I’m pleased to have best selling author Mary Morgan here today. She’s just released her latest paranormal romance novel, Dragon Knight’s Shield, and though she takes her characters to Scotland, they are devoted to our favorites here: dragons and our beloved Tuatha dé Danann. 🙂 I think my readers here will enjoy her work. Read on for a little about Dragon Knight’s Shield, and a giveaway.
Mary Morgan Q&A
How did you first come to write paranormal romance? What drew you to the genre?
I’ve always had a fascination with mythology, especially Irish and Scottish. In addition, my love for a good fairytale. Growing up with an overactive imagination, I would constantly weave my own stories within my mind. Therefore, it made sense that I would be drawn to write what I truly love.
This series includes something we’re very fond of here: The Tuatha dé Danaan. Can you tell us how you first discovered their myths? What’s your favorite, if you have one? J And how do they work into Dragon Knight’s Shield?
I’ve been reading and listening to the tales of the Tuatha dé Danann for decades. They’ve always been a favorite when reading about the invasions of Ireland. Perhaps it’s in my DNA—my Irish heritage. I have many favorites, but here are a few: The Legend of Cu Chulainn, The Red Branch, and The Children of Lir.
My own twist: The Dragon Knights were created by the Tuatha dé Danaan. They were the protectors of the last remaining dragon belonging to the tribe of the Goddess Danu.
What else can you tell us about your new release, Dragon Knight’s Shield?
As the oldest, Angus MacKay suffers greatly over the death of sister, Margaret. It was his brother’s sword that killed her, and as a result, Angus bears the burden of failure—for not controlling his clan. Yet, even on his journey, Angus showed me he still was a leader. Oh, he tried to discard the mantle of leadership, but it never really left him. Of course, he needed a strong woman to stand by his side, and Deirdre Flanagan was the perfect warrior woman for him.
It’s the fourth book in my series and the longest. Bringing together all four MacKay brothers took some time. They all had something to say, including their wives.
There are twists and turns, a birth, and a surprise revelation. One I hope my readers will embrace.
By what authors would you say you are influenced?
I’m not influenced, but in awe of their storytelling. One that stands out: Marion Zimmer Bradley.
Now that Dragon Knight’s Shield is out, what can curious fans expect from you next?
I’m working on the fifth and final Dragon Knight’s story, who was revealed in Dragon Knight’s Shield. I’m hoping to have it out in late summer. Also, I’m working on a Christmas novella with one of the characters from the series. It’s a surprise!
If you weren’t a writer, what career might you have pursued instead?
Archaeology or History professor.
What authors are you currently reading and keeping an eye on?
Currently, I’m reading “Agincourt” by Bernard Cornwell, and “I’ll Know It When I See It” by Alice Carey. I tend to read fiction and non-fiction at the same time.
Where can my readers learn more about you?
I love making new friends, Juli! Here are a few of my favorite places:
WEBSITE http://www.marymorganauthor.com
BLOG http://www.marymorganromancewriter.com
Twitter http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mary.morgan.564
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan
Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers?
I love hearing feedback about my stories, and I always take the time to answer your questions. It’s been an incredible journey, but I wouldn’t be here without so many embracing the Dragon Knights!
Dragon Knight’s Shield
Order of the Dragon Knights
Book Four
Mary Morgan
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Date of Publication: January 8, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-5092-0542-4
Number of pages: 407
Word Count: 99,950
Cover Artist: Debbie Taylor
Book Description:
Angus MacKay, leader of the Dragon Knights, failed his brothers and his clan upon the death of his sister. Now he must fight the darkness of despair tempting his soul. Back on Scottish soil, he comes face to face with Deirdre who can wield a sword as mightily as his warriors, and takes her captive. Yet, with each passing day, the fire dragon inside him roars to claim the one woman fate has destined for him.
Famed mystery writer, Deirdre Flanagan, is unprepared for the next chapter in her life. On a vacation to Scotland, she steps through the mists and enters into a skirmish alongside a Highlander. However, the fight has only begun, and now she must battle Angus as well as evil in order to claim the love of this Dragon Knight.
Will their love be powerful enough to shield them from danger, or burn them to ashes?
Excerpt:
Excerpt One:
His look was predatory, lustful, inviting, and she took a step backward. Words failed her as she took another step back.
He arched a brow and his smile became seductive. “Do I frighten ye?”
“No!” she lied. Like hell you do! You’re as gorgeous as sin standing there, and I want to rip your clothes from your body.
Pushing off from the wall, he stepped into the room and silently closed the door behind him, his eyes never leaving hers. His hair hung in soft waves past his shoulders, and her fingers itched to twine within them. Her body ached in places so deep—longing for even the slightest touch.
“Are ye unwell, my lady?”
The burr of his voice so low—so sexy, she could only stare at him until his words resonated in her mind. “No,” she replied softly, feeling the flames of desire heat not only her face, but also her entire body.
This time when he took another step closer, Deirdre didn’t back away. Now he stood so close she could feel the warmth of his breath across her face—a mix of wine and pure male.
She watched mesmerized as he reached for a lock of her hair, twining it around his finger. “So verra soft.”
Deirdre couldn’t breathe, as he let the curl unravel and cupped her face in his hands. “Ye confuse me. Ye torment me in my dreams,” he whispered against her cheek, sending a wave of pleasure down her spine.
Without thought, she groaned and leaned into him—his beard grazing her cheek. She no longer battled her mind for the man. “Kiss me, Angus.”
Excerpt Two:
“God’s teeth, woman,” hissed Angus taking a glance around and noticing that everyone else had survived. He stormed to where she was standing and grabbed her arm. “What were ye thinking taking up a sword and fighting? Ye could have been killed.”
“You could have been killed. You required my help.”
She started to mumble, and Angus found it difficult to follow the flow of words. Narrowing his eyes, he understood her to be English. However, this did not explain her outlandish clothing. A woman should never be allowed to wear trews, he thought, as he took in her form.
“What? Never seen a woman before?” Her voice wavered. “Do I have to fight with you, too?”
He looked down into the most beautiful hazel eyes he had ever seen. “Nae.”
“No, you’ve never seen a woman, or no, you don’t want to fight? Because I’m a bit concerned by your grip on my arm and the way you’re leering at me.”
Angus swallowed. “My pardons.” Releasing her, he took a step back. “Are ye hurt?”
She shook her head. “I’ll have bruises from the fight to brag about come evening, but I’m fine.”
Seeing Egan riding toward Gunn, Angus nodded to him. “Best we leave and go into the trees. There may be more of the enemy.”
“Umm, excuse me? Don’t you think you owe me an explanation? And shouldn’t we call the police?” Waving her hand about, she added, “Why are you fighting with swords? And how did you manipulate the fire?”
He glared at her. “For the love of Danu, cease your chatter and come with me. I do not understand your words, and we waste time being out in the open.” Bending to retrieve his dirk, he was stunned when he glanced back to see the fool lass walking in the opposite direction.
“By the hounds,” he hissed. In two strides, he stood blocking her path. “Did ye not hear me?”
Her eyes blazed with fury when she spoke. “I heard you just fine. I’m going to find a policeman and report this incident. Now, if you’ll move aside, I can go get us some help.”
“Ye are not going anywhere, but to those trees. I dinnae ken what all ye are babbling, but ’tis madness we linger any longer in the clearing.” His patience had snapped and grabbing her arm, he was unprepared for the blow she landed against his jaw. “God’s blood, woman!”
“You grab me again and next time I won’t use my fist.” Her tone, this time, brittle.
Angus took a step closer, daring her to challenge him again. “And what would ye use?”
With one swift move, she flashed the dirk up between them, mere inches from his face. “This—slicing through your artery.”
He leaned to the side, feeling the coolness of the blade against his skin. “Like the one I hold at your side?” He saw her jaw clench, but not before he noticed the slight tremor. “’Tis good to ken one’s place, nae?”
“You’re a rude barbarian,” she hissed.
Dragon Knight’s Shield is available at Amazon, All Romance books, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, The Wild Rose Press
About the Author:
Bestselling paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Elk Grove, 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.
Visit Mary’s website at http://www.marymorganauthor.com where you’ll find links to all of her books, blog, and pictures of her travels.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mary.morgan.564
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/m_morganauthor
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan
Tour giveaway
1 prize pack featuring- Signed print copy of Dragon Knight’s Shield, $25 Amazon gift card and swag.
Click here to enter the giveaway:a Rafflecopter giveaway
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