He may have battled alongside a Dragon Knight, but his greatest challenge will come from within his own heart.

Ailsa MacDuff, a warrior among her clan, has no desire to have a man chain her to a life of obedience. However, that is before she meets Desmond. The temptation to allow this warrior inside her heart is a risk she dares to take, but one that could lead to a future of emptiness and sorrow. 

When betrayal looms from within, the battleground of love is no match for these two warriors. Can the power of a Highland full moon be strong enough to unite or destroy them?


Excerpt :

His mind screamed to stay rooted in his chair, but his body betrayed him. Standing, he reached for her hand.“I will escort ye to your chamber.”

She eyed him with curiosity and stood. “Nae. Take me to the north wall. I hear the view of the loch is one that steals the breath from your lungs.”

“Done.” When her fingers slipped into his, Desmond fought the urge to crush her to his chest.
Placing her soft hand in the crook of his arm, he led her quickly out of the hall and up the stairs. Bending to the left, he took her along a corridor and up a narrow circular pathway. The torches flickered as he approached the door leading to the north wall.

A cold draft blew by them, and she shivered. Instantly, regret filled him realizing he had not considered to bring a cloak for her.

Desmond paused by the door. “Ye should not venture out into the biting cold without a cloak.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I simply wish to capture a quick look, not spend the night sleeping out there.”

Shaking his head, he pushed open the massive oak door. Brittle air slapped at his face while they made their way up along the wall.
  
“’Tis cold,” she muttered, but chuckled softly and hugged his arm. “But ye are
warm.”

“We shall not tarry long,” he assured her and placed a warm hand over hers.

“Oh, sweet Goddess. Look at the moon, Desmond. Her light shimmers over the water. I have now witnessed the charm of the loch in sunlight and moonlight. Though our rivers are stunning on their own, they cannae rival this view. As I have told ye, our island is shrouded in mists, so ye cannae see verra far out into the sea.”

Desmond’s focus was not on the moon, but the beauty standing beside him. To take what he dared not possess. He marveled at her delight of the striking scene.

Ailsa turned toward him. “Thank ye, Desmond, truly.”

Her nearness was overpowering, seducing him in a way he had never known. Desmond cupped her chin. Her eyes widened, and her lips parted in invitation. Moonlight and lust danced within her eyes. No longer did he battle with his mind and body, and he slowly lowered his head.

And under the silent whisper of a full moon, Desmond captured her soft lips within his own. He
could taste her sweetness mixed with the wine, and desire shot through his veins. His hands shook as he placed them securely on her waist. As he deepened the kiss, she placed her hands around his neck. Desmond groaned, crushing her body against him.

Buy Links:

Tags: Historical, Romance, Scotland, Medieval, Paranormal, Holiday

Author Bio:
Award-winning Scottish paranormal 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. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling--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.

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ORDER OF THE DRAGON KNIGHTS

Dare to journey with the Dragon Knights of Scotland!

They were an ancient order descended from the great Tuatha De Danann, a tribe from the Goddess Danu. Half human and half fae, each blessed with mystical powers. They were also given holy relics and guardianship over the dragons.

With the dawn of Christianity, the dragons were systematically hunted down and slain leaving only one. The Dragon Knights took her from Ireland to a land across the sea, settling in the Great Glen near Urquhart. The clan was known as the MacKay clan, descendants from the MacAoidh.

Yet, there were those who deemed the Order had too much power, and they tried to possess it for themselves. They were evil and twisted, and their plan succeeded one fateful night. A battle was fought and their sister was killed.

The Clan Mackay is no longer.

The Dragon Knights scattered across the land.

Yet out of the darkness, they will each fight for redemption.





17 comments:

  1. Welcome to my blog, Mary. Happy to have you here and good luck with your latest release!

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    1. Thanks so much for hosting my new release on your lovely blog, Jennifer!

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  2. Good Morn Mary and Jennifer! I can't wait to read Mary's latest. I'd plan to settle in over Thanksgiving but family situation derailed my plans. So A Highland Moon Enchantment waits patiently on my ipad. Best of luck Mary with your new release and the Dragon Knights in general! Still need to read the first two books.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Tena, and supporting a fellow Rose. I agree, this book looks fantastic. I can't wait to read the entire series.

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    2. Blowing kisses your way, Tena! Thank you so much! And congrats on your new release, too! Can hardly wait to "sink" my teeth into the story. ;)

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  3. Love Mary's Clan Mackay! And who can resist a story with a dragon?
    Beautiful cover. Beautiful new release.

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    1. Many thanks for your kind words, Sandra! xo

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    2. Thanks for stopping by, Sandra. I agree, the cover is gorgeous!

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  4. Looks like another great read, Mary. Good luck with your new release.

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  5. Hi Mary and Jennifer. Don't you love it when research meets creative spirit head on? Like a good plan when it comes together! Mary, your new release sounds wonderful, wishing you lots of festive season sales. Best, Anni xx

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  6. I'm amazed at the paths my research has led me on, Anni! Some of them I've labeled, "serendipitous" finds. Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  7. Hi Mary! Congrats on your release! I've already read it and LOVE it! Am looking forward to the next one. :) Best wishes for many sales!

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    1. Thanks, Karilyn, for stopping by and supporting Mary!

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    2. Giving you a virtual hug, Karilyn! Thank you so much! So happy you enjoyed Desmond and Ailsa's story. I loved returning home to the Dragon Knights. xo

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