Magnar
The
Wolves of Clan Sutherland Book 1
by
Mary Morgan
Genre:
Historical Paranormal Romance
Known as the
Barbarian, Magnar MacAlpin is a fierce ruler for those under his
command. As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, his loyalty and
obedience lies with Scotland. However, the king’s last demand is
not something Magnar will tolerate.
After Elspeth Gunn’s
brother the Chieftain of Castle Steinn is murdered, she flees with
her nephew, and finds safety amongst a band of men who are rumored to
be part wolf. When the king forces her to wed a heathen Northman, she
fears losing her heart and soul not only to the man, but the beast as
well.
In order to restore
peace to a shattered clan, Magnar and Elspeth travel a treacherous
path that challenges their beliefs. When evil seeks to destroy
ancient traditions, will Magnar be compelled to restrain his wolf or
allow him free to protect those he loves?
She stomped the ground with her foot. “I will not be forced to marry a…a heathen!”
He gritted his teeth—her words sparked outrage from his inner beast. Glancing over his shoulder, he offered, “Then which would you prefer? Halvard or me? Make your choice, Elspeth. Did you not consider I do not favor this union either?”
Confusion marred her features. She fisted her hands on her hips and glanced upward. “Did you argue against this marriage with King William?”
“Aye.”
“Yet he convinced you?”
“Aye.”
When she returned her gaze to him again, resolve and a bit of stubbornness filled them. “Why, Magnar?”
“The king will permit me to continue with my duties with the elite guard, including an important task which requires my attention after our marriage.”
Chewing on her bottom lip, she nodded slowly. “Then you will be absent most months from Steinn?”
“Most assuredly, and when I am there, Erik will be my focus.”
Her face softened as she moved slowly toward Magnar. “Therefore this marriage is in name only for Erik’s protection, aye?”
Annoyed with the direction of his thoughts, he looked away. How Magnar longed to tell the lie on the tip of his tongue. The word ached to be released. He turned and stared into her jeweled eyes in an attempt to offer her any hope of what she wanted to hear.
When she placed a hand on his arm, she whispered, “Tell me honestly, Magnar.”
He swallowed and removed her hand from his arm. Placing it securely over his heart, he stated, “Our marriage will be binding in all ways, Elspeth—in name and body. You may worship your God and I shall do so with mine, but ken this, you will be mine completely.”
The battle of emotions splayed across her face. She stepped closer and pulled her hand free from his. “Then you understand this, Magnar MacAlpin, you can have my body on my terms. The time of my choosing. I am tired of having men telling me what to do. Will you accept my terms?”
By the hounds! Her words sparked his lust further. Magnar concluded he did not want a simpering wife by his side. For the first time, he yearned to have one challenging him—in mind and body.
Grasping her around the waist, he ignored her gasp and cupped her chin. Her eyes widened as he slowly lowered his head. “Agreed.” He breathed the word against her cheek.
Excerpt #2
Standing abruptly, Elspeth glanced around the table. She wanted to shout at them all. Did they not understand how exhausted they were? From the moment they arrived at Lord Sutherland’s castle, they were ushered into the great hall to await the king. No food given. Only wine served. Bright red splotches covered her nephew’s cheeks.
Moving away from the table, she went to her nephew and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “My king. If you would be so kind, I shall see Erik to his chamber.”
King William smiled. “Do not fret, Lady Elspeth. There was not much wine in his cup. I deemed it best to acknowledge his new position as chieftain with a small amount.”
Relief coursed through her, and she gave him her best smile. “Then with your consent, may I fetch him some food from the kitchens?”
The king rose from his chair. “Lord Sutherland has prepared chambers for you both.”
“Chambers in the south tower?” asked Magnar, taking a hold of her elbow.
Lord Sutherland gave him a slight nod.
Startled once again by the man’s silent movements, Elspeth remained mute, trying to control the warring emotions from the man’s touch. The heat of his fingers seared into her gown and onto her skin.
Giving the king a small smile, she permitted Magnar to usher her out of the great hall. Erik kept a steady pace with their movements as he continued to entertain their overly bold guide with yet another tale of how they escaped their home.
Her steps slowed as the torchlight danced off the giant tapestry hanging on the wall near the stairs. The eyes of a white wolf bore into Elspeth as she drew near. Though only the head of the animal was represented within the woven threads, she half expected the wolf to jump out at her.
Elite Guards. Wolves. King William.
Elspeth returned her attention to the man holding her in his grip. “I heard my brother once mention the elite guards for the king. He spoke with reverence and with fear. They are loyal to the king but had one leader—one who all of Scotland should fear because of his magic.”
The man’s eyes darkened and a smile tipped the corners of his mouth. “Your brother was wise in his account.”
My Adventure at the Tomb of the Eagles
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 knowledge—from 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 silence—no howling wind and no rain leaked through the crevices of stone. It was as if I entered another time and place—literally. Here were my immediate reactions within this cairn: Peace. Stillness. I am not alone.
Let me explain further about the Tomb of Eagles…
Located above the dramatic South Ronaldsay cliffs, the Isbister Chambered Cairn—better known today as the ‘Tomb of the Eagles’—is 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 Magnar.
(Insert collage image of the Tomb of the Eagles)
This for me was a unique spin/blend of paranormal and historical
Magnar is the first in the series and as such a large portion of this book is spent spinning the background and setting the foundation. On occasion, it does read a bit slow but I do at times expect this from more complex story/plotlines. I loved the mix of mythology and history here. The cast is vivid and easy to relate to. The storyline flows in a way that drew me in and kept me engaged. A strong heroine and a fair hero that find love blossoming in a time that it was needed the most.
Magnar is the leader of the elite guard for King William of Scotland. He is called home for reasons unknown to him. Far from happy about returning, he finds the news he receives even darker than he could have foretold. Add the King's demands to his newest mission and he finds himself, for the first time, questioning his purpose.
Elspeth finds herself without a clan and in uncharted territory. After her clan is attacked she seeks protection from the Scottish King only to instead find herself betrothed to Magnar
Two different belief systems
Two different worlds
Can they find a way to make peace in their lands?
Multi
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.
$25
Amazon gift card and Viking pendant
Join us for the #BookTour with Guest Post, Trailer & #Giveaway
#magnar #historical #paranormal #romance #marymorgan #bookreview
Thank you so much for your wonderful review of Magnar and for hosting me on my blog tour! Delighted that you enjoyed the story. All the best!
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