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award-winning books, bestselling author, Destiny of a Warrior, Dragon Knight's Medallion, Judith Sterling, Legends of the Fenian Warriors, literary giveaway, Mary Morgan, medieval romance, new release, Order of the Dragon Knights, paranormal fantasy, Scottish historical romance, the fae, time travel romance
My dear friend and sister Rose (The Wild Rose Press) Mary Morgan is here today to talk about her recent release, Destiny of a Warrior. Let’s see what she has to say about it.
Mary, each book of a series resonates in a unique way with its author, and this is the fourth in your Legends of the Fenian Warriors series. How is it dear to your heart?
I’ve waited a long time to tell this hero’s story. The great Aidan Kerrigan was a tale I feared to write. When he first appeared in the story, Dragon Knight’s Medallion, Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 2, I panicked. I did not know he was a Fenian Warrior until he walked through the crowd of people at the airport to greet his daughter, Aileen. His presence loomed mighty and grew with the previous stories in the Legends of the Fenian Warriors. Regardless, I knew then that his and Rose’s love story had to be told from the beginning. With each Fenian Warrior’s story, I shared a layer about this Fae. Little did I know when I penned his first line of dialogue that he was the leader of the Fenian Warriors, came from royalty, and his sister was Queen of the Fae realm.
He chose not to reveal any of this to me. And this is why I became terrified. What more could he share? Aidan made it simple. He told me to write a love story, stating, “For you see, love is greater than all the power attained in the world—be it human or Fae.”
With this revelation, Aidan Kerrigan has remained my favorite (and most complex) character. He’s honorable and loyal—struggling with a new-found love and what this relationship would do to his Fae people. He also continued with a code of ethics his entire life.
And the lovely Rose MacLaren was a perfect match. As he professed to her, “I saw beauty inside the depth of your soul. Your intelligence would rival any Fae in the herbal gardens, and you possess a wisdom that sparks from a desire to learn more. You challenge me.”
What was your first thought when you saw the cover?
I gasped! I wanted the cover to represent power, the Fae realm, and the Tree of Life in the background. Debbie Taylor went above and beyond to deliver a stunning cover. I love it!
You’ve already bestowed life on your characters. Is there another gift you’d like to give them as a couple?
Ahh…that is a difficult question. I cannot answer this without giving away a major spoiler. I’ll leave that to the readers after they’ve had a chance to read both books: Dragon Knight’s Medallion and Destiny of a Warrior.
If you could offer Aidan a word of advice, what would it be?
You should have told your daughter Aileen who and what you were sooner.
How would you advise Rose?
Not all visions are what they appear to represent. Don’t let fear guide you.
Is there any chance this couple will appear in a future story?
A question my editor keeps asking, too, Judith. 🙂 For now, Aidan and Rose are both where they should be—blissfully happy and forever young.
Thanks so much for hosting me on your lovely blog, Judith. It’s always a joy to visit. And readers, don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win a fabulous grand prize!
Always a pleasure to have you here, Mary. Best of luck with your new release!
Here’s what readers could win in the giveaway (June 5 – July 15, US and Canada only):
~Signed print copy of Destiny of a Warrior
~Celtic jeweled bookmark
~$5 Starbucks card
Enter here!
A little more about the book:
“You met him in the Order of the Dragon Knights. Now, journey to the realm of the Fae and witness their greatest legend!”
As leader of the Fenian Warriors, Aidan Kerrigan’s accolades are many and his loyalty to the Fae unwavering. When an unexpected mission sends him to the human world and a chance encounter with Rose MacLaren, he’s tempted for the first time in his existence to discard duty and claim what is forbidden.
Rose MacLaren, a Society of the Thistle member, yearns to expand her botanical knowledge with her love of history. After her rescue by a handsome stranger, she is compelled to look beyond what her rational mind comprehends and unravel the secret of the standing stones, as well as the man who captivates her.
In a mystical world ruled by ancient laws and edicts, can a fierce warrior choose a path destined for love? And will a woman honoring the ways of the land believe in a myth only spoken of in legends? If they do, will their love be enough to defy death’s punishment?
A peek between the pages:
Flexing his fingers, Aidan yearned to bring some light into the dreary situation. Rose’s rigid stance against the vehicle spoke volumes. While her back was turned, he magically brought forth a red rose. Striding across the muddy terrain, he presented the flower over her shoulder.
Her indrawn breath at his gift resonated within him. “How lovely, Aidan. I don’t recall seeing any roses on the property.” She grasped the flower, but winced. “Ouch.”
Stepping around in front of her, Aidan removed the rose from her delicate fingers and placed it on the roof of the vehicle. Droplets of blood oozed from the damage done by the thorn. Without thinking of the consequences, Aidan brought her injured finger to his lips. Instantly, the taste of her blood ignited a war in his veins. Passion so intense slammed into his body. As he released her hand, his gaze roamed over her features.
Rose was his land—his home. A part of him fractured with the realization. When did his world tilt off its axis? There was no firm compass anymore. No sure direction, save one. Rose.
The roar of desire hummed into his being, and Aidan crushed her to his chest. His hand took her face and held it gently. He covered her mouth hungrily, seeking entry into her velvet softness with his tongue. When her moan slid inside of him, Aidan groaned. Her scent consumed him.
Emotions within him whirled and skidded. Unable to control the flood of so many, he swayed and broke free from the kiss. These feelings were foreign to him, but he no longer feared them.
Aidan breathed heavily, keeping her at arm’s length. The sensuous flame of desire reflected back within her sparkling emerald eyes. “Forgive me?”
“Not for the kiss, Aidan,” her tone low and sultry.
Slowly, he took hold of her hand and kissed her finger, which was now healed from his touch. “I meant the thorn.”
Her tongue darted out along her bottom lip, enticing him further. “Not for the thorn, either,” she admitted, plucking the rose off the top of the vehicle. “Isn’t it time you showed me your other castle, Aidan?”
“Croí Dragon. That is the name of my keep.”
Rose placed her hand on his chest. “Dragon Heart.”
Buy the book:
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The Wild Rose Press
Legends of the Fenian Warriors ~ Amazon
More about Mary:
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.
Where to find her:
It’s Medieval Monday and Week Thirteen of our “First Encounter” theme. I’m delighted to welcome the lovely and talented Mary Morgan today! Don’t you love this cover?
Judith Sterling 