Happy Medieval Monday! I'm back just in time to celebrate with my dear friend Mary Morgan! Steinar, her latest Viking romance and third book in the Wolves of Clan Sutherland series, launches this week! Gorgeous, delicious... I'll let Mary tell you more! Plus, she has gifted us with a SNEAK PREVIEW! Congratulations and welcome, Lady Mary! Hello Anastasia! I’m delighted to be on your lovely blog for Medieval Monday! With my new release of Steinar a couple days away, I’d like to talk about an important secondary character in the book—Snorri Sturluson. His fascination with Steinar became apparent the moment they met on the ship. As writers, we know how important these characters are in adding depth, humor, and support to the main protagonists. Let me share a wee bit of historical information about the real Snorri, the Icelander. While during my Viking and Norse research, I came across an important historical person by the name of Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241). Born in western Iceland, Snorri was the son of an Icelandic chieftain. Snorri ascended to become Iceland’s richest and powerful leader. He has long been assumed to be the author of medieval Iceland’s greatest works, including the Prose Edda, which is one of Scandinavia’s vast source for Norse mythology, and the Heimskringla Saga about the history of Norway’s kings. I could think of no one better qualified to pen the fictional tale of the Pirate Wolf than Snorri Sturluson. To save the wolf, she must renounce her love for the man. Descended from the mighty Somerled, Lord of the Isles, Steinar MacDougall’s supremacy over the seas is fierce. On a quest for King William, he is captured by the enemy and presented with a favorable opportunity. Yet Steinar soon realizes his greatest threat comes from the woman who hides behind the mask of a warrior, and the quest for control might send them hurdling into the abyss of the sea. As leader of the Serpents, Inga the Ruthless travels beyond the isles bartering for goods with her brothers. After rescuing the feared Pirate Wolf during a storm, she surrenders her trust to the man and his inner wolf in order to claim the lost treasure of Odin. Though the journey is fraught with dangers, Inga fears her heart might be the one in peril, leading her to make the ultimate sacrifice. Will the sea be their salvation or doom them to a watery grave? A Sneak Preview from STEINAR ~ Steinar raised a brow in amused contempt with the beginnings of a smile tipping the corners of his lips. “I find nae humor in this.” She pointed a warning finger at the man. “Nor should you.” He raised the jug near his mouth. “For Inga the Ruthless who has maintained a life around men, I find your response…interesting.” He then took a long draw of mead. Stunned into silence, Inga gaped at him. Then her eyes narrowed to shards of fury. Her fingers sought the brooch fastened at the top of her cloak and undid the clasp. Removing the cloak from her body, she tossed both brooch and cloak onto a nearby stool. “How wrong you were in your earlier criticism of my skills as a woman. At Rangvald’s table I was simply Inga, daughter of Olaf.” She gestured to her gown. “Can you honestly tell me I look like a woman who is a leader of men on the seas?” Steinar’s expression stilled. He wiped the back of his hand leisurely across his mouth. “Nae,” he rasped out. There she witnessed the invitation in the smoldering depths of his eyes—dark with desire luring her forward. Her heart hammered against her chest. Inga’s mind ordered her to leave—escape the temptation to feel his arms around her. But her body betrayed and overrode all thought. Slowly, Inga removed the jug from his hand and pressed it against her lips. Tilting it back, she drank deeply of what remained. After tossing aside the jug onto the ground, she smiled fully. “Then I am correct.” Steinar pushed away from the wall. “You think to claim victory?” Her breath rose heavily with each rise and fall. When did she become the prey and he the predator? “Always,” she whispered, determined to grasp any shard of control or sanity. In one swift move, Steinar clasped his hands around her waist and turned her around with her back against the wall. His body towered over her, trapping Inga. Escape not an option. She gasped. Fight or surrender? For the first time, Inga lessened the strings binding her to an oath moons ago. An oath to never let a man control her. An oath to never let a man touch her. Oaths be damned! She craved to have this man kiss her. About the Author:
Mary Morgan is an international best-selling author of award-winning historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. During her research travels with her knight in shining armor to England, Ireland, and Scotland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return. Her 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, Mary's tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of fantasy, then journey back in time within the pages of her books.
29 Comments
Mary Morgan
1/8/2024 08:18:49
I'm thrilled to kick-off the celebrations for STEINAR on Medieval Monday with you, Lady Anastasia! Thank you for allowing me to share a preview of my latest story with your readers. Hugs!
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Anastasia
1/8/2024 10:51:04
This book is fascinating as well as yummy! Hugs right back!
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Holly Schwartz
1/8/2024 08:58:53
I enjoyed the post. The depth of your research is amazing.
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Mary Morgan
1/8/2024 09:16:32
Thank you, Holly! Doing research for my stories has always led me to fascinating tidbits of information.
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Anastasia
1/8/2024 10:51:51
Thanks so much for stopping by, Holly!
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Barbara Bettis
1/8/2024 09:31:19
The story about Snorri is so interesting-I'd not heard of him before. Thanks for sharing your journey--and some of the fascinating --real--people you've met along the way. I love the bits we find almost accidentally in our research, Mary. Gobs of good luck on your release. I loved the book!
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Anastasia
1/8/2024 10:53:25
So many fascinating facts to be discovered down all those rabbit holes! Thank you for visiting, Barb!
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Mary Morgan
1/8/2024 12:46:49
Finding out about Snorri was a serendipitous moment, Barb. I know I wanted someone to pen Steinar's tale on his voyage, but I never believed I'd come across a historical bard like Snorri. Thanks so much for your support! Hugs!
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1/8/2024 09:31:34
Great excerpt! Sounds like another wonderful story, Mary, and a worthy addition to the series. Wishing you all the best with it!
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Anastasia
1/8/2024 10:54:59
You're right, Judy! It is a wonderful addition to the series. Thanks so much for stopping by!
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Mary Morgan
1/8/2024 12:47:30
Thank you so much, Judith! Thrilled to see you here! xo
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Anastasia
1/8/2024 10:56:09
Isn't the story amazing? Jan, thanks so much for stopping by!
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Mary Morgan
1/8/2024 12:49:27
Thanks so much, Jan! So honored to have you read the story. Hugs to you! I really enjoyed weaving Snorri into my tale for Steinar.
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1/8/2024 11:10:36
The history major in me loves to learn who the real life inspirations were for your stories. Can't wait to read Steinar's story! Nice to see you back Anastasia! Happy sales Mary!
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Mary Morgan
1/8/2024 12:51:24
If I had not become a writer, I'd want to study history or archeology, Kim. Thanks so much for stopping by and your support. I truly hope you enjoy Steinar's story! Hugs!
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Dianne
1/8/2024 12:24:41
Wow! This sounds like yet another winner, Mary. Thank you both so much for the sneak peek and background.
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Mary Morgan
1/8/2024 12:52:20
Thank you so much for stopping by, Dianne! Truly appreciated! Hugs!
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Anastasia
1/9/2024 11:10:47
Thanks so much for stopping by, Dianne!
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Anastasia
1/18/2024 08:17:06
Dianne, I'm reading it now. The story's amazing! Thanks so much for stopping by!
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1/8/2024 19:03:29
Congrats on an informative interview, Anastasia and Mary. Setting and character are strongly established in the short blurb and excerpt and entice the reader to want to keep on reading. I also enjoyed reading your short historical note, Mary. Meryl
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Mary Morgan
1/9/2024 09:08:15
Thanks so much, Meryl! I continue to be fascinated with history and thrilled when I come upon a tidbit of research that would fit perfectly into my stories.
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Anastasia
1/9/2024 11:11:52
Thanks for sharing your time with us, Meryl!
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Mary Morgan
1/9/2024 09:09:05
Fantastic, Tena! Truly appreciated and I hope you enjoy Steinar and Inga's story. xoxo
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Anastasia
1/9/2024 11:12:21
Tena, it's sooo good! Thank you for stopping by!
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Dawn
1/9/2024 11:51:06
It is awesome tale just like all of Mary's books!!!!!
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Mary Morgan
1/12/2024 15:53:08
Blowing kisses your way, Dawn! Thank you so much for walking this journey with me! xoxo
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Anastasia
1/18/2024 08:17:49
Dawn, I couldn't agree more. Thank you for stopping by!
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