Around the Fire New Release Spotlight with Mary Morgan

WISHES UNDER A HIGHLAND STAR
(A Tale from the Order of the Dragon Knights)
By
Mary Morgan
The stars collide when a half-Fae lass captures a Highland chieftain.
About
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?

Release date: December 5, 2022
Historical Scottish Fantasy Romance

​A look inside
Sounds of the smithy beckoned him forward. As his steps led him closer, Alex halted at the vision before him. Poised over the anvil, Aine leveled the hammer against the metal with strength that stunned Alex. For one so small, she wielded the hammer with fierceness. Beads of sweat trickled down her cheek, smudged with the grime of her work. She gave no regard to her appearance, or him, while she continued. Studying her profile, he fought the urge to pick up a cloth and wipe away the moisture along with the dirt from her ivory skin. Her honeyed hair was woven into two braids and wrapped around her head like a crown of silken jewels.
Leaning against an oak tree, Alex regarded her in fascination. The smithy stood as a place reserved for men. This he knew. Then why would a woman accept a position in the castle fashioning weapons?
Aine blew out a curse, and he smiled in response.
The woman was mesmerizing. Captivating. He folded his arms over his chest, content to remain hidden and watch her in secret. When something nudged his thigh, Alex quickly moved to the side. “By the hounds,” he hissed out in surprise at the sudden appearance of the wolfhound. “I thought I left ye by the warm fire.”
“Etain has taken to ye,” announced Aine while inspecting the blade in front of her. She darted him a glance.
Alex straightened his tunic and stepped forward.
“She moves silently for one so large. Are ye sure she does not belong to the Fae?”
The blade slipped from Aine’s fingers onto the anvil with a large clang. Her eyes grew wide as she turned away from Alex. “’Tis folly. She is only a dog,” she mumbled, quickly retrieving the blade and disappearing from his view.
Concerned, Alex followed her. Once he entered inside the forge, his eyes adjusted to the dimly lit enclosure. He observed the other blades of various sizes strewn out on a wooden table along with horseshoes. A glint of light at the end of the table drew his attention. He steadily made his way to the stunning circular brooches. Their gilded edges were carved with delicate knotwork. Tracing his finger along the smooth surface of one, he marveled at the craftmanship. Surely she had assistance.
He lifted his gaze to the woman.
While Aine kept her back to him, Alex noted her rigid stance. Unsure on what to do, he clasped his hands behind his back. “Did ye make all of these?”
Clenching her fists, she turned around. Wariness reflected back at him within those lavender eyes. “Does it matter?”
“’Tis a simple question,” he remarked.
Her eyes narrowed. “Because I am a woman, aye?”
Alex’s gaze roamed over her face and traveled down the length of her. “Most assuredly.” He took a step forward. “But that is not why I asked the question.”
Bright splotches appeared on her cheeks. She swallowed but kept her gaze locked with his. “Aye. ’Tis all my work. Mine alone.”
“Who has taught ye this skill?”
She lifted her chin. “My father and Gordon. I now share the forge with Gordon since my father’s death.”
Arching a brow, Alex reached around her, inhaling the woman’s scent. As his fingers touched the cool surface of a blade, he brought forth the small dirk and lifted it up to the candlelight. “Incredible craftmanship.”
Aine’s eyes widened in shock. “Ye approve of my work?” Her question barely a whisper.
“Why would I not?”
“Because I should be learning how to sew, tending to the gardens, and making a simple bannock,” she grumbled, glancing beyond him.
“I favor bread over any bannock,” he chided.
Returning her attention to him, she grabbed his arm. “Ye can recall something from your past? Is there more?”
Her smile beamed like starlight on a winter’s night, and Alex became entranced. Why had he become fascinated with this woman? His gut clenched and his mouth dried whenever he entered her presence. Had he not spent much time around women? Or worse, married to one? He quickly banished the thought. Alex could not dwell on what he was unable to remember.
Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/31DeYa

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What others are saying.
"I loved everything about this story – the plot, the beautiful scenery, the holiday theme, the chemistry between Alex and Aine, as well as the full cast of characters. Would I highly recommend this masterfully written book…Aye!" -Still Moments Magazine 

"The author has taken her knowledge of the Irish legends of fairies or fae along with the Scottish legends of dragons and used them well in creating this wonderful story. This light-hearted romance catches the reader's imagination from the first page to the last page and will have them smiling and even crying in places." -Readers' Favorite

"Glued to the tale from page one, readers will be dying to know what happens to the Chieftain who doesn’t suffer fools gladly... "Wishes Under a Highland Star” is a great addition to the autumn book list!" November Issue of InD’tale Magazine

​About the Author: 
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.
Connect with Mary here ~
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