This week’s guest author is Mary Morgan, here to share her newest tale of adventure, magic and love. Take it away, Mary!

Hello Sadira! I’m delighted to be on your lovely blog today. Thank you for allowing me to share a wee bit about my new release, RORIK, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Book 2…

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 death’s sharp blade than confront his greatest fear.

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.

To unravel their true fates, Rorik and Ragna must trust in the power of the wolf.

Mary, please tell us about your inspiration for Rorik’s tale.

Rorik MacNeil’s charm swept me away when he stepped forth in the first book, MAGNAR, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland. He emerged as a tall, dark, and sinfully sexy alpha male. I swooned each time the man entered a scene. A character who was definitely a wolfish rake. And whenever Ragna entered the scene, the angst between them sizzled up the pages. Two characters whose feelings of hatred to each other were merely a façade for their true inner desires and wants.

So, how do I write this persona of a hero? With the Dark Seducer, I contemplated how to redeem Rorik. In truth, did he need redemption? Aye! His tortured soul demanded rescue, and I found myself peeling back the layers in a quest for the truth about the man.

Once again, I have woven King William The Lion of Scotland into this story. I’ve always been fascinated with this king, and he will continue to be a central part in the series. In my research, I became drawn to his attempts to gain back certain lands and castles in England after they were stripped away under the reign of Henry II. The negotiations for their return with Kings Richard I and John met with no success.

As a side note in history on Rorik’s surname, The Uí Néill Clan were the foremost political dynasty in Ireland between the 7th and 10th centuries. Their famous ancestor is Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary 4th century King of Ireland.

Let’s take a peek inside:

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.

Even the thought of entertaining Hallgerd left a hollow ache within. “For all I ken you might have the face of a goat.”

Rorik sensed the intruder’s 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.

“I happen to cherish the faces of my goats, though they are stubborn creatures.”

The ale soured in his gut. “Seer.” He released his hand from his sword and continued to stare outward.

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. “Why have you come?”

Ragna lifted her chin. “I have a message you must hear fully.”

Shrugging, Rorik resumed his gaze outward. “Then speak your words.”

Again, the woman remained silent. Rorik pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

“Do you not deem it best to put on your tunic?” she suggested, stepping closer and brushing the garment against his arm.

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 things—either his naked form disgusted her or perchance appealed to her. Surely, she despises me, nothing more.

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.

Ragna gasped and clutched his tunic to her breasts. Yet she did not avert her eyes.

He dared to move toward her.

Her eyes widened and she stumbled back, dropping his tunic.

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 there—only beauty within their depths. His gaze traveled down to her full red lips, partially open and begging to be kissed.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093Y2FG9K/

 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Rorik-Wolves-Clan-Sutherland-Book-ebook/dp/B093Y2FG9K/

 Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rorik-Wolves-Clan-Sutherland-Book-ebook/dp/B093Y2FG9K/

 Amazon: AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Rorik-Wolves-Clan-Sutherland-Book-ebook/dp/B093Y2FG9K/

 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rorik-mary-morgan/1139405450

 Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/rorik/id1566954806

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.

Connect with Mary at these places:

Website/Blog:  https://www.marymorganauthor.com/

Amazon Author:  http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

Pinterest:  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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-morgan-2634a77a/