REVIEW Quest of a Warrior by Mary Morgan

Quest of a Warrior by Mary Morgan

Review:
To begin, I need to say after reading the Prologue, I got chills from one paragraph.
“Dare to find out what happened to one of the
greatest heroes of Fae and Human. Travel through these
pages and be a witness to the tale of a legendary Fenian
Warrior.”

That alone sent chills up my spine in anticipation of what is to come. The rest of the book was just as amazing as these words were. You were sent on a magical ride and witness to love, mystery, hardship, and old pasts coming back to haunt you.

Conn, was everything you want in a man, and Ivy was just perfect for him. This trial they had and endured, was one I loved to witness.


My only problem was stopping myself from reading the end first. I knew if I did I would spoil the whole book for myself. I loved this book and all its ups and downs. Reading this was a delight. I cannot wait till the next book and wish it was here now.

Quest of a Warrior by Mary Morgan

QUEST OF A WARRIOR

Legends of the Fenian Warriors, Book 1

spinoff from the Order of the Dragon Knights series

by Mary Morgan

Cecelia Mecca The Thief’s Countess

Bio: Cecelia Mecca is the author of medieval romance and co-owner of iConnect, an influencer marketing agency. She loves in Northeast, Pennsylvania with her husband and two young children and launched her first historical romance this month.

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Amazon

Tell us about yourself

I am a curriculum specialist by day, influencer marketing agency co-owner by night, and romance author when most sane people are sleeping. It’s always busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tell us about your new book?

The Thief’s Countess which comes out March 1st is the first book in the Border Series. The prequel novella was released in February. Set in 13th century Northumbria along the Anglo-Scottish border, it tells the story of an English border reiver who is forced into a life of stealing after losing his home and inheritance. Sent to protect a wealthy countess, Sir Geoffrey immediately clashes, and is attracted to, Lady Sara. But with a betrothed coming to claim her hand in marriage, their budding relationship encounters more than a few obstacles.

When you write, does your real life spill over into your book at any time?

Of course! I think all writers bring elements of their life into their books. The heronie has a bit of me in her as most characters are modeled at least in part after people I know. It is much easier to tweak existing personalities than to create a character completely from my imagination since humans have more traits and idiosyncrasies than at first glance. On the other hand, most people I know aren’t running around with chainmail and swords, so a bit of invention is necessary.

Do you think about a book of yours, being made into a movie, or not when writing?

I do not. Historical romance is a tough sell in the movie industry, but that truly would be a dream come true...to see your own characters come alive. I can hardly imagine what that must be like.

When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning?

I do. The name is extremely important to me, although sometimes the meaning takes a back seat to other considerations since as historical accuracy, other characters in the novel, and even how the name sounds with the hero/heroine. I had a perfect name for my current work in progress that I had to scrap when it rhymed with the hero’s name. It just did not flow.

What made you want to write and also what made you want to write the genre you are writing?

I’ve always loved both medieval times and the romance genre, so historical romance is a perfect fit. As an English major, I’d always dreamed of penning my own book one day, but unfortunately it took twenty years to turn that dream into a reality. Better late than never!

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

It would be hard to top the one who started it all for me, Johanna Lindsey.

Do you have to travel much concerning your books?

I am excited to head on a cruise around the British Isles this summer. I plan to take my iPhone, a notebook and healthy excitement for all things English and castles to combine the family vacation into a research one.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Writing was fine, publishing not so much. I thought once I had written “The End” it would be smooth sailing; boy was I wrong. I finished The Thief’s Countess in 2015 and am finally able to see it in print this month. But I’ve learned so much about the industry since I’ve started and I’m happy to say book two will only be a few months behind Thief’s Countess.

When you start writing your book, do your H/H ever talk to you?

In my head, yes! Luckily, I don’t talk back. But I do imagine what they say, how they say it and am constantly thinking about both until I feel like they are actually a part of my life.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Luckily writer’s block is rare for me. A bit of research normally sparks a story idea, and from there the outline typically flows. I’ve yet to struggle with what to write next, but I do not preclude the fact that it will likely happen someday.

Do you have any tips for our readers that might dream of writing?

If you want to write romance, join RWA and lurk on the forums. Read and listen to writing and publishing podcasts. Learn as much as you can. And of course, get that butt in your seat and write every day. Worry about editing it later. You can work with a finished manuscript but it’s impossible to do anything with a blank page. Join author groups on Facebook, attend writing conferences and immerse yourself deeply into the world of writing and publishing. Eventually, you will get there as long as you keep plugging away.

A thief turned reluctant protector… A countess who resents but can’t resist him…

The Reiver

 
Sir Geoffrey has dedicated his life to exacting revenge on the men who killed his parents and stole his birthright. The son of a baron, he has been reduced to stealing the resources he needs to reclaim his family legacy. Just when he’s on the verge of success, his uncle asks him to put his plans on hold to help protect a wealthy countess. It’s a distraction Geoffrey resents, even more so when he meets Lady Sara. The gorgeous, complicated and alluring lady is everything he’d want in a woman—and everything he can’t have.

The Countess

 
With her betrothed coming to claim her hand in marriage and a distant cousin intent on usurping her earldom, Lady Sara Caiser feels beset by controlling men including two lawless border reivers who serve as her protectors. Despite her misgivings, an undeniable attraction pulls her into Sir Geoffrey’s arms. The man is more dangerous than she believed, for he’s noble, caring and sinfully attractive. As the threats against her continue to mount, Sara must decide what’s more important—her duty or her heart.

My Lord Raven by Jan Scarbrough

My interview with the wonderful Jan Scarbrough

Tell us about yourself

I’ve been writing since a life-threatening illness inspired me to make my dreams come true. Before that I went to college to become an English teacher because I loved reading and writing. Five years in the classroom sent me on another path where I applied what I’d learned as a technical writer. Currently, I work for an insurance company managing policies and standards.
For fun other than writing romance, I take a horseback riding lesson once a week at an American Saddlebred show horse barn. It’s takes my mind off my day job and it’s a big thrill. I also take Zumba classes on weekends. My husband and I have two Pembroke Welsh corgis and between us ten grandchildren.
 
Tell us about your new book?

I started My Lord Raven a long time ago. I learned I could write medieval romance by writing flashback scenes in Tangled Memories. I’d always loved reading medieval romance since the days of the Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss. It was a natural for me to want to try my hand at it. Over time, and with many starts and stops, I wrote My Lord Raven.
 
When you write, does your real life spill over into your book at any time?

In My Lord Raven, my love of horses comes through in a few scenes on horseback. My contemporary books are more like my real life. I have a couple of series set in Kentucky, where I live. And of course, I always put one of my pets into what I write. Over the years several of my treasured dogs and cats have made appearances.
 
Do you think about a book of yours, being made into a movie, or not when writing?

No. I never think about it being a movie. I recently saw A Dog’s Purpose, the movie. Everyone said it would be sad and many people wouldn’t see it. I then read the ebook and found myself tearing up several times, something I didn’t do in the movie. I think you can get deeper into the characters by reading a novel.
 
When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning?

Yes. Bran means Raven or Crow in Welsh. And Catrin is a Welsh name for Catherine. It’s amazing what you can find on the Internet.
 
What made you want to write and also what made you want to write the genre you are writing?

I loved reading and writing, and like I said earlier, when I almost died, I knew I had to try to fulfill my goal. Reading romance, I naturally wanted to write it.
 
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Maddie James and I have had parallel careers. She encouraged me to submit a finished manuscript, and so I made my first sale. After she’d been away from writing for a few years, I helped her get back into it.
 
Do you have to travel much concerning your books?

I have been to England twice. I think the authors living there have a big advantage, being near the history and actual places. This summer my husband and I went to a dude ranch in Montana and saw the places I’d set a series of books—and of course, I’d found that information on the Internet.
 
What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Research, getting the time period as correct as you can make it.
 
When you start writing your book, do your H/H ever talk to you?

Yes. I can picture what they are doing and what they are saying in my head.
 
Do you ever experience writer’s block?

You’d think so, given the many years it took me to finish this book.
 
Do you have any tips for our readers that might dream of writing?

Finish the book. Find a good editor and don’t be afraid of criticism. Your words can always be improved.

 Summery

England, the Welsh Border Lands, 1283

To protect what little family she has left, Lady Catrin Fitzalan switches places with her cousin when King Edward orders the pious girl to wed his royal champion, a vicious knight called the King’s Raven. Rumors abound that this savage is responsible for the deaths of Lady Catrin’s father and brother. How can she allow her sweet cousin to wed a murderer?

Bran ap Madog, bastard son of a Welsh prince, has devoted his life to serving the English king. His badge is the raven, a creature that feeds off rotting spoils, just as Bran feeds off the spoils of war. Now he wants a reward for his service: a wealthy wife, and the land and power she can bring him.

But there’s another side to the rapacious black birds Bran has chosen for his badge. Social and family-oriented, ravens mate for life. Which gives them something Bran never had—a family, a sense of belonging, and a rightful place in the world. Bran has fought for everything he’s ever had. But his last battle, with his new wife, may cost him the one thing he isn’t prepared to lose: his heart.

Available $1.99 — Release Date 2/25/2017
Amazon Kindle | iBooks | Kobo



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From USA Today & Internationally Bestselling Authors Sue-Ellen Welfonder and Tarah Scott

From USA Today & Internationally Bestselling Authors
Sue-Ellen Welfonder and Tarah Scott

In a place beyond rules,
daring is power,
and love is the greatest threat of all...

EDGE OF YESTERDAY

Sue-Ellen Welfonder and Tarah Scott

Genre: Historical Romance, Time Travel
Series: Edge Series, Book 1
Publisher: Broken Arm Publishing
Publication Date: December 27, 2016
Add to Goodreads

Two of Scottish romance’s most loved authors have joined pens to write a thrilling new time travel series filled with passion, danger, and intrigue. These never-before-published novels will sweep you to Scotland’s Highland Heatheredge, where magic is real, time is relevant, and there is no escape from desire…

Men are disappearing in the Highland crofting village of Heatheredge. The authorities suspect foul play, but without signs of violence—or bodies—they can’t prove a thing.

World champion swordsman Cailean Ross is living the fantasy of a lifetime as the victor of Heatheredge’s medieval reenactment Gathering. But when the fantasy turns into reality, swordplay becomes a fight to the death and he finds himself among the ‘missing’ statistics.

Julianna Mackay flees a man she fears is an evil wizard and literally runs into handsome Cailean Ross. Cailean defends Lady Julianna from her attackers. Together, they set out in search of the key to a six-hundred-year-old curse that can only be broken in medieval Scotland.

When the veil of time is lifted, Cailean and Julianna find that love may not be enough to save them or those they hold dear.

Purchase Links:

Edge of Yesterday is now available. Grab your copy today.

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EXCERPT

 

They reached the building which housed Julianna’s room and he pulled open the door. She entered and he followed, closing the door with some force when the wind gusted into the arched entry. Julianna hurried forward and Cailean followed. They passed nine doors before she stopped and entered her assigned quarters. Cailean stopped in the doorway. One large round candle cast a dim light in the small room, aptly named a cell. A low bed with a thin mattress sat against the wall and a table where the candle burned stood against the wall directly ahead.
She glanced over her shoulder at him. “Ye may enter, Cailean.”
He shook his head. “I’d better not.”
She lifted a brow. “Surely, ye are not afraid of a woman?”
“If I wasn’t, I would be a fool.”
Mischief lit her eyes. “Ye need not worry. I dinnae have a knife.”
“I don’t believe you, my lady.”
She lifted her chin. “It isnae polite to call a lady a liar.”
“Forgive me.” He started to turn, then stilled at the echo of approaching footsteps. “Bloody hell,” he muttered. Who was coming by at this time of night? Was it Rathais, here to finish what Hugh Murray had started?
“Quick.” Julianna grasped his arm and pulled him into the room.
“Julianna—”
She closed the door, then hissed, “Shhh.”
The footsteps drew closer then passed. Julianna took off her cloak and tossed it onto the small table.
Cailean knew he should go, but how could he possibly leave her alone and defenseless? He would sleep outside her door.
“I should go.”
She shook her head. “You must wait a few minutes to be sure no one sees you.”
Cailean leaned a shoulder against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. “If I didn’t know better, I would say ye are trying to keep me here.”
“Why would I do that?”
He smiled. “You tell me.”
“Is my company so abhorrent that you must flee?” she asked.
“On the contrary, your company is too pleasing.”
She dropped her gaze in a clear attempt to hide her expression, but Cailean could see she was pleased.
“Then stay,” she said.
“If your brother catches me here, he will kill me.”
She snorted. “Lennox knows I am a woman grown, and I am no maiden. I can do as I please.”
“That doesnae mean he would want me dallying with you.”
“Dallying?” She lifted her brows. “Ye think well of yourself, sir.”
“Dallying isn’t what ye had in mind?”
Her eyes darkened. Yes, this woman was trouble. She started toward him. He straightened from the wall and remained perfectly still until she stopped in front of him.
“I am no idiot,” she said. “I have seen the way you look at me.”
Trouble, trouble, trouble.
He wasn’t going to take the bait. He stared but said nothing.
“Ye find me pleasing.” She set her hands on her hips.
“I have eyes,” he said, then cursed his tongue. Give the woman an inch and she would take a mile.
She stepped closer and before he could move, she placed her hands on his chest. “You want to know what it is like to kiss me.”
It wasn’t a question.

Giveaway

7 Amazing Prizes up for grabs:

$25 Amazon Gift Card
Five (5) Edge of Yesterday eBooks
One (1) Edge of Yesterday signed paperback

Click here to enter the contest now

About the Authors

USA Today and Internationally bestselling authors Sue-Ellen Welfonder and Tarah Scott have more in common than friendship. For many years, they’ve both enjoyed spending their working hours in a world of romance and adventure, bringing handsome Highlanders and their ladies to life. Now they’ve joined pens, deciding that when it comes to happily-ever-afters, two writers can stir up even more danger and desire for the characters they love. The EDGE series, Scottish time travel romances, is their first co-authored project, and launches Dec. 27th with EDGE OF YESTERDAY.

Visit the author's official websites
Sue-Ellen Welfonder: http://www.welfonder.com/
Tarah Scott: http://www.tarahscott.com/


Follow the authors on social media
Sue-Ellen Welfonder: Facebook | Twitter
Tarah Scott: Facebook | Twitter

Book Tour Schedule

Follow the book tour. Ongoing till February 11, 2017.

Get tidbits, excerpts and other interesting, never before published articles about the book. Click here for the latest tour schedule.

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