Medieval Monday: Launch Day for Wishes Under a Highland Star by Mary Morgan

I’m thrilled and honoured to be hosting my dear friend author Mary Morgan today of all days – the launch day for her new book, Wishes Under a Highland Star. It's a brilliant, beautiful story. Congratulations, Mary!

As chieftain for his clan, Alex MacFhearguis struggles with the burden of an unwanted responsibility. With the midwinter feast approaching, he flees his castle to find comfort and solitude within the forest. Yet on his quest, Alex stumbles into a world filled with magic, mysteries, and a woman with beguiling eyes who could capture his heart.
 
When half-Fae Aine Fraser makes a powerful wish, her simple request unlocks the magic she possesses and brings forth a Highlander into her world. Though the man has lost all his memories, she finds her attraction growing for this brooding warrior with each passing day. Unable to deny her feelings, Aine risks everything when she confesses her greatest secret.
 
Can a beauty who wished for a champion tame the beast of Leòmhann Castle?

---

Excerpt

​Alex grumbled a curse and walked away. Striding with intent, he gave a curt nod in passing when Aine stepped from her safe haven.

She hurried after him. “Ye are bleeding.”

“Aye,” he returned, making long strides through the bailey and ignoring her concern.

“The cut requires tending to. Glenna is a healer. I can take ye there,” she suggested, doing her best to keep up with him.

“Nae need.”

“What do ye mean?” she pressed.

Alex clenched his jaw. Rory’s talk about marriage settled like a nettle’s sting. Without a clear path in front of him, he had no intention of luring any woman into his life with false hope. Especially the one who smelled like wildflowers on a spring day with enchanting eyes that beguiled him.

“The wound will heal in time,” he gritted out, sweeping past a yew tree and heading toward the sounds of a nearby stream.

Aine grasped his arm with a force that surprised him. “Can ye stop for a moment!”

Halting his stride, he glared down at her. The look he gave her would singe the hair from any warrior or animal. “Do ye have more to say?”

“Why do ye refuse aid?” she demanded, fisting her hands on her round hips.

Her stubborn refusal to leave intrigued Alex. Would she flee if he challenged her? He lowered his head near hers. “Why do ye care?”

Her eyes widened, and her luscious lips parted. “Because I do,” she whispered.

Alex’s breathing became shallow and the air around them thick. Her pink lips begged to be kissed. Would they be as sweet as berries? Or as heady as the wine he drank last evening? An ache to take her in his arms filled him.

He wrestled with the conflict—duty, honor, possession. She was pure as new-fallen snow on a crisp morn, and he no better than a rutting stag. Though his hands shook to hold her in his arms, Alex steeled his emotions and moved away from her.

Ye deserve a better man, Aine. Ye are a beauty, and I am but a beast.

Aine’s smile came slowly as she took a step toward him and did the unthinkable. Standing on her tiptoes, she brushed a kiss along his bearded cheek. “Is it wrong to care for ye?”

Indecision plagued him as he regarded her—disbelieving, curious as to what his real fear might be. Shoving aside the conflict within, Alex grasped her around the waist. He nuzzled the spot below her ear. “Ye tempt your fate with a kiss, Aine? With a man ye do not ken?”
​
She lifted her gaze to his—her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. “Did I tempt ye?” 

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/Do71DuMcO98

Available at all major online bookstores.

Meet Mary Morgan

Multi award-winning 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. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic and Norse mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and 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 fantasy, then travel back in time within the pages of her books.

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Literary You​

I thought I'd seize this opportunity to learn a bit about this talented author's writing life!

Mary, I'm so glad you are with us today! Thank you for agreeing to this little interview!  
 
Hello, Anastasia! Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m delighted to be here on my special day. Now for your fascinating questions…
 
1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? 
When I was ten or eleven years old, I devoured the Nancy Drew series. I would curl up on the floor between me and sister’s beds and read how Nancy solved a mystery. This was a magical time, until my mom would come in and make me go outside for some fresh air.
 
2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? 
Since I write historical fantasy, specifically medieval, I’m always eager to read out of the period I’m writing in. I’m a huge fan of regency romance, historical fiction and non-fiction books, and anything on Celtic or Norse mythology.
 
3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? 
I’ve been writing stories since I was a young girl. I’d write about daily happenings in my diaries, poems about animals, and pen plays for my siblings to perform for our parents.
 
There’s always been a book percolating in my mind. Yet it was on my first trip to Scotland in June 2000, when I had an overwhelming desire to write stories. The Dragon Knights were created on hilltop at sunset, and the rest is magical history.  

Magical, indeed!
 
4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? 
My first published book, Dragon Knight’s Sword. I’m an introvert, so stepping outside my comfort zone into an arena where others would read and review my book was a huge personal milestone.
 
5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? 
I’m a constant daydreamer, Anastasia. There’s always a running story and/or characters fighting for control of a scene. As a young girl, I was told to get my ‘head out of the clouds’ and pay attention. Ha! My mom is extremely happy I chose not to listen to her and follow my daydreams.
 
6) What’s your writing space like? 
I have this lovely corner in my bedroom that overlooks the garden. I write all my stories on an antique writing desk. I’m surrounded by all my favorite reference books, crystals, stones from my travels, and nature. Perfect for me!

7) ​Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? 
For me, my writing works best in the early afternoon to evening hours. Before any writing begins, I take three deep cleansing breaths to calm and bring in the muse. If I don’t do this little quirk, the writing doesn’t seem to flow.

8) Congratulations on your new release, Wishes Under a Highland Star. It is such a beautiful story. You amaze me. How did you come up with the idea for book?  Please tell us all about it. 
I always wanted to give Alex MacFhearguis his story—his happy ever after. But his gruff demeanor made it difficult on finding the one woman who could stand beside him. Ironically, I was watching a children’s holiday show in December 2019, and the word misfits resonated strongly with me that evening. I dashed to my writing desk and started writing down the prologue for Wishes Under a Highland Star. And yes, the title came to me instantly.
 
 9) I realize you’ve just published a new book and I know what that takes. But I believe you have another book in the works? Please, won’t you tell us about it, even just a little? 
You’re so kind to ask, Anastasia, and I’m happy to share. I’m writing Steinar’s story, the third book in The Wolves of Clan Sutherland series. Here’s a teaser:
 
This man is known for his exceptional battles fought at sea. In his search to seek the ultimate treasure for Scotland—a prize valued by both Norse Gods and Kings—Steinar MacDougall must surrender what he treasures the most.

Yesss! I confess to doing a little happy dance over here!
 
10) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? 
I’ve learned this journey of writing can be a solitary path. Yet I’ve met so many wonderful readers and author friends along the way. I feel I’ve been blessed, even with the hardships, to find readers who enjoy my stories. They are one of the main reasons why I continue to weave tales.
 
Mary, thank you for sharing your time, talent, and this exciting day with us! You know I adore both you and The Dragon Knights! Congratulations, again! I wish you continued joy and success.

For more Medieval Monday, be sure to visit Mary's Tavern and Barbara Bettis!