Rituals & Runes Anthology presents Ariel Dawn Author Interview!

 

Rituals & Runes is the PERFECT escape to worlds filled with paranormal, romance, urban fantasy, and more! And you can get a sneak peek into one of the stories exclusive to the box set, Heaven Knows.

Check out this author's interview with Ariel Dawn to find out about her contribution!

 

Author: Ariel Dawn

 

Book: Heaven Knows

 

R&R: Thanks for being here today. We’re thrilled to talk about your story. 

 

If you had to describe in three sentences what prompted the idea for your story, what would they be?

 

Ariel: Angels & Demons working together. Enemies To Lovers with some found family thrown in. We are more than meets the eye.

 

R&R: Awesome! It sounds like the perfect tangle that readers can get excited about. What makes your book different from others within its trope/genre?

 

Ariel: I tend to read a lot of paranormal romance, and while I see a lot of romances with humans and angels, or demons and humans, or even enemies to lovers, I find romances between angels and demons tend to be far less popular, and I’m intrigued by the idea of a demon falling for an angel, and an angel falling for the sinful demon.

 

R&R: Delicious! A story with such intensely opposite sides is so compelling.

 

What was the most enjoyable part of your world-building?

 

Ariel: Constructing my world of Heaven & Hell, and how they operate. How they are both two sides of the same coin, just framed differently.

 

R&R: What fun! Your world seems very well thought out and something readers can really dig into.

 

If you met your antagonist in real life, what would you do?

 

Ariel: I mean, Endor is pretty hot and intense, and you can’t help but be drawn to him so….I’d probably do some sketchy stuff to wind up in his clutches, no doubt.

 

R&R: Agreed. We wouldn’t do anything for a Klondike bar, but a book boyfriend? That’s another story!

 

In real life which character is most like your spouse/significant other/ normal type.

 

Ariel: I always like to say most of my leading men in my romances are 1% my husband. Endor is no different. While my husband is not tall, dark, and tattooed, Endor’s need for routine and order is something that I pulled from my husband- who is very organized and likes things a certain way.

 

R&R: Make us drool, why don’t you! LOL!

 

Which book out of those you have released are you most proud of and why? Choose a book from your published backlist that isn’t in the anthology.

 

Ariel: Oof, that is tough, but I’m going to have to go with In The Blood, which is technically my second book ever published, and the second book in my Forevermore series.  I’m most proud of it, because it resonates well with a lot of people who love vampires, and not only am I just obsessed with the characters, I researched heavily what people wanted in a vampire book, and what they didn’t want.

 

I spent a good while collecting information from readers in and out of the genre, looking at other vampire literature and media that influenced me, and mixing all of that with my own ideas to produce what continues to be one of my most popular books. I’m also very proud of the characters who are not perfect by any means, but who constantly keep me on my toes, challenging me in new ways all the time. It will always hold a special place in my heart because I love it not just because I wrote it, but because I love it as a reader too. Ava & Cas will forever be my favorite OTP.

 

R&R: Very impressive and deep. Now we want to read it! My goodness.

 

What books do you have coming out that are not involved in the anthology?

 

Ariel: I have a lot!  I have at least two more books coming out with the Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld series, and I have several series continuations coming out next year, including the sequel to Heaven Knows! I also have some co-writes coming out next year as well! It’s going to be a busy year!

 

R&R: Wonderful! Readers have so much to look forward to in Heaven Knows, and your other books.

 

Would you rather live in a haunted mansion or live in an un-haunted cottage?

 

Ariel: Unhaunted cottage probably. Being a witchy goddess who lives in the woods with a garden, lots of crystals, and endless servings of tea sounds LOVELY… Unless the ghosts that come with the haunted mansion are hot and lonely, of course. Then I might have to pull a Jenna Hellsing (check out Jenna and her smoking hot haunted house hotties in Voices In The Dark, my monster reverse harem!) and make some new friends.

 

R&R: Sexy and fun! Thanks again for joining Rituals and Runes Anthology authors today. Readers, please read on to find out more about Heaven Knows!

 

Blurb

When Heaven & Hell Collide

Hell-born demon Endor longs for a life beyond processing souls in Hell’s Admissions Department. He wants to stretch his wings and roam the earth as a Contractor Demon, to hold souls in the palm of his hand.

 

The days are endless in Heaven for Valory, an angel who dreams of the kind of romance she reads in the books she borrows, waiting for someone to sweep her off her feet.

 

When a lost soul comes between Heaven and Hell, Endor and Valory must put their differences aside and learn to work together all while fighting against their celestial duties…and their darkest desires.

 

Excerpt:

My fingers fidget with the pearls adorned on my ivory dress, and I catch Matthew sneaking a glance at me, which stupidly makes my heart skip a beat. Maybe this dress wasn’t a bad idea after all…

Then I feel it.

The shift in the air, like death is coming. The scent of fire and brimstone accompanies them, and as they walk through the room, I can’t help but gape at the sight of them.

I’ve never seen a demon before. Sure, I’ve heard stories, both when I was alive and being up here in Heaven, but I didn’t expect them to look so…human.

The woman is dressed in a tight red dress that hugs every curve of her body. Breasts that swell, giving the most ample cleavage and legs that look perfectly smooth. Her dark hair falls over her shoulders and coupled with the blood-red lip, she looks like a vampire from a romance novel rather than a demon.

Mercy strolls in with the other demon and my heart catches. His arm is around her waist, and she looks all too trusting, too comfortable with him. He’s tall, like the other demon, and has the same dark features. Black hair that is swept back to look oddly reminiscent of the Greaser styles men wore in the ’50s. His suit is well-tailored, though his jacket is draped over his free arm, and I take note of how his shirtsleeves are rolled up to the elbows.

His arm around Mercy boasts a full sleeve of tattoos and a well-defined bicep muscle, and I find myself wondering where his tattoos begin and end. My gaze travels upwards to meet him. He looks at me like he can see right through me, past my flesh and blood and right down to my soul. The realization is both terrifying and strangely…satisfying. I shake my head, trying to rid myself of the weird onslaught of feeling, and focus on the task at hand.

I’m just out of sorts today, and I need to get back to square one.

“Roche, how lovely to see you again,” Matthew says as he motions for her to sit. Again? Does he know this demon?

“Uh-huh,” she says nonchalantly as she collapses in her office chair, crossing those long legs, swiveling back and forth.

“This is my associate, Endor. Endor, this is Matthew. He’s basically the angelic equivalent of me.”

I watch Matthew’s lips tighten and his shoulders tense.

“My job is of higher importance,” Matthew says sternly, and I don’t miss the smile that plays on Roche’s lips.

“So high and mighty you can’t even keep track of one little lost soul,” Roche taunts and I think this demon has quite a lot of nerve.

Matthew huffs and nods toward me. “Valory is more than a capable employee. I trust her with the utmost authority. Her error is the first. Unlike you, who has made several errors, mind you.”

 

Author Bio:

 

USA Today Bestselling Author Ariel Dawn grew up as an avid reader and is a creative soul.

 

Ariel writes plot-driven paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and reverse harem and hopes to venture into many other genres in the future. When she isn't writing, she can be found cosplaying, attending conventions, swimming with her mermaid tail, creating all sorts of artwork in her studio, or editing photos for her photography business. A self-professed geek and foodie, she loves hanging out with family and friends and playing video games and board games with her retro gamer husband.

 

Website and social media links

 

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/author/arieldawn

Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/authorarieldawn

Bookbub:

http://www.bookbub.com/authors/ariel-dawn

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ArielDawn10

TikTok:

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMe3cpPcq/

 

Instagram:

instagram.com/wrongturnromance

 

Ariel-Dawn.Com

http://www.ariel-dawn.com

Binge Books

https://bingebooks.com/author/ariel-dawn

 

Get more magical & paranormal-themed stories like this in Rituals & Runes!

 

Universal: https://books2read.com/rituals

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oz9aGJ

 

 

 

 

Rituals & Runes Anthology presents Madison Granger Author Interview

 

The runes are cast, the rituals prepared, now it’s time to enjoy an interview with author Madison Granger as she talks about her book, Claiming Magick. It comes out in the Rituals and Runes Anthology, in October 2022!

 

Author: Madison Granger

Book: Claiming Magick

 

R&R: Thank you for agreeing to an interview. I'm excited to talk about your upcoming story, Claiming Magick.

 

What is the key theme and/or message in the book?

 Madison: Holding a grudge is a waste of energy. Being angry for so long, you lose sight of why you were angry in the first place. Taking a step back, you might find out things have changed along the way.

 

R&R: That's a deep and meaningful theme. It's awesome to read a book that's both entertaining and has a message.

 

Would you and your main character get along? 

 

Madison: Most definitely. We’re a lot alike, which shouldn’t be a surprise, I tend to pattern my female MC’s with my personal likes and best traits.

 

R&R: What was your hardest scene to write, and why?

 

Madison: Sex scenes, always. I constantly debate on whether it’s not enough or too much and have I said this already. I stress over them.

 

R&R: Yes, it can be tricky to balance everything in those scenes.

 

What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

 

Madison: The characters. I have to get a visual in my head before I can write their story. The plot, and the rest of the story, comes while I’m writing.

 

R&R: Sounds like you get a vivid sense of things before you start writing. That's wonderful.

 

Name three things your main character would not want to do.

 

Madison: Have anything to do with shifters. (at least in the beginning)

 

Rowan Murphy would never hurt anyone intentionally but would have no qualms about it if she was protecting someone she cared about.

 

Because she’s a witch, Rowan doesn’t seek attention, preferring to live quietly.

 

R&R: Tell us about your writing routine. What are your must-have elements when you sit down and focus?

 

Madison: I prefer to write when it’s quiet, even music can distract me. I always keep bottled water on my desk and make constant use of a thesaurus and search engine. I research as I write.

 

R&R: Great tools! It's funny how some authors love music while they write, while others don't. To each their own.

 

What books do you have coming out that are not involved in the anthology?

 

I’ve had two releases earlier this year, A Warrior’s Redemption, book seven of The Kindred series, and The Rising of Amelia, the sequel to The Awakening of Amelia. I’m currently working on Zane, the first book of the Bayou Crescent Wolves trilogy.

 

R&R: Congrats! Exciting lineup!

 

My final question: Would you rather read your writings to an audience of ten people who love you or to 10,000 people you don’t know?

 

An audience of ten. I hate reading aloud, especially to people. I don’t think I have a good speaking voice, and I don’t deal well with being the center of attention, I turn beet red the whole time.

 

Understandable! Thank you very much for the wonderful interview.

 

If you would like to find out more about Claiming Magick, read on!

 

 

Blurb:

Rowan Murphy loves her life as a solitary witch and owner of The Hidden Key, where she spends her days making and selling charms and potions to the locals of Havenport. As long as she can ignore the wolf shifters in town, her life is perfect.

Griffin Reed, Alpha of the Firethorn wolfpack has his back against the wall—find a way to break an ancient curse or watch his pack die out. His only hope is the local witch, and she doesn’t like shifters.

Magick sparks and fur flies when Rowan and Griffin combine forces to break the spell threatening the pack’s existence. The solution is one they never saw coming and will change their lives forever.

 

Excerpt:

 

Candles lit, bath oil scenting the water, and a glass of wine at hand, Rowan slowly lowered into the steaming bath. She groaned in pleasure as she stretched out, sore muscles relaxing for the first time in three days. Rowan was always amazed how much the festival took out of her. She kept herself reasonably fit and was fairly active, but those three days were a whirlwind of activity. She was always exhausted at the end.

          Rowan’s cell phone rang, and she peeked over the edge of the tub to see whose name popped up. Seeing Griffin’s name, she reached for the device and answered, her voice relaxed and sultry.

          “Hello.”

          “Rowan, this is Griffin. Did I interrupt something?”

          “Not at all. I’m relaxing in a tub full of bubbles.” She chuckled lightly.

          “Now there’s a visual.”

          Rowan scooped up a handful of water, letting it trickle between her fingers.

          “Like that, do you?” Her voice was husky, and his gravelly tone when he responded was doing things to her that she hadn’t felt in a long time.

          “What’s not to like, a beautiful woman in a tub? You probably have candles lit too.”

          “I do, as a matter of fact, and you can’t forget the glass of wine.”

          “Let’s not forget the wine.” Griffin growled low. “That means you’re relaxed. There’s only one thing missing.”

          “What would that be?” Rowan’s breath hitched. What started out as simple teasing had taken a turn into something… more.

          “You need someone to scrub your back, help you with those hard-to-reach places.”

          Griffin’s breath was getting harsher. They were both getting turned on, and not only was she allowing it, she was enjoying it. Her core clenched as she fantasized about Griffin joining her.

          “Are you volunteering for the position?” Her voice was breathy with anticipation.

          “Do I have a chance?”

          “I think we might leave it on the table, open for discussion.” Rowan couldn’t believe she was encouraging him but wanted to know him better, to know him… intimately.

          “Sounds good. It’s encouraging. It would be nice to think there’s something ahead for us.” His voice was soft and low, a sensual murmur in her ear.

 

Author Bio:

 

Madison Granger is a free-spirited late bloomer who stubbornly lives by three beliefs: dreams can come true, never give up, and you’re never too old to try new things. She is living proof of all three adages, vowing she isn't done by a long shot.

Born and raised near New Orleans and even closer to the swamps of south Louisiana, Madison Granger is no stranger to tales of the magical and different.

An avid reader, Madison grew tired of reading about young, flighty girls and began writing her own stories of mature women who aren’t so quick to jump before looking first.

Where to find her:

Website https://www.MadisonGranger.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MadisonGrangerAuthor/

Twitter https://twitter.com/MadisonGranger

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@madisongrangerauthor

MeWe https://mewe.com/myworld

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/madisongrangerauthor/

Pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/mgrangerauthor/_saved/

YouTube   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNvc_E8nYeWDnxp2oBPd8wg

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/author/madisongranger

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/madison-granger

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15139766.Madison_Granger

Readers Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/2886808738200587

or get them all here in one place: https://linktr.ee/MadisonGranger

 

Get more magical & paranormal-themed stories like this in Rituals & Runes!

Universal: https://books2read.com/rituals

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oz9aGJ

 

Rituals & Runes Anthology presents J.C. McKenzie Author Interview

 

Readers, thank you for joining us. Please enjoy an author interview for the upcoming Rituals and Runes Anthology, coming out in October 2022!

Author: J.C. McKenzie

Book: Embrace the Flame

 

R&R: Thank you so much for joining us! We can’t wait to hear about your book that’s exclusive to the Rituals and Runes Anthology.

In Embrace the Flame, what challenging situation do your characters find themselves in?

Ms. McKenzie: Juni is a fox shifter and used to getting out of complicated situations, but she may have finally found something she can’t escape. Binding herself to the Lord of War may have saved her lover, but now she has to serve her family’s number one enemy. And while she tried to find a way out of the bond, she learns one of her besties has been charged with murder. Juni knows her friend didn’t do it, but it will take all her skills as a private investigator to find the evidence that will prove it.

R&R: What a predicament! It’s going to be awesome finding out how Juni deals with that situation.

What was your favorite thing about writing Embrace the Flame?

Ms. McKenzie:  I can’t fully answer this without major spoilers, but let’s just say, this story feels very Canadian.

R&R: What do your main characters want more than anything in the world?

Ms. McKenzie: Her family and friends are safe and loved.

R&R: There are so many types of Shifters, why did you pick a fox?

Ms. McKenzie: I love the idea of fox shifters. They have predator and prey-like tendencies. They’re smart, agile, adaptable, and family-oriented—all the characteristics Juni possesses.

R&R: How fun! That’s very true about foxes and makes them a great animal to use for a story.

What surprised you about writing this book?

Ms. McKenzie: Where my brain took the murder mystery.

R&R: Intriguing! Can’t wait to find out what happens!

Who are your favorite authors?

Ms. McKenzie: There are so many who inspire me every day. There are authors I look up to, who I inspire to be one day, authors who have no idea I even exist. There are authors who support me and cheer me on.

 

One of my favorite authors is Neil Gaiman. I love listening to and/or watching interviews with him where he discusses his writing process. Though we are vastly different writers, our writing process is very similar and to learn a fabulous, highly successful writer like Neil Gaiman, goes through a similar process was very validating.

R&R: What books do you have coming out that are not involved in the anthology?

Ms. McKenzie:

 Heir of the Eyrie, a standalone fantasy romance, releases March 31st, 2022.

Immortal Throne, a standalone urban fantasy, releases in June, 2022

 House of Chaos, a standalone fantasy romance, releases September, 2022.

 And I will also be rapid releasing an Urban Fantasy trilogy starting November 2022.

 R&R: Now for our bonus question. Would you rather have endless winter or endless summer?

 Oh, that’s a hard one. I’d have to say endless summer.

R&R: Thanks again for joining us! Please read on for the blurb, a lovely excerpt, and where to find Ms. McKenzie.

Blurb:

 I don’t have time to deal with Fae shenanigans…

 My best friend was charged with a murder she didn’t commit. If I don't find a way to exonerate her, she'll spend her life in jail, along with other wrongfully accused shifters.

With the Fae haunting my every step and impeding my investigation, I’m forced to rely on Lincoln, the human who crushed my heart. He’s worked hard to become a skilled fighter and make amends, but can he play Watson to my Sherlock?

 My skills as a PI will be tested, but not as much as my heart.

Excerpt:

 They stared at each other awkwardly while her heart thundered in her chest and threatened to break free of her ribcage.

“What’s wrong?” Lincoln asked.

Where should she start? “Everything has changed.”

He tensed, his hands balling into fists. “Nothing has changed for me.”

Of course not, he wasn’t the one tied to the Lord of War’s life.

“I know your circumstances are not the same, and I would do anything to rewind time,” he continued. “And I will do everything and anything to see you free of Bane.”

Her heart started doing weird things again.

“But have your feelings for me changed?” he asked.

A wide range of evasions and excuses popped up. She could weasel her way out of this awkward discussion about touchy-feely emotions. But why? What would be the point besides ruining something that hadn’t yet had the chance to start?

Lincoln waited. Quiet and patient, like he had for the last six years.

“No,” she admitted. If anything, her feelings for Lincoln had deepened, intensified.

Lincoln smiled. Not a regular smile. The smile. The one that could light up a room and blind half the occupants.

“Then nothing has changed for us, Juni. I like you and you like me.”

“It’s not that simple.” And she was certainly beyond simply liking him.

He shook his head. “It really is.”

“But Bane could…”

“Bane could do a number of things.” Lincoln licked his lips. “But not this.”

He pulled her close, leaned down, and pressed his lips to hers.

Whatever arguments she had run out the door.

Lincoln had this way of kissing her—as if breathing held no consequences as if he stopped time itself for them to have this moment as if he’d never taste her lips again.

And every time it did her in. She swung her leg around to straddle him. He groaned and one hand slipped down her back to the top of her hip to hold her in place. The other moved around her head to tangle in her knotted hair.

His lip curled up under her mouth, probably saving some sort of joke about her mass of curls for later.

At this moment, she didn’t care. She didn’t care about her blood-encrusted outfit, the state of her hair, the significance of her caomhnóir bond, and certainly not about her need for oxygen. She simply needed to consume Lincoln, stamp the feel of his lips on her brain so she could relish the memory forever.

Author Bio:

J. C. McKenzie is a book-loving, gumboot-wearing, unapologetic science geek. She's the author of the Carus Series, an urban fantasy five-book saga published by the Wild Rose Press. Born and raised on the West Coast, J. C. sets the majority of her books in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. She writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.

 

Where to find her:

Website: www.jcmckenzie.ca

Blog: www.jcmckenzie.blogspot.ca

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/j.c.mckenzie.author

Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/JC_McKenzie

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/JCMcKenzie

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/jcmckenzie

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jcmckenzie0

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dc_EQv

 

Get more magical & paranormal-themed stories like this in Rituals & Runes!

Universal: https://books2read.com/rituals

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oz9aGJ